Master of Engineering: Computer Science (Leuven)

1. Competent in one or more scientific disciplines

1. Has advanced knowledge and insight in the following areas of computer science:
* Software engineering: principles and techniques of modelling, design, and development of software; principles and realization of software architectures;
* A wide range of different types of programming languages and algorithms;
* Systems software (operating systems and distributed systems);
* Theoretical and mathematical foundations of computer science.

2. And possesses specialized knowledge in at least one of the following disciplines of computer science:
o Artificial intelligence
o Computational informatics
o Distributed systems
o Human-computer interaction
o Software engineering
o Secure software

3. Is able to apply, expand, deepen and integrate knowledge from different fields of computer science.


2. Competent in conducting research

4. Can gather all the scientific information relating to a complex problem, assess its relevance and process the valuable aspects.

5. Can formulate specific research questions.

6. Can independently plan and execute different phases of the research process.

7. Can critically evaluate research results.

8. Engages other disciplines in the research, where needed.


3. Competent in designing

9. Has acquired specific expertise relating to all stages of the software development process: drafting requirements, analysis, design, implementation, testing and maintenance .

10. Can use different paradigms and tools to develop software systems.

11. Can handle and control software development on a project-driven basis.

12. Can make an informed decision about whether to reuse an existing software solution based on the quality of the design and implementation.

13. Can create software solutions for multidisciplinary problems with an open end of which the solution space is very large.


4. A scientific approach

14. Can critically examine existing theories, models or interpretations in the field of computer science.

15. Can develop, use and validate new models at different levels of abstraction.

16. Observes the limitations and boundaries of solution methods.

17. Demonstrates academic integrity in thought and action.

18. Is able to independently keep up with developments in the field.


5. Basic intellectual skills

19. Can form an opinion based on objective evidence.

20. Can rationally cope with incomplete or irrelevant data.

21. Can independently reflect critically and constructively on their own thinking, decision-making and actions.

22. Has a critical and constructive approach to developments in the field.

23. Is capable of abstract and structural thinking.


6. Competent in co-operating and communicating

24. Can orally and in writing communicate about and report on his or her research and solutions in Dutch and/or English with laymen, specialists and other stakeholders.

25. Can efficiently work in groups on a project basis, carry team roles, and deal with social dynamics.

26. Can handle deadlines through an independently drawn work schedule.


7. Takes account of the temporal and social context

27. Takes into account the social and economic constraints and the different aspects of the sectors he/she will be part of (e.g. industry, banking and insurance, healthcare, government and education)

28. Is aware of their social and ethical responsibility and acts accordingly.

29. Has insight into the broader context of computer science in society (legal, economic, sociological, cultural, political and technical-industrial context).