Programme structure (2024–2026)

The structure and content of the programme

In the first semester, all the students have a compulsory course in scientific methods, ethics and writing. In addition, the students take two courses from their specialisation. The four specialisations are:

• Interaction Design

• Artificial Intelligence

• Internet of Things

• Cyber Security

In the second semester, students have two compulosry courses; One related to their specialisation and one project course wich is compulsory for all students. In this course the students work with an interdisciplinary project together with students from other specialisations. This project is either a project defined by the research groups at the department or a business project defined by one of our business partners. Students also have an elective course in the second semester.

In the third and fourth semester, the students are given the possibility to choose between a 60 ECTS master’s thesis or an exchange semester and a 30 ECTS master’s thesis. 
In order to qualify for the master's thesis, students must have passed at least 50 ECTS from the first year of study.

Teaching, learning methods and forms of assessment

In addition to traditional lectures and seminars, students learn through:

• Project work

• Lab exercises

• Workshops

• Reading circles

• Quizzes

• Supervision

• Student presentations

• Student-led seminars

• Plenary discussions

• Colloquium

• Self-study

Each student's benefit from this type of organisation will depend on the student's own efforts and interest. The student must show interest in his/her professional development, and must be able to work independently with theory, implementation and knowledge acquisition. The students are offered supervision in all courses in the master programme. Master students are expected to take initiatives and approach tutors, and be responsible for their own learning.

A modern library is available for all students at Østfold University College. The library helps the students in developing their information competence, i.e. the ability to search, find, evaluate and use relevant information. In addition to personal service, the students are offered library courses on international databases and evaluation of information quality. They are also offered courses in scientific referencing.

The department has several lab facilities that are used in the master courses:

• Makerspace

• Digital Fabrication Lab

• VR Lab

• CPS Lab

• Robotics Lab

• Machine Learning Cluster

• Data Security Lab

These labs are used directly in teaching activities, and to carry out compulsory requirements and student projects. The labs are available for all students and employees 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Compulsory assignments
Some of the courses have requirements for attendance and/or compulsory assignments, exercises and projects. These assignments have to be completed and approved before taking the final examination. More details regarding compulsory assignments are found in the course descriptions.

Academic writing
The students will be trained in academic writing throughout the study programme. This is done by emphasising content, structure, reliability, and referencing.

Continuous feedback
The taught courses include exercises, assignments and projects, completed either individually or in groups. The students are given feedback on all exercises, assignments and projects.

Assessment
Final assessment takes several forms: written individual examination, portfolio assessment, project assessment, oral examination, or a combination of these. The grading scale used is the A - F scale.
Upon agreement with the instructor you may in some cases use Norwegian for your hand ins and/or exams.
More details regarding assessment are found in the course descriptions.

Plagiarism control/ cheating
Master's theses are subject to electronic plagiarism control, as may also be the case with other courses and required coursework. Exam papers that are partly or entirely identical will not be approved and will be regarded as cheating. For further information please see Exam regulations for Østfold University College.

Research and development work

The master`s programme is based on research activities at the department, but it also contributes to our research. All courses in the first year are directly related to the research performed at the department. This implies that our courses are continually developed and always up to date.

The master theses are always based on research and development performed at the department or at one of our partners. Students may get the opportunity to participate in the department´s research projects, as well as to carry out a business project with a relevant IT company. Papers written by students have on several occasions led to scientific publications.

Internationalisation

The international aspect is taken care of by the use of international literature. In addition, several members of the academic staff have close contacts with foreign institutions and research environments. The language of instruction is entirely in English, and therefore accommodates the needs of foreign students.

The department also offers possibilites to obtain a double degree with another university in Europe. More specific information can be found on the programme`s webpage. 

Programme evaluation

To be able to offer relevant education of good quality, HiØ is dependent on feedback from the students and their participation in course and program evaluations. This study programme is regularly evaluated in order to assure and develop its quality:

• An annual national student survey is conducted among second year students on all bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes by the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT). The results of the survey are published on the website studiebarometeret.no.
• Østfold University College conducts periodic evaluations of the study program as a whole.
• Evaluations are carried out in all individual courses; see the individual course descriptions for more details.

Reading list

See the individual course descriptions.

Course literature is subject to change until 15th of May for autumn courses, and 15th of November for spring courses.