Leiden University Pioneers Cybersecurity Education in the Netherlands
Leiden, Thursday, 11 July 2024.
In a groundbreaking move, Leiden University will launch the Netherlands’ first Dutch-language bachelor’s program in Cybersecurity & Cybercrime in September 2025. This innovative course combines administration, computer science, criminology, and law to address the growing demand for cyber experts in an increasingly digital world.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Cyber Experts
As our reliance on digital infrastructures continues to expand, so does the need for cybersecurity specialists. Hoogleraar Bibi van den Berg from Universiteit Leiden highlighted that there is an escalating demand for professionals who can safeguard the digital landscape of the Netherlands. This program aims to equip students with the necessary skills to meet these challenges head-on, ensuring the safety and security of both public and private sectors.
A Comprehensive Curriculum
The bachelor’s program in Cybersecurity & Cybercrime offers a multidisciplinary approach by integrating administration and organizational science, computer science, criminology, and law. Students will gain both academic and professional skills, learning to analyze cyber incidents, provide policy advice, draft scientific articles, and present at symposiums. The curriculum covers key topics such as cybersecurity in organizations, cyber law, criminology, cyberattacks, crisis management, and criminal law. Each academic year concludes with a project that blends various disciplines and methodologies to tackle current problems.
Innovative Teaching Methods
To prepare students for real-world challenges, the program employs innovative teaching methods beyond traditional lectures. These include simulations, serious games, moot courts, and hackathons. Such hands-on experiences are designed to ensure that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also ready to apply their skills in practical settings.
Strategic Location: Den Haag
The program will be offered at Campus Den Haag, a hub for national and international organizations focused on security, cybersecurity, and cybercrime. This strategic location provides students with unique opportunities for internships and collaborations with entities like the Ministry of Justice and Security, Europol, the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NATO-NCI), and the Global Forum for Cyber Expertise (GFCE) [1].
Future Prospects and Collaborations
The introduction of this bachelor’s program is part of a broader trend in Dutch higher education to address the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals. Institutions like the University of Twente and TU Delft are also enhancing their cybersecurity offerings, reflecting the high demand for these skills across various sectors [2]. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, programs like these are essential for developing the next generation of cyber experts who can navigate and mitigate the complex threats of the digital age.
Conclusion
Leiden University’s new bachelor’s program in Cybersecurity & Cybercrime represents a significant step forward in cybersecurity education in the Netherlands. By combining multiple disciplines and employing innovative teaching methods, the program aims to produce well-rounded professionals capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges of cybersecurity and cybercrime. Interested students can learn more about the program and attend the Open Day on Saturday, 12 October [1].