About the programme

This specialisation trains experts for designing and implementing demanding software systems. It covers the entire life-cycle of software projects, providing you with solid programming skills and comprehensive knowledge about:

• software design and architecture,
• agile methodologies in software development,
• software testing, quality assurance, and usability,
• advanced programming techniques and paradigms,
• privacy and security as a part of software implementations.

The curriculum is a combination of academic software engineering theory and practices used in modern software development. Central to the curriculum is applying theory to practice via hands-on project assignments.

The worldwide demand for digital solutions is huge, and software engineering graduates are in short supply. Students find many employment opportunities regionally, nationally, and internationally in design, implementation, and management positions in software companies and IT departments of industrial organisations and other institutions.

The specialisation in Software Engineering is one of five tracks in the Master’s Degree Programme in Information and Communication Technology. The programme has an international double-degree collaboration with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Master School and offers four other specialisation tracks:

• Cryptography,
• Cyber Security,
• Data Analytics,
• and Robotics and Autonomous Systems.

Programme Structure

The programme consists of the following sections:

• Joint advanced studies of the ICT degree program, 20 ECTS
• Core module in Software Engineering, 20 ECTS
• Advanced studies in Software Engineering, 10 ECTS
• Master’s thesis, 30 ECTS
• Thematic module or minor subject, 20-25 ECTS
• Elective studies, 15-20 ECTS

The curriculum focuses on software development practices, software system architectures, advanced programming techniques and software security.

In the master’s thesis in Technology, you will prove your ability to perform scientific work, skilfulness in research methods, knowledge of the research field, and skill of scientific writing. To complete the master’s thesis, you will need to apply your technological skills and abilities. You will identify an engineering problem, study its relevance to the field, propose and design a solution, test and analyse it, and evaluating its merit.

Career Prospects

The information-intensive industry has become one of the most important business sectors in Finland, and information has become one of the most relevant products. In Europe, ICT has a critical role in improving the profitability of the business sector and in responding to the needs of society.

The expertise profile you receive in this programme may lead to a career title of, e.g.:

• Software Engineer,
• Software Developer,
• Lead Developer,
• Software Architect,
• ICT Consultant,
• Software Team Lead, or
• Software Project Manager.

Career in Research

Master’s degree (Technology) also gives you eligibility for scientific postgraduate degree studies – doctoral and licentiate degrees. Degrees can be completed within the University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) and Doctoral Programmes.