Software Engineering

Software Engineering at the University of Amsterdam offers a comprehensive and challenging curriculum designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to develop, analyze, and manage complex software systems. This program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for a variety of roles in the software industry, including software developer, systems architect, project manager, and more. Students will explore key topics such as programming languages, software design and architecture, algorithms, data structures, software testing, and quality assurance. Emphasis is placed on understanding the entire software development lifecycle, from initial requirements gathering and analysis to deployment and maintenance. The program also covers modern technologies and methodologies, including agile development, DevOps practices, and cloud computing, preparing students to work effectively in dynamic and innovative environments. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on projects, internships, and collaborations with industry partners, students gain valuable practical experience that reinforces their technical skills and enhances their problem-solving abilities. The University of Amsterdam's strong emphasis on research-driven education ensures that students are trained to think critically and contribute to advancements in the field. Additionally, international opportunities and a diverse student body create a vibrant academic environment that fosters collaboration and cultural exchange. Graduates of the Software Engineering program leave equipped with both technical expertise and soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, and project management, making them highly competitive in the global job market. Whether aiming to develop cutting-edge software solutions, pursue research, or innovate in technology startups, students will find this program to be a solid foundation for their careers.

Courses

The SE course load is based on the process of software engineering and its fixed components. 

• Software Evolution (1st semester, 6 EC)
• Software Specification, Verification and Testing (1st semester, 6 EC)
• Embedded Software and Systems (1st semester, 6 EC) 
• Requirements Engineering (1st semester, 6 EC)
• Preparation Masterproject Software Engineering (1st semester, 6EC)
• Software Process (2nd semester, 6 EC) 
• ​DevOps and Cloud-based Software (2nd semester, 6EC) 
• Masterproject Software Engineering (2nd semester, 18EC)

Research projects

Lab assignments are part of the programme. Most are conducted in small groups and have to be completed in one or two weeks. This requires that you work together with other students at the faculty, and do all your reading in advance at home. As the year progresses, more and more projects are carried out on an individual basis under supervision.

The end of the year is reserved for your individual Master's project (24 EC), which requires real academic research. There is an extensive array of possible subjects. Many students choose to conduct their project within the National Research Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science (CWI, located next to the faculty). Part-time students who combine the programme with a job can choose a subject that is of interest to their employer. Another great way to help you choosing an appropriate research project is the SE Thesis Fair. At this event students and organisations meet during speed dating sessions while trying to make a match.

Part-time study

SE can be done as a part-time study, in two years instead of one. Various companies offer the possibility to follow the programme within working hours.

• study hours: per week 16 contact hours (two days: Monday and Tuesday, or Wednesday and Thursday) + approximately 4 hours self-study
• study load: 6 EC (one course) per block
• first year: three courses + preparation Master's project
• second year: three courses + completion Master's project

One of the biggest challenges for part-time students is the Master's project. For most, the project will cause a significant increase in the duration of their study. Choosing a subject that is of interest to your employer can provide you with extra study time. We prescribe the following time allocation for the Master's project:

Year 1:

• January: subject selection, part-time

• April - June: preparation and start, part-time

Year 2:

• April - May: execution, full-time
• June: finishing up, part-time

General entry requirements

According to our formal regulations we distinguish between the following qualification categories:

Category 1: Bachelor’s degree in (Technical) Computer Science, Informatics or similar from a university (WO) in the Netherlands;
Category 2: Degree comparable to Category 1 from a university abroad with demonstrated  proficiency in English (see below);
Category 3: Bachelor’s degree in (Technical) Computer Science, Informatics or similar from a university of applied sciences (HBO) in the Netherlands with a grade point average of 7 or higher and successful completion of an individual pre-Master’s programme (see below);
Category 4: Bachelor's degree in a different subject or completion of a significant part of a university undergraduate curriculum combined with substantial relevant work experience in the field of software engineering and successful completion of an individual pre-Master’s programme (see below).

