Masters Degrees in Engineering, Netherlands

As a biomedical engineer you develop new methods for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Commonly, you work in multidisciplinary teams with medical doctors, engineers, biologists and biochemists.

Current-day medical practice relies increasingly on technology. You can think of microelectronics, information technology, and mechanical and material engineering. As a biomedical engineer you develop new methods; from ever more advanced imaging instruments to scaffolds for tissue engineering; and from modelling software to new surgical appliances.

If you are interested in health care and technology, the Master's programme Biomedical Engineering offers you the opportunity to gain in-depth information on a broad-range of topics. You will study topics in the fields of imaging techniques, physiological control engineering, rehabilitation engineering, implant engineering, cell and tissue engineering and infection prevention, as well as aspects of medical ethics and law. You also become well-versed in medical and biological basic knowledge.

In addition, the University of Groningen offers you state-of-the-art medical facilities and a unique professional cooperation with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG).

We also offer an Erasmus Mundus programme in Biomedical Engineering: A joint project between four European universities. Students will start the programme at one of these universities and will spend at least one semester at a partner university.

Why in Groningen?

- State-of-the-art medical facilities
- Unique cooperation with the University Medical Center Groningen

Job perspectives

When you have completed the Master Biomedical Engineering, there a numerous employment possibilities in both research and management-oriented jobs. The multidisciplinary nature of Biomedical Engineering adds significantly to employment possibilities in both research and management-oriented jobs in:
- Industry
- Research agencies
- Hospitals
- Universities
- Government organizations dealing with health-related products and services

Biomedical engineers may contribute to research, to engineering design and product development, or to business aspects of engineering and technical management. They are also experts who may advise on the development of long-term strategies and policies in the field of medical life sciences.

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MSc Biosystems Engineering

The two year MSc programme Biosystems Engineering is for students with an (agricultural) engineering background on bachelor level that are interested to pursue a MSc degree in a field where the interaction between technology and biology plays an important role.

Programme summary

During the master Biosystems Engineering, students are educated in finding innovative solutions. The programme combines knowledge of technology, living systems, natural and social sciences with integrated thinking using a systems approach. Solutions can be applied to either the field of food or nonfood agricultural production. During the programme, you develop independence and creativity while acquiring skills that enable you to analyse problems and work as part of an interdisciplinary team. Biosystems Engineering is a tailor-made, thesis oriented programme based on the specific interests and competencies of the student.

Thesis tracks

Farm Technology
This topic consists of four main themes, namely automation for bioproduction, greenhouse technology, livestock technology and soil technology. All these topics have the shared goal of designing systems in which technology is applied to the demands of plants, animals, humans and the environment. Examples of such applications include precision agriculture, conservation tillage, fully automated greenhouses and environmentally friendly animal husbandry systems that also promote animal welfare.

Systems and Control
Production processes and various kinds of machinery have to be optimised to run as efficiently as possible; and with the least amount of possible environmental impact. To achieve this, computer models and simulations are developed and improved. Examples include designing control systems for a solar-powered greenhouse to include a closed water cycle and designing a tomato-harvesting robot.

Information Technology
Information and communication play a vital role in our society. It is necessary to acquire, use and store data and information to optimise production processes and quality in production chains. This requires the design and management of business information systems, software engineering, designing databases and modelling and simulation.

Environmental Technology
Environmental technology revolves around closing cycles and reusing waste products and by-products. Processes have to be designed in such a way that they either reuse waste or separate it into distinct and reusable components. Examples include the production of compost, the generation of green energy or the design of environmentally friendly animal husbandry systems and greenhouses.

AgroLogistics
The goals of agrologistics are to get the right product in the right quantity and quality at the right time and to the right place as efficiently as possible while fulfilling the requirements of the stakeholders (such as government legislation and regulations). This requires the design of effective, innovative logistics concepts in agrifood chains and networks. Examples are the design of greenhouses developed for optimal logistics or designing a dairy production process with minimal storage costs.

Biobased Technology
The importance of biobased economy is increasing. Energy savings and the use of renewable energy are directions for achieving an environmentally sustainable industrial society. Biomass of plants, organisms and biomass available can be turned into a spectrum of marketable products and energy. In this track, you learn more about process engineering, biological recycling technology, biorefinery and how to abstract a real system into a physical model and analyse the physical model using dedicated software.

