Last week, The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) welcomed around forty students to its innovative new English-language Bachelor of Applied Computer Science (ACS)—a programme that launched with striking momentum.
The programme has been developed as part of the national Beethoven programme, which aims to strengthen the high-tech and microchip industry in the Netherlands.
Record interest and international diversity
The inaugural introduction day exceeded expectations. Although the school had planned for at least one class, more than forty enthusiastic students enrolled already, with three classes now being formed. Teachers Pieter Burghouwt, Clair Moore, and Arjan Mulder expressed how impressed they were by both the numbers and the energy of the students: “Our students come from 25 different countries … the energy is palpable,” shared Moore.
Accelerated yet practice-oriented curriculum
This three-year ACS bachelor—and its English delivery—differs from the traditional four-year Dutch variant. “You complete in three years what others do in four,” explained Burghouwt. The programme’s accelerated nature means entry is restricted to students with VWO-level qualifications or international equivalents—and strong English skills. Many students consciously chose ACS due to its strong practical orientation, contrasting it with the more theoretical nature of university programmes, like those at TU Delft. The programme is based at the Delft location of THUAS.
Industry alignment and early internships
The ACS curriculum was crafted with direct input from the region’s high-tech ecosystem—guided by the Beethoven South Holland regional plan and employment demand listings from companies such as ASML, which highlighted a need for bachelor graduates skilled in cybersecurity, Python, and data analysis. Notably, students begin internships already in their first year—earlier than in many other HBO programmes. The school provides strong support for international students in securing suitable placements, ensuring good match-making across the board.
Staying in the region: language and integration support
To help graduates stay in the region’s high-tech sector, ACS includes Dutch language courses aimed at helping international students integrate and increase their employability. This benefits Dutch students as well, enhancing their integration and job prospects.
Innovative AI usage in education
ACS embeds AI into its teaching—not only teaching students how to use AI, but encouraging them to think critically and ethically about it. Instructors ask students to explain their use (or non-use) of AI in assignments—a novel pedagogical approach.
Looking ahead: building upon success
THUAS is already preparing for the programme’s further development. They are forging deeper collaboration with businesses and research groups to shape the curriculum for years two and three, ensuring it continuously meets student and industry needs—and contributes to a stronger, more independent European high-tech sector. “In just six months we created a full programme… now the first students are here, and it feels fantastic,” the team reflects.
For more details (in Dutch), see the original article on:
Translation: ChatGPT 5.0 & a human at The Hague Online