Master in IT and Automation

Sivilingeniør

This master's programme entitles you to use the protected title “Sivilingeniør”.

Why study IT and Automation?

A Master’s degree in IT and Automation (ITA) elevates your bachelor's background from implementing basic technology to designing, optimizing, and leading advanced autonomous systems. The program bridges engineering cybernetics, modeling, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI) to prepare you for complex technical challenges across process industries, infrastructure, energy, and health tech.

Beyond deep technical expertise, the master’s level builds strategic systems understanding − qualifying you for specialized R&D, project leadership, and technical consultancy. You will study in a close-knit, well-equipped academic environment with strong ties to regional industry and direct pathways into PhD research.

Semester exchange to USN

Within this programme there are several exchange opportunities for students from partner universities. Please contact our programme coordinator for details and course lists. Application deadline is April 15 and October 15 for spring semester for exchange.

What kind of job do you qualify for?

While a bachelor’s degree opens doors to general operations and standard development, Master’s degree in ITA prepares you for senior technical, design, and management roles across both the private and public sectors. You will lead the development of advanced control architectures, Industrial IoT networks, cyber-physical security, and applied AI decision-support tools.

Typical Job Roles:

• Private Sector: Automation Specialist, Systems Architect, AI/ML Engineer, R&D Manager, Cyber-Physical Security Consultant.
• Public Sector & Infrastructure: Energy Systems Consultant, Smart Grid Specialist, Health Technology Developer, Municipal Infrastructure & Smart City Engineer.

See example of the companies we collaborate closely with in the USN's Industrial Master programme in IT and Automation under the section “Partnerbedrifter“.

Key Technical Fields:

• Process control, robotics, and industrial cybernetics
• Applied AI and machine learning (ML) for decision support
• Industrial IoT, embedded systems, and cyber security
• Advanced software and systems architecture

Working with the local business community

The local business community will be involved throughout this programme, from guest speakers from our partnering institutions to visiting with relevant companies in the community.

In this programme you will do extensive research and work closely with our network of partners. The majority of the bigger projects in our programme are done in close partnerships with- or within a company.

USN offers career days on campus every year with visits from relevant local businesses. In addition, several of our partners offer summer jobs to students.

What you will learn

The master's programme in IT and Automation provides a broad knowledge in monitoring, control and optimization of all types of technical and industrial systems based on cybernetic methods and computer engineering.

You will learn how to develop and apply mechanistic (physics-based) and statistical mathematical models for monitoring and control. You will learn to collect measurement data from sensors, store these in process databases, and to program algorithms for the analysis of measurement data and calculation of control signals. Key programming tools are MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, and various object-oriented languages.

The master's programme in IT and Automation introduces new technologies, including IoT (Internet of Things) and Industry 4.0, and focuses on open standards. We are working closely with industry on student projects and master's theses. You will learn about:

• Sensors and measurement systems
• Data analysis
• Computer program design and programming
• System design
• Automation systems
• Mathematical modelling and simulation
• Control algorithms
• Advanced control, including model-based predictive control (MPC)

Further studies

The master's degree is eligible for doctoral studies at the University of South-Eastern Norway or at other universities and colleges in Norway and abroad.

Get international experience

You can take parts of the IT and Automation programme abroad. Studying or taking an internship abroad can give you the opportunity to expand your international competence, language skills, personal qualities and adaptability. It can also make you more attractive in the job market. We have agreements with foreign universities, colleges and internships adapted to your studies.

• Exchange for IT and Automation