BACHELOR  3.

9 / 5
STUDENT SATISFACTION

OF SCIENCE  69%
PROCEEDS TO SECOND YEAR

TECHNICAL  55%
COMPUTER
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

SCIENCE
2 | Technical Computer Science

TECHNICAL COMPUTER SCIENCE

INTRODUCTION
Are you fascinated by computers, the science behind them, and what you can do with them? Do you enjoy pro-
gramming, or are you eager to get started with it? Would you like to study computer science, while also gaining
expertise in other essential fields, such as electrical engineering or business information technology? Do you
see yourself working at a software company or continuing with a master? If so, our three-year, English-taught
Bachelor’s in Technical Computer Science (TCS) is the right choice for you.

TECHNICAL COMPUTER SCIENCE A SOLID ACADEMIC PROGRAMME WITH A LOT OF

The Bachelor’s in Technical Computer Science will pre- TEAMWORK AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION
pare you for a career of choosing the best way of using Technical Computer Science plays a key role in societal,
computers and technology for solutions that benefit scientific and technical domains. This is why it is import-
people and society. You study a lot of mathematics and ant that as a technical computer scientist you are good at
you gain in-depth knowledge of programming, software working together with experts from other fields: from
systems, computer networks, algorithms, computer electrical engineers, business information technologists
hardware, human-media interaction and much more. You and mechanical engineers to physicians, psychologists or
also go deeply into aspects such as information and public administration experts. You can come across all
data, complexity and security. This Bachelor has a strong these disciplines at the University of Twente.
focus on learning by doing through frequent, practical
projects. From the start, you apply your knowledge to Interdisciplinary teamwork plays an important role in this
real challenges, often working in teams. With this programme, both in the research you carry out and in the
Bachelor’s, especially if you combine it with a Master’s challenging team projects at the end of each module. All
degree, you learn to use your fascination for computers modules are based on research, design and engineering.
and technology for improvements and solutions in the In Module 2, for example, you and your team will design,
most diverse areas of society. test and implement a game in which you compete
against other teams – with the winners receiving bonus
PROFESSIONALISE IN AN INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT marks. In Module 4, you get to work on a project taken
Technical Computer Science is a field that increasingly from the business world. Throughout the course we
transcends the boundaries of countries, organisations, cover key practical matters, such as planning, time man-
cultures and disciplines. Therefore, we pay attention to agement, presentation and group dynamics. This will
intercultural skills and help you if you want to study help you develop your skills in interdisciplinary team-
abroad. We offer an informal setting with plenty of indi- work, discover which team roles suit you best, and gain
vidual support and opportunities to grow, for example, by practical experience that will give you an edge on the job
doing an internship. In short, there is no better place than market.
here to start your journey.
MATCHING
The matching procedure is mandatory. The application
deadline is 1 May [Link]/tcs-enrolment

ADMISSION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

● Certificate equivalent to Dutch VWO (e.g. British A-

REQUIREMENTS levels, International Baccalaureate)

● English: CEFR, B2/C1 level; IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80,
Cambridge CAE or Pearson Test of English (PTE
FOR DUTCH STUDENTS (VWO-PROFILE)
Academic)
NT NG EM CM ● Mathematics

WIB WIB WIB

3 | Technical Computer Science

TECHNICAL COMPUTER SCIENCE

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Your Bachelor’s takes three years. Each year, you will follow four ten-week modules. This means that during
the course of your studies you will complete twelve modules.

FUTUREPROOF EDUCATION BACHELOR'S STRUCTURE

In every module, you will tackle a subject that is hot in During the first year, you will become familiar with the
society, business or industry. This theme will bring to- basics of technical and scientific disciplines. In the pro-
gether all the different components of your study: theory jects and practical assignments - which together make
and practice, research, designing solutions, self-study up around 30% of your programme - you can immedi-
and teamwork. ately apply the knowledge you gain.

As mentioned, the team project is a fixed part of each The second year is about broadening and deepening your
module, in which you apply your acquired knowledge to knowledge via electives and a minor.
a real-life challenge and design a solution together with a
team of fellow students. Some modules are shared with The third year is made up of a minor, a design project
other programmes such as Applied Mathematics and and a research project. In a design project you work to-
Business Information Technology. You will learn to look gether in a group on a project for a real client and in the
beyond the boundaries of your own discipline and make research project you will conduct your own individual re-
connections that result in unexpected solutions. This search. This is the final step you must take before you
challenging learning method is part of the Twente can call yourself a Bachelor of Science.
Education Model: an innovative way of studying that you
will only find at the UT.
[Link]/tom-model
4 | Technical Computer Science

STUDY OVERVIEW
EXPLANATION OF MODULES
YEAR 1
Module 1 The Diamonds of Computer Science

