Study overview Technical Computer Science

Source: https://www.utwente.nl/en/education/bachelor/programmes/technical-computer-science/study-programme/ Parent: https://www.utwente.nl/en/education/bachelor/programmes/technical-computer-science/

Learn to find the best way of using computers and technology for solutions that benefit people and society.

You’ll build a solid foundation in mathematics and gain in‑depth knowledge of programming, software systems, computer networks, algorithms, hardware, human‑computer interaction and more. You’ll dive into data, information, complexity and security. With this bachelor’s programme, especially when combined with a master’s, you’ll turn your fascination for computers and technology into smart, impactful solutions for a wide range of societal challenges.

Modules Technical Computer Science

During this three-year Bachelor's, you will follow twelve modules: four modules per year. Each module covers a theme and brings together all the main aspects of your studies: theory and practice, research and solution design, self-study and teamwork.

Module overview

Year 1EC
Module 1 | The Diamonds of Computer Science15

In the first module, you will discover how vast the field isby getting to know the four Diamonds of computerscience: Software Diamond, Hardware Diamond,Information Diamond and Security and Law. - Module 2 | Software Systems15

In this module, you will learn how to design and create software: from analysing the requirements to delivering a working programme. For the final project, you will programme a multi-player game according to a fixed structure. - Module 3 | Network Systems15

The Internet is a good example of a computer network. How does this kind of network operate? In this module, you will learn more about how information is sent and received in small packages – through cables or a wireless system – how the best path through a network is found, and how you can prevent the packages from getting 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 directly and deepen your understanding of how networks function. - Module 4 | Data & Information15

In the last module of the first year, you will learn how to place relevant business information in a database. You will become familiar with data management concepts and relational databases. You will also work on developing software, using an approach that is quite common in the business world: Agile software engineering. In two-week ‘sprints’, you will work on delivering the software, and in so-called ‘scrum sessions’, you will discuss with fellow students what you have been doing, what your next steps are, and which problems need solving. You will do all this while working for a real client, giving you valuable experience in applying your skills to meet actual user needs. It is a great way of learning how to work on software as a team and in a structured way. - Year 2EC
Module 5 | Computer Systems15

In this module, you will learn how to realise digital circuits using Boolean algebra. With the help of these digital circuits, you can develop the basic building blocks for a computer, such as adders and multipliers. You will:

● understand the major mechanisms of current general-purpose operating systems exemplified by Linux\ ● appreciate the design space and trade-offs involved inimplementing an operating system\ ● be capable of basic system-oriented programming and providing simple extensions to an operating system\ ● understand the exploitation of vulnerabilities and privilege escalation. - Module 6 | Design of Interactive Technologies15

This module centres on designing, realising and evaluating interaction between people and technological systems. During the project, you will work in a multidisciplinary team with students of Business Information Technology. As a team, you will develop an interactive and intelligent system, which you are then to evaluate with potential users. You will also deepen your knowledge of statistics, and learn about quantitative and qualitative methods for setting up user research. You will also deal with the various techniques for modelling intelligent system behaviour. - Module 7 | Discrete Structures & efficient Algorithms15

Discrete structures and efficient algorithms are the silent force behind many of our everyday activities, be it Internet banking (think of safe encryption algorithms), or using a navigation system (think of rapid shortest path computations). In this module, you will familiarise yourself with mathematical structures, such as graphs, networks and languages, as well as basic algebraic structures, such as groups and fields. The focus will be on algorithmic questions connected to these discrete structures. This means data structures, formal languages and models for computation will be on the menu, too. In the team project, you will use your knowledge to implement your own algorithm for solving the notorious graph isomorphism problem. Who knows, you may win the programming competition! - Module 8 | Electives15

Module 8 offers various elective options. TCS offers four different modules: Programming Paradigms, Smart Spaces, Web Science, Cyber Physical Systems and Data Science & Artificial Intelligence: Seeing through the hype. Many students choose to follow Programming Paradigms, which centres on the different ways of hard-core programming. The standard style of programming follows the imperative paradigm: you tell the computer what it has to do step-by-step. But there are some surprising alternatives to this, such as the functional and logical paradigms, which are stronger and better suited for certain purposes. In this module, you will not only learn about these alternatives, you will also get a broader view and understanding of other programming language concepts, such as typification and semantics. - Year 3EC
Modules 9&10 | Electives30

In modules 9&10 these are your options:

Take one of the Technical Computer Science elective modules: Smart Spaces (intelligent systems and designing spaces), Cyber-Physical Systems (complex systems that bring together physics and computer science), Web Science (structure, behaviour and influence of global networks), Programming Paradigms or Data Science & Artificial Intelligence: Seeing through the hype if you haven't followed that during module 8.

