FAQ

Frequently asked questions

1. Applications

Q1.1: Where can I find the cyber security master program on the studielink website?

A1.1:  The program is a specialisation of the accredited computer science master programs in Delft and in Twente. So in studielink, you should look for computer science. 

Q1.2: Are scholarships for the 4TU.CybSec master specialisation available?

A1.2: In principles yes. Please visit UTwente > Education > Scholarship finder or TU Delft> Study> Studying at the TU Delft> Finances & Scholarships> Scholarships

Q1.3: Can the 4TU.CybSec Master specialisation be studied part time?

A1.3: In principle yes, but you will have to pay significant tuition fees for as long as you are studying. Instead, you may wish to sign up for the Cyber Security Academy.

Q1.4: Can students without a Bachelor degree in Computer science join the program?

A1.4: It depends on the degree earned. For some bachelor degrees a homologation program suffices, for others a pre-master program is required. Please check here for more details from Twente and here for details from Delft .

Q1.5: Are exchange students welcome?

A1.5: Exchange students are welcome if there is an agreement between the relevant universities.  Delft maintains a list of partner universities here. Please inquire with the International office of the university / faculty of your choice how to apply.

Q1.6: I have already taken a relevant cyber security course; can I get an exemption from the equivalent 4TU.CybSec course?

A1.6: It is not possible to get an exemption up front. However, once enrolled in the program you may submit a request to the Examination Board. If the board agrees that the course you have taken is equivalent to a 4TU.CybSec course, you may replace that course by another from the 4TU.CybSec program. The total study load will always remain 120 EC.

2. Enrolment

Q2.1: How can a student enrol in the 4TU.CybSec Master specialisation?

A2.1: Enrol into the Computer Science Master program in either Twente or Delft. Once enrolled, complete and agree an Individual Study Plan with the program mentor and enrol as a "bijvak" student at the other university. (See Q2.4 and Q2.5).

Q2.2: When does the program start?

A2.2:  In Twente, all students can start in September and in February. Students who are already enrolled in Delft (typically in the bachelor program) can start in September and in February. Students who are not yet enrolled in Delft can only start in September. Please note that the program is optimised for a September start.

A2.3: Why does a student have to be enrolled at both Delft and Twente?

A2.3: Courses are taught from both universities and therefore students also need to have access to the web sites with the course materials at both universities.

Q2.4: How does a student from Delft enrol as a "bijvak" student in Twente?

A2.4: Please follow the instructions below:

1. Enrol in your master in Delft via studielink
2. Complete the form (for the correct academic year): Application form Subsidiary Student UT
3. Make a clear copy of your (valid) passport or ID-Card
4. Ask for an original certificate tuition fees paid via CSA Delft
5. Make a recent copy of your transcript of records
6. Send all information to Student Services Twente by post to the following address: University of Twente, Attn Student Services – Vrijhof 239B, Postbus 217, 7500 AE Enschede

Q2.5: How does a student from Twente enrol as a "bijvak" student in Delft?

A2.5: Please follow the instructions below:

1. Enrol in the Computer Science master in Twente via studielink
2. Enrol in the master in Delft via studielink using the following information:
   
   • Type of study programme: Master’s or other follow-up study programme
   • Starts in first year: Yes
   • Educational institution: Delft University of Technology
   • Study programme name (institution): Guest student Computer Science (master level)
3. Ask  StudentServices@utwente.nl for a certificate payment tuition fees (in Dutch: BBC) stating what amount of tuition fees have been paid for your enrolment, your type of enrolment and for what period via Student Services Twente.
4. Ask for a declaration from the Board of Examiners via BOZ Twente of your enrolment in the 4TU Cyber Security program via e-mail (boz-cs@utwente.nl), stating your name and student number.
5. Send all information by post to SA-TEF Delft, Jaffalaan 9a, 2628 BX Delft

Q2.6: How long does the enrolment process as a "bijvak" student take?

A2.6: It takes about four weeks for a Twente student to get the NetID from Delft.

Q2.7: What can a student do if he/she has not received the NetID from Delft after four weeks?

A2.7: Please send an email to contactcentre-esa@tudelft.nl to make an inquiry.

