This Master’s program is structured to provide both breadth and depth, while offering considerable flexibility. The program consists of two main components: the Master’s cycle (90 ECTS), followed by the Master’s project (30 ECTS), totaling 120 ECTS.
Notes:
- Master’s cycle (90 ECTS): This includes at least 3 semesters of coursework (typically 30 ECTS per semester) with a maximum duration of 6 semesters. All semesters in the Master’s cycle must be completed at EPFL.
- A complementary minor offered by another program at EPFL may be pursued as an alternative to a specialization.
- If no minor is chosen, up to 15 ECTS from unlisted courses, that is, courses not included in the computer science study plan, may be used to partially fulfill the Group 2 requirement.
- Internship requirement: A mandatory industry internship must be completed, either as an 8-week summer internship or as a 6-month internship during a full semester. The internship may also be combined with the Master’s project at the end of the Master’s cycle.
- Master’s project (30 ECTS) for a duration of 18 weeks (including 1 week of vacation) if completed at EPFL, or 26 weeks (including 1 week of vacation) if completed in industry or at another university in Switzerland or abroad. If the project is carried out at EPFL or another university, students must have completed and validated either an 8-week or 6-month internship in industry beforehand.
Important Update: Reform of the MSc in Computer Science (Since Autumn 2025)
The new structure applies exclusively to students who started the program in or after Autumn 2025. Students who enrolled before Autumn 2025 must follow the study plan that was in effect at the time of their admission. Group and credit changes do not apply retroactively:
- Study plan for students who started in or after Autumn 2025 → Study plan IN 2026-27 reform [PDF]
- Study plan for students who started before Autumn 2025 → Study plan IN 2026-27 transitory [PDF].
What has changed?
- The curriculum requires all students to successfully complete at least four 8-ECTS Group 1 Core Courses, for a minimum of 32 ECTS. To meet this requirement, at least four Group 1 Core Courses must be selected from four distinct IC research domains, as listed in the Computer Science study plan. This ensures that all students develop a broad foundation across several areas of computer science.
- In addition to this mandatory Group 1 requirement, students may optionally complete one of four specializations: AI & Data Science [K], Computer Systems [L], Foundations of Computing [M], or Cyber Security [N]. A specialization is completed by earning at least 30 ECTS from predefined course lists carrying the same specialization label. These credits may include both Group 1 Core courses and Group 2 Optional courses, as listed in the Computer Science study plan. Therefore, courses used to fulfil the Group 1 requirement may also overlap with a specialization. The completed specialization is recorded on the diploma supplement.
Study plan 2026-27 course calculator
Use this course calculator to explore your options and plan your studies according to the new curriculum. Valid only for students starting the program in or after Autumn 2025.
Key Points
Current students can also download this study guide for easy reference about their studies (PDF, 596 KB).
General FAQ
Find answers to common questions about academic progression, study plans, projects, and regulations from Master’s to post-Master’s.