Masters Degrees in Chemistry, Netherlands

Chemistry: Molecular Chemistry

Molecular chemistry is a creative science, where chemists synthesize molecules with new biological or physical properties to address scientific or societal challenges. Think of new catalytic conversions, lead compounds for future medicines or the next generation of conducting polymers. The specialisation Molecular Chemistry offers education in connection with top-level research in the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM), enabling you to develop in-depth knowledge of the design, synthesis and characterization of unprecedented functional molecular structures.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/chemistry/molecular

Why study Molecular Chemistry at Radboud University?

- The IMM at Radboud University hosts an internationally renowned cluster of molecular chemistry groups, where you will participate in challenging research projects.
- The IMM Organic Chemistry department was recently awarded a 27 million euro NWO Gravity programme grant. Among the teaching staff are two ERC advanced grant and two ERC starting grant winners.
- Teaching takes place in small groups and in a stimulating, personal setting.

Admission requirements for international students

1. A completed Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Science or a related area
In general, you are admitted with the equivalent of a Dutch Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Science with relevant subjects, or a related programme in molecular science. In case of other pre-education, students must have passed preliminary examinations containing the subject matter of the following well-known international textbooks (or equivalent literature). Any deficiencies in this matter should be eliminated before you can take part in this specialisation. If you want to make sure that you meet our academic requirements, please contact the academic advisor.
- Organic chemistry: e.g. Organic Chemistry (Bruice)
- Biochemistry: e.g. Biochemistry (Lehninger)
- Physical chemistry: e.g. Physical chemistry (Atkins)
- 30 EC of chemistry or chemistry-related courses at third year Bachelor's level

2. A proficiency in English
In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:
- A TOEFL score of >575 (paper based) or >90 (internet based)
- An IELTS score of ≥6.5
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

Career prospects

Approximately 40% of our graduates take up a PhD position, either in Nijmegen or elsewhere in the world. Our research institutes, in particular the Institute for Molecules and Materials, have vacancies for PhD projects every year. Our graduates also find work as researchers and managers in the chemical industry, or in one of our spin-off companies. A small proportion will not work in science, but for instance as a policymaker at a governmental organisation.

Our approach to this field

The Master's specialisation in Molecular Chemistry offers main stream chemistry courses and research topics, for those students that aim to deepen their knowledge and experimental skills in the heart of chemistry. The Institute for Molecules and Materials offers a state-of-the-art research infrastructure and hosts world-class research groups where you can conduct independent research, under the personal guidance of a researcher. Often, this leads to a scientific publication with you as a co-author.

Besides an internship in fundamental science, you can also chose to perform research in an industrial environment. Approximately one third of our students do one of their internships in a chemical company, both large (e.g. DSM, Synthon, AkzoNobel) and small (e.g. MercaChem, FutureChemistry, Chiralix).

Interested in going abroad? Contact one of our researchers, they can easily connect you to top groups elsewhere in the world. In the past few years, molecular chemistry students did internships in Oxford (UK), Princeton (US), Berkeley (US), Karolinska Institute (Sweden), ETH Zurich (Switzerland), etc.

Our research in this field

In the Master's specialisation Molecular Chemistry, the unique research facilities that Radboud University has to offer are coupled with the top level research within the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM). A selection of research groups for this specialisation are:
- Synthetic organic chemistry (Prof. Floris Rutjes): The group focuses on the development of new and sustainable synthetic (multistep)reactions by using bio-, organo- or metal-catalysts or combinations thereof, synthesis of druglike compound libraries, synthesis of bio-orthogonal click-reactions and chemical synthesis in continuous flow microreactors

- Analytical chemistry (Prof. Lutgarde Buydens): Research involves new chemometric methodologies and techniques for the optimisation of molecular structures. The research programme is designed around four areas: Methodological chemometrics, spectroscopic image analysis, molecular chemometrics, and analysis of genomics, metabolomics and proteomics data.

- Bio-organic chemistry (Prof. Jan van Hest): This groups uses Nature as inspiration for the design of functional molecules. Research lines that fit in this specialisation include: design and synthesis of modified peptides to alter their biological function, hybrid polymers containing biomolecules for use as antibacterial materials, and smart compartmentalisation strategies to enable multi-step reactions in a single reaction flask.

