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Malmö University: Learn computer science and media technology in a city that inspires innovation

Monetising virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa. Generating less CO2 emissions within the ICT industry. Using machine learning to produce faster, cheaper and more accurate medical diagnoses. Stopping election interference on Facebook. Understanding the antitrust lawsuit against Google. Analysing the intentions behind Pokémon Go’s 3D scans of the whole world. Finding ways to monitor those Baby Shark and Peppa Pig YouTube marathons by kids.

The digital world presents an endless repository of innovation and breakthroughs — and its equal share of questions and problems. Where the physical realm limits us, a rapidly digitising world holds promise for a better, brighter and more sustainable future. At the same time, it is tainted with issues related to privacy, transparency and accountability. 

For all its setbacks, however, its potential triumphs. It is digitisation that holds the key to solving some of the most pressing global problems today, from the climate crisis to COVID-19 and social unrest. The catalyst for those fresh solutions to come? Seeing the world through a multi-disciplinary lens. 

The opportunity to do this is at the core of two postgraduate courses at Malmö University’s Faculty of Technology and Society — Media Technology: Strategic Media Development and Computer Science: Innovation for Change in a Digital Society.

Graduate Sebastian Hastrup describes the Master’s Programme in Media Technology: Strategic Media Development as “interesting and challenging.” “It forced me to think critically about media and design problems. I particularly liked how it enabled me to make use of my previous knowledge in new contexts,” he says.  

The programme was also his springboard to an academic career and doctoral studies. Hastrup is currently pursuing a PhD at Malmö University, whilst serving as a media technology lecturer at the Blekinge Institute of Technology. “If you have acquired skills in some media-related subject or practice and want to put it into meaningful contexts, you should apply for the programme. Students applying for the programme should ideally be open to different approaches and practices in media technology,” he shares.

The programme draws from several academic disciplines — media, technology, and business, to name a few — to help students navigate the complex interplay between people, organisational processes and digital technologies. Curriculum is related to industry; and a strong theoretical foundation trains students to think critically about changing industries, technologies and cultures. It’s what makes them able to see beyond the hype. More importantly, this research-based, two-year programme provides students with the knowledge, skills and experiences to drive positive change in multiple industries when they graduate. 

As for the Master’s Programme in Computer Science: Innovation for Change in a Digital Society, it integrates several diverse fields: computer science, engineering, innovation, business, and management. Challenge-based, and spanning two years, this programme empowers students in multiple disciplines through practical courses, specialisations, and a master’s thesis — a process that moulds them into future-proof graduates. 

“The programme offers a unique dual focus on both technical aspects as well as on innovation, entrepreneurship, business development and management. Many master’s programmes are solely focussed on delving into one of these aspects while this programme blends these perspectives together,” shares programme coordinator Patrik Berander.

The setting for this inventive approach to postgraduate studies? The Faculty of Technology and Society. Activities are plenty here, ranging from guest lecturers to study visits and project courses with external clients. Diversity — even more so. The faculty is home to 2,750 students and 90 employees representing over 20 countries. 

A high-spirited city inspiring tomorrow’s digital leaders

The seventh happiest place to live in. A city that is young and vibrant, with almost half of its population aged 35 or under. Diverse, with 40% of its resident population coming from 177 countries. An almost non-existent carbon footprint as the sixth most bicycle-friendly city in the world. The first city in Sweden to become a Fairtrade City.

Malmö may be Sweden’s third-largest city, but it is no less exciting than its more populous counterparts. The reasons above depict a city that is historical but forward-looking, quaint but cosmopolitan, young but with wise public policy. 

Another attractive feature? A thriving entrepreneurial scene. The city was ranked by Forbes as the fourth most innovative city in the world. It should come as little surprise that seven start-ups are launched here every day, and almost 30 companies have relocated operations to this bustling city in the last seven years. It’s a scene described as one that is “flexible,” “inviting” and “bridges the best of the Nordics with the rest of the world.”

So yes, the famed Scandinavian appeals — universities admired the world over, liberating personal freedom, ingenious ecosystems — exist. They are in Malmö. 

Get inspired and get prepared for the challenges of the future here — contact Malmö University today

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