The Admissions Board evaluates each application. Depending on the above category applicants may be asked to complete a questionnaire detailing their individual competences, may be invited for a cognitive capacity test and, in the final step, may be invited for a personal interview with a member of the Admissions Board.

The outcome of the intake process is one of the following three:

• The Admissions Board accepts the application for the upcoming academic year.
• The Admissions Board rejects the application.
• The Admissions Board defines an individual pre-Master’s programme. Upon successful completion of all parts thereof, the applicant will be admitted to the programme in the following academic year.

Rejected candidates are allowed to re-apply in subsequent academic years. New academic skills or more industrial work experience in the software engineering field may let the Admissions Board come to a different conclusion in the future.

Pre-Master's programme

For category 3 and 4 applicants the Admissions Board will define a pre-Master’s programme tailor-made for the applicant.  Our objective with this pre-Master’s programme is to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to complete the Master’s programme successfully and in time. This personalised pre-Master’s programme helps us to achieve one of the university’s highest success rates.

The pre-Master’s programme consists of the following courses:

• Data Structures / Datastructuren (6EC, block 2);
• Compiler Construction / Compilerbouw (6EC, block 4);
• Linear Algebra / Lineaire Algebra (6EC, block 4);
• Operating Systems / Besturingssystemen (6EC, block 5);
• Automata and Formal Languages / Automaten en Formele Talen (6EC, block 5);
• Project Software Engineering (6EC, block 6);
• Logic in Action (self-study);
• Functional Programming (self-study).

The Admissions Board may waive courses from the above list based on the individual knowledge and skills of an applicant. All but the self-study courses are from the Bachelor’s programme Informatica. For details regarding these courses see the study guide.

It may be possible to include courses from the pre-Master’s programme in an on-going Bachelor education. This depends mainly on the Bachelor’s programme. However, self-study courses due to their nature are excluded from this under any circumstances.

Online application and required documents  

After registering in Studielink, within 48 hours you will receive an email with your UvA student number (UvA-net ID) and an email with instructions for the next step of the application process. You need your UvA-net ID to submit your online application via Datanose.

In Datanose, we expect you to upload the following documents:

1. A motivation letter
2. Your Curriculum Vitae
3. A copy of your high school grade list and diploma
4. A list of courses of your final year (if you have not yet finished your current academic programme)
5. A copy of your Bachelor transcript and diploma, including an explanation of your University’s grading system
6. A description of your Bachelor thesis/project
7. Two academic reference letters
8. Proof of English proficiency

Grade point average

Applicants are expected to have an overall grade point average (GPA) equivalent to at least:

• 3.0 (American system)
• 2.1 (a second class upper/division one degree in the British system)
• C (ECTS-system)

English language requirements

All our international programmes are conducted in English, therefore, applicants must show their ability to write and speak in English on an academic level. Students with a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university and students who successfully finished a full academic programme at an esteemed institute in one of the following countries are exempt: UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Please note we only accept the TOEFL Test, the test of the International English Language Testing Service (Academic IELTS) or a Cambridge Examination Score. For Non-EU/EEA students the required English test result should be received on or before 1 February in the year of application by the International Team at the Faculty of Science. If this in any case is not possible, contact the International Team first, before applying. For EU/EEA students the deadline of submitting the test results is 1 July.

TOEFL Test

The minimum scores required on the TOEFL Test are:

• Internet-based test (iBT): 92 with a minimum of 20 on each subject
  
  Exceptions:
• Artificial Intelligence, Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Information Studies: 98, with a minimum of 22 for reading and listining and 24 for writing and speaking
• Software Engineering: 98 with a minimum of 22 on each subject

Please note the TOEFL-code for the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam is: 8628. 

 IELTS Test (only Academic IELTS is accepted)

• Minimum score 6.5, at least 6.0 on sub-scores (listening/reading/writing/speaking). 