- Molecular materials (Prof. Alan Rowan): The aim of the group is the design and synthesis of novel polymers, self-organising molecules and ordered crystals and the subsequent investigation of their properties. Research topics related to his specialisation are: functional systems for application in catalysis, new OLEDS (organic LEDS), and liquid crystals.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/chemistry/molecular

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Interdisciplinary approach

Our Chemistry Master's programme provides you with an exceptional toolbox for your future. The programme is closely associated with the research Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM). Its mission is to fundamentally understand, design and control the functioning of molecules and materials. The institute is a centre of excellence that trains the next generation of leaders in science and entrepreneurship. Research in the IMM ranges from condensed matter science to chemical biology, and builds on novel theoretical, synthetic and spectroscopic methods. Our goal is to explore new roads proceeding from synthesis and growth to design and architecture of molecular constructs and materials with specific, desired properties. The cooperation of chemists and physicists, and increasingly biologists, in one research institute is unique worldwide. It is the secret of IMM's success and its many scientific breakthroughs.

Specialisations within the Master's in Chemistry

The Master's programme in Chemistry offers you three specialisations:
- Chemistry for Life
- Molecular Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry

Top scientists

The funding we have received for our research reflects the achievements we have made. Prof. dr. Wilhelm Huck received an ERC Grant for his research on chemical reactions in extremely small drops of water. The ultimate goal is to build a synthetic cell for this. We need to understand how complex networks function in confined spaces and how the physical environment of the cell impacts on enzymatic reactions. Prof. dr. Roeland Nolte received an ERC to do research on the development of supramolecular catalysts and materials using nature as a guide. Prof. dr. Jan van Hest received funding from the Gravitation programme for his work on self-repairing materials, materials that continually adapt to their environment. This includes the idea of how the body repairs its cells and ensures that the right substances reach the right places at the right time. They want to gain fundamental understanding of the complexity of that dynamic.

The Nijmegen approach

The first thing you will notice as you enter our Faculty of Science is the open atmosphere. This is reflected by the light and transparent building and the open minded spirit of the people that you will meet, working, exploring and studying there. It is no wonder students from all over the world have been attracted to Nijmegen. You study in small groups, in direct and open contact with members of the staff. In addition, Nijmegen has excellent student facilities, such as high-tech laboratories, libraries and study ‘landscapes'.

Studying by the ‘Nijmegen approach' is a way of living. We will equip you with tools which are valuable for the rest of your life. You will be challenged to become aware of your intrinsic motivation. In other words, what is your passion in life? With this question in mind we will guide you to translate your passion into a personal Master's programme.

Quality label

For the third time in a row, this programme was rated number one in the category Chemistry in the Netherlands by the Keuzegids Masters 2015 (Guide to Master's programmes).

Career prospects

Most of our graduates take up a PhD position, either in Nijmegen or elsewhere in the world. Our research institutes have many vacancies for PhD projects every year. Our graduates also find work as researchers and managers in industry, in business and in research institutes.

Our approach to this field

"The Republic has no need of chemists and savants", were the words with which Antoine Lavoisier, one of the founders of modern chemistry, ended up on the guillotine during the French revolution. Fortunately these days the importance of chemistry for the benefit of a sustainable society is well-recognised. As such, chemistry has been designated a key area by the Dutch "innovatieplatform". So there will be many chemistry-related innovation initiatives in both industry and academia. This will be substantiated by a steering committee formed by the Association of Dutch Chemical Industries (VNCI) and the Chemical Science division of the Netherlands' Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO/CW). These developments demand a continuous influx of well-trained chemists.

An integrated Chemistry programme was set up at the University of Nijmegen in 1962. The current Master's degree programme in Chemistry derives from the integrated programme that was established in 1999.

Radboud University Nijmegen aims to provide a Master's degree programme in Chemistry at an internationally recognised level. The programme is based on the research themes that exist within the Research Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM) and to a somewhat lesser extent, the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS). In recent years, the IMM has focused on chemistry research in the areas of organic chemistry (synthetic, bio-organic, supramolecular and materials), nuclear magnetic resonance (solid state NMR and biophysical chemistry), and solid state chemistry. Furthermore, increasing research interaction with biology and physics groups has emerged to offer ample opportunities for new research and education. Based on this research, modern, high quality education can be provided within the Master's degree programme.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/chemistry

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How can I make a flexible and cheap solar cell out of organic molecules? Can I build a car engine on a molecular level? How do I make a colour television that can be folded up?

