Studying Computer Science at JKU

Linz was the first Austrian university that offered a Computer Science program in 1969. Today there are more than 1000 students studying Computer Science in Linz. Year after year JKU provides the industry with highly qualified IT experts.

Computer Science at JKU offers a 3 years Bachelor's program and a 2 years Master's program with different areas of specialization. There are also other Master's programs for which a Bachelor in Computer Science qualifies as well as other Bachelor's programs in similar areas.

Focus
Computer Science in Linz is practically oriented. While the first part of the study lays solid foundations in formal methods, software engineering, hardware design, databases and applications, the main part of the curriculum concentrates on modern topics such as artificial intelligence, networks and security, pervasive computing, software engineering, computer graphics or web engineering. There is a rich selection of optional courses, for example in game programming, wireless LANs, web development, or speech and image processing. Several projects (often in cooperation with industry) allow students to practice their skills and execise team work. Courses in business, law, project management, and presentation skills complement the education.

Combinations
Computer Science students at JKU have a large number of options for combining their study with other skills (e.g. in mechatronics, business, law or foreign languages). 10% of all courses can be freely selected from all courses offered at JKU.

Studying abroad
More and more students make use of the option to study one semester at a foreign university, which is supported by the European Union. The JKU has numerous partner universities in Europe, in the US or in Australia. Credits that were obtained abroad can be transfered to the JKU and become part of the study at home.

Preparatory courses on "Practical Programming Skills"
Beginners often come with rather different pre-knowledge in programming. In order to smoothen these differences, JKU offers free courses on practical programming skills, which start one week before the winter semester and provide beginners with introductory knowledge in programming. More information on these courses can be found here. During the first semester, beginners are guided by students from higher semesters and by professors, who provide useful hints ad serve as contact persons for questions and problems.

Mentoring for beginners
In order to help beginners to get used to the new situation at a university, the Computer Science department at JKU offers a special tutoring and mentoring programme.

• TEC - Tomorrow's Experts in Computing. introductory workshops for pupils
• What is Computer Science? Information from the German Computer Society (in German, PDF)