Applied Computer Science

Professional bachelor of Applied Computer Science

  • Specialise in all aspects of artificial intelligence like machine learning and neural networks – train to be a developer
  • Get the whole package: technical scope, solution-oriented training and soft skills sought by the IT sector.
  • Apply your skills on integrated projects.
  • Be prepared for future technologies – what’s happening now and what’s coming next!
  • Get expert coaching, and regular feedback so you can really see your progress and learn by doing
  • Work your way up from junior professional to the board of directors through our international company simulation.
  • Benefit from KdG’s extensive network, working with international companies and organisations.
  • Boost your industry credentials and employability with an eight-week internship working for an international company in Belgium or abroad.

Read this information in Dutch

What does this course contain?

Course in brief

Welcome to the rapidly-evolving world of computer science, where we always look to the future. We help you to develop the specialist technical knowledge, ideas and the business know-how needed by today's programmers and developers.

Year 1

  • You will be introduced to programming, artificial intelligence, data science, networks, systems and hardware.
  • Learn how to apply the skills you have learnt on one project per semester, under the guidance of expert mentors.
  • Focus on socially-relevant themes and deliver sustainable solutions
  • Simulate working for a company. You start out this year as a junior professional, learning business management and intercultural communication.

Year 2

  • Build on all your skills with continued infrastructure learning including scripting, security and encryption.
  • Take a closer look at AI and more complex programming.

  • Your projects this year will include agile development and testing.
  • Continue with your real-life company simulation getting to grips with project management and coaching.

Year 3 

  • A focus on future technologies in your third year gives you an insight into the latest IT developments.
  • Your integration projects this year incorporate application lifecycle management and test driven development.
  • You are now fully prepared for your internship. Step out with confidence. You will spend the next eight weeks working for an international company in Belgium or abroad. This will really open doors to your career in computer science.
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Courses and credits

Year 1

Courses
60 credits
Infrastructure
(
12 credits
)

Includes: computer architecture, operating systems, networking, scripting, Arduino

Programming
(
12 credits
)

Includes: basic concepts, object-orientated programming in Java, HTML, CSS, JavaScript

Data and artificial intelligence
(
12 credits
)

Includes: SQL databases, data management, data science with Python, data modelling, machine learning

The company
(
12 credits
)

Develops: business management and intercultural communication skills as part of a company simulation

Integration project
(
12 credits
)

Includes: analysis and design with UML, version control with Git

Year 2

Courses
60 credits
Infrastructure
(
6 credits
)

Includes: operating systems and scripting, security and encryption, virtualisation, containers and cloud computing

Programming & architecture
(
18 credits
)

Includes: design patterns, web technology, Spring, layered architecture, testing, application security, REST

Data and artificial intelligence
(
12 credits
)

Includes: data storage, No-SQL databases, computational complexity, business intelligence, data visualisation, reinforcement learning, deep learning

The company
(
12 credits
)

Develops: coaching, sales and project management skills as part of a company simulation

Integration project
(
12 credits
)

Includes: agile development, testing and continuous integration

Year 3

Courses
60 credits
Artificial intelligence
(
12 credits
)

Includes: natural language processing, computational linguistics, information retrieval, AI in gaming, AI and future technologies

Programming
(
12 credits
)

Includes: microservice architecture, messaging, front-end development with React, framework/API development

The Company
(
6 credits
)

Develops: strategic insight, managing corporate performance and leadership skills as part of a company simulation

Integration project
(
6 credits
)

Includes: application lifecycle management, test driven development

The lab
(
9 credits
)

Includes: trends and future technologies

Internship
(
15 credits
)

Get on-the-job experience working for an international company for eight weeks.

The basic allocation of the academic credit system is 60 credits per year of study or 30 credits per semester. Each credit equals a workload of 25 hours including lectures, seminars, self-tuition, assignments and examinations.

What does your schedule look like?

  • The Welcoming days are from 10 to 12 September 2025 in Antwerp and attendance of these is essential.
  • Your classes will start from Monday, 16 September 2025. EEA nationals can also start in February.
  • Full-time, three-year study program with a commitment up to 40 hours per week.
  • 20-24 hours of on-campus classes so you can benefit from close interaction with your lecturers and colleagues.
  • 1 to 1.5 day free per week which allows you to work on group projects with your colleagues.
  • Weekly mix of lectures, seminars, team assignments, and self-study.

Have a look at the yearly planner for academic year 2024-25

The broad curriculum aided me in my fast growth to become a software architect. It helped me to understand every crucial aspect needed to create a well-developed application. Before I even graduated, I received concrete contract proposals from six companies.
Yannick Slegers
Yannick
Alumnus
Learning how to deal with clients and working interculturally have been essential.
Ruben, graduate of Applied Computer Science
Ruben
Alumnus

What do you need?

You will need a recent laptop to work out projects, take exams, take notes, communicate ...

Minimum Requirements

  • Processor: Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 (recommended: Core i7/ AMD Ryzen 7) or comparable.
  • Type: Windows, Linux or Mac (*)
  • RAM: 16GB (recommended: 32GB)
  • Storage capacity: 256GB  (recommended: 512GB)
  • Wi-Fi
  • Webcam

You can't use a Chromebook.

(*) Not all software you will need is supported on Mac or on Windows with a ARM processor, you might have to find your own alternatives.

Software

You do not need to purchase any software yet.

