Cracking the code: Universities with the algorithm for success

As technology continues to permeate every sector, there is an increasing demand for computer scientists, making this field one of the fastest-expanding in the labour market today. In fact, employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 20% by 2034. The increasing emergence of newer technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality, robotics, and 5G networks, offers plenty of employment opportunities today.

That is why universities that provide computer science programmes are preparing students to meet the ever-shifting demands of the software industry. A master’s degree will open doors for you to work in top corporations and collaborate with industry leaders to develop solutions for these technological challenges. Whether as a software developer, data scientist, or even a machine learning engineer, you have the opportunity to pursue high-level careers in tech.

Here are three of the top global universities specialising in computer science.

At Aalborg University, you learn through committing to solving real-world problems. Source: Aalborg University

Aalborg University

At Aalborg University’s Department of Computer Science, you work with industry.  Programmes here successfully bridge the gap between research and real-world application, with collaborations spanning public institutions and private firms across Denmark and beyond. You’ll gain early exposure to professional environments through working on joint projects and build networks that last well beyond graduation.

Here, your learning will be problem-based and research-driven. Curriculum is informed by research that revolve around themes such as digital energy, digital health, green transition, and safe and secure society. They address major scientific challenges and solutions that contribute to a more sustainable society. Whether you’re tackling embedded software systems, spatiotemporal analytics, or the human-computer interaction, you’ll get to explore a wide range of topics, no matter which master’s programme you choose.

One standout option is the MSc programme in Software Engineering, set in Copenhagen. This programme is exclusively designed for those who want to take their understanding and skills in advanced programming, mobile software technology, AI, and data-intensive systems to the next level. You’ll dive into topics like machine learning, IoT, programming, agile development, software technologies, user interfaces, and databases, equipping you to develop your own software.

If you’re interested in programming and its languages, software engineering, machine intelligence, data management, or embedded systems, the MSc programme in Computer Science (IT) is ideal. Computer Science will require you to conduct your own research project based on earlier projects in  Reliable Innovative Systems or Design, Definition and Implementation of Programming Languages.

According to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 81% of research activity at the Department of Computer Science was rated as world-leading. Source: Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford/Facebook

University of Oxford

As one of the longest-established departments of its type in the country, University of Oxford‘s Department of Computer Science has no shortage of accolades.  

It is consistently recognised as the internationally leading centre of research and teaching across a broad spectrum of computer science, ranging from foundational discoveries to interdisciplinary work with significant real-world impact. It has been ranked as the world’s leader in computer sciences for seven years in a row by the Times Higher Education.  Choosing this department means getting very best teaching from the finest minds in the field and having some of the world’s brightest minds as your peers. 

At the graduate level, the department offers two full-time master’s degrees. The MSc in Advanced Computer Science is ideal for graduates of computer science and other mathematical disciplines to explore the field’s advanced topics. From October 2025, students have the option of pursuing this MSc as a specialised degree programme by focusing on a particular area, e.g. MSc Advanced Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence).  

The second master’s degree is the MSc in Mathematics and the Foundations of Computer Science (administered by the Maths Institute). It focuses on the interface between pure mathematics and theoretical computer science, designed for those who wish to pursue research (in pure mathematics, mathematical logic, or theoretical computer science) or students wishing to enter industry with an understanding of mathematical and logical design and concurrency. 

Whichever programme you choose, you’re set to benefit from an outstanding mix of people and become an extremely sought after graduate. The department has strong industry links, with Samsung, AWS, Morgan Stanley, Intel, Dyson, GSK, Google DeepMind, and other leading universities including UC Berkley, and the Universities of Pennsylvania and McGill as its partners.

Politecnico di Milano’s Master’s Degree in Computer Science and Engineering is divided into three tracks. Source: Politecnico di Milano/Facebook

Politecnico di Milano

Politecnico di Milano has long stood out for its rigorous teaching and forward-thinking research. Ranked first nationally and among the top 100 universities worldwide, this public scientific-technological institution offers master’s degrees designed to nurture you as an innovator ready to tackle real-world challenges. 

This philosophy comes to life in its Master’s Degree in Computer Science and Engineering, where students engage with advanced systems and emerging technologies, from machine learning and robotics to natural language processing. The programme features three distinct tracks, including one fully customisable option, allowing you to tailor your studies to a specific area of interest within the field. 

  The Computer Science and Engineering (T2A) track lets you specialise in subjects like cybersecurity, pervasive systems, internet engineering, and many more. In the Business and Innovation (T2D) track, you get to take courses from the Master’s Degree in Management Engineering and learn alongside business management students. Meanwhile, the Artificial Intelligence (T2I) track covers areas such as autonomous robotics, video games, computer vision, data mining, and recommender systems. 

Students have the option of taking their degree global too. For example, the Joint Master with Politecnico di Milano and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) lets first-years complete courses at Polimi for the first semester and then spend the second semester at UIC. By joining this programme, you earn a degree in computer science from UIC as well.  

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International