You will encounter such questions in the Master's degree programme in Chemistry at the University of Groningen.

The programme is embedded in an internationally respected research environment; it is related to the Zernike Institute of Advanced Materials and to the Stratingh Institute. Both are officially recognized as national centres of leading research in materials science.

With a cross-disciplinary approach, this programme will study the following fields of chemistry:

- Molecular Science
This area develops the understanding of molecular aspects and applies it to the fields of nanotechnology, supramolecular chemistry, synthetic chemistry, catalysis and the chemistry of life sciences.

- Chemical Physics
This field studies the physical and chemical properties of atoms, molecules and condensed matter through experimental techniques and theoretical methods. You can choose between theoretical chemistry and solid state chemistry.

- Polymer Science
This domain helps you to gain a deeper understanding of the physical and chemical structure and properties of polymer. It focuses on the development of thin films, surfaces and biomaterials.

Why in Groningen?

- Research programme of chemistry is embedded in leading research institute in Materials Science
- Chemistry field in Groningen has CHE Excellence Label
- Cross-disciplinary approach

Job perspectives

This degree programme in Chemistry is primarily meant for students who want to become researchers. Some graduates will, after obtaining their Master's degree, continue with a PhD project, either in Groningen or elsewhere. Some find jobs all over Europe in major companies, including DSM, Akzo Nobel, Corus or Philips.

Nevertheless, many chemists who are trained as researchers find jobs that are less research-oriented. This is because the programme also pays attention to communication skills, teamwork, presentation techniques and IT skills. During their training as researchers in chemistry, students develop general competences that make them highly versatile and widely employable. In practice chemistry graduates can be found in consulting agencies, commercial functions, product research and development, product management or teaching.

Job examples

- PhD research project
- Work for a major multinational such as Akzo Nobel or Philps
- Consulting agencies
- Product management or commercial positions

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Chemistry is the central science enabling a healthy future in a sustainable society. Chemistry researchers in Leiden take a fundamental approach in finding tailored solutions for complex societal problems in human health and environmental issues.

Visit the website: http://en.mastersinleiden.nl/programmes/chemistry/en/introduction

Course detail

In the Master of Science specialisations in Communication, Education or Science-Based Business, specific career opportunities in science-related professions can be explored.

Specialisations

- Chemistry and Education
- Chemistry and Science Communication and Society
- Chemistry and Science-Based Business
- Research in Chemistry

Within the first four specialisations students have the choice of two major research areas:

- Chemical Biology
- Energy & Sustainability

The aim of each programme is to train the student as an independent scientist and to develop the necessary skills and proficiency to advance his/her career.

All specialisations are intended for students with an internationally recognised bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in chemistry. The Master of Science programme guarantees thorough research training founded on a profound theoretical basis. Master of Science students in Leiden work in an environment with many internationally renowned researchers and are able to operate on the international market.

All students with a Master of Science degree are admissible to a PhD programme.

Reasons to Choose Chemistry in Leiden:

- The Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) is highly acclaimed for the international character of its education with a young and enthusiastic research staff.

- The LIC offers tailor-made individual study programmes.

- Students become true members of internationally renowned multidisciplinary research teams.

- The Chemistry MSc programme offers ample opportunities for research projects in distinguished groups worldwide or in an industrial environment.

- The high standard of education ensures excellent job prospects in research or industry.

How to apply: http://en.mastersinleiden.nl/arrange/admission

Funding

For information regarding funding, please visit the website: http://prospectivestudents.leiden.edu/scholarships

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Master's specialisation in Chemistry for Life

This specialisation involves studying the design and synthesis of complex molecular systems, and addressing challenging problems, such as wound healing and drug delivery. At the interface of biology and chemistry you will get a solid foundation in modern synthetic organic chemistry, physical organic chemistry and chemical biology. This multidisciplinary knowledge is essential for industries of the future, where chemistry and the life sciences become more and more intertwined. As a Chemistry for Life Master's student you will obtain the knowledge and skills you need to develop the next generation of medicines.