Module 2 Software Systems

Module 3 Network Systems

Module 4 Data & Information

MODULE 1 | THE DIAMONDS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE MODULE 4 | DATA & INFORMATION

In the first module, you will discover how vast the field is In the last module of the first year, you will learn how to
by getting to know the four Diamonds of computer sci- place relevant business information in a database. You
ence: Software Diamond, Hardware Diamond, will become familiar with data management concepts
Information Diamond and Security and Law. and relational databases. You will also work on develop-
ing software, using an approach that is quite common in
MODULE 2 | SOFTWARE SYSTEMS the business world: Agile software engineering. In two-
In this module, you will learn how to design and create week ‘sprints’, you will work on delivering the software,
software: from analysing the requirements to delivering a and in so-called ‘scrum sessions’, you will discuss with
working programme. For the final project, you will pro- fellow students what you have been doing, what your
gramme a multi-player game according to a fixed next steps are, and which problems need solving. You
structure. will do all this while working for a real client, giving you
valuable experience in applying your skills to meet actual
MODULE 3 | NETWORK SYSTEMS user needs. It is also a great way of learning how to work
The Internet is a good example of a computer network. on software as a team and in a structured way.
How does this kind of network operate? In this module,
you will learn more about how information is sent and re- Mathematics plays a central role throughout the pro-
ceived in small packages - through cables or a wireless gramme. Every module includes at least 3 EC of
system - how the best path through a network is found, mathematics, essential for understanding and solving
and how you can prevent the packages from getting complex technical problems.
damaged or lost on the way. Other topics in this module
are network applications, protection against misuse, and
the scalability of large networks. Each week, you take on
practical challenges that help you apply the theory dir-
ectly and deepen your understanding of how networks
function.

"Studying Technical Computer Science is a fun way to learn

problem-solving and many other useful skills through the
means of code"
- Rosan Maas -
5 | Technical Computer Science

STUDY OVERVIEW
EXPLANATION OF MODULES
YEAR 2 MODULE 7 | DISCRETE STRUCTURES & EFFICIENT
ALGORITHMS
Discrete structures and efficient algorithms are the silent
Module 5 Computer Systems force behind many of our everyday activities, be it
Internet banking (think of safe encryption algorithms), or
Module 6 Design of Interactive using a navigation system (think of rapid shortest path
Technologies computations). In this module, you will familiarise your-
self with mathematical structures, such as graphs, net-
works and languages, as well as basic algebraic struc-
Module 7 Discrete Structures & tures, such as groups and fields. The focus will be on al-
Efficient Algorithms gorithmic questions connected to these discrete struc-
tures. This means data structures, formal languages and
Module 8 Elective Module - E.G. models for computation will be on the menu, too. In the
Programming Paradigms team project, you will use your knowledge to implement
your own algorithm for solving the notorious graph iso-
morphism problem. Who knows, you may win the pro-
gramming competition!

MODULE 5 | COMPUTER SYSTEMS MODULE 8 | ELECTIVE MODULE - PROGRAMMING

PARADIGMS
In this module, you will learn how to realise digital cir-
Module 8 offers various elective options, in six different
cuits using Boolean algebra. With the help of these di-
gital circuits, you can develop the basic building blocks in-depth modules: Programming Paradigms, Smart
Spaces, Web Science, Intelligent Embedded
for a computer, such as adders and multipliers. You will:
Systems, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence: Seeing
● understand the major mechanisms of current general-
through the hype and Cyber Physical Systems. During
purpose operating systems exemplified by Linux module 8, Programming Paradigms centers on different
● appreciate the design space and trade-offs involved in ways of hard-core programming. The mainstream style
implementing an operating system of programming follows the imperative paradigm: you
● be capable of basic system-oriented programming tell the computer what it has to do step-by-step. But
and providing simple extensions to an operating there are some useful alternatives to this, such as the
system functional and logical paradigms, which are stronger and
● understand the exploitation of vulnerabilities and priv- better suited for certain purposes. You will learn about
ilege escalation. these alternatives and get a broader understanding of
other programming language concepts, such as typifica-
tion and semantics. The module Intelligent Embedded
MODULE 6 | DESIGN OF INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Systems covers hardware and software challenges and
This module centres on designing, realising and evaluat-
enables students to cover the job market related to em-
ing interaction between people and technological sys-
bedded programming or embedded software engineer-
tems. During the project, you will work in a multidiscip-
ing. This module focuses on creating hardware-aware
linary team with students of Business Information
software for intelligent embedded systems. The covered
Technology. As a team, you will develop an interactive
topics are embedded architectures, machine learning for
and intelligent system, which you are then to evaluate
resource-constrained computing systems, and the design
with potential users. You will also deepen your know-
of secure embedded systems. At the end of this module,
ledge of statistics, and learn about quantitative and qual-
you can create intelligent embedded systems that in-
itative methods for setting up user research. You will also
clude microcontrollers, FPGAs, and off-the-shelf gadgets
deal with various techniques for modelling intelligent sys-
with intelligent IoT (edgeAI) capabilities.
tem behaviour.
6 | Technical Computer Science

