Entry requirements
Software Engineering (MSc)
On this page:
General requirements
In general, the programme is open to applicants in the following qualification categories:
Cat. 1: Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree in (Technical) Computer Science/
Informatics
Cat. 2: Foreign degree comparable to the one mentioned above, with sufficient
knowledge of the English language (see bottom of this page)
Cat. 3: Bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences (HBO) in
Technical Computer Science/ Informatics (or a comparable programme), with a
grade point average of 7 or higher (see conditions below)
Cat. 4: Relevant work experience in the field of software engineering (see
conditions below)
Every application for admission must be approved by the SE Board of Examiners.
Bring your own device
All students enrolled in Software Engineering are requested to bring their own laptop, due to the nature of the programme. More information on specific system requirements can be found here.
Extra requirements for category 3 applicants
If you are a category 3 applicant, you must pass an assessment test regarding the following subjects:
- Data structures and algorithms
-
Software and database design
- Operating systems
- Programming languages
- Software engineering
Extra requirements for category 4 applicants
If you are a category 4 applicant, you must pass an assessment test measuring the following skills:
- Basic knowledge of discrete mathematics
- Basic knowledge of logic
- Basic knowledge of formal language theory
- Basic knowledge of data structures and algorithms
- Basic knowledge of compiler construction
- Basic knowledge of software engineering
- Basic knowledge of design patterns and UML
- Programming capabilities (Linux, C, Java, develop-environments)
Pre-Master's programme
For category 3 and 4 applicants, the SE staff will construct a tailor-made pre-Master’s programme, based on the assessment test. The objective of this pre-Master's is to provide you with an optimally integrated programme that will minimise any loss of time and prepare you for the Master’s programme as effectively as possible. Depending on your previous education and knowledge, you may be required to read additional literature or take one or more preparatory courses. This personalised pre-Master’s programme helps ensure that the Master’s programme has one of the university’s highest pass rates.
Additional information for international students
International applicants must also fulfill other general entry requirements set by the Faculty of Science regarding academic background, academic average and proficiency in English.