Programme courses

The Master’s specialisation in Chemistry for Life is taught at the Faculty of Science. It has a course load of 120 EC* (two years). The track consists of:
- 15 EC of compulsory courses
- 15 EC of electives
- Two internships of in total total 90 EC

If you can handle the studyload and want to add another course to personalise your Master’s programme, you are certainly free to do so.

Societal Master's tracks

You can either follow the above-mentioned research Master's specialisation as a whole (2 years), or you can combine the first year of the research track with an additional year of one of three societal Master’s specialisations, namely:
- Science in Society
- Science, Management and Innovation
- Science and Education (in Dutch only)

* European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)
The workload of an academic year is equivalent to 60 European credits (EC), where 1 EC point is 28 hours of study. This system allows you to check whether the courses you have followed in a particular year (along with other activities that earn credits) meet the European requirements.

Proficiency in English

In order to take part in the programme, you need to have fluency in English, both written and spoken. Non-native speakers of English without a Dutch Bachelor’s degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:
- TOEFL score of ≥575 (paper based) or ≥90 (internet based);
- An IELTS score of ≥6.5;
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), with a mark of C or higher

Career prospects

Career perpectives of chemical biologists are very broad: our graduates work in the pharmaceutical, biotech and life sciences industries. High tech start-ups are also an option. There are numerous opportunities for PhD positions, including at the national Graduate School in Chemical Biology.
We stimulate our Master's students to develop a critical mind and a problem solving attitude. Some of them will become the next generation of top scientists, all of them will have a job within a few months after graduation:
- 40% become PhD students at a university
- 60% work at a research institute, in the (bio)chemical industry or in one of our spin-off companies
- A small proportion do not work in science but for instance as a policymaker at a governmental organisation.

Our research in this field

Teachers and researchers at Radboud University are very open and approachable for students, and the student-teacher ratio is low. The teachers also introduce you to their research: the knowledge from their lab is your course material. During your internships, you'll get to know them even better, as you'll become member of one of their research groups.

Research

Research internships can be performed at the Institute of Molecules and Materials (IMM), the Radboud Institute of Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), or other institutes and companies. Possible research subjects are:
- Drug delivery using nanocapsules
- Developing hydrogels for wound healing
- Designing new responsive biocompatible materials
- Unraveling the structure and function of proteins

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/chemistryforlife

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Learning how to make discoveries that will contribute to a better understanding of the fundamental behaviour of molecules and materials.

Most chemical research involves synthesising and characterising new molecules. So basically, a trial and error system. This specialisation goes one step further: it aims at fundamentally unravelling the properties of molecules and materials. How do pharmaceutical molecules arrange in different forms and how does this affect their efficiency as a drug? And in what way does the molecular structure of a polymer influence the mechanical strength of plastics? We try to find the answers by developing theory and applying physical set-ups for advanced spectroscopic experiments, such as high magnetic fields, free-electron lasers and nuclear magnetic resonance.

Thanks to all our research facilities being located on the Radboud campus, you’ll be able to perform your research with advanced spectroscopic methods. You get to choose the focus of your research. Some students work on biomolecules while others prefer for example solar cells, plastics or hydrogels. It’s even possible to specialise in the development of new technology.

Studying at the interface between physics and chemistry means collaborating and communicating with people from different scientific backgrounds. Moreover, you’ll be trained to work with large-scale facilities and complex devices. These qualities will be useful in both research and company environments. Jobs are plentiful, as almost all industrial processes involve physical chemistry.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/science/physical

Why study Physical Chemistry at Radboud University?

- Unlike at (many) other universities, all physical and chemical Material Science departments are combined in one institute: the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM). Therefore, collaborating is second nature to us.
- Radboud University hosts a large number of advanced spectroscopic facilities. As a Master’s student, you’ll get the chance to work with devices that are unique in Europe and even some that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
- We have multiple collaborations with companies that, for example, analyse complex mixtures such as biofuels, characterising hydrogels, and develop anti-caking agents for rock-salt.
- During the courses and internship(s), you’ll meet a wide group of researchers in a small-scale and personal setting: a good starting point for your future network.