STUDY OVERVIEW
EXPLANATION OF MODULES
YEAR 3 MODULE 11 AND 12: GRADUATION SEMESTER
During your final semester – the second half of your third
year - you will participate in two large projects. In Module
Module 9 Electives 11, the Design Project, you and your project team will
work on an IT solution to a real-life problem.
Module 10 Minor Assignments are provided both by existing companies
from the area, and by research groups of the University
Module 11 Design Project of Twente.

In Module 12, you carry out an individual research pro-

Module 12 Research Project ject, presenting your findings at the Twente Student
Conference on IT. This conference is similar to a real sci-
entific conference. Some of our students’ research pro-
jects presented here are so good that they get published
MODULES 9 AND 10 | ELECTIVES in internationally recognised scientific journals. This
In your elective space, you have several options: makes the conference a highly educational, exciting con-
● Take one of the elective modules: clusion to your Bachelor’s. In choosing your graduation
● Smart Spaces (intelligent systems and design- project topic, you can bear in mind the Master’s special-
ing spaces) isation or programme you are aiming for.
● Data Science / Artificial Intelligence: seeing
through the hype (understand and apply DS & EXTRA CHALLENGE
AI to real-world problems and critically assess Would you like to learn about other scientific disciplines,
potential positive and negative impacts of the in addition to your existing study programme? If you
technology) would like to immerse yourself in mathematics, our
● Cyber-Physical Systems (complex systems that double degree in Technical Computer Science combined
bring together physics and computer science) with Applied Mathematics may be what you are looking
● Web Science (structure, behaviour and influ- for. If you would rather have a broader challenge, you
ence of global networks) may consider the Bachelor’s Honours programme. For
● Intelligent Embedded Systems (hardware and eighteen months, you will follow one of the multidiscip-
software functionality to perform a dedicated linary tracks and work closely with students and scient-
ists from other fields of study and research. The Honours
task)
programme begins every year in February and is open to
● Broaden your knowledge by taking subjects from
all Bachelor’s students who are in the graded top 10% of
other programmes, such as Business Information their study programme.
Technology, Advanced Technology, or Applied
Mathematics.
● Spend half a year studying at another university in the
Netherlands or abroad.
● Do an internship module at a company and learn to
put your acquired knowledge and skills into practice
in a professional context.
● Sign up with one of our student teams.
● Choose the Education minor Leren Lesgeven, which
translates to "Learn to teach" and get a second-de-
gree teaching qualification. This allows you to work as
a teacher at secondary school level. Please be aware
that this minor is in Dutch and allows you to work as
a teacher at secondary schools in the Netherlands.
7 | Technical Computer Science

WHAT'S NEXT AFTER

COMPLETING THIS
BACHELOR'S?
After this Bachelor's, you will be trained to apply and understand information technology. There is huge de-
mand in many different sectors for professionals who are eager to use technology for solving problems, and
who are capable of organising solutions and putting them in the right context. If you want to start working with
your additional Master’s degree, you will find plenty of job opportunities, even right here in Twente, the fast-
est-growing industrial region in the Netherlands.

CONTINUE YOUR STUDIES WITH A MASTER’S IN FINDING A JOB

COMPUTER SCIENCE After this Bachelor's, you are trained to apply and under-
A lot of Technical Computer Science alumni continue on stand information technology. There is huge demand in
to our two-year, English-taught Master’s in Computer many different sectors for professionals who are eager to
Science. The master’s is the perfect follow-up to the use technology for solving problems, and who are cap-
Bachelor’s in Technical Computer Science. It offers four able of organising solutions and putting them in the right
specialisations: context. If you want to start working with your additional
● Software Technology Master's, you will find plenty of job opportunities. Most
● Data Science & Technology graduates find a job within three months of completing
● Internet Science & Technology their Master’s. As an expert in a young branch of sci-
ence, you will then be free to choose your place in a vast
● Cyber Security
field, such as:
[Link]/cs-specialisations ● Developing new IT systems and services at multina-
tionals (like Google, Spotify or [Link])
OTHER MASTER'S ● Advising on and developing software, data infrastruc-
With your Bachelor’s degree in Technical Computer ture, security systems and automation as IT
Science, you are directly admissible to other Master’s consultant
too, such as: ● Working as a researcher at a university, research insti-
● Embedded Systems tute, or Research & Development department of a
● Interaction Technology company
● Business Information Technology ● Starting up your own business by proposing innovat-
● Science Education and Communication (in combina- ive solutions to existing problems
tion with the Master’s in Computer Science)
● Robotics

[Link]/msc

GET HELP IN What will you study and where?