Your future career

Most graduates are employed in the agrofood sector, or related sectors of industry and trade, from local to international companies. They are project leaders, product managers, technical experts, sales specialists or managers at many kinds of companies including designers of agricultural buildings (animal husbandry systems, greenhouses) and bioenergy production systems. Others find jobs with IT companies (climate control computers, automated information systems) or firms in the agro-food chain that produce, store, process, distribute and market agricultural products. In the service sector or at governments, graduates enter careers as consultants, information officers or policymakers in the fields of technology and sustainable agricultural production, while others enter research careers at institutes or universities.

Alumnus Patrick Honcoop.
"I am working as a product manager at 365 FarmNet in Germany. 365FarmNet supports farmers to manage their whole agrarian holding with just one software application. I am responsible for the content of the software. I am the link between the farmers, the agrarian holdings and the software developers. I really enjoy these dynamics and variety within my function. Just like during my studies, when we visited farmers, companies and fairs during courses and excursions organised by the study association."

Related programmes:
MSc Animal Sciences
MSc Plant Sciences
MSc Geo-information Science
MSc Geographical Information Management and Applications
MSc Organic Agriculture

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This master prepares you for a bright future in the fascinating world of advanced sensor applications. A domain that is rapidly growing, providing all kinds of interesting prospects for you, ambitious engineers. Within the globally important domain of health, sensor applications will provide totally new ways to monitor, heal, treat and care for people.

Sensors affect and benefit the lives of billions of people world-wide. Healthcare is one of the main areas where the innovative applications of sensors becomes increasingly important. Quite a promising prospect for you as a future sensor specialist, with expertise in said area.

Honours

Like our bachelor's programmes, the Sensor System Engineering master's is recognised as an honours programme, offering a challenging schedule to students. This means 10 ECs are added to the regular 60 ECs master's programme. We strive for students who are passionate about technology and committed to their own personal development. We select students who have an entrepreneurial style and who consider themselves to be world citizens. You will be expected to show creativity and the drive to discover new solutions by yourself. Naturally, you will be supported by the lecturing staff, as well as experts from industry, health and applied research.

Career perspectives

As a Master of Engineering you will qualify for a variety of jobs in the following domains. You can make a career in the health domain, developing products and services that involve sensor innovations for medical devices, domotics and home care. Another promising career move is to apply for a job in the technology domain, where you will develop technical sensor applications. A scientific research environment is another great place for you as a master. Here you will work alongside scientists who are focused on high tech research projects as genome sequencing or seismic monitoring systems.

Diploma

SSE is in the formal process of becoming an NVAO accredited HBO Master's Programme. After graduation you will receive a Master of Engineering diploma. The honours module is mentioned in the diploma and the diploma supplement. More info about the difference between a degree from a university of applied sciences (HBO) – higher professional education – and a research university (WO) can be found at government.nl (international students) or rijksoverheid.nl (Dutch students).

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The programme aims to deepen the knowledge, insight and skills for hydraulic engineering (part of civil engineering), hydroinformatics (a technology discipline) and hydrology (an earth system science).

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How can you design a slow-release drug system and produce it in sufficient amounts? How can we make biodiesel from the Jatropha plant? How can we use waste products for pharmaceutical purposes?

These are some of the interesting questions you will be able to answer once you have completed the Master's degree programme in Chemical Engineering in Groningen.

The two-year programme offers two specialisations:
- Product Technology
- Water Technology

The latter specialisation in Water Technology is offered in collaboration with other institutions skilled in this field of expertise: two other Dutch universities and the Wetsus Academy.

Why in Groningen?

- Chemical Engineers from Groningen are known for their flexibility and all-round skills
- Chemistry field in Groningen has CHE Excellence Label
- A lot of graduates make a career at major companies

Job perspectives

Chemical engineers from the University of Groningen are known for their flexibility and all-round skills. As a graduate, you could choose a career in a company like Corus, DSM, Akzo Nobel or Philips. Major IT companies are also keen to recruit chemical engineers from Groningen. Job possibilities in the region are expanding rapidly. Groningen is developing new industry and there is a high demand for well-trained new staff. You could also decide on a research position at a university.

Job examples

- Work for multinationals like Philips and Akzo Nobel
- Work for a major IT company
- PhD research position

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MSc Biotechnology

Biotechnology is defined as the industrial exploitation of living organisms or the exploitation of components derived from these organisms.

