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PDCS: Top Master in Computer Security, Master Degree, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

the Netherlands

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Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
Master Degree	Full-time	2 years	September	EUR 2694 per year	EUR 24150 per year

About PDCS: Top Master in Computer Security, Master Degree - at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Research cutting-edge attacks and defenses in Cyberspace

Do you want to make global news headlines with groundbreaking Cybersecurity research or impact the security of billions of computers worldwide? Your first stop: our top Master's programme in Computer Security powered by world-class researchers (VUSec and other CompSys groups).

The programme addresses the most ambitious technical challenges in Cybersecurity, with a focus on computer systems and networks security and topics such as hacking, side channels, hardening, verification, malware, vulnerability analysis, and reverse engineering.

The emphasis on low-level systems security is unique: other programmes tend to favor breadth over depth or focus on more theoretical Cybersecurity aspects.

Learn more about PDCS: Top Master in Computer Security, Master Degree - at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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Entry requirements

The Master's programme in Computer Security is open to both Dutch and international students and attracts excellent students from the field of Computer Science. Admission is based on a strict selection procedure. The Faculty's Admission Board will decide upon your admission after having evaluated your complete online application.

In order to gain admission to the master's programme in Computer Security, you will need to have at least a Bachelor's degree from an accredited research university including at least three full years of academic study amounting to a minimum of 180 ECTS or equivalent. Academic writing skill is to be demonstrated by submitting a thesis. We do not require a GRE or GMAT test score.

Specific requirements for the master's programme in Computer Security

All students undergo a selection procedure to gain admission. Competition is tough as the programme is open to foreign students and is widely advertised. You will be competing for a limited number of places with students from Europe, US, India, China and elsewhere. Standards will be very high indeed. This is a specialised Master's programme, consisting mainly of classes, practicals and projects in computer systems.

A background in Computer Science and demonstrable knowledge of computer systems is required. Students preferring to take a wide-ranging master's programme Master's are advised to opt for a standard programme such as Computer Science. In keeping with the programme's international orientation, the application procedure is based on the system in such countries as the UK, the US and Canada. Students with a degree from a Dutch university do not need to supply additional admission documents, since the level of education and status of Dutch universities is well known.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Need financial assistance? Read about scholarships: Scholarships for Master's programmes

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Masters Webinar

Each year, we organise an online session for aspiring Master's students that covers everything you need to know about the application process and beyond. This year, the International Master's webinar took place on Tuesday, October 15, at 16:00 (CET). You can watch the recordings all year.

During the webinar, you will have the opportunity to:

Discover what it is like to study at VU Amsterdam;
Learn everything you need to know about the admission and application process;
Get the latest insights on scholarship opportunities;
Hear first-hand experiences from one of our current international students about being a student in the Netherlands' dynamic capital city.

Bachelors Webinar

Each year we organise an online session for aspiring Bachelor's students that covers all you need to know about the application process and beyond. This year, the International Bachelor's webinar took place on Thursday 24 October at 16:00 (CET). You can watch the recorder version all year.

During the webinar, you will have the opportunity to:

Discover what it is like to study at VU Amsterdam;
Learn everything you need to know about the admission and application process;
Ask all your questions about the housing market in Amsterdam;
Hear first-hand experiences from one of our current international students about being a student in the Netherlands' dynamic capital city.