Career prospects

About 75 percent of our students start their career with a PhD position. However, eventually most students end up as researchers, policy advisors, consultants or managers in companies and governmental organisations. Whatever job you aspire, you can certainly make use of the fact that you have learned to:

Solve complex problems in a structured way
Understand the professional jargon of different disciplines and work in a multidisciplinary environment
Use mathematical computer tools
Perform measurements with complex research equipment
Graduates have found jobs at for example:
- ETH Zurich
- MIT
- UC Berkeley
- ASML
- AkzoNobel
- DSM
- Shell
- Unilever
- Various spin-off companies, like Noviotech and Spinnovation

Our approach to this field

Physical Chemistry at Radboud University goes beyond the characterisation of molecules and materials. We focus on fundamental knowledge: What do spectroscopic measurements really mean? And how can we explain the behaviour of certain molecules or materials?

- Advanced spectroscopy
Radboud University hosts a large range of advanced spectroscopic facilities. Think of the High Field Magnetic Laboratory, FELIX laboratory for free-electron lasers, NMR facility, scanning probe lab, etc. As a Master’s student in Physical Chemistry, you’ll get an overview of all these different methods, and you’ll be able to apply your knowledge as a member of a laboratory. Some of our students choose to focus on the development of new scientific methods.

- Bridging the gap between chemistry and physics
We believe in knowledge transfer between chemists and physicists. That’s why in Nijmegen all material research is combined in one institute: the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM). During your Master’s, you’ll experience this interplay in the lectures and internships. Once graduated, you’ll be able to understand the vernacular of both disciplines and in that way bridge the gap between chemistry and physics.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/science/physical

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Overview

Working at the interface of chemistry, biology and physics
New insights emerge at the point where disciplines come together and, in order to understand how things work, it is important to study them from all angles. This is the approach we have chosen in teaching Science. As a Master's student you will find yourself at the interface of biology, chemistry and physics as you work to discover the secrets behind man, molecule and materials.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/science

Career prospects

Most of our graduates continue to do a PhD, either in Nijmegen or elsewhere. Our institutes have various vacancies every year. Graduates also find employment as researchers and managers in industry, in the commercial sector and in research institutes.

Our research in this field

Top research and facilities
The programme is closely linked to two internationally recognised Nijmegen institutes:
- Institute for Molecules and Materials
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour.

Both have state-of the-art research facilities capable of identifying the characteristics of molecules, materials and the human brain. There are:
- the magnets in the High Field Magnet Laboratory (HFML),
- the NMR and MRI facilities,
- the free electron laser
- the NanoLab.

Little wonder that these institutes and facilities attract top scientists from all over the world. As a Master's student in Natural Sciences you will find yourself in a dynamic research environment working alongside scientists who are leaders in their field.

- Great freedom and personal tutor
The programme offers you considerable freedom to follow your own interests. At the beginning of the programme you will select one study area from the three options available: physical chemistry, biophysics or chemical biology. Within this area you can choose from several specialisations ranging from material science to neural networks and from neurobiology to organic chemistry and nanoscience.
You will complete your main internship within one of the Nijmegen research groups. Here you will have a personal supervisor, with whom you decide on your subjects and research programme. Your second internship will be with a different research group or related to your variant.

- The Nijmegen approach
The first thing you will notice as you enter our Faculty of Science is the open atmosphere. This is reflected by the light and transparent building and the open minded spirit of the working, exploring and studying people that you will meet there. No wonder students from all over the world have been attracted to Nijmegen. You study in small groups, in direct and open contact with members of the staff. In addition, Nijmegen has excellent student facilities, such as high-tech laboratories, libraries and study ‘landscapes'.

Studying by the ‘Nijmegen approach' is a way of living. We will equip you with tools which are valuable for the rest of your life. You will be challenged to become aware of your intrinsic motivation. In other words, what is your passion in life? With this question in mind we will guide you to translate your passion into a personal Master's programme.

