Computational Science, Scientific Computing - Master Programme

On this programme, you will learn how to study complex processes within science, and how computational science can contribute to knowledge development in society. The programme focuses specifically on the study and development of methods that are used within computational science.

You will gain knowledge in how to use numerical simulations and machine learning to make forecasts and analyses, or to replace experiments. The vast variety of focus areas can include, for example, environment and climate change, specific design of new aviation fuel or understanding supernovas.

In addition to theoretical knowledge in computational science, there is an emphasis on the practical tools that are used by professionals in the field, including training your skills in programming. You will also get general knowledge and skills of importance for computationally intensive professions, such as problem formulation, information search, data processing, scientific writing, and presentation techniques.

You will gain experience in collaborating in groups, and the proportion of teacher-directed learning is high. The programme has strong ties to research. You will be taught by internationally well-recognised researchers, and you will be in contact with several research groups.

The programme puts emphasis on mathematics, numerical analysis and mathematical statistics. The course design combines numerical methods for differential equations with mathematical statistics and science to provide you with knowledge and skills for differential equation-based and data-based modelling. The programme is offered in English.

In the first year, you will study four compulsory courses: modelling in computational science, Monte Carlo methods for statistical inference, stationary stochastic processes and numerical methods for differential equations. You then move on to choose courses such as artificial neural networks, simulation tools, statistical modelling of extreme values and numerical algorithms with Python/SciPy. You can also choose from a selection of courses with a focus on different processes in science. The last semester is reserved for your thesis.

The programme gives you specialised knowledge within computational science, while also being interdisciplinary in character. Participating students have a background in maths/physics and an interest in mathematics and programming, but you will take courses also with students from other specialisations. In that context, there is an opportunity to carry out projects jointly and to collaborate on your individual theses.

Advanced computations are increasingly important in research and business. Graduates of the programme can embark on several different career paths. The master’s programme gives you a solid foundation for third-cycle education in science but also prepares you for a career within industry or business.

You can thus choose a career path also outside academia and find attractive jobs in areas where there is a need to solve science problems with the help of statistics, data processing or simulations, in industry or in public administration and other organisations.

Prerequisites

Specialisation in Scientific Computing Bachelor´s degree in Physics of at least 180 credits. English course 6 (advanced proficiency) or Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits in Science or Engineering. The degree must contain at least 30 credits mathematics, of which 6 credits in programming and 7.5 credits in statistics, and an additional 60 credits in mathematics and/or physics. The degree must contain at least 15 credits in a natural science (not mathematics) or in computer science. English course 6 (advanced proficiency) Other information Some of the optional courses within the program may have higher requirements in mathematics or in other natural science subjects.

Selection criteria

Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses, with majors in science, technology and mathematics, as well as a statement of purpose for the application in which applicants state their goals with the programme (from the applicant’s "Summary sheet").

Computers in the programme

The programme requires that you have access to a computer, preferably a laptop, on which you can install software mainly provided by the University, such as Microsoft 365, CAD/CAM and development environments for Python, Matlab or other computational tools. It can be either a Windows computer or a Macintosh computer. On some courses you may need to buy or rent your own software.

Conditions in the study environment and during study visits and field studies

The programme contains compulsory elements that require you to be able to work independently and safely in a laboratory environment, in a hospital environment, in workshops, in production facilities, or during study visits and field studies. These elements require the ability to comply with safety regulations, rules and instructions, and to move around in and evacuate premises safely.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 370,000
First payment: SEK 92,500

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Lund University Global Scholarship Programme

The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.

Lund University Global Scholarship

African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship

Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities. 

ARUA Scholarship

Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden. 

Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website

Swedish Institute Scholarship: Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for Master's studies in Sweden for women from selected countries in Africa and Asia who want to pursue degrees in STEM fields. Check the country and programme requirements on the Swedish Institute's website to see if you are eligible for the scholarship.

SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM

Country-specific scholarships and funding options

Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries. 

External scholarships