About

We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers, but they cannot work without us either! After all, someone has to tell them what to do. That requires people who enjoy devising ever-smarter solutions and innovations.

Computing scientists design, improve and implement the software and computer systems that businesses and our social life cannot do without. The Computing Science programme is offered at the University of Groningen.

Use your skills as you learn

Computing Science is the discipline that involves the study and development of computer systems. This can involve either new or existing systems. The stimulating aspect of this degree programme is that you can put the knowledge and skills you acquire to practical use straightaway, for example by writing a useful computer programme.

More than just programming

If you choose to study Computing Science at Groningen, you will learn high level programming in several languages. But programming accounts for only a quarter of the degree. You will also be producing documentation, carrying out analyses, working with others, giving presentations and writing.
Computing science is a good subject to study if you have wide-ranging interests; it can be easily combined with another subject area.

Job prospects

In spite of the recession, many students in Computing Science are offered a job before they have even graduated! They work in a wide variety of occupations in the Netherlands or abroad. There are plenty of career opportunities for you as a creative problem-solver!

Finding work when you graduate

After completing their Master's degree, many graduates find work with IT firms, large companies, public-sector organizations, hospitals or educational institutions, where they design software components or lead projects that involve merging various components or even systems.

Other career prospects

If you have knowledge of computing, the ability to think at an academic level and a problem-solving approach, many companies will welcome you, in management positions too. Education and science journalism are other possible areas.

Or will you study for a PhD?

Some graduates choose a PhD programme involving four years of research. The research concludes with a thesis, which will earn you the title of Doctor of Computing Science. Everyone who does this finds an interesting job, either within the university or outside, for example at a hospital or at an independent firm.

Job examples

• Management position

• IT professional in the business or public sector

• Journalist

• Teacher