University of Amsterdam Master's Degree in Security and Network Engineering

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is offering a Master's programme in Security and Network Engineering (SNE, formerly System and Network Engineering). This is a one year intensive programme that enables students to specialise in SNE from a theoretical standpoint. By placing security as a core focus of this programme, students are ready for real world situations outside of the academic field.

This programme can be undertaken either as a full-time or part-time student. In the case a student opts for to undertake this programme part-time, it will be completed in two years rather than one. It awards 60 ECTS credits in 12 months and is taught in English. 

Study programme

The UvA SNE Master's programme is the only academic programme in the Netherlands that focuses on understanding, developing, maintaining and securing complex IT systems and networks. 

Compulsory courses

The following courses are compulsory to acquire this degree. Each are worth 6 ECTS credits.

• Classical Internet Applications
• Security of Systems and Networks
• Large Systems
• Offensive Technologies

Focus areas

The courses offered under these areas are followed in parallel by students.

Networking

This focus area zooms onto the architecture and protocols of layers two, three and four of the Internet TCP/IP stack. Students will gain a theoretical background and extensive hands-on experience. The following courses are offered in this focus area:

• Internetworking and Routing
• Advanced Networking
• Classical Internet Applications

Security

This area focuses on all aspects of security and forensic intelligence and analysis. From cybercrime to how to document digital evidence in a way that will be admissible in court, students will learn to trace digital evidence on all levels. The following courses are offered in this area:

• Cybercrime and Forensics
• Advanced Security
• Offensive Technologies

Research projects

Students will carry out two research projects worth 6 ECTS credits each. These will last one month each. One will be carried out in January (can be done individually or with a partner) and another one will be done in June. The second research project will culminate in the student's Master's thesis.  

Requirements

In order to undertake this degree, the University of Amsterdam recommends students to use the following questions to self-reflect on whether this programme and institution will be suitable for them:

• Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or an equivalent?
• Are you ambitious and want to develop your knowledge and skills in the area of Security or Networking?
• Are you looking for a technically challenging top rated Master's programme that is also available for part-time studies?
• Do you want to be part of a small team of students and staff that is permanently available for any questions that may arise?
• Do you want to work in the SNE lab with first class material at your own reserved work space and server space?