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IT:U Learning Paces

The same curriculum, with a different study rhythm.

At IT:U, in the Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Computing, you can complete the program at different learning paces. Regardless of the pace, you follow the same curriculum and earn the same degree, but courses can be organized differently across semesters, and workload can be distributed differently over time. This allows students to choose the study rhythm that fits their needs and goals.

Full Course Load Pace

The Full Course Load Pace is designed for students who want to move through the program and complete it in 2 years or 4 semesters. At this pace, students complete 30 ECTS per semester, which makes it possible to finish the master’s program in 2 years or 4 semesters. Students following this pace should expect a workload of around 40 hours per week.

Reduced Course Load Pace

Students who prefer a lighter workload and increased flexibility in their schedules can choose the Reduced Course Load Pace. Students can register for fewer courses per semester, with a minimum requirement of 10 ECTS* per semester. This will extend the time required to complete the master’s program beyond 2 years, depending on how many courses are taken each semester.

*It is important to note that certain courses are bound to each other and must be taken simultaneously. As a result, in some semesters students will take more than 10 ECTS due to the bundled courses.

These bundled courses are:

  • Digital Technologies 1 & Learn Lab Project 1
  • Digital Technologies 2 & Learn Lab Project 2
  • Digital Technologies 3 & Learn Lab Project 3
  • Pre-Specialization Elective A, Pre-Specialization Elective B, and Pre-Specialization Project
  • Specialization Elective A, Specialization Elective B, Specialization Project, and Interdisciplinary Seminar

Important to know

  • Regardless of the pace, students follow the same curriculum and earn the same degree.
  • Students have the flexibility to take fewer courses if they want a reduced course load.
  • Courses are offered within a semester system.
  • Semesters are divided into two parts.
  • The Full Course Load Pace is designed for completion in 2 years or 4 semesters.
  • The Reduced Course Load Pace allow students to take fewer courses per semester, increasing flexibility but extending the study duration beyond 2 years or 4 semesters.
  • Students cannot choose their timetables independently. Course times are organized by IT:U.
  • Friday is a course-free day. Other course-free days and class times may vary depending on the weekly schedule. Schedules are posted a few weeks before the semester starts.
  • International students who hold a student residence permit must note that residence permit renewal requires successfully completing minimum 16 ECTS per academic year. 
  • IT:U offers tuition-free study for everyone for two years or four semesters. Two further semesters (tolerance semesters) are also tuition-free. In the seventh semester, tuition fees of 600 EUR apply. Students who choose the Reduced Course load Pace need to be advised that their studies will extend into the tolerance semesters.
  • Students must be aware of the pre-requisites that determine which courses must be taken before other courses. The curriculum states the different pre-requisites.

FAQs

What is the difference between the Full Course Load Pace and the Reduced Course Load Pace?

The difference lies in how the workload is distributed over a semester. In the Full Course Load Pace, students complete 30 ECTS in one semester and can finish the program in 2 years. In the Reduced Course Load Pace, students complete fewer than 30 ECTS, but at least 10 ECTS (or more if taking bundled courses) per semester, which means the program takes longer than 2 years to complete.

Can I choose my own timetable?

No. Students cannot choose their timetables independently. Courses are organized by IT:U, and schedules are posted a few weeks before the semester starts

When do tuition fees apply?

Regardless of the pace, tuition fees of 600 EUR per semester apply starting from the seventh semester.

Does the Reduced Course Load Pace involve tolerance semesters?

Yes. The Reduced Course Load Pace is designed as a longer study option and may extend the study period into the tolerance semesters.

Who is the Full Course Load Pace for?

The Full Course Load Pace may suit students who want the option to complete the program more quickly, are comfortable with a more intensive study rhythm, and want to complete more courses within a semester.

Who is the Reduced Course Load Pace for?

The Reduced Courseload Paces may suit students who prefer a lighter workload, want to focus on fewer courses at one time, and are planning for a longer overall study period. This may also be a good option for students who are working alongside their studies or have personal commitments and want more flexibility in how they plan their semesters.

How are courses organized within a semester?

  • Each semester is divided into two halves.
  • Courses are typically offered within these halves, which means you may take one set of courses in the first half of the semester and another set in the second half.
  • This structure allows you to adjust your workload within the same semester.
Can I change my learning pace during the program?

Yes. Students can change their pacing while in the program. There is no need to choose a pace at the beginning or stick to it throughout the whole program.