Computer Security

If you want to reach the top of the field of Computer Security, CSec is your program. Our Master's program in Computer Security is unique in the Netherlands and one of the few of its kind in the world. Created by world-class researchers, the program 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 is on experimental computer science rather than theory. As such, most of the courses in the curriculum are very hands-on, which means you will get extensive practical and research-oriented experience in computer systems and security.

You will study the inner workings of modern computer systems and understand how they have become increasingly complex to meet the challenges of Clouds, Big Data, the Internet of Things, etc. and the ever-growing demand for better performance. You will learn how such sheer complexity comes at a nontrivial security cost, with each layer of the modern hardware and software stack plagued by critical security vulnerabilities.

During your studies, you will learn how to use experimental and empirical approaches to understand and address today's systems security issues towards tomorrow's hacker-proof computer systems. What's more, you will design, implement, and evaluate complex systems and security solutions. To this end, you will often work in small teams to learn valuable collaborative research skills.

Upon completion of your studies, you'll be prepared for top positions in industry, with high-demand roles such as security researcher, analyst, or lead system designer/architect. After graduating, you could also continue your studies with a PhD research position at a top university. Or, you could join one of the excellent research labs in industry.