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Master of Visual Computing

Overview

Diagnosing diseases from medical imaging, analyzing complex satellite imaging and designing navigation systems for autonomous vehicles are skills that are in high demand. With SFU’s Master of Visual Computing program, students can master the applied skills through real-world training at the companies that drive AI, XR, and other visual tech.

Designed with a collaborative cohort model and taught by a blend of academic experts and seasoned industry professionals, this program equips students with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in the tech sector. Whether you are a recent graduate, an experienced professional looking to transition into technology, or someone aiming to advance in your current role, the program provides a strong foundation to help you reach your career goals.

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school  School of Computing Science

work  Professional Master's Program

description  Master of Visual Computing

calendar_month  16 Months

Program-at-a-glance

  • Industry-Aligned Curriculum
  • Gain industry-relevant experience with our
  • Hands-on technical training
  • Dedicated career support to help you land your next role

1st

and only visual computing program of its kind in Canada

#1

in Canada for computer vision publications

CSrankings.org (2012-2022)

#1

IN CANADA FOR computer graphics publications

#10 in the world

CSrankings.org (2012-2022)

Program at-a-glance

Unlike traditional thesis-based degrees, this program does not have a research component. Instead, almost half of the coursework consists of hands-on lab training, complemented by a carefully selected array of instructional courses. Students develop deep knowledge and practical skills working with data in all forms. Consulting with dedicated academic advisors, students are able to select courses that help them hone in on an area of interest. 

A hallmark of our program is the mandatory, paid co-op placement. Co-op allows students to tackle real-world scientific, engineering and socio-economic problems while gaining valuable project management experience and expanding their network of industry contacts.

Program Requirements

Our Masters programs require students to complete a minimum of 30 units of graduate work. These units are divided as follows: 

  • a minimum of 15 credits of graduate coursework
  • 12 credits of specialized lab work
  • 3 credits for co-op (internship) work

Please note that only three credits are allocated to the co-op placement, regardless of whether a student completes one or two terms on co-op.

The program is normally four semesters (or 16 months) in length. This includes a four-month co-op placement. Students who take more than four semesters to complete the program are required to pay a continuing fee for each additional semester. Please see the section on tuition fees for more information. 

It is recommended that students complete nine credits per academic term so as to spread out the coursework evenly and maximize the learning experience while allowing time for extra-curricular activities and the co-op seeking process. Typically, the first two semesters are nine credits each, followed by one or two co-op terms (depending on whether a four-month or eight-month placement was secured). After the co-op term, students return to campus for a final term of nine credits.

To view detailed program requirements, please click the button below.

Program Requirements

Curriculum

The current curriculum of the Master of Visual Computing covers (but is not limited to) the following topics:

  • Fundamentals and advanced knowledge related to computer vision, computer graphics, and image processing.
  • Machine learning, deep learning, and data-driven techniques in visual computing.
  • Pattern and action recognition in images and video.
  • Visual data acquisition, e.g. computational photography, laser scanning, and geometry and motion tracking.
  • Visual computing on specialized data and applications, e.g. medical, simulation, AR/VR, 3D games, and robotics, etc.
  • Computational design and fabrication, e.g. 3D printing.

Admission Requirements

Admission to this master's programs is competitive: only the best qualified applicants are offered a seat. Therefore, it is imperative that students familiarize themselves with the admission requirements in order to ensure they submit a strong application. Since conditional and qualifying admission offers are made very rarely and only in exceptional cases, students who qualify for regular admission have higher chances of acceptance than those who only qualify for conditional or qualifying admission.

Foundations:

In order for students to succeed in this program, it is expected that they have the following knowledge/experience prior to beginning their studies:

  • Ability to program in Java, Python and C++. Familiarity with programming and ability to learn new languages. Students planning to take courses in computer graphics, computer vision, etc. may not need Java and C++ but need Matlab.
  • Knowledge of advanced math - calculus, linear algebra and advanced statistics.
  • Knowledge of data structures and algorithms, databases, and operating systems.

