Overview

Modern computer systems have become increasingly complex and riddled with vulnerabilities in software, such as Heartbleed, and hardware, such as Rowhammer or side channels enabling sophisticated microarchitectural attacks like Spectre, Meltdown, and RIDL. All these vulnerabilities are exploited by hackers to compromise real-world systems, implant malware, mount DDOS attacks, etc. And these are all topics you will cover in this Computer Security programme from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam .

Move to industry

Different career paths are open to you as a graduate of our Master’s programme Computer Security.

You might want to join a tech company in which systems and security skills are crucial to carry out innovative projects, or to lead the research and development of new security solutions. Alternatively, you might be snapped up by firms looking for the ideal combination of creative problem-solving abilities and technical skills in cybersecurity (or experimental computer science in general).

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

Programming Large-scale Parallel Systems

Software Security

Binary and Malware Analysis

Advanced Operating Systems

Hardware Security

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , EEA/EU
Starting 2027-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

92

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IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Disciplines

Computer Sciences Cyber Security View 44 other Masters in Computer Sciences in Netherlands

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

92

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Your previous education needs to be deemed equivalent to at least a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree obtained at a research university (nominal duration 3 years).

Programme-specific requirements

A background in Computer Science and a demonstrable, highly advanced knowledge of Computer Systems is required (experience in Security is a plus).

As evidence of such knowledge, we expect good academic performance in systems courses on a university Bachelor's level, such as C/C++ programming, operating systems, and computer architecture.

Alternatively, your knowledge could be demonstrated with nontrivial projects in systems programming languages such as C/C++ or similar experiences.

Academic writing skill is to be demonstrated by submitting a thesis or, if not ready yet, any other piece of scientific writing (e.g., thesis/project abstract).

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

24150 EUR / year

≈ 24150 EUR / year
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

2694 EUR / year

≈ 2694 EUR / year

Living costs

Amsterdam

Netherlands

1000 - 1500 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Computer Security.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Move to industry

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Living costs

Amsterdam

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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