Is Applied Sciences and Engineering: Computer Science for you?
Want to know if the master in Applied Sciences and Engineering: Computer Science programme is a good fit for you? See the information and activities below to find out.
What is the programme about?
Our programme has been designed for students with a solid, fundamental academic background in computer science (such as a bachelor in computer science, or equivalent). It will provide you with a deeper knowledge and understanding of computer science in general, as well as of the state of the art in one of four specialisations.
The programme prepares you for an active role in computer science research and development, in academia as well as in the ICT industry. In addition to a meticulously designed core programme complemented by state-of-the-art specialisations, the curriculum offers a wide range of electives that enable tailoring your education to your interests.
Our courses promote an active style of learning. Apart from regular lectures, we use a broad range of instruction techniques, such as group and individual projects, seminars, workshops, talks by invited experts in the field, and research trainings.
Opportunity to personalise your curriculum
As an area covering a broad scope of topics and application areas, the computer science programme is highly customisable. In the first year, we focus on developing knowledge of computer science, IT and artificial intelligence. Elective courses in the second year allow you to apply the skills acquired in the first year to a specific field, such as software development, machine learning, data analysis, distributed computing, etc.. A master’s thesis and optional internship and/or module on entrepreunership are also included in the programme.
Who better to tell you what this programme is like than the students who've participated?
- Tom Jaspers | VUB alumnus Computer Science, Google UK, London
“Thanks to the diversity of courses taught in the computer science programme, I was able to find and refine my interests in this very broad field. The Artificial Intelligence specialisation offered a challenging and interesting path into a subject that is embedded in nearly every new technological advancement. The style of teaching pushed us to keep exploring beyond the course material, and allowed me to gain a deep familiarity with the latest research. There was an important emphasis on the foundations of computer science and artificial intelligence, something that helps me in my career when keeping up with the latest academic work.” - Faiza Tasnia | Current student
“I’m from Bangladesh and studying for my master of Applied Computer Science. It’s a challenging programme, but I appreciate all the measures taken by VUB to ensure the wide range of resources available. I’m hoping that, after graduating, this degree will open doors to the opportunities I’ve been looking for. I would totally recommend students from my country to choose VUB as their higher education institution."
Why study at the VUB?
Studying at VUB gives you more than a diploma. You learn to view the world with an open mind and without prejudice. You hone your critical thinking, and you learn to express your opinion. You commit not just to study, but to participate in meaningful social projects that make the world a better place. In short, this is where you shape your identity. Who you are today and want to be tomorrow.
Spread the study load
Create your own studypath
Within the VUB, we want to maximize our commitment to personal development and give as many students as possible the opportunity to continue their studies and develop themselves. Depending on your personal situation, it may be more difficult to devote full time to your studies. For example, you combine your studies with a job, you do top-level sports, ...
Students enrolling for the first time in their bachelor are required to take their model track. An exception can be made. More information can be found on this page. For our other programs (preparation programs, switching master programs, etc ...), this requirement does not apply.
After your first bachelor year, you can take fewer ECTS-credits. You can spread your study load over a longer period. If you have a student visa or VUB student room, you have to take at least 54 ECTS credits each academic year! You ALSO have to take into account your growth package, study grants and funds, study progress rules, etc. Do you want some advise? Contact your study path counselor. Need more info?
Study and examination flexibility
Reflex status
Do you have a physical disability, learning disability or chronic illness, or are you starting a business or finding it harder to study because of your personal situation? If so, you qualify for Reflex Status.
With this you can ask for a flexible approach to your studies and exams, to maximise your chances of success. You may need access to course materials, for example, or more time to sit an exam, a translator or interpreter, staggered examinations, and so on.
Elite sports and studying
Elite sports and study
Keen to combine your elite sporting career with a programme at VUB? It makes sense, as it strengthens your position in the jobs market after your sporting career ends.
Our Elite Sports & Study department helps you work out a personal study pathway and guides you through to the end.
Studying with a disability
Studying with a functional impairment
Do you have a disability (for example, a learning disability, chronic medical condition, psychiatric or sensory disability)? If so, you qualify for a flexible approach to your studies and exams through Reflex Status, to maximise your chances of success. You may need access to course materials, for example, or more time to sit an exam, a translator or interpreter, staggered examinations, and so on.
Find out more about Reflex Status
For extra support there are other student services to draw on at VUB. For example, a wheelchair-adapted room, study guidance and a personal study-pathway, mental healthcare, medical care, etc.
Study Guidance
Study Guidance
An experienced team of student psychologists, student counsellors and study-pathway supervisors are there to give you personal study advice, guidance and training. At every phase in your study career.
- Individual - Advice on your choice of programme, stress and anxiety training, help with exam planning, help for students with dyslexia...
- Group (workshops, courses) - Choosing a subject for your bachelor's or master's thesis, learning to present, dealing with stress and anxiety...
- Tools - An example of good weekly planning, tips and tricks for a good study method, a step plan to help you choose the right programme...
Combining your studies with a job
The Master in Applied Sciences and Engineering: Computer Science is a daytime only programme. Therefore, there is no option to combine this study with a fulltime job.