Computer Science: VU University Amsterdam

Course Description

The field of Computer Science is concerned with obtaining knowledge about notions, methods, and skills connected with the operation and applications of computers.

The Computer Science programme at VU University Amsterdam offers eight specializations. You will learn about the techniques behind computer systems, programs, and the Internet. This depends on the specialisation that you have chosen. In the specialisation ‘Internet and Web Technology’ you will for example explore what is technically feasible on the Internet and what is not, both now and in the future. In ‘Technical artificial intelligence’ you will learn to design intelligent computer programs. Programs like these could be used by your local supermarket chain to extract your customer profile from a vast array of customer information, and propose targeted discounts for new products you might like.

Structure of the programme

The Master’s in Computer Science is a two-year programme worth 120 ECTS. You can choose from a range of specializations. Each specialization consists of:

• a number of compulsory subjects
• a subject on the theory of computer science
• a mathematics subject
• a practical assignment within your specialization
• a literature survey
• a final project accompanied by a thesis.

All courses are taught in English, except in the specializations on ‘Computer Science and Communication’ and ‘Information and Communication Technology’, which are taught in Dutch.

Career prospects

The vast majority of ther students (90%) embark on a career in areas like consultancy, the software business, other private sector businesses or the government sector. Computer scientists are welcome in a variety of jobs including systems manager, information analyst, software engineer, policy advisor or project manager. Many of the former students now work at companies such as Philips, Deloitte en Touche, IBM and the Royal Dutch Navy. Others have created their own company, sometimes right after graduation.

The most typical job their graduates pursue is that of software engineer. Examples of other jobs are:

• web engineer
• data warehouse consultant
• user interface designer
• systems specialist
• IT project manager
• IT consultant
• systems engineer

Admission requirements

All students who have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science obtained at a Dutch university (including the universities of technology in Delft, Eindhoven and Twente) can enrol for the Master’s programme in Computer Science.

Admission of students with other diplomas requires the approval of the Examination Board. If there are gaps in the student's knowledge that might hinder the successful completion of a Master’s in Computer Science, a pre-Master’s programme of at most 60 ECTS may be required. If the gap is too pronounced, the student will be asked to do a Bachelor’s programme in Computer Science first. Depending on the level of his or her previous education the student may be exempted from –a portion of the Bachelor’s programme.

Students with an international preliminary education

Students with a Computer Science Bachelor’s diploma obtained at a foreign university can apply for admission to the Master’s Programme in Computer Science. They will judge on a case-by-case basis whether the student's Bachelor’s degree fits the chosen specialization of the Master’s programme and whether and to what extent a pre-Master’s track might be required. The Examination Board may set additional requirements.

Language requirements

Foreign students for whom English is not the first language are required to have adequate results in an English language proficiency test: a TOEFL score of 580 (237 in the TOEFL computer-based test) or an IELTS score of 6.5, or they must obtain one of these qualifications upon applying to VU University Amsterdam. If you have another English qualification, please enclose relevant information and, if possible, a photocopy of the diploma, so that the Examination Board can take these factors into consideration.