Program Overview

Computer Security Master's Programme

The Computer Security Master's programme at VU Amsterdam is a unique, one-of-a-kind programme in the Netherlands and one of the few of its kind in the world. It focuses on low-level systems security, addressing the most ambitious technical challenges in cybersecurity, with topics such as hacking, side channels, hardening, verification, malware, vulnerability analysis, and reverse engineering.

Programme Overview

• The programme is powered by world-class researchers (VUSec and other CompSys groups).
• It has a high demand, with both the industry and Computer Science research departments chasing well-qualified graduates in this field.
• Students receive personal attention, working together with the best researchers in the field.

Programme Details

• Duration: 2 years
• Language: English
• Study Type: Full-time
• Research Areas: The programme addresses the most ambitious technical challenges in cybersecurity, with a focus on computer systems and networks security.

Programme Content

Modern computer systems have become increasingly complex and riddled with vulnerabilities in software and hardware, such as Heartble, Rowhammer, or side channels enabling sophisticated microarchitectural attacks like Spectre, Meltdown, and RIDL. These vulnerabilities are exploited by hackers to compromise real-world systems, implant malware, mount DDOS attacks, etc.

Unique Aspects

• Unique Focus: Emphasis on low-level systems security, unique in comparison with other programs that favor breadth over depth or focus on more theoretical cybersecurity aspects.
• High Demand: Both the industry and Computer Science research departments are chasing well-qualified graduates in this field.
• Personal Attention: Work together with the best researchers in the field.

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