Programme Overview
Computers are everywhere! On your desk, as tablets or cell phones, embedded in pacemakers or insulin pumps, controlling lights or industrial systems, in cars or planes, in Tv sets or fridges. Computer Engineering applications range from organisation management to telecommunications, banks and insurance companies, healthcare, education, justice, defense, and also culture and entertainment. The role of a computing engineer involves the development, management and maintenance of software, while seeking to develop increasingly faster and more comprehensive solutions.
Programme Structure
The 2nd Cycle in Computer Science and Engineering has a duration of 4 semesters (2 years), equivalent to 120 ECTS. The structure is depicted below.
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1st year (ECTS)
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48
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12
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-
2nd year (ECTS)
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6
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12
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12
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30
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Programme Structure (Taguspark)
There are no differences between the structure of the programme taught at Alameda and that taught at Taguspark.
The curricula of the study cycles of 1st and 2nd Cycle were restructured in the 2021/2022 academic year following Decree-law 65/2018 and the implementation of a new teaching model and pedagogical practices (former programme structures: Alameda campus | Taguspark campus).
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Core Structure (54 ECTS)
The MSc in Computing Engineering (Major) allows you to increase the capabilities and knowledge acquired in the 1st Cycle in the following study areas:
- Algorithms and Applications
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- Cyber-security
- Software Engineering
- Data Engineering and Science
- IT Service Management
- Artificial Intelligence
- Interaction and Visualization
- Gaming
- Intelligent Robotics
- Cyber Physical Systems
- Information Systems
- Distributed Systems
- Business Systems
- Information and Language Technologies
The programme structure offers the possibility to choose disciplines within each field of expertise and may recognize up to two in the final programme diploma (if the student chooses four curricular units in those areas).
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Free options (24 ECTS)
Part of the curriculum is of fully free choice, i.e., students may choose subjects not only in Computing Science, but also in any other scientific field offered by Técnico.
This component includes the possibility of taking a Minor – a number of multidisciplinary courses – which corresponds to 18 ECTS. The offer cuts across all programmes taught at Técnico.
Extra-curricular activities may also be credited, to a maximum of 6 ECTS.
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Integrative Project (12 ECTS)
In order to merge knowledge acquired in this MSc programme, students are proposed to conduct group work research for a project on a challenge within Computing Engineering.
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Dissertation (30 ECTS)
The dissertation is the final assignment of the study cycle, which allows students to focus and specialise on a specific subject that may take any of these formats:
- Scientific thesis
- Internship at a company
- Capstone project
Target Audience
The MSc programme in Computing Engineering is intended for graduates in areas associated with Engineering, namely those who have a background in Computing, Mathematics, Telecommunications and related areas.
The programme is taught in Portuguese however may there be international or mobility students enrolled, the curricular units will be taught in English.
Career Opportunities
Técnico MSc graduates in Computer Science and Engineering may pursue a career in industrial or service sectors such as banks, insurance companies, software development companies, tourism, multimedia or culture, as well as public bodies. Graduates are also prepared to develop activities in:
- Management, setup and operation of computer systems;
- Analysis, planning and management of complex systems;
- Data modeling and use in computer systems;
- Development and programming of applications in distributed systems;
- Building adaptable systems to solve complex problems;
- Building systems that interact with human beings by using natural interfaces;
- Control and robotics;
- Industrial systems modelling and control;
- Computer systems administration;
- Consultancy and leadership, supervision and management;
- Vocational training and teaching.
Facts & Figures
100%
employed MSc graduates
95.3%
employability in the area of study
14%
internationalization
Source: Técnico Employability Observatory | Data for 2016/17 academic year.
Entry requirements
To apply for a 2nd Cycle at Técnico you should:
- hold a 1st cycle degree in Science and Technology (except in the case of the 2nd cycle in Architecture, which requires a 1st cycle degree in Architecture);
- hold an academic, scientific or professional curriculum that certifies their ability to do the MSc programme which they apply for.
Candidates are selected according to these criteria:
- affinity between the degree they hold and the programme they apply for;
- type of degree they hold;
- academic success in the programme they attended.
Note: if requested, we may appreciate the academic, scientific or professional curriculum and the candidate’s performance during the interview.
Students' Organisations
Técnico students autonomously and proactively stimulate projects that complement their academic background. For example, the Students’ Organisations provide them with skills and added value making them more competitive in the labour market.
The Computer Science and Engineering Students’ Organisation (NEIIST) is the main structure of Computer Science and Engineering students, which promotes:
- Workshops and training actions
- the organisation of SINFO
- Summer internships in the Técnico Summer Internships
- the collaboration in the Taguspark Business and Technological Week
- a repository of study materials
- leisure, sports and recreation activities
