Radboud University

BSc in Computing Science

Year 1

In the first year of Computing Science you are introduced to several programming languages and are taught how to design, analyse, implement, and test programs. You analyse complex issues - such as the workings of a robot or voice computer - and reduce them back to a model. To do this you make use of mathematical formulas, formal languages, and logics.

• Data Analysis
• Mathematical Structures
• Imperative Programming
• Information Modeling and Databases
• Security
• Combinatorics
• Matrix Calculation
• Languages and Automata
• Processors
• Requirements Engineering
• Logic and Applications
• Object Oriented Programming
• Artificial Intelligence
• Calculus and Probability Theory
• Research and Development Project

Year 2

The second year consists of compulsory courses and specialisation courses. You extend your understanding of programming languages, algorithms, operating systems, multicore programming, and information systems. You learn how to do scientific research and write scientific documents. Furthermore, you also reflect on the impact of ICT in society. In the beginning of the year, you will choose two out of three specialization tracks.

• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Functional Programming
• Information Systems
• Computability
• IT and Society
• Semantics and Correctness
• Networks and Security
• Complexity
• Parallel Computing
• Research Methods

Choose one of the courses in P1

• Hacking in C
• Operating System Concepts

Year 3

In the third year, you follow some compulsory courses and complete the remaining courses of your second specialisation chosen in year 2. The first two periods offers possibilities for a stay abroad, free electives and a minor. You end the programme with a Bachelor's thesis.

• Portfolio: Reflection and Vocational Orientation
• Software Engineering
• Law, Privacy and Identity

Choose one of the courses in P1

• Hacking in C
• Operating System Concepts

What will you learn

Computing Science is about learning to program, right? Yes, but that is only a small part of the programme. As a computer scientist you learn how software works, how information is represented as digital data and the underlying mathematical and logical principles. You will study how all this is implemented in hardware like computers and digital networks and how to apply cyber security to protect IT systems.

What will you learn?

Computing Science is about learning to program, right? Yes, but that is only a small part of the program. As a computer scientist, you learn how software works, how information is represented as digital data, and the underlying mathematical and logical principles. You will study how all this is implemented in hardware like computers and digital networks and how to apply cyber security to protect IT systems.

With a Bachelor's degree in Computing Science, you can advance to Master's programs in Computing Science and Information Sciences.

After your studies

In the upcoming years, an increasing number of IT specialists is needed. Corporate processes are becoming more automated, digital security is gaining in importance, and our infrastructures circle more around computer scientists than ever.

Computer scientists can work in a broad array of fields. Companies are dying to take on students with a background in computing science. Most students often find a job before graduating from the programme. It's up to you to decide what you want to specialise in.

Possible occupations

• Information and software analyst
• Consultant or manager in a corporation or government
• Researcher for a company, university, or research institution
• Entrepreneur at your own start-up
• Cyber crime specialist at Team High Tech Crime

Put your studies to work!

To prepare you for finding a job, Radboud University offers various forms of job market orientation, so that you can prepare for your future during your studies. Career Service Science assists students and young alumni with their journey into the job market. You can contact them for help with job orientation, application tips, and information about internships and vacancies. Furthermore, students organise the BBB Career Event each year, the ideal place for students and employers to meet.

Continue with a Master's

With a Bachelor's degree in Computing Science, you can advance to Master's programmes in Computing Science and Information Sciences. You can choose one of the following programmes:

Computing Science

• Cyber Security
• Cyber Security and AI
• Data Science
• Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science
• Software Science

Information Sciences

• Information Sciences (requires a Business Administration minor in your Bachelor’s)

Society/management specialisations

You can choose to combine one of the Computing Science research specialisations with a societal/management specialisation. The first year of your Master's will consist of your research curriculum, and in your second year you can shift to one of the 1-year specialisations below.

• Science, Management and Innovation
• Science in Society

Educational Master's

The Master's in Science Education combines computing science subjects, didactics and internships, which trains you to become a qualified teacher in secondary or higher education.

• Educatie in de Bètawetenschappen (in Dutch)

After graduating: what's next?

Computing Science alumnus Tom de Ruijter now works as a Data Scientist at BigData Republic. In this video, Tom tells more about his job.