Programme structure - Informatics - Master's Programme
Programme structure
The two-year Master’s programme in Informatics is an international programme taught in English and offered in Trondheim and Gjøvik. It is research-oriented and builds on the knowledge, skills, and competencies you have gained through a bachelor’s degree or an engineering degree in informatics.
You apply directly to one specialisation, and together with a student adviser and an academic supervisor, you will create a study plan that matches your interests and background.
Specialisations in Trondheim
| Study tracks | Description |
|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | In this specialisation, you explore knowledge-based and evolutionary methods, machine learning, image understanding, and how to apply AI technology in real-world situations. |
| Databases and Search | This specialisation focuses on the theories, methods, and technologies you need to manage information. You learn how to structure, store, and organise document-based data, work with digital libraries and knowledge management, and develop systems for information retrieval and multimedia. |
| Information Systems and Software Engineering | This specialisation focuses on how IT is developed and used across organisations. You explore IT and organisational development, systems development, software architecture, and quality assurance — giving you the skills to design and improve complex digital solutions. |
| Interaction Design, Gaming and Learning Technology |
This specialisation invites you to explore how people engage with digital technologies — and how thoughtful design can transform those experiences. You work across three interconnected areas:
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Specialisations in Gjøvik
| Study tracks | Description |
|---|---|
| Programming and Security Engineering | You will master advanced software development and professional programming, with cyber security built into every step of the process. You will learn to design robust, maintainable systems and gain a solid foundation in cyber security, AI and Machine Learning. As part of your study, you will further explore legal and ethical challenges faced by professional developers, team leads, software architects and security engineers across a wide range of industries. |
| Visual Informatics | You will dive into how visual data is captured, analysed, and communicated. This includes images, video, and 3D scenes. You will learn to design and operate modern imaging systems, develop robust and scalable pipelines for large-scale visual data, and apply machine learning and AI to real-world challenges across science, industry, and society. The specialisation also emphasises reliability, ethics, and societal impact, preparing you to critically assess and responsibly shape emerging visual informatics technologies. |
1st year of study
The first year consists of advanced courses in informatics and shared core subjects, giving you practical experience with interdisciplinary collaboration. Although you apply directly to a specialisation, the in-depth courses for your chosen track usually begin after the first year. Together with a student adviser and an academic supervisor, you will tailor a study plan that matches your background and interests.
2nd year of study
In your second year, you work on a preparatory project, take advanced courses, and complete your master’s thesis — either on your own or in a small group. In many cases, your thesis will be part of an ongoing research project at the department.
Internationalization
Informatics and the IT industry are truly international fields, and you are encouraged to spend a semester at a university abroad to learn new languages and experience other cultures. In recent years, our students have studied in Canada, Sweden, Italy, New Zealand, the USA, the UK, Singapore, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Ethiopia, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia.
Study plan details
Check the current schedule for compulsory and elective courses by year and semester, as well as other details about the programme.
Study plan