Broaden your knowledge by taking subjects from other programmes, such as Business Information 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 ourstudent teams.

Do you see yourself going into teaching? Choose the Education minorand get a second degree teaching qualification. This allows you to work as a teacher at secondary school level. Note: this minor is in Dutch. - Modules 11&12 | Graduation semester30

During your final semester, you will participate in two large projects. In Module 11, the Design Project, you and your project team will work on an IT problem. Both the University of Twente and existing IT businesses can provide the assignments. Either way, you will be working on a real-life problem.

In Module 12, you carry out an individual research project, presenting your findings at the Twente Student Conference on IT. This conference is similar to a real scientific conference. Some of our students’ research projects presented here are so good that they get published in internationally recognised scientific journals. This makes the conference a highly educational, exciting conclusion to your bachelor's. If you pass this test, the Bachelor of Science degree will be yours. In choosing your graduation project topic, you can bear in mind the master’s specialisation or programme you are aiming for.

Courses Technical Computer Science

Curious which courses are part of the modules? You can download the course information below.

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First time at university

When you are a first-year student, you experience many new things. Here we start explaining at least a few of them.

You complete modules

During your three-year bachelor's programme, you will take 12 modules (4 modules per year). Each module, you will address a theme that is hot in society, business or industry. This theme will bring together all the components of your study: theory and practice, research, designing solutions, self-study and teamwork.

A fixed part of every module is the team project, in which you and your teammates apply the knowledge you have acquired to a current challenge and design a workable solution. This learning method is part of the Twente Education Model (TOM): an innovative approach to studying that you will only find at the University of Twente.

Study points - how do they work?

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. You need to acquire 60 credits each year.

Your programme assigns fixed numbers of hours to each assignment, project report or exam. In the first year, you need to get at least 45 out of 60 points to be able to continue to the second year.

Did you get 45 EC or more? Then you can enter the second year

Our aim is to get you in the right place as soon as possible, which is why we use the principle of a binding recommendation. You will receive a positive recommendation if you have obtained 45 or more of the 60 EC in the first year. A negative recommendation is binding and means you have to leave the programme. Under certain circumstances, we may give you a positive recommendation despite a low score. For example, if we are confident that you are in the right place.

Do personal circumstances such as illness or problems interfere with your study performance? Student Affairs Coaching & Counselling (SACC) is there to support you.

FAQ about the programme and its content

Is Computer Science difficult? How intense is the programme and workload?

A degree in Technical Computer Science is definitely challenging. In the first year, you need to earn at least 45 out of 60 EC to continue to the second year. Depending on your background, it can be tough, but with dedication and support, it’s absolutely doable.

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How many years does it take to study the Bachelor’s in Computer Science?

A degree in Technical Computer Science is a three-year, full-time programme. After completing your bachelor’s, many graduatues continue with our two-year, English-taught Master’s in Computer Science, the perfect follow-up to the bachelor’s, offering four specialisations:

With your bachelor’s degree, you are also directly eligible for other master’s programmes, such as Embedded Systems, or Interaction Technology.

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What subjects do I need to study Computer Science?

For international diplomas, equivalent mathematics requirements apply. For Dutch VWO, Mathematics B is required. Find more details on the admission requirement webpage.

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Do I need prior coding experience to study Computer Science?

No, prior programming experience is not required, as the programme starts from the basics. However, having some experience can be very helpful.

What matters most is a strong foundation in mathematics, which is essential for the study programme.

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What programming languages will I learn?

You will work with several programming languages, including Java, C++, Python and Haskell. In addition, there is a module where you will design and implement your own programming language.

Along the way, you will also learn industry-standard programming concepts by applying them in real projects, such as designing systems and building software (including games).

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What kind of math is used in the study Technical Computer Science?

You will take Calculus, Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, Probability, plus topics like graph theory, algorithms, and algebraic structures. Find more on study programme webpage.

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Does the programme include AI, data science, or cybersecurity?

Yes. You will learn about AI in year 2, module 6 and in year 3 you can choose elective modules such as Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Cyber-Physical Systems, Smart Spaces, and Web Science.

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What is the difference between Computer Science and related degrees like Software Engineering, Data Science, and CIT?

Software Engineering, Data Science and CIT are all part of the Bachelor’s in Technical Computer Science. The programme is much broader, as it not only covers these areas but also provides a strong theoretical foundation through mathematics. This broad base prepares you for a wide range of fields within computer science.

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