Q2.8: What if a course has started and a student does not have access to Canvas or Brightspace, respectively?

A2.8: In exceptional cases a student can be given guest access to the Twente Canvas system.  In Delft guest access to Brightspace is not possible. Students should contact the responsible teacher. 

Q2.9: How does a student sign up for a course?

A2.9: If the course is taught in Twente then via Osiris-Twente. If the course is taught in Delft then via Brightspace-Delft. Students should sign up at least a week before the course starts.

Q2.10: Which course code should be used?

A2.10: All 4TU.CybSec courses have two course codes, one from Twente and one from Delft. For Canvas and Osiris in Twente you should use the Twente course code, and for Brightspace and Osiris in Delft the Delft course code.

Q2.11: Is there a mailing list of all students signed up for the 4TU.CybSec program?

A2.11: Yes, the coordinator in Twente maintains a mailing list of computer science students from Twente, the EWI coordinator in Delft maintains a mailing list of computer science students from Delft, and the TBM coordinator in Delft maintains a list of the TBM students in Delft.

3. Regulations

Q3.1: Which Teaching and Examination Regulation (TER) applies to the degree course of students in Twente?

A3.1: The TER  for the Computer Science [...] Master of Science programmes of the University of Twente available here U Twente > EEMCS > Education > Rules and Regulations

Q3.2: Which Teaching and Examination Regulation (TER) applies to the degree course of students in Delft?

A3.2: The TER Master’s degree programmes Computer Science […] of Delft University of Technology available here TU Delft > EEMCS > Regulations

Q3.3: Which Teaching and Examination Regulation (TER) applies to a course?

A3.3: The TER of the University where the course is taught.

Q3.4: The regulations have changed. Do I have to change my individual study plan?

A3.4: No, you can complete your studies according to the current study plan. However, if the new regulations suit you better then you should discuss with the program mentor whether a new study plan according to the new regulations would work for you. Formally all study plans have to be approved by the board of examiners.

Q3.5: A few elective courses require travelling. Can my university compensate me for the travel costs?

A3.5: No, unfortunately not. There are only few courses that require travelling (see course overview) and those are elective courses. If you are not able to cover the travel costs yourselves, then choose a different elective.

4. Courses

Q4.1: Can a student take both the Network security class in Delft and the Internet Security class in Twente?

A4.1: No, there is overlap between the two.

Q4.2: Is Algebra a prerequisite for Security and Crypto?

A4.2: No, but if a student has difficulty with mathematics then it would be a good idea to prepare by attending an abstract algebra class.

Q4.3: Is it possible to get 6 EC for a 5 EC course?

A4.3: In exceptional cases, a lecturer might be willing to provide a student with an extra (1 EC) assignment to upgrade the course to a 6 EC version. This requires approval of the Examination committee.

Q4.4: How to interpret the pre-requisites for a course?

A4.4: If a student has the knowledge specified in a pre-requisite for a course without having formally attended the pre-requisite itself, then it is up to the lecturer of the course to decide whether the student can be admitted. A typical case for an exception would be a student who has attended a course equivalent to the pre-requisite at another University. A student who cannot convince the lecturer that he/she has the required knowledge will be refused entry to the course.

5. Classes

Q5.1: Why do the classes of Quarter 1 start in the second week of the Delft term?

A5.1: Because the first year master students in Delft, and many second year 4TU.CybSec students have an off-site event in week 1.

Q5.2: Where are the slides and assignments stored of a course taught via tele-lecturing from Delft? (and vice versa)

A5.2: Normally on Brightspace in Delft. Students and staff need a NetID from Delft (see 2. Enrolment) to access the materials. At the beginning of term, lecturers may temporarily provide access to the materials on another site. (and vice versa, but note that Twente uses Canvas).

Q5.3: Are the academic years in Twente and in Delft always aligned?

A5.3: No, not always. It can happen that the academic year starts in a different week in Twente than it does in Delft.

6. Exams

Q6.1: Can a student sit all exams at his / her own university?

A6.1: Yes, students can sit the same exam in Delft and in Twente, and at the same time.

Q6.2: How does a student sign up for an exam?

