If you want to be part of the next industry-disrupting technology, start by joining Aalborg University’s (AAU) Department of Computer Science. AAU graduates are highly skilled and highly employable – an achievement due, in no small part, to the university’s Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model that institutionalises experiential learning. It’s widely recognised by educators, policymakers, and industry leaders and one of the many reasons why AAU ranks 3rd in Europe for engineering, according to the US News & World Report.
This philosophy of learning by doing powers the department’s master’s programmes.
Whether you pursue the MSc in Software Engineering, MSc in Computer Science (IT), or another programme, you’ll work in teams and engage in projects that mirror professional practice every semester. In lectures and exams, you won’t be asked to recall pre-learned answers or rely on rote memorisation. Instead, you’ll be expected to engage actively with lecturers and peers, think critically, demonstrate your reasoning, defend your choices, and apply methods to solve complex problems.
For instance, in the Software Engineering programme in Copenhagen, the motto “running code is king” reflects the focus on building software that works in practical settings. You’ll design software that works in real-world settings, face the same constraints as industry engineers, and solve problems that don’t come with clean instructions. Many student projects are supervised by professionals, ensuring your work stays relevant and ready for deployment.
At Aalborg University, students work in groups, using problem-oriented methods to develop projects of exceptional academic quality. Source: Aalborg University
And each year, you get to work with companies and public institutions — bringing fresh ideas, specialised knowledge, and that extra firepower master’s students are known for to industry problems. Whether it’s project collaborations or internships, the impact goes both ways: students gain deep technical and project management skills, while organisations get a front-row seat to the next wave of talent.
“What I think really stands out when you come from AAU is that you develop a holistic mindset,” says Bo Thiesson, Analytical CEO, Enversion / Kaunt. “Because of the PBL approach, where you work in teams on a specific problem, you learn that it’s not just about solving something on your own, and that there has to be a real user need for it to be used. Working in groups is a great thing. We have this holistic approach where we bring together people with different areas of expertise into a team that works together to build a project.”
Niki Grigoriou, CEO and Software Architect, Intelligent Systems, shares the same opinion. “I find that graduates from AAU are not only solution-oriented, but they’re also naturally inclined toward teamwork and collaboration,” he says. “At the same time, they have a strong connection to the industry and seek to work together with the world outside campus.”
Each semester, Aalborg University students collaborate with companies to deliver solutions to real-world challenges. Source: Aalborg University
Where everyone can succeed
Around 25% of Software Engineering students in Copenhagen and Computer Science (IT) students in Aalborg are female. AAU is working to grow those numbers even more through welcome programmes, supportive learning environments, and efforts to attract students from different backgrounds. These initiatives matter – the tech world needs people with different skills, experiences, and ways of thinking. And when your classmates bring different ideas to the table, you learn more too.
AAU is well aware of this – and of the fast-rising demand for IT experts. In Denmark alone, there could be a shortage of 20,000 IT specialists by 2030. Research shows that diverse teams perform up to 35% better than teams where everyone has the same background. That’s because different perspectives lead to more creative and useful ideas.
If only one type of person builds the tech we all use, it can end up being narrow or biased. Hence why AAU makes sure its programmes reflect the real world: diverse, collaborative, and built for impact.
Learn more about Aalborg University’s Department of Computer Science.
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