- Quality Label
This programme was recently rated number three in the Netherlands in the Keuzegids Masters 2014 (Guide to Master's programmes)

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/science

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Nanomaterials Science Judged Best in the Field

The Dutch Master's Selection Guide (Keuzegids Masters 2016) ranked Utrecht University's Nanomaterials Science programme as the best in the field of Chemistry in the Netherlands.
Students chose the Master's programme Nanomaterials Science at Utrecht University as the best programme in the field in the yearly review 'Beste studies' by Elsevier.

Functional materials, organic and inorganic, play an important role in much of modern physics, chemistry and technology.

In this field there is an obvious trend towards systems which operate on the nanoscale. This includes the exciting areas of nanoscience, nanotechnology and catalysis: the fundamental units such as macromolecules, quantum structures and catalysts have dimensions on the nanometre scale. The challenges in this area of science include:
* the synthesis of functional units and their manipulation to form novel and 'artificial' solids;
* the study of fundamental processes in (nano)structured systems and the development of theory and models to explain new phenomena;
* the elucidation of structure-property relations;
* materials engineering and the application of materials in improved and novel devices.
* the elucidation of structure-property relations;
* materials engineering and the application of materials in improved and novel devices.

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This interdisciplinary programme aims to develop and equip students with a broad understanding of various concepts and techniques. The class will be made up of students coming from a diverse range of educational backgrounds all of whom will have graduated in the top 10% of their year group, leading to the fostering of an atmosphere in which advanced levels of discussion and knowledge exchange can take place.

As a student of this program you will benefit from:
- The guidance and supervision of scientists at the forefront of their fields
- Modern and extensive facilities
- Interactive, individualized and intensive tuition
- The opportunity to design your own PhD project

As we aspire to provide a hands-on experience to complement the theoretical basis, there are plenty of opportunities available to you in order to advance your research skills.
- Two obligatory research projects form part of the curriculum
- Theoretical classes are provided to advance knowledge and techniques
- Opportunities for further research within the research institute GUIDE which focuses on Chronic Diseases and Drug Exploration

The result of these features combined is a program that you are able to tailor to meet your personal research interests and aspirations, leading to a gradual specialization into your research area of choice. What sets this course apart is its strong focus on the development of scientific skills, rather than mere knowledge retention. We aim to facilitate the development of a critical and analytical scientific mindset, preparing our students to become leaders in their field.

Job perspectives

Upon completion of this programme you are fully prepared to become a PhD student in an international research programme. Currently, most graduates have continued their research activities in PhD projects. Many stay at the UMCG, however, others have gone to a selection of other prestigious institutions.

Job examples

- Academia
- Clinical Chemistry
- Medical Consultancy
- Nutrigenomics Scientist
- Researcher
- Entrepreneur

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Overview

Science and technology clearly have a profound influence on society, but the reverse is also true: society significantly shapes the ways in which science and technology evolve. Economic interests, public opinion and policy shifts are decisive for the shaping of science and technology. However, experience has shown that scientists on the one hand and the general public, government and businesses on the other aren’t always able to clearly understand one another. That is why experts with a background in science and an understanding of social processes are indispensable.

The Master's specialisation in Science in Society offers you different perspectives on science and slightly shift your career opportunities by teaching you a different set of skills on top of the research skills learned in the first year of our Master’s programmes.

This specialisation is available in the Master's in Biology, Chemistry, Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Medical Biology, Molecular Life Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, and Science. Students gain advanced knowledge in their preferred science, and also choose a theme to structure their programme to gain specialised skills in one aspect of science management and innovation.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/science/scienceinsociety

Career prospects

The intermediary role between science and society is highly sought after. You will be prepared for a dynamic career in various fields and work environments such as policy, advisory bodies, interest groups and governments, as well as interdisciplinary research that connects science and society. Although not part of the compulsory part of the programme, this specialisation can also prepare you for the field of science journalism or communication, for you can make that the focus of your graduation project.

Our research in this field

Top research and facilities
This specialisation is closely connected to the Institute for Science, Innovation & Society (ISIS); this institute brings together a group of experts from various disciplines and backgrounds in order to jointly tackle societal issues.

You also have the unique opportunity of working on a variety of large-scale European research projects that are connected to researchers on the Radboud University campus.

