MSC ICT in Business and the Public Sector

In the two-year master’s programme ICT in Business and the Public Sector, you will expand your knowledge of ICT and develop business and organisational skills that are essential to become a modern IT professional.

Why Leiden University?

The ICT in Business and the Public Sector master’s programme aims to provide a deeper understanding of the issues, challenges and opportunities of this subject. The programme focuses on management and alignment of ICT in a business and socio-technical context.

Putting knowledge into practice: hands-on experience

By the nature of the programme, most of the courses involve practical business cases brought in by the external lecturers, both from industry as well as the public sector. In a number of courses, there are company visits or guest speakers. One course in specific, Capstone Cases, is centered on company visits. You will visit large companies, learn about their problem, and finally return to present your suggested solutions to the company stakeholders. For the ICT in the Public Sector students, similar visits to ministries will be arranged. Finally, the large majority of our students opt for an internship to inspire their thesis research.

International focus

The ICT in Business and the Public Sector programme has an international focus. It is of particular interest to participants wishing to pursue an international career involving both ICT and management. Besides students and lecturers coming from all over the world, there are several possibilities for studying abroad. Cross-cultural teamwork is required in a lot of courses.

Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Sciences (LIACS)

The master ICT in Business and the Public Sector is offered by the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS). The Institute has a strong tradition in combining a theoretical, experimental and applied approach to the field of expertise. This reflects in the research profile of the institute and the education programme it offers. LIACS has extensive international contacts and excellent connections with other Dutch university research groups, as well as with industry.

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science is a first-class research faculty with an excellent position in the basic disciplines of science. The current research and education programmes span the entire spectrum of science ranging from Mathematics and Statistical Science, Computer Science and Data Science, Astrophysics, Physics, Chemistry and Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences to Biology and Environmental Sciences. Our science community is driven by their curiosity and desire to increase basic knowledge, for science and to contribute to the great societal challenges of today and tomorrow. Core values are scientific impact, technological innovation and relevance to society.

Study at a world-class university

Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and enjoys an excellent worldwide reputation built up over more than four centuries. Since 1575 we’ve provided sound personal education for hundreds of thousands of students. We’ll do our utmost to give you the best possible support. And if you can and want to do more, we’ll challenge you every step of the way. For many years, we’ve been among the leaders in Dutch university rankings and we are currently to be found in a variety of top international rankings too.

Academic fields

Leiden has faculties in the fields of:

• Archaeology
• Governance and Global Affairs
• Humanities
• Medicine
• Law
• Science
• Social and Behavioural Sciences

Student support

International student advisers

The international student advisers are a good place to go when you need assistance during your stay in the Netherlands. Students in both locations of Leiden University have access to these specialised advisers. In many cases they will be able to provide the information you need, or will refer you to the relevant services. You can consult the advisers on a variety of matters, ranging from financial concerns, settling down issues, academic issues and health insurance to dealing with external housing agents or finding a family doctor.

Student counsellors

We have a number of specialised student counsellors available. They can help in legal and financial matters, but can also assist you in developing study-related skills. The skills package that is offered involves individual counselling and workshops designed to support you in your academic performance. Topics covered include thesis writing, time management, stress management and planning. Additionally, our counsellors are available to help resolve study and personal problems, should this be needed.

Departmental study advisers and coordinators

Each department has its own study advisers/coordinators who can answer questions about matters that are related to the study programme of your choice. You can consult the study adviser/coordinator on issues such as timetables, exam grades, choice of subjects and application for graduation.