Saxion University of Applied Sciences
Master ICT: Software Engineering
Deventer, Netherlands
Master degree
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 3 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* For EU/EEA students the application deadline is 15 August 2026
** For non-EU/EEA students tuition fee: € 9031/year
Key Summary
Become a leading software specialist who can tackle complex software-related problems from design to realization and management. The program closely mirrors real-life practice, as you’ll be working directly with the professional field. Innovative and disruptive technologies call for people like you to take them to the next level.
Applied project-based curriculum
Apply the knowledge directly from the classroom to the professional field. By working with and for professionals, you get the opportunity to broaden your network while getting your MSc.
Specialization
The future is in your hands. We offer a DataOps specialization, but if you desire to focus on a different subject, like user experience or security, you can compose your specialization.
No pre-master, one-year program
Start this master's with a software engineering-related bachelor's and learn all the hands-on skills you need to enter the professional field as a leading software specialist.
During your Master's studies in Software Engineering
During this program, you will improve your skills as a software engineer to take the lead in innovative ICT systems. You will do so in three projects. Workshops provide the necessary background information to assist you in developing high-quality and reliable software. The specialization project allows you to delve deeper into state-of-the-art technology.
After graduating with a Master in ICT - Software Engineering
You have the skills to quickly grow to the role of a software architect, lead developer, or DataOps engineer. During the program, you will have ample opportunity to build your network with professionals in the domain of ICT and applied research. ICT is key in all domains, so you are assured of an excellent career.
Meet Saxion online, on campus or in your home country
The program is composed of three projects and corresponding lectures and workshops. In the first project, you learn more about creating scalable and reliable software. The second project focuses on data analytics and building intelligent self-learning systems. It is also possible to create your own specialization for the second project. Graduation will be done as a real-world assignment at a company.
Software Engineering project (19 weeks)
- Reliable Systems: Learn methods and tools that allow you to build robust and reliable software of the highest quality.
- Distributed Systems: Understand how modern distributed sytems work and how you can design them using industry-accepted design patterns.
- Advanced Programming Concepts: Hone your software design skills by combining different programming paradigms and state-of-the-art software design philosophy.
DataOps specialization project (elective, 10 weeks)
- Fundamentals of Data Science: Learn fundamental concepts of data analytics, machine learning as well as the management of a machine learning project.
- Deployment and Operations: Achieve trustworthy, reproducible results when developing and (re)training machine learning systems.
- Advanced Machine Learning: Dive into the realm of deep learning, exploring techniques like convolutional and recurring neural networks, as well as transfer learning.
- Mathematics for Software Engineering: Get a solid understanding of the foundational mathematic concepts of software engineering.
Open specialization (elective, 10 weeks)
- Develop your own specialization project together with experienced researchers in the field.
Graduation project (12 weeks)
- Show your knowledge and skills by solving a real-world problem during an internship at a company
We are proud to offer scholarships to talented non-EU/EEA students that apply for a bachelor’s or master’s programme for the September intake.
For first-year students
NL Scholarship (NLS)
A scholarship meant for non-EU/EEA students who pay the full institutional tuition fee, and meet the specific requirements: a GPA of 80% or higher and an IELTS 7.0 or higher. The scholarship amounts to € 5,000. You will receive this in the first year of your studies.
Saxion Talent Scholarship (STS)
A scholarship meant for non-EU/EEA students who apply for a Bachelor programme, pay the full institutional tuition fee and meet the specific requirements: a GPA of 75% or higher and an IELTS 6.0 or higher. The scholarship amounts to € 2,500. You will receive this in the first year of your studies.
This study programme is officially accredited by the NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders), ensuring recognised quality and academic standards across Europe.
ICT is everywhere: many companies are looking for qualified software engineers across all domains. When you graduate, you have the means to take the lead in software development. You can provide innovative insights for complex problems and are able to lead software teams. Having completed this master program, the keys to do so will be in your hands. All you have to do is unlock the potential of software!
Job opportunities
The professional field is looking for software engineers with a professional, pro-active attitude and specialized knowledge. To digitize the world, you will design and realize innovative software solutions in a variety of ways. With this master’s degree, you can accelerate your career, taking on a leading role to affect these innovations.
- Software architect
- Lead software developer
- DataOps engineer
Choosing where to study is one of the biggest decisions you will make. At Saxion University of Applied Sciences, students from all over the world come together to learn, grow and prepare for their future careers. But what makes Saxion stand out?
Practical education that prepares you for real life
At Saxion, learning goes beyond the classroom. Every study programme is built around real-world experience. You will work on projects with companies, complete internships, and apply theory to practical situations. This hands-on approach helps you develop the skills employers look for and prepares you for a strong start in your career.
Personal attention and support
Saxion is known for its personal and supportive learning environment. Teachers and staff are approachable and genuinely care about your progress. From the first day, you will be part of a close community where you can easily ask questions, get guidance and connect with others.
Smooth landing in the Netherlands
Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming, but Saxion helps you every step of the way. Our onboarding programme helps international students settle in quickly, make friends, and understand Dutch culture. From practical help with housing to fun introduction activities, you will feel at home in no time.
Career counselling and future opportunities
Your future starts here. Saxion offers free career counselling to help you prepare for life after graduation. You can attend LinkedIn workshops, get a free professional photo taken, and learn how to present yourself to employers. With strong links to companies across the Netherlands and Europe, many students find work placements and job opportunities through Saxion’s network.
Affordable housing and save cities
Saxion’s campuses are located in Enschede, Deventer and Apeldoorn, friendly cities with affordable housing and plenty of opportunities for student life. Whether you enjoy a lively nightlife or peaceful nature, you will find both here. Enschede has even been voted one of the best student cities in the Netherlands.