Information Technology course summary
The Information Technology programme at NHL Stenden equips you with the essential knowledge for the development of (web) applications and mobile device software, while also providing insights into IT security. The IT programme in Emmen makes use of the Internet of Things Laboratory (IoT Lab) and has the latest innovative devices available, including a Microsoft Surface Hub, Virtual Reality equipment, and robots. The Emmen campus is also home to MyConcept, a Fabrication Laboratory where you can use 3D printers to print designs in three dimensions. Learning to use this innovative high-tech equipment will help you design and implement just about anything and everything.
The programme for Information Technology
The programme focuses on areas such as software, cyber security, web technology, company networks, databases and programming languages. You will be trained as a specialist in these areas over the course of the four-year programme. In addition to the technical classes, you also learn practical skills, such as managing project-based work and end-user communication.
During the first year, you learn about the different aspects of information technology and acquire a solid foundation in the field. You follow a broad programme with four quarters, each with its own theme, and work on practical assignments in small groups. Throughout the entire year, you are supported by your study career coach and lecturers, who help you to further develop your professional skills.
Module 1: Web Development and Design
Work on your basic programming skills in the module Web Development, in which you master the programming languages PHP and HTML. Apply your newly learned skills in the project Web Development and Design, where the focus lies on user experience.
Module 2: Database Engineering
Learn the principles of setting up and maintaining a network and install a web server with a database within the project Database Application Management. Dive into database management, focusing on the design, setup, and utilization of databases using SQL. Learn fundamentals for data manipulation, retrieval, and a seamless connection between a PHP-based web application and a database.
Module 3: Project Battlebot
Take the first step towards programming a software application in this module. You will learn object oriented programming with Java. In the exciting BattleBots project your robot will be competing with other robots.
Video impression Battlebot race
Module 4: Innovate
Have you always had a good idea for an app? Or do you want to do more with programming hardware like robots and Raspberry PI's? In the project Innovate, you start a project yourself, giving you the opportunity to realize your ideas. Paired with the module Computational Thinking, you will be able to make the logical decisions that lead to a successful completion of your project.
Subjects:
Study load: 20 contact hours, 20 self study hours | 60 ECTS per year
Module 1: Object Oriented Programming 2
Work on a project with external clients, applying Java and object oriented programming skills. You follow an advanced course on intricate design patterns, complex data structures and practical
implementation techniques to raise your understanding of Java and OOP.
Module 2: Data Processing
Learn to interpret complex datasets. Delve into data manipulation, analysis, and visualization and gain a comprehensive understanding of data processing methodologies.
Module 3: Software Quality
Create great user experiences by learning about testing methodologies and quality assurance techniques, and explore
error detection, debugging and software optimization for reliable solutions.
Module 4: App Development
Merge innovation and functionality to create intuitive and dynamic
mobile applications. Through hands-on projects and guided instruction, you navigate UI/UX design, front-end and back-end
integration, and cross-platform development.
Subjects:
Study load: 20 contact hours, 20 self study hours | 60 ECTS per year
Internship
The first half of your third year is dedicated to your internship. You spend five months on an internship at a company of your choice, in the Netherlands or abroad. You arrange the internship yourself. Internship assignments can be carried out in areas such as app development for business purposes, development of automated test set-ups for security testing, development of business portals, game development, or another area of your preference. If you’ve already turned your dream for your own business into a reality, you could consider doing your internship in your own start-up. The Center for Entrepreneurship at NHL Stenden can advise you on how to do this.
Further learning
Follow-up your internship with modules such as Design Patterns,
IT architecture, and IT change management. Work on a complex,
multi-faceted project in the module Knowledge Management.
Subjects:
60 ECTS per year
Minor subject (study abroad)
During your minor you focus on a specific subject or expand your knowledge by taking an additional subject. This allows you to truly take charge of your education by ‘customising’ your course.
You can take these minors on the NHL Stenden campus in the Netherlands or at one of the NHL Stenden Grand Tour locations in South Africa, Bali or Thailand. You can also choose from minors offered by other courses and universities of applied sciences via an Exchange programme – this is all part of broadening your academic skills.
Read more about the options available and where you can take your minors in the section below on minors and specialisations.
Graduation Project
Demonstrate the skills you have developed over the years
by working at a national or international company on a problem for which a solution is not yet available.
60 ECTS per year
The degree at a glance
Download the brochure to get a really useful one-page overview of the curriculum with a description of the modules and a list of subjects per year, the study load and the ECTS you can earn. Use it to compare the programme with other studies you’re interested in.
Minors and specialisations for Information Technology
In your fourth year of Information Technology, you get to specialise by taking a number of minors.
- Certified Ethical Hacking (Emmen, The Netherlands)
Learn how to help companies guard against cyber attacks with this unique minor in Certified Ethical Hacking. Learn how attackers work and the steps you need to take to protect a system. - Secure Programming (Emmen, The Netherlands)
Offering insights into the software development life cycle and how secure programming can be made part of the cycle. - Hack@Sea (Leeuwarden, The Netherlands)
Carry out research in the context of maritime cyber security looking into areas such as AIS spoofing, port systems and cyber awareness for maritime employees. - Cyber resilience of citizens and organisations (Leeuwarden, The Netherlands)
Look at cyber safety and cyber security in an integrated way. Together we will explore possibilities for human, organisational and technological measures. In this way we make citizens and organisations digitally resilient.
Video Certified Ethical Hacking
Video Hack@Sea
Course catalogue
Practical approach of Information Technology
We aim to help you put theory into practice as quickly as possible. Through our educational concept, Design-Based Education (DBE), you work in small teams of students, teachers, researchers and industry professionals. You tackle current, real-life issues developing and adapting your visions and ideas to form a solid solution.
Student Association
Our student association Think Wireless is where fun and learning meet in our students’ lives. Along with organising activities that will help you with your studies, Think Wireless also puts on hackathons, sports activities and day trips to other places in the Netherlands. It's a collective of students that help make your time as a student even more enjoyable.
International opportunities
We want to prepare you for an international, intercultural, and ever-changing environment, so that you can dive into the unknown and gain experience in an international context. It is possible with our Grand Tour, Exchange programme or one of our mobility options offered by RUN-EU. Or you can choose to do your internship abroad. You’ll be able to put together the right combination of courses and internships to develop both your professional and personal skills – and develop your own network for the future.
Is this the degree for you?
If you're confident this degree is the one for you, then why not apply online straightaway? Or pick one of the other options to help you take the next step.
