Program structure – Computer Science

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 (Starting Autumn 2025)

The new structure applies exclusively to students beginning 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:

What has changed?
  • The new curriculum requires students to complete at least four 8-credit Core Courses (Group 1) from four distinct IC areas (research domains). This ensures a broad foundational knowledge across multiple areas of computer science.
  • Students may opt to specialize in one of four topics: AI & Data Science [K], Computer Systems [L], Foundations of Computing [M], or Cyber Security [N]. These specializations reflect well-established domains aligned with current IC research and are sufficiently broad to appear on the diploma.

Study plan 2025-26 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 Autumn 2025.

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Key Points

Current students can also download this study guide for easy reference about their studies (PDF, 596 KB).

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General FAQ

Find answers to common questions about academic progression, study plans, projects, and regulations from Master’s to post-Master’s.

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