The University of Namur awards the Master’s in Computer System Architecture jointly with the Henallux and the ULiège.

Full details of the programme are available on the website of the Henallux.

To register for a Master’s, please contact the Henallux.

The University of Namur provides teaching in the following areas:

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Description

The Master’s degree in Computer Science, granting 120 credits, offers a programme which builds on courses linked to the process of designing and developing software : software engineering, standard engineering, distributed networks, e-business, management of IT projects, safety and reliability systems, software quality, etc.

The programme builds on

  • the core course : 45 credits
  • courses with a focus on specialisation : 30 credits
  • 3 options, each granting 15 credits : 45 credits

The available options are :

  • Mobile and Environmental Computer Science : study of the engineering of mobile applications, under all aspects : designing, safety, hardware, societal aspects, etc. Development of applications adapted to new mobile technologies such as smartphones, tablets and sensorial networks ;
  • Engineering of software : exploring the foundations of Computer Science, such as the designing and implementation of highly reliable software, the algorythmic resolution of complex problems, the new languages of programming
  • Informatique fondamentale : exploration des fondements de la discipline informatique, comme la construction de logiciels à haute fiabilité, la résolution algorithmique de problèmes complexes, les nouveaux langages de programmation ;
  • Fundamental Computer Science : Exploring the foundations of Computer Science, including aspects such as the building of highly reliable software, the algorythmic resolution of complex problems, the new languages of programming ;
  • Computer Science and Society : questioning about the ethical, political and social implications linked to the designing of Information systems and to their implementation and diffusion in the different spheres of our contemporary world ;
  • Computer Science Governance : The designing and development of Information Systems that meet the needs and values of users, while ensuring the consideration of ethical and legal requirements as well as issues regarding sustainable development.


For students coming from a Bachelor’s degree in Management Engineering, (Information Management orientation) one specific additional option (Management IT) is available. For students coming from a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Sciences, the Mathematical IT option is available, which is specifically designed for and adapted to their training.

The programme is supplemented by courses related to society and to the context of applications in the world of firms and companies.

The dissertation (based on the  personal project of applied research or of fundamental research, under the supervision of a member of staff) and an international internship / work placement lasting half a semester both constitute the completion of the Master’s degree.

International mobility and openness

An internship / work placement offers a unique experience in professional and cultural terms.

This internship takes place at the end of the training for the Master’s degree, preferably abroad, at a firm, university or research centre. It constitutes a practical preparation for the dissertation. It allows students to become familiar with the reality of the work world, particularly in an international context. Over the last twenty-five years, these work placements have taken place in more than thirty countries.

Exchange schemes such as the Erasmus programme allow students, under certain conditions, to follow courses in other universities, in Belgium and abroad.
 

Teaching methods

  • The programme favours the development of skills such as independence, critical thinking, and ability to carry out team work.
  • The laboratory for software engineering in the first year of the Master’s programme is in line with the project-based teaching approach. It offers students the opportunity to work within a team and to experience the difficult but necessary merging of individual initiatives that ultimately leads to the completion of joint projects.
  • In the first year of the Master’s degree, students choose a dissertation topic and an internship / work placement which will take place in second year. The topics are suggested and organised by a guide (« maître de stage ») (member of a firm, or member of staff from the University hosting the project) and by a supervisor (member of faculty staff)
  • In the second year of the Master’s degree, students carry out an internship / work placement which lasts between 3 and 6 months. During this period, no lectures are given. The Computer Science Faculty encourages exchange schemes and an international scope, by offering a wide range of opportunities mainly abroad in renowned research centres (universities or firms). This internship allows students to be in touch with another way of perceiving or devising IT. It encourages personal initiative and fosters open-mindedness.

Aims and objectives

This Master’s Degree in Computer Science, granting 120 credits, constitutes a training which is organised by one of Europe’s most forward-looking faculties, pioneers in the field. It favours independence and critical thinking and develops the ability to carry out team-work on projects from the stage of analysis to that of implementation.

Thanks to this training, students will be able to :

  • conduct, design and develop innovative projects which will be an added value to firms and companies and will play an active part in bringing progress to society
  • master the technologies of information and communication : programming, databases, network and exploitation systems,  distributed systems, web and mobile technologies, safety, artificial intelligence, etc. ;
  • provide significant applications of Computer Science to the private sector (such as financial services) and to the non-commercial sector such as health care, in telecommunications as well as in research and development
  • understand the organisational environment  in which the applications function, particularly in terms of the relationship between IT and the individual, and between companies and society.

Assessment

Evaluation includes oral or written examinations, the research project and the writing and defence of the dissertation.

Teaching profile

Main skill : Designing, integrating and maintaining complex information systems, while ensuring that the expectations and standards be met in terms of quality ( performance, upgradability, security, availability, cost, scaling, and degree to which the systems are interoperational, testable and usable)

Subject-specific skills

  • Mastering knowledge and techniques
    • Mastering the theoretical and technological foundations of Computer Science.
    • Mastering highly specialised knowledge of theories, techniques and methodologies linked to Computer Science or to the context in which it is being used, depending on the choice of option among the following :
      • Environmental and mobile Computer Science
      • Engineering of software
      • Fundamental Computer Science
      • Computer Science and Society
      • Computer Science Governance
         
  • Initiating and conducting IT projects, while favouring a creative approach       Specifically :
  • Working effectively (leadership, conflict management…)  in the process of defining and carrying out a project while taking into consideration objectives, allocated resources and particular constraints
  • Functioning within a multidisciplinary environment          

Transferable skills

  • Implementing a scientific procedure
    Particularly
    • By following a scientific approach (formulating hypotheses, prioritising, rigorous formalisation,…), being able to analyse concrete, complex pluridisciplinary situations and problems, and proposing or developing suitable and innovative solutions.
    • Putting acquired resources into action (knowlege and personal skills) while adopting a professional approach
       
  • Communicating effectively
    And particularly
  • Clearly identifying the needs of « customers » : questioning, listening to and understanding the scope of their requests as opposed to merely the technical aspects
  • Writing well-structured texts while taking into account their purpose (instructions, reports, dissertation, …) as well as the type of audience..
  • Delivering a convincing oral presentation which is suitable for the audience while using the appropriate communication techniques.
  •  
  • Adopting an ethical and professional approach, particularly
  • Ensuring respect, open-mindedness and rigour.