Exceptions

• Artificial Intelligence,  Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Information Studies> minimum score 7.0, sub-scores on writing and speaking at least 7.0, sub-scores on listening and reading at least 6.5 
• Software Engineering > minimum score 7.0, at least 6.5 on each sub-score (listening/reading/writing/speaking)
• The UvA offers the IELTS test for free to current UvA students to assess their English language proficiency.    

Cambridge Examination Score

A Cambridge Examination Score with a minimum test result of C1 Advanced (CAE) A or B will also be accepted. For the C2 Proficiency test (CPE) a minimal score of C is required.

Nuffic Certificate for Chinese students

Chinese applicants are required to take an IELTS test or the TOEFL (Internet-based test only). These are the only two tests accepted by the Nuffic, which provides certificates to all Chinese students who wish to study in the Netherlands.

Please note there are some differences between the TOEFL and IELTS test. Available practice material, test dates, prices and locations differ per country.

• Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship, Faculty of Science
• Amsterdam Merit Scholarship, Faculty of Science

Financing studies for the Bachelor’s programme in Software Engineering at the University of Amsterdam typically involve a combination of governmental grants, student loans, personal savings, and possible scholarships. The Dutch government offers student grants and loans through the Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO). EU and EEA students who meet certain criteria may be eligible for financial support options, including the Dutch student loan system, which provides low-interest loans with flexible repayment options. Non-EU students are generally expected to finance their studies primarily through personal sources, scholarships, or sponsorships, as governmental grants are usually limited to EU/EEA nationals.

The University of Amsterdam also participates in various scholarship programmes aimed at attracting talented students from around the world. These scholarships can cover tuition fees partially or fully and may be awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific country of origin. For students requiring additional financial assistance, private loans and educational financing companies offer specialized student loan products, which may be used in conjunction with or separate from Dutch government support.

Tuition fees vary depending on the student’s nationality. For EU/EEA students, the fees are generally lower compared to non-EU students, whose tuition might be considerably higher. The university advises prospective students to budget for additional expenses such as living costs, housing, health insurance, and study materials. The average annual living costs in Amsterdam range between €7000 and €12,000, depending on accommodation choices and personal lifestyle.

Students are encouraged to seek financial advice early in their application process and to explore all available funding opportunities. The university’s official website provides detailed information about the application procedures for scholarships and grants. International students must also consider additional costs like visa fees and mandatory health insurance, which are also part of the overall budget required for studying in the Netherlands. The government and the university periodically update their financial aid policies, so it is essential for prospective students to consult the latest official resources to plan their finances accordingly.

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Software Engineering at the University of Amsterdam is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with the fundamental and advanced knowledge necessary to develop high-quality software solutions. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to address real-world software engineering challenges. The programme offers a broad overview of computer science principles, software development methodologies, programming languages, and systems analysis, with particular focus on designing, constructing, and maintaining complex software systems.

Students in the programme gain hands-on experience through project-based coursework and collaborative team projects, simulating professional environments. The curriculum includes core modules such as programming, algorithms, software architecture, databases, web development, and software testing. Additionally, students have opportunities to specialize in areas like cyber security, data science, mobile application development, or cloud computing, depending on their interests and career aspirations.

The programme also emphasizes critical soft skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, project management, and communication, which are essential for successful careers in the technology sector. Internships and summer projects are encouraged to provide real-world experience and facilitate industry connections. The University of Amsterdam maintains strong ties with technology companies and research institutions, providing students with networking opportunities, guest lectures, and workshops.

The teaching methods combine lectures, tutorials, workshops, and lab sessions, supported by modern digital learning tools. The evaluation process includes exams, project assessments, presentations, and peer reviews. The degree is awarded after successful completion of all coursework and exams, culminating in a bachelor's thesis that demonstrates applied knowledge and research capabilities.

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Software Engineering from the University of Amsterdam are well-positioned to enter the software industry, pursue further studies at the master's level, or engage in research and development roles. The programme is aligned with current industry standards and technological advancements, ensuring students are prepared for the evolving landscape of software development. The university's vibrant international community and modern campus facilities support an enriching academic environment.