Regular Admission:

Regular admission is the preferred route for this program. To qualify, students must satisfy the admission requirements laid out here as well as the University's admission requirements for a master's program, as stated in . 

STUDENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THEIR DEGREES IN CANADA

Students must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent in computer science or a related field with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 3.00/4.33 (B) or the equivalent. Alternatively, a minimum GPA of 3.33/4.33 on the last 60 credits of undergraduate courses will also meet the GPA requirements for admission to the program. All graduate work is also considered.

Students who have completed their degrees outside of Canada

Students applying to this program must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent in computer science or a related field. Please see  for minimum equivalent qualifications, academic standing and required credential for students who have completed their degree outside of Canada. The academic requirement is listed by country. 

CONDITIONAL & QUALIFYING ADMISSION:

In exceptional circumstances, a student may be admitted with lower formal qualifications when there is significant professional experience relevant to the proposed area of scholarship. Please do not contact us about waiving the requirement. Instead, use your application materials (your CV, statement of purpose, etc.) to make the case that your professional experience is relevant and should be considered along with your GPA.

The School's graduate admissions committee may also, at its discretion, offer admission to the program to exceptional students whose undergraduate degree is not in computer science or a related field. Such students typically make up for the lack of program-specific education through relevant work experience, course work, or certificates, diplomas, etc.

For more information on qualifying and conditional admission, please view Graduate Admissions Regulations 1.3.8 and .

Please note: Conditional and qualifying admission are offered only in exceptional circumstances. 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE COMPETENCY

The language of instruction, examination and communication in our program is English. Students whose primary language is not English must meet SFU's English proficiency requirements as set out in the . Applicants who have completed a degree at a recognized post-secondary institution where the language of instruction and examination is English in a country where English is the primary language are not required to submit proof of English proficiency. Please view the list of accepted countries here.

All other applicants are required to provide proof of English proficiency. For more detailed information on the requirements, please visit the Graduate Studies page on English Language Requirements.

Tuition Fees - 2024/25 Academic Year

The tuition fee is based on a per-term (not per-credit) model. Students typically complete the program in four semesters.

Per Term Tuition

  • Domestic Students: $9,180.00 CAD
  • International Students: $13,250.00 CAD

Total Program Tuition (4 Terms)

  • Domestic Students: $36,720 CAD
  • International Students: $53,000 CAD

Financial Support & Funding

Read more about various funding opportunities for graduate students as set out on the Graduate Studies website, or review department specific opportunities

Learn more

Mandatory Co-op 

Students in this program complete a mandatory co-op placement as part of their degree.

Co-op provides students with valuable hands-on experience, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, explore new skills, and expand their professional horizons.

Co-op Information

Meet Our Students

Reza Asad

Master of Science in Visual Computing, Class of 2020

Previous Education:
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Applied Mathematics, University of Toronto

Previous Experience:
Data Scientist at Tamr, San Francisco Bay Area

While I was working I spent a lot of time outside my job to learn about cutting-edge developments in machine learning. In particular, a machine learning conference at Google led by Ian Goodfellow and his research group sparked my curiosity about deep learning and its applications to computer vision. The conference as well as the readings I completed afterwards were the main factors that inspired me to pursue a graduate degree where I could focus on visual data.

Jayleen Zhou

Master of Visual Computing, Class of 2020

Previous Education:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology, Washington University, St. Louis

Previous Experience:
Advertising Creative Developer at Fancy Pants Group, New York City

I was preparing a pitch for a client when I came across a video demo of an augmented reality installation that Purina had created in a shopping mall. The installation allowed customers to interact with Purina's cartoon mascot ‘Felix the cat’. Watching the video, I suddenly understood the appeal of augmented reality. I believe adding more of these kinds of installations in our daily lives will change the way we live, and I want to be one of the people who can create such content.

How to Apply    

Check deadlines and program requirements on our How to Apply page.

How to Apply - MPCS

Ready to apply?

Learn more about the steps you need to follow to formally apply to 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏon the Graduate Studies Admissions page.

Apply now - MPCS

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Further Program Information

Discover more details about this program on our 'current students' pages

Other program options