Master 2019-2020

Security and Network

Engineering
uva.nl/msc-sne

FACTS & FIGURES The Master's programme Security and Network

Degree: MSc Security and Engineering focuses on understanding, developing and
Network Engineering
Language: English maintaining complex ICT systems and large-scale
Credits: 60 EC, 12 months
Mode: Full-time, part-time networks on a practical and theoretical level. It has a
Start: September
Tuition per year*: strong focus on security. Rated among the best Dutch
EU/EEA students: €2,083
Non-EU/EEA: €22,010 Master's programmes in Informatics, we encourage our
Application deadlines
Dutch students: 1 July students to be independent thinkers, take initiative and
EU/EEA: 1 July
Non-EU/EEA: 1 February work together.
SPECIAL FACILITIES:
THE SNE COMPUTER LABS

As an SNE student you spend

most of your time in our two
computer labs. These labs are
specifically designed for the
programme, with all the
necessary hardware and
software at hand. Students
have their own workdesk with
a personal desktop computer
and provisions for connecting a
laptop. The production
environment is based on the
Unix Sytem Linux, in keeping
with the 'open technology'
philosophy of the programme.
Next to the main computer lab
is the SNE server room, which
functions separately from the
regular UvA computer
infrastructure and is well
connected to both SNE labs. It
contains the main SNE servers
as well as special experimenta-
tion machines for each student,
to use and adapt freely for
practical assignments and
research projects.
These state-of-the-art
facilities promote the quality of
the programme and at the
same time serve as an example
of real-life system and network
engineering for our students.
Study programme
Weekly routine
A typical study week requires approxi-
mately 40 hours of study. You will spend
four days in the SNE labs, from 10:00 to
16:00, with generally a course lecture in the
morning and a related practical assignment
in the afternoon. The remaining 16 hours
are taken up by guest lectures, colloquia,
company visits and self study.
Curriculum
The programme consists of eight courses
(all 6 EC) and two research projects. The
courses are divided into two focus areas
which you follow in parallel:
Focus area: Networking
This area focuses on the architecture and
protocols of layers two, three and four of
the Internet TCP/IP stack. It provides you
with a theoretical background as well as
extensive hands-on experience.
The course 'InterNetworking and Routing'
looks at the world of switching and routing
in local and wide area networks. It covers
layer 2 switching and Interior Gateway
Protocols like RIP and OSPF and the
Exterior Gateway Protocol BGP. As part
of the course you will build your own
Autonomous System and set up peering
with the other students via our own
Internet Exchange.
The 'Advanced Networking' course
provides an in-depth overview of TCP, and
optical and wireless transmission. In
addition you will look at and work with
recent developments in the area of
programmable networks, Software Defined
Networking and Network Virtualisation
Functions. Highlight of the course is when
you are asked to design your own 10 Gbps
network using our carrier-grade routers
and switches.
'Classical Internet Applications' gives you
some history, covers DNS and DNSSEC,
looks at email and web. Basic computer
architecture will also be covered.
The last course in this focus area has an
overlap in the Security focus area and
covers design, administration, foundations
and scalability of 'Large Systems'.
Focus area: Security
This area focuses on all aspects of security, forensic intelligence and analysis. You will learn
to trace digital evidence on all levels, from a single computer to a large network. You are
taught to track down cybercrime and to document digital evidence in a way that will hold
up in court.

The course 'CyberCrime and Forensics' covers data acquisition from ICT infrastructures
for investigative purposes in a forensically sound manner.

The 'Advanced Security' course discusses malware and the security of radio-based
technologies (GSM, Bluetooth, ZigBee) and mobile operating systems. It also teaches you
Security and Network
how to run an efficient and effective security incident response team. Engineering is designated as
‘Top Programme’ by the
'Security of Systems and Networks' looks at crypto (both traditional and modern), Universities Study Guide 2018.

protocols (TLS and IPsec), authentication, passwords and hacking tools.

Career prospects
As an SNE graduate you are in
The course ‘Offensive Technologies’ focuses on physical, network, database and high demand on the labour
market. With the ever-
application security. You will make in-depth analyses of real-life attacks and get hands-on
increasing impact and
experience with hacking, monitoring and defending. complexity of technical ICT
infrastructure, academically
Research projects trained security and network
engineers play a central role in
You will conduct two individual research projects of a month each, one in January and one
any organisation with complex
in June. The second research project will culminate in your Master's thesis. ICT systems and large-scale
networks. Most SNE graduates
have challenging positions in
Academic support
industry, with companies such
A team of lecturers, lab teachers and a system engineer provides intensive study guidance, as banks, internet service
on a group basis as well as individually. providers, intelligence agencies
and consultancies. A smaller
percentage continues in
Part-time programme research.
The SNE programme can also be completed part-time, in two years instead of one. This is
an option for people who are already working in the field and looking to accelerate their
Scholarships
professional development. The part-time programme requires you to be present at least
The University of Amsterdam
two full days per week and often a third day, and full-time during research projects, which (UvA) and the Faculty of
means you have to make flexible arrangements with your employer. Science aim to attract the
world’s brightest students to its
international classrooms. For
that reason, it has established
several scholarship programmes
specifically designed to offer
talented and motivated
international students the
opportunity to pursue a degree
at the UvA.
 CONTACT

For programme-specific
questions: uva.nl/msc-sne or
info@os3.nl

For general questions about

studying at the UvA Faculty of
Science:
servicedesk-esc-science@uva.nl

For a 'Meet the Master Day'

(accompanying a Master's
student during their daily study
routine): meet-the-msc@uva.nl

Location:
Science Park 904,
1098 XH Amsterdam
The Netherlands

CREDITS

Photography: Fred van Diem,

Hanne Nijhuis

Application & Admission © 2018

University of Amsterdam
Selection procedure
You are eligible for the SNE programme if No rights can be derived from
Once we have established that you have the the contents of this brochure.
you have one of the following Dutch or
required educational background, you are
foreign degrees:
invited to participate in the selection *Tuition fees may change, and differ based on your

• An academic Bachelor's degree in personal situation. For detailed information:

procedure. This procedure consists of a
(Technical) Computer Science (or a uva.nl/tuition
number of written exams, followed by an
closely related study programme)
intake interview - provided that you pass
• An applied sciences Dutch
each exam. The exams test your knowledge
(HBO) Bachelor's degree in (Technical)
and skills with regard to networking, Unix,
Computer Science (or a closely related
algebra, discrete mathematics, Python, shell
study programme).
scripting and academic writing; the intake
interview discusses your exam results, your
If your Bachelor's degree is from a
Bachelor's project and your motivation to
non-Dutch institution, you must also fulfil
join the programme.
additional entry requirements regarding
academic background, grade point average
The SNE selection procedure is held three
and proficiency in English. Please check the
times per year: in March, May and July.
website mentioned below for further
We advise you to take part in March or
information.
May; if any deficiencies become apparent at
that time, you can take action to resolve
them and try again in July.

Application
To apply for the SNE programme, please
follow the online application procedure at
uva.nl/msc-sne