Parallel and Distributed Computer Systems: VU University Amsterdam

Course Description

PDCS: the technology behind global information networks

As the Internet develops, it creates opportunities for business (e-commerce) and scientific applications (e-science using computational grids). And as computer equipment gets smaller and smaller, people are more likely to carry multiple computers around with them in the form of notebook computers, smart phones, wearable electronic devices, smart cards and RFID tags.

Developing new software architectures

The Master’s programme in Parallel and Distributed Computer Systems is a specialized programme to educate students in this new area. Entirely new software architectures will be required to develop large-scale, geographically distributed systems which allow billions of users to manipulate huge amounts of data. Scalability of algorithms will be key, and existing technologies will fall short in this respect. There is  a need for new techniques in security, performance analysis, programming models and visualization. All of these aspects are studied in depth in this Master’s programme.

Experimental computer science

Parallel and Distributed Computer Systems emphasizes experimental computer science rather than theory, and typically involves the design, implementation, testing and performance analysis of complex systems software. The curriculum includes many software lab courses, which are aimed at training you to carry out scientific software experiments to solve challenging research problems.

Career prospects

PDCS is a research Master’s, which means that most of our students are preparing for a career in academic or industrial research. Many of our graduates continue their studies by obtaining a PhD research position at a top university. Others join industrial research laboratories. The PDCS programme is also an excellent preparation for students who are considering a different career path. For example, some students may want to join high-tech companies where their specific skills are needed for the execution of innovative projects. Others will be snapped up by firms looking for the ideal combination of engineering skills and creative problem-solving abilities. Some graduates have an entrepreneurial drive and start their own companies.

Admission requirements

Dutch applicants

The Master’s programme in Parallel and Distributed Computer Systems is an internationally oriented, multidisciplinary programme based on outstanding research at VU Amsterdam. The requirements, procedures and regulations are therefore different from those of a standard Master’s programme.

First of all, students have to undergo a selection procedure to gain admission. Competition is tough as the programme is open to foreign students and is widely advertised abroad. You will be competing for a limited number of places with students from Europe, the US, India, China and elsewhere. Standards will be very high indeed.

This is a specialized Master’s, consisting mainly of classes, practicals and projects in computer systems. Students preferring to take a wide-ranging Master’s are advised to opt for a standard programme.

International applicants

Since this international Master's is taught completely in English, applications from foreign students are welcome. The starting level of Dutch university Master’s studies is comparable to that of other West European countries. International students who wish to follow a full two-year Master’s programme have to meet the standard Dutch entrance 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.