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Requirements

  • This course is taught in EnglishGood proficiency in English is required.
  • You hold a secondary education certificate that grants access to a comparable higher education degree programme in the country it was granted.
  • No interview or additional tests are required for admission to KdG.
  • There is currently no restriction on the number of places
  • Our programme requires curiosity, a strong will to use all of your talents, a readiness to explore, to learn and to perform in an international team.

Your profile

  • Logically-minded. You’re good at solving puzzles, finding out how things work.
  • Creative. You like to find your own way to reach a solution, and make a difference in a team.
  • AI, programming…the world of future technology, That’s your thing. And you want to know more.
  • You learn best by doing. Apply your skills and knowledge on regular projects.
  • You want to study with people like you…from all around the world.
I wanted to study something that was both creative and logical. Applied Computer Science is the perfect blend of both.
Lea Sehling, student Applied Computer Science at KdG Antwerp
Lea
3rd year student
When I had to take the lead in projects. That helped me develop my confidence more than I could ever imagine.
Issam, Applied Computer Science
Issam
Alumnus

Study in Antwerp, Belgium

  • Home to more than 44.000 students and around 170 nationalities.
  • Antwerp is a safe, diverse and welcoming international student city.
  • Situated on the River Scheldt, this mini metropolis is a gateway to the world.
  • A perfectly located economic hub steeped in history, and always evolving.
  • Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris and London all within easy reach.

Discover Antwerp, Belgium’s ‘capital of cool’

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Atypical Antwerp, the movie

Students in Antwerp at Scheldt river
Antwerpen Grote Markt

Your campus

  • Study at our Groenplaats campus in the heart of Antwerp, overlooking the the main square and cathedral, and near the Meir shopping street.
  • Lectures are held at the Faculty of Management & IT. Study in the library, get together for group work in The View, or relax in the cafeteria.
  • Excellent bus and tram links make getting around easy. Antwerpen-Centraal station is close by, connecting you to Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, and London.

Campus Groenplaats
Nationalestraat 5
2000 ANTWERP

+32 3 613 16 00
info.mit@kdg.be

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After graduation

There is a big demand for highly skilled developers in the IT market. Experience has shown us that KdG graduates are highly valued and employable.

  • You will start your networking from day one.
  • Some career options for you include artificial intelligence, front/back-end development, IT project management and IT consultancy.
  • Or you can start your own business.

The scope of career opportunities within computer science is always growing. At KdG you will get the skills that the world needs more of. You’ll be able to choose how you will make a difference.

Alumni Succes Stories

Read our Alumni Success Stories page to find out how our graduates are applying their skills and knowledge. Highly valued Applied Computer Science graduates Issam, Ruben and Vasilena will tell you about their first career steps as well as offer you advice.

"Vasilena stands out for her courage and readiness to confront challenges, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for quick learning and action-oriented execution." James from AG Solution.

"We seek professionals who are committed to continuous learning and have a keen interest in data-driven technologies, including artificial intelligence, data engineering, and low-code development. In addition to technical expertise, we highly value a functional/business mindset and the ability to thrive in diverse team environments." KPMG Lighthouse.

With your degree you will be able to create digital solutions for companies of all kinds, from a small local business to an international corporate environment. Or you can start up your own.
Ann Gielis
Ann Gielis
Programme coordinator
I honestly felt professionally ready. KdG prepared me by giving me the confidence to develop technical skills as well as giving me the soft skills during the company simulation course.
Issam, Applied Computer Science
Issam
Alumnus

Practical information

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Want to know more?

 

Chat with a student

Get an insider’s take on student life. Chat with William (student of Applied Computer Science) about the reality of being a student in Antwerp.

Join us at an open day or online info session
Wed 06 Nov
Discover KdG: info sessions and Q&A

Wednesday 6 November 2024 from 16:00 till 17:00 CET
More info

Wed 18 Dec
Discover KdG: info sessions and Q&A

Wednesday 18 December 2024 from 16:00 till 17:00 CET
More info

Wed 29 Jan
Discover KdG: info sessions and Q&A

Wednesday 29 January 2025 from 16:00 till 17:00 CET
More info

Apply now

Yes, I'll apply for academic year 2025-2026

When can I start?

  • Our academic year begins in September.
  • Welcoming days from 10th to 12th September.
  • Classes start on 16th September.

Check the application deadlines

February start

For EEA nationals only.

Join the Applied Computer Science programme as a late starter.

  • Welcoming days on 30 and 31 January 2025. Classes start on 5 February.
  • Starting in February 2025, you can choose a reduced Year 1 program of 18 credits (no prior IT experience required), with the courses Data & Artificial Intelligence, Infrastructure, and The Company.
  • If you join the programme after the start of classes on 5 February, prior IT experience is required. You’ll need to meet with a study career counselor to tailor a program based on your experience. Contact acs.scc@kdg.be to arrange a meeting.
  • If you think you are eligible for credit transfers, please find the information here.

Quality education you can count on

As a KdG student you can be sure of a high-quality education at our dynamic university.

  • Your teachers are experts in their field, passionate about helping you to develop your potential.
  • KdG is an accredited university: quality guaranteed on an international level.
  • A detailed management system is in place to systematically review every degree programme.

KdG’s goal is sustainable development: of students, staff and society. We consistently strive to get the best out of everyone.

And by so doing, we help to shape a better future.

Read more about our commitment to quality education