CHOOSING A STUDY Sign up for our orientation activities and events like
the Open Days or an online meet-up with a student.

To our study choice calendar

8 | Technical Computer Science

NEED AND NICE-TO-KNOW

STUDENT INFORMATION
There are a couple of things you should know before you apply for the Bachelor's in Technical Computer
Science at the University of Twente.

Have you decided to sign up for the Bachelor’s MANDATORY MATCHING

in Technical Computer Science? Start your application Make sure you have completed your application before 1
now! May, as you will be in time to take part in the mandatory
[Link]/tcs-enrol matching procedure. After you have applied, you will re-
ceive more information on how to register for the match-
Check the admission requirements to be sure that your ing activities. Admission to the study without completing
application will succeed: the full matching procedure is not possible.
[Link]/tcs-requirement
9 | Technical Computer Science

WHAT IS EC? MY QUESTIONS

As a first-year student, you will face many new experi- Write down all your questions and ask them when con-
ences and new terms, such as ECs and binding tacting us.
recommendation. Student workload at Dutch universities
is expressed in EC, also named ECTS (European Credit ...................................................................................................
Transfer and Accumulation System), which is widely used
throughout the European Union. In the Netherlands, each ...................................................................................................
credit represents 28 hours of work on average. You must
be able to obtain 60 credits (EC) each year. ...................................................................................................

BINDING RECOMMENDATION ...................................................................................................

Our goal is to get you to the right place, which is why we
apply the principle of a binding recommendation. You ...................................................................................................
will receive positive advice if you have achieved 45 or
more of the 60 EC in the first year and have passed ...................................................................................................
enough maths courses. Negative advice is binding and
means you have to quit your studies and cannot re-enrol ...................................................................................................
for three years.
...................................................................................................
Under certain circumstances, despite a low score, we
can still give you a positive recommendation, if we have ...................................................................................................
sufficient confidence that you are in the right place. Did
personal circumstances such as illness interfere with
your study performance? The study adviser and Student
Affairs Coaching & Counselling are there to help you.
[Link]/wellbeing

BE PART OF A LEARNING COMMUNITY ON CAMPUS

As a student, you will profit from the beautiful campus:
a sustainable, well-maintained parkland dotted with top
facilities. The campus has as many activities to offer as a
small town. It’s a dynamic and close-knit community to
live and work in, where around 13,000 students and
3,800 staff members – representing around 100 national-
ities – use the latest knowledge and technology for a bet-
ter future.
[Link]/campus

JOIN AN ASSOCIATION!
Feel like swimming a few laps or going for a sprint after
class? Or would you rather play the piano or sing in one
of the pop studios? On and around campus, you’ll find
over 130 different student associations - ranging from
sports and performing arts to business and social
clubs. Which association will you join?
[Link]/associations

A DAY IN A LIFE What's it like to study Technical Computer Science?

Our student shows you a day in his student life.
OF OUR STUDENT Watch the vlog
10 | Technical Computer Science

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

YOUR NOTES
Make a note and ask them when you contact us. We are happy to help you choose the right studies!

MY QUESTIONS DO NOT FORGET

Write down all your questions and ask them when con- Important things to remember
tacting us!
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IMPORTANT DEADLINES
............................................................................................. Keep in mind!

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GET IN TOUCH  Student Services

Questions about this study programme? Whatever  study@[Link]

your question is, we will be happy to help you.  +31 (0)53 489 54 89

Contact us [Link]/bsc-contact
 +31 (0)6 51 84 26 33

 utwente
WHY CHOOSE
TO STUDY AT UT?
As a UT student, you will learn how to use innovative technologies to influence today's societal challenges
meaningfully. You will benefit from excellent, highly personalised education and research in fields ranging from
social sciences and engineering to natural sciences and life sciences. You will learn to work with experts from
other disciplines and cultures. In doing so, you will develop in-depth professional knowledge and intensive per-
sonal growth.

Your study location is our campus: a dynamic community for young people to work, live and socialise. It's a
breeding ground for brilliant ideas, where you follow academic education and apply your new skills in the vari-
ous state-of-the-art labs. This is also where you meet up with friends, play sports or visit the theatre. You can
even go for groceries or catch up in the bar. And downtown Enschede is just a 10-minute bike ride away!

12,363 1,600+
 STUDENTS IN TOTAL  PROFESSIONALS
TRAINED
 113 NATIONALITIES  380 LAB FACILITIES

3,000 37 16
 STUDENT APARTMENTS
ON CAMPUS
 SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS  CULTURE
ASSOCIATIONS