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Do you want to make global news headlines with groundbreaking cybersecurity research or impact the security of billions of computers worldwide? Your first stop is our top Master’s programme 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.
Computer Security
Unique: one-of-a-kind Master's programme in the Netherlands one of the few of its kind in the world
Emphasis on low-level systems security: unique focus, in comparison with other programs that favor breadth over depth or focus on more theoretical cybersecurity aspects.
High demand: both the industry and Computer Science research departments are chasing well-qualified graduates in this field
Personal attention: work together with the best researchers in the field
Programme overview
Main Subject
Computer Science and Information Systems
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Do you want to make global news headlines with groundbreaking cybersecurity research or impact the security of billions of computers worldwide? Your first stop is our top Master’s programme 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.
Computer Security
Unique: one-of-a-kind Master's programme in the Netherlands one of the few of its kind in the world
Emphasis on low-level systems security: unique focus, in comparison with other programs that favor breadth over depth or focus on more theoretical cybersecurity aspects.
High demand: both the industry and Computer Science research departments are chasing well-qualified graduates in this field
Personal attention: work together with the best researchers in the field
Admission Requirements
92+
6.5+
1. Academic requirements Your previous education needs to be deemed equivalent to at least a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO) obtained at a research university (nominal duration 3 years). Please find more information about your admissibility with a non-Dutch degree here. We do not require a GRE or GMAT test score. 2. 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.
2 Years
Sep
Tuition fees
Domestic
22,000 EUR
International
23,490 EUR
Scholarships
VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) – Merit-based tuition waiver for outstanding non-EU/EEA students enrolling in an English-taught Master’s at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) – Merit-based tuition waiver for outstanding non-EU/EEA students enrolling in an English-taught Master’s at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Computer Security
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
# =156QS Subject Rankings
24 monthsProgramme duration
23,490 EURTuition Fee/year
1Scholarships
Programme overview
Main Subject
Computer Science and Information Systems
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
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.
Computer Security
Programme overview
Main Subject
Computer Science and Information Systems
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
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.
Computer Security
Admission Requirements
2. 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.
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) – Merit-based tuition waiver for outstanding non-EU/EEA students enrolling in an English-taught Master’s at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Value
100% tuition fee waiver
Deadline
1 Feb 2026
Application requirements
QS Event Attendance is NOT required
Entry requirements
You must be admitted to this school to be awarded
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