Studying Information Technology in the Netherlands
A Bachelor of Information Technology degree in the Netherlands is an undergraduate academic degree that generally requires three to four years of study to acquire. Students of Information Technology are trained to become an all-round IT-expert in software engineering. During the course students can specialize in engineering or IT-related business management. With the knowledge and skills collected at your chosen university in the Netherlands, students can work as high-level engineers and managers in the IT sector. Students coming from a university with a profile in Information Technology or Computer Science might enter the course in year 2, 3 or 4, depending on the match of curricula.
Information Technology offers theoretical subjects and practical laboratory training for instance in:
computer science;
networks and protocols;
communication;
-software engineering and software management;
-programming in e.g. Java; C++ and other higher programming languages;
-mathematics;
-database modelling and design;
-project management and project skills;
-human and ethic aspects of information technology;
-multi media (webdesign);
-user interface design;
-real time applications;
-telematics;
-embedded software.
It depends on where you study Information Technology in the Netherlands, but generally the curriculum is built up of different modules (periods in a year), in which certain subjects are taught. In some courses, you apply your knowledge in internships in companies and in a graduation assignment.
What does an engineer or manager in Information Technology do?
- advice how to use ICT;
-make Informatics Policy Plans;
-consulting users;
-express wishes;
-think of solutions;
-writing computer programs to solve the problem;
-explain the use of the program;
-aftercare and maintenance;
-implementation plans.
An ICT manager especially focuses on the business aspects related to e.g. setting up IT companies and all marketing activities involved.
Major-minor model
The structuring of education according to the major-minor model offers a range of new opportunities. This educational model has been in use abroad for a considerable amount of time, and is now being introduced to the Dutch universities of Applied Sciences.
Basic programme and elective programme
Every Information Technology bachelor course is broken down into a major and a minor phase. The major is the core of your course of study, the basic programme that encompasses 75% of the total course. In a major programme, various courses from a particular field will join forces. At some universities, the following fields or domains are available: arts, economy, care, technology, man and society, and education.
The minor component of your course of studies is an elective programme that occupies 25% of the course. From all the minor programmes available, you select two minor courses. These minors may be chosen from an entirely different field of specialisation than your major. A number of examples from the huge range of minor courses which may be available are: European Studies, International Business and Management Studies, Language and related culture or Marketing.
Studying Information Technology in the Netherlands means you come across an interesting variety of teaching methods. Lectures, classes and project learning go hand in hand with practical and self-study modules, stimulating you as a student to become responsible for your own education and career planning. Of course a student is guided, counselled and trained during the four years to finally become an all-round engineer ready to face the international market. During the four years you encounter several internships and a graduation term in which you have to prove that you are able to analyse, tackle and solve problems in companies, applying theory and practical skills as well as a problem-solving attitude.
When you come to the Netherlands to study Information Technology, the Dutch culture will be all around you, as the system is Dutch and your daily life will be among the Dutch. The Dutch are an open-minded people ready to accept differences between people and willing to test their own command of the English language. The academic staff presents the subjects in English as the language of instruction. As a student entering the English programme, you will interact with other nationalities, starting your international network at an early stage in life. Working in multi-cultural teams is a challenge in itself. Imagine an Indonesian student working in a group with Chinese, Vietnamese, Cameroonian, Dutch, Iranian, Syrian and East-European students. That is the world in a nutshell.
Fontys University of Applied Sciences
Fontys University of Applied Sciences is a conglomerate of institutes of university education. It has about 37000 students attending these institutes throughout the Netherlands. Fontys stands for craftsmanship, the ultimate combination of theory and practical experience. The engineering and technology institutes are mainly located in Eindhoven and have about 5.000 students studying in different disciplines of engineering. The engineering institutes were founded by captains of industry in the south-eastern region of the country. The region is well-known for its industry, companies and knowledge of electronics (Philips), mechanics (DAF) and mechatronics (ASML), a high tech specialisation that created the CD player, for instance.
The English study programme in Information Technology (software engineering) is a four-year course, leading to the international Bachelor degree in ICT. The degree is accredited by the Dutch government and is in accordance with European laws.
The administration provides students and staff with a home base within the education complex. The unit is situated in Eindhoven, a suburban city in the Netherlands. Eindhoven can easily be reached by car, but has its own airport and of course a railway system. But being a student means that you have to try the easiest, energy-, cost- and time-saving transport there is: the bicycle. Used by students, engineers, the Prime Minister and even the queen on safe cycle tracks all over The Netherlands.
If you need further information about accommodation, the curriculum, tuition fees, scholarships etc. you can contact
www.fontys.edu/ICTandEngineering
