Applied Computer Science

Projects with impact

What makes studying at Hanze UAS unique is that you will work on projects for real clients and contribute to concrete solutions for current issues impacting society. Below, you can find some examples of projects our students engage in.

About the bachelor Applied Computer Science

The four-year Applied Computer Science programme at Hanze provides a strong technical foundation while allowing you to shape your own path, supported by personal guidance throughout. You progress from core fundamentals to specialisation and, finally, to real-world professional practice.

Course overview

Year 1

In your first year, you build a broad and solid base at the intersection of software and hardware. You learn to programme in multiple languages and gain an understanding of electronics, computer architecture, networking, operating systems and mathematics. From day one, you work on practical projects alongside fellow students, applying your knowledge to real challenges. You will not just work on technical topics, but will also build the skills you need to operate in the industry. You will work in a way that mirrors the professional field by working in teams, working on professional products, working on challenging projects and presenting your progress in a professional way. 

Year 2

In the second year, the programme becomes more in-depth. You move beyond the fundamentals and start tackling the technologies that define modern computing. You explore how networks are built and secured, how operating systems manage the hardware beneath your code, and how distributed systems keep applications running reliably at scale. You also get hands-on experience with machine learning and AI. Not just as buzzwords, but as practical tools you learn to build and apply yourself. By the end of year two, you have the technical maturity to specialise with confidence.

Year 3

In your third year, you will choose a specialisation within Applied Computer Science and spend the first half of the year working on professional products in this area. In the second half, you broaden your perspective through a minor, at Hanze or elsewhere, with the option to study abroad.

Year 4

In your fourth and final year, you spend both semesters working on professional products through internships at national or international companies or institutions. This is where you put everything you have learned into practice and demonstrate that you are ready to begin your career as a computing professional.

After your studies

Pursue a master's degree

After your Bachelor of Science, you can continue with a Master’s programme. Options at Hanze include a Master’s in Smart Systems Engineering, Digital Transformation or Data Science for Life Sciences. You can also apply for a master’s at another university, in the Netherlands or abroad in fields such as Computer Science, Embedded Systems or Artificial Intelligence.

Career prospects

After graduation, you are ready to work across virtually every sector, from tech companies and start-ups to healthcare, logistics, energy and government. You could work at a wide range of national and international companies, such as the Dutch semiconductor companies ASML, NXP and Philips. Examples of roles include:

• Embedded systems engineer
• IoT developer
• Software engineer
• AI & machine learning engineer
• Cybersecurity specialist
• Data engineer or analyst
• Systems or network engineer
• Research and Development (R&D) engineer

There are great career opportunities in the (North of the) Netherlands. Hanze UAS helps you prepare through, among other things, Dutch language courses and Career Services.