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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Computer Science
Revision: 2
Reg.no: BTH-4.1.14-0706-2026
Course syllabus
Master degree project in Computer Science
Master degree project in Computer Science
30 credits (30 högskolepoäng)
Course code: DV2649
Main field of study: Computer Science
Disciplinary domain: Technology
Education level: Second-cycle
Specialization: A2E - Second cycle, contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (120 credits)
Language of instruction: English
Applies from: 2026-10-29
Approved: 2026-10-29
1. Decision
This course is established by Dean 2023-06-29. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Computer Science 2026-10-29 and applies from 2026-10-29.
2. Prior knowledge
2.1 Entry requirements
Students enrolled in a Master of Science in Engineering programme must have completed at least 225 credits within the programme, including a completed Bachelor's Thesis, before commencing the Master's Degree Project.
Students enrolled in a Master's programme must have completed at least 45 credits within the Master's programme before commencing the Master's Degree Project. English 6. Or: English Level 2.
2.2 Assumed prior knowledge
The student is expected to be able to formulate, plan, and initiate a research and development project, including the ability to make scientifically justified and appropriate methodological choices.
3. Objective and content
3.1 Objective
The aim of the course is to develop the student's in-depth knowledge, understanding, abilities and attitudes within the context of the education. The degree project involves a deepening and synthesis of previously acquired knowledge and the writing of a Master’s (120 credits) thesis.
3.2 Content
The course includes:
- problem formulation and literature review, including analysis of the current state of research or the technical state of the art;
- design of a research and development project and description of methods;
- project planning;
- research and development work;
- documentation of the research and development work conducted and its results in the form of a Master's thesis;
- oral presentation; and
- written and oral public discussion and examination.
4. Learning outcomes
The following learning outcomes are examined in the course:
4.1. Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate substantially advanced knowledge in an area of the main field of Computer Science relevant to the project, including advanced methodological knowledge and insight into current research and development work.
4.2. Competence and skills
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate the skills required to participate in research and development work by systematically and holistically identifying and formulating research questions critically, independently and creatively; planning, analysing and carrying out advanced tasks using appropriate methods within specified time frames; and critically and systematically integrating knowledge;
- demonstrate the ability to clearly present and discuss, in English and both orally and in writing, the conclusions reached and the knowledge and arguments underpinning them, in dialogue with researchers, students at the same level in the field, and non-specialists.
4.3. Judgement and approach
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate the ability to make assessments within the main field of Computer Science, taking relevant scientific, societal and ethical aspects into account, and demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work;
- demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of technology and science, their role in society, and people's responsibility for how they are used;
\- demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and take responsibility for developing that knowledge.
5. Learning activities
Lectures introduce students to the different parts of the Master's degree project. In addition to lectures, students receive support through supervision by an appointed academic supervisor.
The Master's thesis is normally carried out in groups of two students. Any deviation from this requires the approval of the course coordinator. The project group presents an overall project outline (pitch) to the course coordinator and prospective supervisors, who provide feedback. The project group then prepares a project plan.
The project plan, Master's thesis, oral presentation, and oral and written public discussion and examination must comply with the applicable instructions. The completed research and development work may be presented in the form of a Master's thesis only when (i) an approved project plan is in place and (ii) the Master's thesis is considered ready for presentation.
The Master's thesis must be presented orally and critically reviewed by other students. Each student must critically review another Master's thesis and present questions and criticism both in writing and orally. The public discussion and examination component is completed individually. Following the oral presentation and any revision of the Master's thesis, the examiner grades the final Master's thesis.
During the project, students must regularly report the status and progress of the work to the academic supervisor. Students are also responsible for conducting a mid-term review with the appointed supervisor. Each student must keep an individual project diary documenting the student's own work and the group's work throughout the project. The project diary must be submitted to the course coordinator and is a prerequisite for passing the Thesis component.
The course is campus-based, and students are expected to be available for supervision meetings. Each student is allocated a limited number of supervision hours and is expected to use them appropriately. Supervision is not provided outside the semester.
Restrictions regarding completion:
The course coordinator has the right to discontinue supervision when the allocated supervision time has been used.
A student who does not complete a commenced Master's degree project within the specified period may receive continued supervision to a limited extent if supervision resources are available.
Re-registration is possible only subject to availability.
Re-registration does not automatically entitle the student to additional supervision time.
Following re-registration, any examination attempts already used remain used; see Assessment and grading.
6. Assessment and grading
Modes of examinations of the course
| Code | Module | Credit | Grade |
| 2705 | Project Plan | 3 credits | GU |
| 2715 | Thesis | 25 credits | GU |
| 2725 | Presentation | 1 credits | GU |
| 2735 | Public Discussion and Examination | 1 credits | GU |
The course will be graded G Pass, UX Failed result, a little more work required, U Fail.
The examiner may carry out oral follow-up of written examinations.
- A student who has not submitted a project plan by the end of the course instance will receive the grade U for that component, as the student has not demonstrated the ability to complete tasks within specified time frames.
- The number of examination attempts available to achieve a passing result is limited to five for each examination component.
The information before the start of the course states the assessment criteria and make explicit in which modes of examination that the learning outcomes are assessed.
An examiner can, after consulting the Disability Advisor at BTH, decide on a customized examination form for a student with a long-term disability to be provided with an examination equivalent to one given to a student who is not disabled.
7. Course evaluation
The course evaluation should be carried out in line with BTH:s course evaluation template and process.
8. Restrictions regarding degree
The course can form part of a degree but not together with another course the content of which completely or partly corresponds with the contents of this course.
9. Course literature and other materials of instruction
Säfsten, Kristina & Gustavsson, Maria. Research Methodology 2.0: For Engineers and Other Problem Solvers. Studentlitteratur, latest edition.
Berndtsson, Mikael et al. Thesis Projects: A Guide for Students in Computer Science and Information Systems. 2nd edition. Springer, 2007. 162 pages. ISBN-13: 978-1848000087.
Murray, Rowena. How to Write a Thesis. 3rd edition, 2011. 384 pages. ISBN: 9780335244287.
Cunningham, Douglas & Wallraven, Christian. Experimental Design: From User Studies to Psychophysics. AK Peters/CRC Press, 2011. 408 pages. ISBN-10: 1568814682. ISBN-13: 978-1568814681.
Additional materials are provided on the course page.