Maastricht University (UM) is a prestigious research university in Maastricht, Netherlands. It is known for its Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach, where students actively participate in small groups to solve real-world problems. The university offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines and has a strong international presence, attracting students from around the world. UM emphasizes research in fields like sustainability, health, and governance. With its vibrant campus and cultural setting, Maastricht University provides an innovative education and a global perspective.

The bachelor’s programme in Computer Science focuses on software development and on building real-life skills like documenting, planning, and teamwork. This three-year programme gradually increases the freedom you have to pursue your own interests and talents in the field.

The curriculum consists of courses, projects and modules. In the first two years, you can expect to spend around 16 hours a week on courses, 4 hours a week on projects and another 20 weekly hours on studying independently. Year 3 of the programme follows a different structure. It starts with an elective semester and concludes with the bachelor’s thesis.

Year 1
The first year of the programme teaches you the basics of Computer Science. You will learn how to program and how computer systems work. Additional mathematics courses complete your first year of training as a computer scientist. If you are wondering why, consider that ‘to compute’ means ‘to calculate’. Computers follow the rules of mathematics and logic, so these topics shape the way you program one.

During year 1, you follow the same mandatory courses (‘core courses’) as everyone else in your year. You also participate in two semester-long group projects. These projects build upon the knowledge you obtain from the courses. Such a project initially runs alongside your courses, and ends with a course-free period that is fully dedicated to wrapping up the project.

Year 2
Year 2 continues your training with a number of mandatory core courses. These courses deepen your Computer Science knowledge and provide basic understanding of related fields, such as Human-Computer Interaction.

With year 1 under your belt, you now know enough about Computer Science to start customizing your curriculum through choice modules. Modules consist of one elective course with a corresponding project. You can choose between modules that explore the following topics:

Intelligent Interaction, or Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in Semester 3
High Performance Computing, or Cybersecurity & Internet of Things in Semester 4

Year 3
Year 3 is the most flexible year of the programme. It’s up to you to either deepen or broaden your knowledge, including with topics from other fields.

Semester 5 is a so-called elective semester, where you can choose between one of three options:

6 elective courses with a Brightlands Campus Project
If you want to deepen your knowledge, we offer an elaborate list of Computer Science courses for you to choose from. In addition, the Faculty of Science and Engineering offers various courses in related fields, like physics, that you can select. If you go for elective courses in Semester 5, we offer you a special project in collaboration with the Brightlands Smart Services Campus. A local company or organization will put forward a real business case for you to crack during this semester’s group project.

Minor in Education
Minors are carefully crafted mixes of courses, assignments and other experiences. They allow you to gain experience in a completely different field of study. We offer a minor in Education: a Dutch-speaking minor that results in a formal qualification to teach computer science at selected levels in Dutch high schools.

Semester abroad
We offer a limited number of places to study abroad at one of our European partner universities. Options for instance include Denmark, Italy, and Iceland.
Semester 6 offers core courses that match your knowledge level as a nearly graduated computer scientist. The rest of this semester is reserved for your bachelor’s thesis. You choose the topic and supervisor for this final achievement, for which you carry out a research project and write up the results. The bachelor’s thesis is an individual assignment.

Maastricht University (UM) is a renowned public research university located in the city of Maastricht in the Netherlands. Founded in 1976, it has established itself as a leading institution in Europe for its innovative approach to education, interdisciplinary research, and international outlook. One of the distinctive features of Maastricht University is its Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system. Instead of traditional lectures, students engage in small tutorial groups, actively participating in discussions and solving real-life problems. This interactive learning method fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and independent learning skills among students. The university offers a wide range of academic programs across multiple disciplines, including arts and social sciences, law, economics and business, health, medicine, life sciences, and technology. It has several faculties, such as the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Law, and the Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, among others. Maastricht University has a strong focus on internationalization and hosts a diverse community of students and staff from around the world. Many programs are taught in English, attracting a large number of international students. The university also has partnerships with numerous institutions globally, providing opportunities for student exchanges, joint research projects, and international collaboration. Research at Maastricht University is highly regarded and encompasses a wide range of fields, including sustainability, health, data science, and governance. The university's researchers are actively involved in addressing societal challenges and contributing to scientific advancements. With its vibrant campus located in the historic city of Maastricht, the university offers a stimulating academic environment and a rich cultural experience. Students have access to modern facilities, libraries, and a variety of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations.

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it