Our research group powers the Master’s Programme in Logic offered at the University of Gothenburg. For official information about admission requirements, application procedures, and deadlines, please consult the programme webpage. You can also have a look at our poster!

The Master’s Programme in Logic offers the opportunity to study the theory and applications of logic across mathematics, philosophy, linguistics, computer science, and neighbouring disciplines. The programme combines a broad common foundation with substantial freedom to specialise, allowing students to move between the most theoretical aspects of logic and its many applications.

The programme is closely connected to the Logic@GU research group. Students are invited to participate in seminars, lectures, and other scientific activities throughout their studies, and gradually develop their own academic profile through elective courses, specialisations, and thesis work.

Structure of the programme

The programme is structured to guide students from a broad foundation in logic towards increasing specialisation and independent research. All courses are worth 7.5 credits, with the exception of the Master’s Thesis, which is worth 30 credits.

The first and second semesters provide the core theoretical background. Together, they cover the principal areas of contemporary logic and establish a common foundation for students whose previous training may lie in mathematics, computer science, philosophy, linguistics, or a related discipline.

First semester

• Logic & Completeness (LOG112)
• Set Theory (LOG121)
• Models of Computation (LOG115)
• Modal Logic (LOG131)

Second semester

• Proof Theory (LOG221)
• Expressibility & Incompleteness (LOG215)
• Philosophy of Logic (LOG250)
• Model Theory (LOG211)

The third semester allows students to develop their own profile through elective courses and specialisations. Research Skills in Logic (LOG311) serves as a bridge between coursework and independent research by introducing students to academic writing, presentation, and research planning. At this stage, students are encouraged to explore possible thesis topics and begin discussions with prospective supervisors.

The fourth semester is entirely devoted to the Master’s Thesis (LOG410/420). By this point, students will have identified a research area and a supervisor, and the focus shifts from coursework to conducting and communicating an extended piece of independent research.

Throughout all four semesters, students may participate in the Research Seminar in Logic. The seminar provides an opportunity to meet researchers, learn about current developments in the field, and take part in the scientific life of the research group.

Elective courses

The programme offers a broad and changing collection of elective courses. The selection offered in a particular year depends on student interest and staff availability, and not every course listed below can therefore be guaranteed during an individual student’s period of study.

Courses that have been offered in recent years include:

• Advanced Set Theory (LOG270)
• Advanced Topics in Proof Theory (LOG365)
• Lambda Calculus, Types and Foundations of Programming Languages (LOG370)
• Logic, Games and Automata (LOG290)
• Category Theory (LOG350)
• Functorial Semantics (LOG390)
• Topos Theory (LOG380)
• History of Logic (LOG280)
• Philosophy of Mathematics (LOG360)
• Specialization in Logic 1–5 (LOG230/240/320/330/340)

Specialisations and reading courses

Specialization in Logic courses can be given different content and are often organised as individual reading courses. They allow a student, or a small group of students, to study an advanced topic under the guidance of a member of staff.

The teacher proposes a selection of books, articles, or other research material and meets regularly with the student to discuss the material, answer questions, and provide direction. Assessment may take the form of written work, presentations, or an oral examination. Reading courses are especially useful for studying subjects that are not regularly offered as taught courses and often serve as preparation for the Master’s Thesis.

Possible specialisation topics include:

• Formal Theories of Truth
• Semantic Paradoxes and the Logic of Truth
• Quantified Modal Logic
• Dependence Logic
• Provability Logics
• Semantics of Dependent Type Theory
• Models of Arithmetic
• Decision Theory
• Advanced Model Theory

Other topics may be arranged in consultation with the programme coordinator or a study tutor.

Electives at other departments

Students are also encouraged to take appropriate elective courses at partner departments. Such courses can be used to build a profile suited to an individual student’s background, interests, and future plans. External electives require prior approval and may have prerequisites that are not covered within the programme.

Examples of potentially relevant courses include:

• Computational Semantics (LT2813)
• Artificial Intelligence: Cognitive Systems (LT2318)
• Topology (MMA100)
• Discrete Mathematics (MMG610)
• Algebraic Structures (MMG500)
• Functional Programming (DIT143)
• Types for Programs and Proofs (DIT235)

Applications for external courses are normally made through University Admissions. Students should discuss their plans with the programme coordinator or study tutor well before the relevant application deadline.

Who is the programme for?

The Master’s Programme in Logic welcomes students with a broad range of academic backgrounds who share a serious interest in logic and formal reasoning. Many students enter the programme from mathematics, theoretical computer science, philosophy, or linguistics, but applications from neighbouring disciplines are also encouraged.

The programme places strong emphasis on symbolic and formal methods. Students regularly encounter definitions, proofs, formal systems, and abstract structures. No single disciplinary background is expected, but students should be comfortable with precise and rigorous reasoning and should be willing to acquire new technical skills where necessary.

Students from mathematics and theoretical computer science can deepen their understanding of the foundations of computation, proof, and mathematical structure. Students from philosophy can investigate the logical foundations of inference, truth, meaning, and rationality through mathematically precise theories. Students from linguistics can engage with formal semantics, type theory, and logical approaches to natural language.

One of the distinctive features of the programme is that these perspectives meet in the same classroom. Students often find that some of their most valuable learning experiences arise from working with peers whose academic training differs substantially from their own.

The formal admission requirements are published on the official programme webpage and should always be regarded as authoritative.

Studying in Gothenburg

The University of Gothenburg is distributed across the city rather than concentrated on a single campus. Students therefore study in an environment that combines university buildings, libraries, cafés, museums, cultural institutions, parks, and easy access to the sea and the southern archipelago.

Students in the programme also have access to the department’s common room in Humanisten, where they can study, meet other students, and take part in informal academic and social activities. Beyond the programme, student unions, associations, the Erasmus Student Network, and the University’s alumni network provide opportunities to build wider academic and professional connections.

For an introduction to studying and living in Gothenburg, including practical information about student life and accommodation, see these videos on student life in Gothenburg and finding accommodation. Further information is available through the University’s Campus and Student Life pages.