Learn what digital currencies exactly are, how it works and what it could mean to daily life. We assume you have no solid prior knowledge, and from that perspective, we will guide you into the magical world of financial decentralization where digital currencies stimulate people to create ecosystems without a trusted third party.
Digital currencies stimulate people to create ecosystems without a trusted third party and thus revolutionizes the way organizations work. This summer course provides you with both the theoretical foundations as well as hands-on experience. Overall, it will be a pleasant mix of understanding the technologies and discuss the new possibilities that it has to offer to the financial sector.
Bitcoin has nearly reached $100,000, the first digital euro stable coin has been launched. These are all emerging decentralized financial projects, ranging from creative tokenized assets to highly regulated central bank digital currencies (CBDC). Throughout this course, we will explore the appeal of decentralization.
We assume you have no prior knowledge, and from that perspective, we will guide you into the magical world of financial decentralization. Being the proud winner of the 2022 “Meaningful Education Award”, we offer the best education in this field in the Netherlands. During this summer school you will get a crash course into digital currencies.
Students will learn what digital currencies exactly are, how it works and what it could mean to daily life.; topics that will be covered are:
Besides plenary tutorail sessions, you will also with a group of three to five international students dive deep dive into a subject of your own choosing for which you will build your own (financial) ecosystem.
Bernhard van der Biessen, MSc
This course is intended for students of Finance, ICT, Law, Creative Business, Engineering Management, or of any other background, who are interested in new technologies, but most of all in staying 'up-to-date'.
You need a flexible and inquisitive attitude. Previous knowledge on Digital Currencies or Blockchain is not required. We do aim to build on the knowledge you have gained during your own degree programme.
A good command of English is necessary! Given the interactive nature of teaching, students must have the capabilities to actively contribute in class and communicate (understand and speak) in English well, ideally min level B1.
Course Goals:
Full-time, 50 hours (including self-study, assignments, project work).
Please note: You must attend all learning activities (e.g. workshops, fieldwork) to be able to receive the Certificate of Participation and/or the credits for this course, unless absence is officially approved by the teachers and the coordinator of the Utrecht Summer School. You will be expected to be present until the final day of the course has ended! Please keep this in mind when booking your return flight. You can find your schedule in the Day to Day overview of your course on the course page.
The course fee presented applies to all students currently enrolled in a bachelor, master or PhD programme and to 'Fresh Alumni'.
If this applies to you and you therefore believe that you are eligible for this fee, please mention this in your motivation when applying for this course.
If you are NOT currently enrolled in a bachelor, master or PhD programme or not a 'Fresh Alumni' , a professional fee of € 1.040 is applicable, and will be invoiced and visible for you in your account once you are accepted to the course. Please note: if you do not provide proof that you are currently enrolled in a bachelor, master or PhD programme or that you are a Fresh Alumni', we will charge the ‘professional (higher) fee!
The housing costs do not include a Utrecht Summer School sleeping bag and travel pillow (which you can take home after the course). Please note that the Sleeping bag and the pillow are to be chosen as a separate product on the invoice.
If you wish not to buy the Summerschool Sleeping bag and travel pillow and rather bring your own bedding (sleeping bag and pillow), do not forget to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow! In all cases, do bring your own towels, please.