ICT & Cyber Security

The internet has many threats. Due to all forms of cybercrime, more and more security professionals are needed to develop well-secured IT-systems, -applications, and -environments and to take further security measures.

About the exchange programme

The ICT & Cyber Security programme focuses on both offensive and defensive aspects of cyber security. You'll enhance your hacking skills through security testing and learn to defend against cyber threats by setting up secure networks and responding to incidents. The curriculum covers ethical hacking, network security, incident analysis, and the legal and ethical considerations of cyber security.

Why this programme?

Offers a deep dive into both offensive and defensive cyber security techniques.
Engages you in real-world ethical hacking and security defense scenarios.
Prepares you for high-demand cyber security roles with up-to-date tools and practices.

More about ICT & Cyber Security

Within the specialisation we look at the attack side and the defense side of cyber security. For the attacking side you train your hacking skills and you learn to apply these in security testing (pen testing, red teaming, vulnerability research). You will apply this in real live projects for partner companies. For the defense side you learn to set up a secure network environment, how threats can be monitored and detected and how you can respond to threats and incidents (blue teaming). Other aspects that are discussed are cybercrime & legislation, privacy legislation, responsible disclosure, cryptographic applications, risk management, user awareness. After your internship you can further specialise in the cyber security minor, in red teaming, blue teaming and security engineering.

Content of the programme

You will learn everything about security: the threats, hacking techniques, detection and analysis of its outcomes, as well as possible solutions. In the the second year, the focus will be on the attack side and the defense side of security: Ethical hacking, Network security, Incident analysis, Risk analysis, Law and Ethics. Your hacking mind-set will be trained, for instance by conducting pentestsand vulnerability research. This also enhances your knowledge of IT networks and system technology.

We also look at how companies handle hacking threats with, i.e. responsible disclosure policies. In the second semester we will also start working with all kinds of techniques used in network security, like firewalls and intrusion detection systems. We will also look at the non-technical aspects and information security in general.

Casper Schellekens - Lecturer ICT & Cyber Security

“Capture the Flag (CTF) environments and events are a nice way to train your hacker mindset and your hacking skills. Learning by Hacking!”

Admission requirements

English language proficiency

For all exchange programmes a minimum level of proficiency in the English language is required, as detailed in the table below. You must substantiate your level of English-language proficiency by submitting evidence in the form of a language test result pertaining to one of the below-mentioned courses.

* = Only if the units ‘Speaking & Writing’ and ‘Listening & Reading’ have been completed successfully.

IELTS - 6.0 minimum - EU and non-EU countries
TOEFL paper - 550 minimum - EU and non-EU countries
TOEFL computer - 213 minimum - EU and non-EU countries
TOEFL internet - 79/80 minimum - EU and non-EU countries
TOEIC* - 670 minimum - only EU countries
Cambidge ESOL - CAE-C minimum - only EU countries
CEFR - B2 minimum - only EU countries

How to apply as an exchange student

Applications should always be submitted via the International Exchange (or Erasmus) Officer at the home university. If several versions of the programme are offered, please indicate for which version you would like to apply to (Programme I, Programme II, Programme III, etc.) This officer will send your application request (nomination) to Fontys. Once Fontys has accepted the application, your Fontys study department will send you a link to a web application called Mobility Online.

Deadline for application

Fall semester: 15 May
Spring semester: 15 November

Note: Not all exchange programmes are available every semester. To find out when this programme is offered, please check its specific details.

How will your course programme be recognised by your home university?

Fontys will provide you with a so-called ‘Transcript of Records’, which will clarify the results that you have achieved. Depending on your results, you will receive a maximum of 30 ECTS credits. ECTS credits are recognised throughout Europe. The agreement between your home university and Fontys University of Applied Sciences will usually include a condition whereby the credits that you obtain will be recognised and transferred into the records kept by your home university.

This semester programme will only be graded by either: Outstanding (O), Good (G), Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U). The transcript of records will not contain grades per course/module, but one integral grade.

Practical information

Start moment(s): September, February
Location: Eindhoven
ECTs: 30
Language: English
Duration: 20 weeks
Contact hours: 15-20 hours per week

Fontys does not provide scholarships for its exchange students.

For more detailed information about practical matters, such as financial matters, residence permit, health insurance and accommodation, please click on the button below.

More information on practical matters

Fontys ICT offers a variety of exchange programmes. Take a look at our complete offer.

All ICT exchange programmes