Why did you choose this programme?

“Before applying, I compared this programme with many others and spent a lot of time researching the curriculum and course structure on the website. I found that it aligned well with both my interests and my background.

Unlike many other more general programmes (such as broad Computer Science degrees), this one is specifically tailored to Software Engineering, which was also the focus of my Bachelor’s degree. That made it feel like the perfect fit for me. Another important factor was the duration: it’s a one-year Master’s, which is shorter than most others. I knew it would be intense and the workload would be high, but I’ve always enjoyed a challenge, so here I am.”

Why did you choose the University of Amsterdam?

“The University of Amsterdam is a highly respected and internationally recognized institution, known for its strong academic programmes and research. Earning a degree here not only demonstrates my competence but also adds value to my academic and professional profile. Plus, Amsterdam is truly an amazing city, beautiful, vibrant, and full of life. Who wouldn’t want to bike along canals on their way to lectures?”

How much freedom did you have when selecting courses or projects?

“The curriculum is fixed and everyone follows the same courses. However, for about half of the courses, we do get the opportunity to choose different projects to work on, depending on our interests.

Also, the Master’s Project offers a great opportunity to really tailor your experience. You have two main options: you can either join one of the research groups at the UvA or do your project while doing an internship at a company. I am doing my project within a research group at the UvA. My project focuses on quality control for research software in Jupyter. It's about improving the reliability and reproducibility of scientific software developed using Jupyter notebooks.”

How practical or theoretical is the programme?

“It’s a good mix of both. We first learn the theory through lectures, and then put it into practice through labs and assignments. For about half of the courses, we also get to work on small projects, which is a great way to build hands-on experience while studying. So, by the end of the programme, you’re strong in both academic knowledge and practical skills.”

How would you describe the atmosphere within the programme?

“The atmosphere is great. The student body is quite international, so there’s a lot of diversity, and everyone is friendly and supportive. I interact a lot with fellow students, lecturers, and TAs. It’s easy to approach them if you have questions or need help.

Every course has group assignments, so you get to work closely with your classmates and learn a lot from each other. There’s some individual work too, but group work plays a bigger role. Working together makes the experience way more fun and helps you build real connections with the people around you.”

What advice would you give to someone considering this Master’s programme?

“This is an intense programme, so be ready to work hard. But if you enjoy the field and are up for the challenge, go for it! There will be tough times along the way, but in the end, all the effort is worth it.

Besides the hard work, the programme is also a lot of fun. You’ll get to work closely with your fellow students, make friends, and share the journey together. Overall, it will be a challenging but truly rewarding experience!”