Technology has become ubiquitous in our global, connected society. Globally distributed information processing services have taken centre stage, with the internet connecting a variety of information processing devices, ranging from embedded sensors to data centres operated by world-leading companies.
Why choose Computer Science at VU Amsterdam?
As a Computer Science Master’s student in Amsterdam, you’ll benefit from the expertise, networks and research projects at both VU Amsterdam and the UvA, as well as affiliated research institutes. Courses are taught at locations of both universities, and you’ll receive a joint degree certificate on graduation. Not only is the programme unique in that it offers a joint degree – it also allows you to specialise in one of seven distinct tracks.
The Master’s in Computer Science covers this fascinating and hyper-relevant discipline from multiple angles. The technical side of Computer Science deals with computer operations, like system software, computer networks and programming environments. The theoretical foundations cover the limits of what can be computed, computational efficiency, correctness, and the intricacies of concurrent execution. Software engineering studies construction and maintenance of large and often mission-critical software systems that need to be maintained by large teams of people. Because of its prominent role in everyday life, non-functional aspects of information technology are gaining importance in Computer Science, most notably the energy efficiency of data centres and the security of computer systems.
The start date of this programme is September 1st.
Note: the track Computer Systems and Security is no longer available as part of this Master’s programme since September 2021. We offer a new Master’s programme Computer Security. For more information go to www.vu.nl/csec.
See also the study guide for a complete overview of the study programme. Or download the year schedule directly.
Tracks
The Master's in Computer Science is a two-year programme that currently offers four regular, and two international tracks, the latter being variants on the regular SEG track.
Starting 2024, all tracks exclusively consist of the following constrained choices:
All students select one course from each of these constrained choices. For the track you follow, you select at least four courses from the respective constrained choice. This leaves room for four electives. You’ll carry out your Master’s project and write your thesis in the second half of your second year.
A limited number of fellowships are available for (partial) funding of this Master’s through the VU Fellowship Programme. The application deadline for the VU Fellowship Programme is 1 February.
On completing this Master’s programme, you can choose from a variety of careers, ranging from software development to system design, at organisations spanning from local companies up to the big multi-national players. As a graduate in Computer Science, you could also found your own startup company and monetise your product idea, or continue your academic career and apply for a PhD position.
