This specialisation focuses on the design, analysis, use, and optimization of modern computer systems. These have become the core components of all distributed data and information processing systems that our modern society depends on, including Artificial Intelligence ones. Many computer systems are not even recognizable as such, because they are embedded in larger devices such as cars, airplanes, medical equipment, smart buildings, robotics, etc.
The realization of modern computer systems is greatly complicated by their increasing complexity: these computer systems integrate increasingly more processors, often heterogeneous, sometimes in a distributed context, and possibly also resulting in complex systems-of-systems (such as can be found, e.g., in the Edge-to-Cloud computing continuum and in the high-performance memory-storage system). Meanwhile, computer networks interconnecting these systems are evolving with significantly increased customizability in addition to higher speeds. The energy consumption, sustainability, dependability, and security and privacy of these computer systems and networks also require increasing attention.
This specialisation is part of the joint Master’s in Computer Science, offered by the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Courses may take place at either university. Upon graduation, you will receive a joint degree diploma, recognised by both institutions.
Choose this specialisation if you are interested in the inner workings of computer systems, enjoy solving technical problems at the hardware-software boundary, and want to design the infrastructure that underpins future technologies.
Explore the Study Programme and Career Prospects for more details.