Computer Science and Science-Based Business

Specialisation of: Computer Science
Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Start date: Flexible, for international students preferably September or February
Language of instruction: English
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60300
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This combination of science and business will both train you as a researcher in Computer Science and prepare you for going into industry and business. In close cooperation with senior research staff, you will do your own research project in the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science. Courses on theory and experimentation on the frontier of Science will further enhance your knowledge. In a networked and case-based programme on management, business and entrepreneurship you will learn about running science-driven companies and exploiting business opportunities created in research. Your newly acquired knowledge and skills you will apply and enhance further in a company internship or business assignment.

Programme

In this 2-year programme – 20 months net study time – you will spend between about 10 and 13 months on Computer Sciences and 7 to 10 months on business. There is ample opportunity to tailor the programme to your own preferences.

In Computer Sciences you will do a 7 month’s research project in a research group of the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS). In addition you spend 3 to 6 months on coursework related to your research topic.

In your business programme, you spend between 3 and 6 months on business courses. You can choose between courses with emphasis on business in established, science-based companies and courses on business venturing and technopreneurship, focusing in particular on creating new business from discoveries and inventions in science research. Your knowledge of business in combination with your science skills you will apply and further develop in a 4 to 6 months’ business internship or assignment.

Some of the business courses you can also do as electives should you choose one of the research specialisations of the master programme in Computer Science.
For an up to date course overview of Computer Science, see the study guide.
More detailed information on the full SBB programme can be found at the SBB website.

Prof. Kok

“The computer is becoming increasingly invisible but consequently more powerful.”

“Computer science is a relatively new field where there is still a lot to be achieved. I am fascinated by computers: in writing software you really are creating something. That’s a powerful feeling. In addition, as a computer scientist, the world is your oyster and you have access to an extensive range of different working environments.

Leiden offers students four unique research clusters: Algorithms, Computer Systems, Imagery & Media and Foundations of Software Technology. I believe that this broad structure is what makes our master’s so attractive. We distinguish ourselves from other programmes as a result of our fundamental approach and because we not only focus on technology, but also on the application of computer science in such environments as the insurance industry, supermarkets and hospitals.

There are many opportunities inherent in computer science – the pace of technological developments based on computer science is very rapid – but some things are not possible and never will be possible. You can’t write a programme, for example, that monitors whether other programmes ever stop. Computer science has a number of these fundamental limitations and I find it interesting that my field addresses these issues.

I believe that people are not sufficiently aware how much computer science has penetrated their everyday lives. And this trend will continue. I have high expectations of grid computing: the computer is becoming increasingly invisible but consequently more powerful. Computer science will enter your home, like electricity, and organise everything for you.”