Software Technology Programme

"I came to Sweden because of my parents' work. The admission system was confusing, and I applied in the first round, but my application got deleted. In a panic, I applied to universities that were still accepting late applications, and Linnaeus University was at the top of my list. It's been great ever since."

The programme at Linnaeus University provided a practical education that has proven invaluable in his career.

"Some people had already been working and knew how to code, but for those of us who were new to it, the teachers and professors were very open to questions."

While completing his thesis, Omer landed a job as a software developer at IST. He was working as a social media ambassador for Linneaus University and went to Amår, a day where students from the university and companies in the region get to meet, to record some content. Ha had no intention to talk to companies regarding his own career but he saw IST there.

“I decided to speak to them despite feeling unmotivated after a recent job rejection. One of the managers found me interesting, and that's how it started."

His journey into professional software development began with mobile apps, a field he had not previously explored. Recently, he has shifted his focus to web applications, and Omer is passionate about the ethical implications of his work.

"I strive to make my work transparent and clear, not taking advantage of users. For instance, I avoid creating features that exploit the addiction of scrolling."

At IST, Omer has taken on the role of an ambassador, promoting professionalism, culture, and honesty within the company.

"People from different departments come together to make the workplace more enjoyable. Having a good work environment is important; it makes all the difference."

Choosing an international bachelor programme offers many advantages, according to Léa, including the opportunity to meet people from different cultures and background, while studying a programme in an attractive field.

- I was interested in the programme Software Technology due to its versatile curriculum, which grants a strong foundation for any career patch in computer science one decides to choose. I would like to pursue a master’s degree in biomedical engineering, and I feel that I will get all the tools to succeed with that.

- The programme attracts a very heterogenous population, from people with no coding experience to people who have already worked as programmers or who already hold a degree of some sort. This diversity makes the interactions very interesting, and there is a lot of support between us to learn.

Léa appreciates the studying environment and studying pace, which differs from her previous studies. The programme includes many assignments and own work, but the support offered by teachers is invaluable.

- Most courses offer lab sessions where students can interact with teachers and teaching assistants to work on their assignments. The lab rooms are practical, and being around other students creates a good working environment. I really appreciate the pace here at Linnaeus University, I only have two simultaneous courses at a time, allowing you to focus on only two subjects and go deeper into them.

Léa recently moved to live on campus and thinks it is the best thing to do as a student. The proximity to university buildings, the gym and her friends makes her enjoy student life in Sweden even more.

- Studying the Software Technology Programme makes my weekdays quite busy. However, I still find time for hobbies such as going to the gym, playing instruments, and taking walks around the lakes. And I often party on weekends!

Léa´s best advice to new students is to not hesitate to contact teachers and teaching assistants whenever you have an issue. They are happy to help, and with programming, it is always helpful to have a second opinion.

Gabriele has always been interested in solving puzzles and problems. To study and then work with programming was an obvious choice for him.

The Software Technology Programme is composed of everything you need to know for software development according to Gabriele. He thinks it is very interesting to see how much work goes into the design and development of large software applications.

- During the first two years of the programme, I learned all basics of Computer Science, including programming languages, computer security, databases, computer networks, etc. Now that I am in the third year, I am focusing on more advanced topics such as algorithms, software testing and software architecture.

A lot of practical moments are included in the programme.

- It is important to maintain a schedule to keep track of all the assignments and the lectures. It might feel overwhelming at first, but there are a lot of opportunities for group work which makes studying more fun and exciting. Software Technology is not an easy programme but if you take help of other students and the facilities that Linnaeus University offers to you, it will be easier to deal with hard times.

Thanks to connections Gabriele has made during his studies, he will start to work after graduation as a Junior Software Engineer at Tieto Evry in Skellefteå.

- There is a lot of opportunities to meet companies during your time at Linnaeus University. Every autumn there is a big fair called Career Day Technology where many companies present themselves to students. As a student you can participate in speed-dating with some of the companies. I did it, and that is how I got a job directly after graduation.

Gabriele finds the student life in Växjö both lively and calm.

- There is always something to do on the campus, like training, parties, or others student activities. I love to take my morning runs along the lake that sits right next to campus. It is very nice also to leave the campus bubble and enjoy the life in the center of Växjö.

“First, I just applied for the Summer Academy as I wanted to spend a summer vacation abroad doing something different. After a few days at Linnaeus University, I decided I wanted to continue studying here because of the peaceful nature and exciting study environment, so I changed my major to software development for better career opportunities”.

Hailing did an intership and wrote her thesis at Ericsson.

“During the last semester of my bachelor’s studies, I got a thesis topic from Ericsson and the opportunity to do an internship with focus on open-source software management. Now, I am a software developer at IST, working on application of convenient services for schools, students, and parents”.

Working alongside her studies, Hailing was able to practice the skills that she attained through her studies and internship.

“I was enrolled on the course company-based work placement in computer science when I got my first summer internship in Sweden. Students can get supervisors from the university as well as from the work placement. I really recommend practicing as much as possible during your studies, as this will help you become more determined and confident when walking into the interview room”.

Linnaeus University Career Centre supported Hailing in finding a job in Sweden.

“I got the contact information through Linnaeus University Career Centre and it led me to my current job here at IST. Linnaeus University provided me with the support that I needed when I was looking for a job. The staff at Career Centre helped me get through the basic hiring process in Sweden, such as writing a CV and reference letters, preparing me for basic questions in an interview, and much more”.

By taking part at career fairs and on the mentor programme, Hailing got a good overview of the job market, could connect with companies, and prepare herself for interviews.

“The mentor programme was also beneficial and worth attending. As a student, you can get a mentor with experience and knowledge within a specific field, which means you will extend your network and strengthen your qualifications for your future career”.

Hailing recommends students to not be afraid of rejection when looking for a job and to learn Swedish if the long-term plan is to stay in Sweden.

“Never be afraid to get rejected. An email that begins with "We greatly appreciate your interest in the position" does not mean that you won’t get any more opportunities, it would increase the possibility for you to get the dream offer because of your determination and persistence. It’s not impossible, so keep trying!”

Year 1

• 1MA441, Basic mathematics for computer scientists, 7,5 credits
• 1DV501, Introduction to Programming, 7,5 credits
• 1DV700, Computer Security, 7,5 credits
• Programming and Data Structures, 7, credits
• 1DV503, Database Technology, 7,5 credits
• 1DV502, Object-oriented Programming , 7,5 credits
• 1DV508, Project course in computer science, 7,5 credits
• 1MA462, Discrete mathematics, 7,5 credits

Year 2

• 1DV607, Object oriented analysis and design using UML, 7,5 credits
• 1DT301, Computer technology, 7,5 credits
• Elective course, recommended is Linear Algebra, 7,5 credits
• 1DV512, Operating systems, 7,5 credits
• 2DV608, Software Design, 7,5 credits
• 1DV701, Computer networks – an introduction, 7,5 credits
• 2DV609, Project Course in Software Engineering, 7,5 credits
• Elective course, recommended is 2DV516, Introduction to Machine Learning, 7,5 credits

Year 3

• 2DV610, Software testing, 7,5 credits
• 1DV516, Algorithms and advanced data structures, 7,5 credits
• Elective course, 7,5 credits
• Web development, 7,5 credits
• 2DV604, Software architectures, 7,5 credits
• Scientific methods, 7,5 credits
• 2DV50E, Degree project at Bachelor level, 15 credits