A6.2: A student from Twente should sign up via Osiris-Twente between 40 and 14 days before the exam, and a student from Delft should sign up via Osiris-Delft between 56 and 14 days before the exam.

Q6.3: Are students who have enrolled for a course automatically enrolled for an exam?

A6.3: In Twente: yes. See also CES > Home > (De)-register for education   In Delft: no. See also Home > Students > Education > registration for examinations.

Special note for TUD students: TUD students are also required to register for a TUD exam even if the course is taught from Twente. 

Q6.4: How are the marks for the exams recorded?

A6.4: The marks for the Twente students are recorded in Osiris-Twente and the marks for Delft students in Osiris-Delft.

Q6.5: Who invigilates an exam in Twente for a course taught from Delft? (and vice versa)

A6.5: The examiner from Twente as listed in Osiris-Twente. (and vice-versa)

Q6.6: How are the exam scripts shipped for marking?

A6.6: The invigilator makes a scan of the exam scripts, combines them in a zip file, and mails the scans to the examiner who will do the marking.

Q6.7: Who marks the exam scripts of an exam in Twente for a course taught from Delft? (and vice versa)

A6.7: The examiner from Delft, in cooperation with the examiner from Twente. (and vice versa)

Q6.8: Who ensures that the marks are entered in Osiris-Twente for a course taught from Delft? (and vice versa)

A6.8: The examiner from Twente as listed in Osiris-Twente. (and vice-versa)

Q6.9: How can a student learn from the mistakes made during an exam sat in Twente for a course taught from Delft? (and vice versa)

A6.9: The student should make an appointment for a skype or phone call with the examiner in Delft who marked the exam script. (and vice versa)

Q6.10: How are final marks of 4TU.CybSec courses rounded?

A6.10: Delft courses follow the mark rounding policies as defined in Art. 17 of the Delft computer science rules and regulations. Twente courses follow the mark rounding policies as defined in Art. A4.4 of the Twente education and examination regulations for the computer science master. The teacher of each course is responsible to apply the respective mark rounding policy and as such decides on whether a student has passed or failed the course.

Important consequence: The Delft rules allow for a 5.5 (= fail in Delft) as final mark which does not exist in the Twente system. As a 5.5 is a failing mark in Delft, any final grade for a Delft course > 5.0 and < 5.8 is transferred to a 5.0 in the Twente system to properly reflect the fact that the student has failed the course.

Q6.11: For how long should exam scripts be kept and by whom?

A6.11: Original exam scripts should be kept for two years by the examiner in Delft for students from Delft and by the examiner Twente for students from Twente.

Q6.12: Do students have the right to see a model exam paper whilst preparing for the examination?

A6.12: Yes, see for example Article 15 of the TER in Delft. Twente has a similar rule. Normally past exam papers can be used by way of model exam paper. However, if the course is brand new, there will not be a past exam paper. In this case the lecturer will have to prepare a model exam paper.

7. Final year project

Q7.1: Who can supervise a final year project?

A7.1: In principle every lecturer with a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ)  who is appointed as an examiner at the university of the student can supervise a final year project. Note that a number of cyber security lecturers from Delft also have an appointment in Twente and vice versa.

Q7.2: Can students approach a lecturer (as in A7.1) and ask him/her as a supervisor?

A7.2: Yes, students are supposed to be pro-active.

Q7.3: Which lecturers have supervised final year cyber security projects in the past?

A7.3: Most lecturers who teach 4TU.CybSec courses have supervised final year projects. The current list of lecturers may be found here

Q7.4: What is the relationship between the Twente Research Topics (ReT) and the Twente Final Year project (FYP)?

A7.4: The ReT consists of a literature study and  a research proposal on the basis of the literature. The FYP consists of the execution of the research proposal and writing an MSc thesis on the basis of the research results. So the ReT and FYP are normally on the same topic and they are supervised by the same lecturer.

Q7.5: Are students allowed to approach companies for internships?

A7.5: The student should contact the program mentor first to discuss the requirements. 

Q7.6: Are students allowed to sign an internship contract without the approval of the supervisor?

A7.6: Absolutely not, because students run the risk that the contract requires work to be done that is not scientifically relevant.

