Programme structure
The master's programme Informatics: digital economy and leadership is a two-year full time study consisting of 120 ECTS credits.
The programme has the following structure:
- Courses, 60 or 90 ECTS credits
- Master's thesis, 60 or 30 ECTS credits
Course of study
Example with short master's thesis of 30 ECTS credits and other master courses of 90 ECTS credit:
| 4. semester | Master's thesis | Master's thesis | Master's thesis |
| 3. semester | Elective master course | Elective master course | Elective master course |
| 2. semester | IN5160 - Digital leadership | Specialization course | Elective master course |
| 1. semester | IN4150 - Digital ecosystems | IN4270 - Digital business development | IN4340 - Engaged qualitative research methods |
| 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits |
10 ECTS credits |
Example with long master's thesis of 60 ECTS credits and other master courses of 30 ECTS credit:
| 4. semester | Master's thesis | Master's thesis | Master's thesis |
| 3. semester | Master's thesis | Master's thesis | Master's thesis |
| 2. semester | IN5160 - Digital leadership | Elective master course | Elective master course |
| 1. semester | IN4150 - Digital ecosystems | IN4270 - Digital business development | IN4340 - Engaged qualitative research methods |
| 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits |
10 ECTS credits |
The table above gives an example of courses of study. You can structure the programme differently, for example by starting on your thesis already in the first semester. All courses should normally be completed and passed before the last semester.
Courses and master's thesis
The choice of courses and theme of the master's thesis is done in consultation with your supervisor during the first semester. This choice also determines the specialization you follow.
Mandatory courses
The programme has three mandatory and complete new courses in digital ecosystems and digital business development.
From admission Autumn 2026 is following course mandatory
If writing a short thesis (30ECTS) you must choose two additional courses from core courses.
NB. Students wit admission from 2026 and writes a short thesis (30ECTS) must choose one additional core cours.
Core courses
- IN5210 – Information Systems
- IN5431 – IT and Management/IN5430 – IT and Management (continued)
- IN5140 – Smart processes and agile methods in software engineering
- IN5320 – Development in platform ecosystems
- IN5560 – Data governance
- ENT4460 – Corporate Entrepreneurship Project
- ENT4400 – Corporate Innovation Strategies and Project Management
Elective informatics courses
Other subjects are to be chosen from master's courses in informatics, 30 credits for students with a long master’s thesis and 40 for students with a short thesis. The choice of subjects must be approved by the supervisor.
Master's thesis
The master's thesis is preferably carried out in collaboration with a company or organization. The master's thesis is an independent research work carried out under supervision. You are supervised by members of the research group Digital Innovation.
If you choose the specialization in business, you must write a short master's thesis of 30 ECTS credits. If you choose the specialization in digital ecosystems we recommend you to write a short master's thesis of 30 ECTS credits, but it's also possible to write a long thesis of 60 ECTS credits.
If you choose a short master's thesis the research thesis is placed entirety in the last semester. The theme of the thesis is presented on a given date at the beginning of the semester and the deadline for submission is 17 weeks after this date. You must present the master's thesis publicly at the end of the semester. Following the presentation is an oral examination with the sensors and supervisor about the thesis.
Read more about beeing a master student at the Department of Informatics.
Progression requirements
The standard study time for the master's programme is two years, or four years if you apply for part-time studies. If you spend more time than two years, it's important that you familiarize yourself with the policies for admission and your right to study. Your right to study may be cancelled if you do not register for the first semester of the study programme and you have absence without valid reason for more than one semester.
Recognition of master's courses from former education
If you are admitted to the masters' programme and you have completed master's courses outside the University of Oslo, you may apply to have these courses recognised as part of your degree. Please contact the Department of Informatics for more information.
Diploma and degree
This programme leads to the following degree: Informatics: digital economy and leadership
The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.