Master in
Computer Science (MCS)

Study computer science at one of Europe's top business schools! The Master in Computer Science offers a cutting-edge computer science curriculum, integrating topics from the fields of entrepreneurship and business innovation. In our master's programme, you will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to create products and solutions that will impact tomorrow's business and society.

We offer you an innovative curriculum for the MSc in Computer Science, with a specialisation either in Data Science or Software and Systems Engineering.

• Our modern curriculum, which combines computer science with relevant skills in business models, digital innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership, will prepare you for a career as a tech entrepreneur or an executive position in a technology company.
• Benefit from direct contact and close mentoring from faculty, our unique campus culture, the clubs and associations of HSG's Student Union, and the numerous opportunities available in St.Gallen.

The Master's programme in Computer  Science is designed to be completed in four semesters (120 ECTS). You will attend compulsory courses in Computer Science, select from the specialisations, and enrich your curriculum with management and entrepreneurship courses, as well as electives from Contextual Studies.

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The Master in Computer Science is intended for students with an academic background (undergraduate or early graduate) in Computer Science or a related subject. The programme is aimed at students who are interested in specialising in one of our core areas. We also welcome applications from students with an undergraduate degree in related subjects, such as business informatics or electrical engineering, who will have the opportunity to demonstrate their strong knowledge of computer science during the admission process. The integration of entrepreneurship topics into the curriculum is an important part of our concept; that is why we expect our students to work diligently on these topics as well as to develop the necessary related skills.

Computer science and information technology are ubiquitous in today’s world. The perspectives for graduates are wide-ranging. With an HSG degree in computer science you will be well equipped to

• become a technology entrepreneur or an executive in an information technology-related function;
• shape companies on local and global scales from within, as an expert and key member of innovation teams;
• develop software products that meet the needs of your customers;
• work on interesting and relevant innovation projects in a consulting firm;
• pursue an academic career, researching topics of the future.

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Admission to the Master in Computer Science is possible with: 

• An academic degree in Computer Science or equivalent, with at least 180 credits. 
• Applicants with an academic degree from a University of Applied Sciences or from another discipline, which is only partly recognised as equivalent or  from the University of St.Gallen, but not in Computer Science, will have to pass an admission test and provide evidence of adequate knowledge of Computer Science.
• International students are admitted according to the unviersity-wide admission process for foreign students.

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The University of St.Gallen maintains close ties with the practical world. This is evident in guest lectures, practical projects such as the Master's Project, company visits, and research assignments. Since we are a practice-oriented university with research-intensive faculty, both companies and students benefit from this collaboration. Our students have the opportunity to gain direct insights into the realities of business and to get a foot in the door regarding internships or entering the workforce.

The following selection of collaboration partners from our computer science faculty illustrates the partnerships that we have currently and have had in the past:

Note: Current and past collaboration partnerships are associated with specific researchers (e.g., Damian Borth (Google, ESA, DFKI, PwC, Handelsblatt, Zeit Online), Siegfried Handschuh (DARPA), Simon Mayer (Siemens, Helsana, Magic Leap, Inselspital Bern, Kantonsspital St. Gallen), Katerina Mitrokotsa (armasuisse, Cyber Defense Campus), Johannes Schöning (adesso)) or with specific groups, e.g., Institute for Computer Science in Vorarlberg: Zumtobel, vivit, sie, Rhomberg, Raiffeisen Landesbank Vorarlberg, Illwerke, Heron, Haberkorn, Gebrüder Weiss.