The Nijmegen approach

The first thing you will notice as you enter our Faculty of Science is the open atmosphere. This is reflected by the light and transparent building and the open minded spirit of the working, exploring and studying people that you will meet there. No wonder students from all over the world have been attracted to Nijmegen. You study in small groups, in direct and open contact with members of the staff. In addition, Nijmegen has excellent student facilities, such as high-tech laboratories, libraries and study ‘landscapes'.

Studying by the ‘Nijmegen approach' is a way of living. We will equip you with tools which are valuable for the rest of your life. You will be challenged to become aware of your intrinsic motivation. In other words, what is your passion in life? With this question in mind we will guide you to translate your passion into a personal Master's programme.

Quality Label

Radboud University was rated Best General University in the Netherlands in the Keuzegids Masters 2017 (Guide to Master's programmes)

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/science/scienceinsociety

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Overview

What happens in the world of business and public administration? How is innovation managed in company strategies? How does government design policy? How can innovation and policy address sustainability, health, energy and IT security issues?

Both the public sector and businesses struggle with the question of how to address sustainability, health, energy and IT security issues. Many of the challenges that society faces are rooted in the natural or computer sciences but have strong links to other disciplines. Solutions require scientists with an additional understanding of the societal aspects of these problems, and the ability to speak the language of and work with all possible stakeholders like scientists, civil servants and politicians.

In the Master's in Science, Management and Innovation you will broaden your scientific knowledge and learn the skills you can use to make a direct contribution to society.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/science/smi

Flexible and specialised

This specialisation is available in the Master's in Biology, Chemistry, Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Medical Biology, Molecular Life Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, and Science. Students gain advanced knowledge in their preferred science, and also choose a theme to structure their programme to gain specialised skills in one aspect of science management and innovation.

Career prospects

Master’s students who complete this specialisation end up in a number of different positions, such as government policy officer, Research & Development manager in a company, Sales manager in a company, or Project manager at a research institute or knowledge centre.

Skills that you acquire could also prepare you for a career in a large consultancy company, such as Accenture or McKinsey. Several of our graduates have gone on to become entrepreneurs and start their own company, but others work for civil society organisations or applied research for society.

Our research in this field

During your research project, you’ll work outside of the university in a company or organisation on a real-world research problem in your chosen theme.

The Nijmegen approach

The first thing you will notice as you enter our Faculty of Science is the open atmosphere. This is reflected by the light and transparent building and the open minded spirit of the working, exploring and studying people that you will meet there. No wonder students from all over the world have been attracted to Nijmegen. You study in small groups, in direct and open contact with members of the staff. In addition, Nijmegen has excellent student facilities, such as high-tech laboratories, libraries and study ‘landscapes'.

Studying by the ‘Nijmegen approach' is a way of living. We will equip you with tools which are valuable for the rest of your life. You will be challenged to become aware of your intrinsic motivation. In other words, what is your passion in life? With this question in mind we will guide you to translate your passion into a personal Master's programme.

Quality Label

Radboud University was rated Best General University in the Netherlands in the Keuzegids Masters 2017 (Guide to Master's programmes)

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/science/smi

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Become a Sustainability Change Agent

Sustainable Business and Innovation focuses on sustainability business challenges and technological and non-technological options that can be used to innovate in a sustainable way.

As part of this two-year Master's programme in Sustainable Business and Innovation, students learn about sustainability challenges and the technological and other options that businesses can use to work in a more environmentally and socially friendly manner. By reviewing the academic literature and theory, real-life examples, and business case studies, students acquire insight into the behaviour of organisations, including processes of organisational change and innovation.

Businesses increasingly face significant challenges and opportunities from environmental issues such as climate change, energy, and water and social issues such as labor and human rights, corruption, and transparency. Stakeholders in these businesses – including governments, shareholders, business customers, local communities, consumers, employees, and NGOs – are demanding that companies become more focused on sustainability for themselves and the communities they impact. Graduates from this programme understand how to help business and organisations in their journey toward making societies more sustainable. The course content is framed by life-cycle thinking, systems thinking, and long-term thinking.

The Sustainable Business and Innovation programme closely works with the BISS research group of the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University. The investigations cover a wide range of issues related to sustainable development and innovation.

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