Q7.7: Which are the formal and informal requirements for a final year project?

A7.7: Students in Delft should read this website Home > EEMCS > Graduation Policy [MSc] and students in Twente should read this site Computer Science > Final year project

Q7.8: Are companies allowed to approach students for internships?

A7.8: Companies should approach a member of staff first to discuss the possibilities for cooperation. For further information please consult EEMCS > Cooperation > The EEMCS Research Relations and valorisation team > Guidelines for cooperation with Delft.

8. Tele-lectures

Q8.1: How does a student or lecturer start a tele-lecture when no staff or technician is present?

A8.1: The technicians can setup the call remotely so they do not have to be physically present in the room. Normally you can call the technical via the phone in the room (extension 053 487 5700 in Twente and 015 27 89803 in Delft). Make sure that you get the key to the room from reception well before the lecture starts.

Q8.2: Can a student ask questions during a tele-lecture?

A8.2: Yes, of course. If necessary remind the lecturer that he/she has to repeat the question for the benefit of the remote students. Make sure that the lecturer can see you when you ask your question from the remote site. Remind the lecturer that he/she should give students at both sites the opportunity to ask questions at regular intervals and at the end of the lecture.

Q8.3: Why is there background noise during a tele-lecture?

A8.3: Because the microphone at the remote site is probably not muted. Please make sure that one of the students at the remote site operates the mute button.

Q8.4: Why is a second microphone useful during tele-lecturing and how do I get a second microphone?

A8.4: A second microphone is useful because a guest lecturer and the host can each have their own microphone. Tech support (or the service desk) in Delft will provide a second microphone upon request.

Q8.5: Why is it a good idea to upload the slides to the Canvas / Brightspace web site before the lecture?

A8.5: The students will then be able to see the slides even if the tele-lecturing equipment does not work as expected.

Q8.6: Why is it better to use the mouse on your computer than a physical pointer on the projection screen?

A8.7: Because the students who follow the class via tele-lecturing can see the slides and the mouse but they cannot necessarily see your hand pointing to the screen.

Q8.8: Why should the tele-lecturing camera zoom in on the white board when the lecturer is writing?

A8.8: So that the students following the class via tele-lecturing can read the white board.

Q8.9: Can I use my Mac to present the slides?

A8.9: Please use the fixed PC in the lecture room. If you use another computer (particularly a Mac) there is a significant risk that the students on the other side cannot read your slides.

9. Recording lectures

Q9.1: Is it a good idea to record the lectures?

A9.1: Absolutely. Firstly, students are able to review the material at their own pace. Secondly, if the tele-lecturing equipment malfunctions, or if there are time tabling-conflicts, the recordings are an excellent backup. (See also under Vacations below).

Q9.2: Are lectures automatically recorded?

A9.2: No, because this normally costs money. However, lecturers are encouraged to apply for a recording by completing this form in Delft and this form in Twente.

Q9.3: Where are recorded lectures stored?

A9.3: Recorded lectures in Delft are available via CollegeRama and in Twente via Vimeo.

10. Evaluations

Q10.1: Are all courses evaluated?

A10.1: Normally yes, since this helps to improve the coherence of the program.

Q10.2: Whom does the lecturer ask to get a course evaluated?

A10.2: As of academic year 2018/2019 Twente automatically evaluates all courses. In Delft please ask Titia Verdenius. Please make sure that students from the other university are included in the evaluation.

11. Vacations

Q11.1: Do students from the 4TU have vacations at the same time?

A11.1: Normally yes, but there is one exception in Q3: in 2018, week 6 is a vacation week in Delft and week 9 is a vacation week in Twente. Lectures in Delft normally continue when Twente has vacation, but the tele-lecturing in Twente will continue as usual, so that students can continue to attend lectures from Delft. (and vice versa)

Q11.2: How can students catch up after a vacation with lectures that they have missed?

A11.2: By checking Canvas / Brightspace and by viewing the recorded lectures.

Q11.3: When are the resit exams scheduled in the summer vacation?

A11.3: All resit exams during the summer are scheduled during the examination week in Delft. This is not the same examination week as in Twente.