Programme summary

During the master Biotechnology you learn more about the practical applications of biotechnology, including age-old techniques such as brewing and fermentation, which are still important today. In recent decades, gene modification has revolutionized the biotechnology industry, spawning countless new products and improving established processes. Modern biotechnology has become an applied area of science with a multidisciplinary approach embracing recombinant DNA technology, cellular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, as well as process design and engineering.

Specialisations

Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology
This specialisation focuses on the practical application of cellular and molecular knowledge with the aim of enhancing or improving production in micro-organisms or cell cultures. Possible majors: molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, virology, enzymology and cell biology. The knowledge and skills gained can be applied in food biotechnology, medicine and vaccine development, environmental and bio-based technology.

Process Technology
This specialisation focuses on engineering strategies for developing, enhancing or improving production in fermentation, bioconversion and enzymatic synthesis. Possible majors: bioprocess engineering, food or environmental engineering, applied biotechnology and system and control techniques. The knowledge and skills gained can be applied in food biotechnology, medicine and vaccine development, environmental and bio-based technology.

Marine Biotechnology
This specialisation focuses on the use of newly- discovered organisms from the sea in industrial processes. Applications include production of new medicines, fine chemicals, bio-based products and renewable energy.

Medical Biotechnology
This specialisation focuses on the use of modern biotechnology in the development and production of new vaccines and medicines. Advanced molecular and cellular techniques are used to study diagnostic and production methods for vaccines and medicines. Possible majors: molecular biology, microbiology, virology and cell biology.

Food Biotechnology
This specialisation focuses on the application from biotechnology to food processing. The approach includes microbial and biochemical aspects integrated with process engineering and chemistry. Possible majors: food microbiology, food chemistry and process engineering.

Environmental and Biobased Technology
This specialisation focuses on the design and development of biotechnological processes for solving environmental problems by removing waste products or by producing renewable energy. Possible majors: environmental technology, bioprocess engineering, microbiology and biobased chemical technology.

Your future career

Graduates in biotechnology have excellent career prospects. More than 60 percent begin their careers in research and development. Many of these Master graduates go on to earn their PhD degrees and often achieve management positions within a few years. Approximately 30 percent of our graduates start working for biotechnology companies immediately. Relatively few begin their careers outside the private sector or in a field not directly related to biotechnology. In the Netherlands, some graduates work for multinational companies such as Merck Schering Plough, DSM, Heineken, Unilever and Shell, while others find positions at smaller companies and various universities or research centres such as NKI and TNO.

Alumnus Sina Salim.
In America and Brazil, production of maize and sugar cane for bio ethanol takes up enormous swathes of arable land that could otherwise be used for food production. This leads to the well-known food versus fuel dilemma. An alternative method for producing biodiesel is the use of algae. Currently, too much energy is consumed during the growth and harvesting of algae, but huge efforts are being made to reduce these energy requirements. Sina Salim is trying to develop a cheap and energy efficient harvesting method to ultimately produce biodiesel from algae, a competitor of fossil fuel. Now he is operational scientist at Bioprocess Pilot Facility B.V.

Related programmes:
MSc Molecular Life Sciences
MSc Food Technology
MSc Bioinformatics
MSc Plant Biotechnology
MSc Environmental Sciences.

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Programme status: pending accreditation

As this is a new programme, more information will follow. See information below for a basic overview.

​​​​Acquire a solid foundation in sustainable energy system management. Topics include modelling, technologies, markets & innovation, scientific framework (law, policy, societal acceptance, environmental aspects). Work on real life projects, and specialise at a partner institute. This programme is for students with a background in economics, managerial engineering or equivalent.​

Important information:

School: Institute of Engineering

Degree awarded: European Master of Science in Sustainable Energy System Management, as well as EUREC certificate​

Specialisations:

• System Integration & Optimization

• Sustainable Energy Management

Duration: 3 semesters/1.5 Years, one semester abroad.

Credits: 90 ECTS.

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Regenerative Medicine and Technology

The new Master's programme aims to educate the next generation of scientists and engineers to innovate at the intersection of biomedical science, technology and clinical applications.

The Master's programme, Regenerative Medicine and Technology, started in September of 2012 in cooperation with the department of Biomedical Engineering of the Eindhoven University of Technology. It aims to educate the next generation of scientists and engineers to innovate at the intersection of biomedical science, technology and clinical applications. This rapidly emerging, multidisciplinary field has significant impact on current and future health care. It combines the expertises of both universities and provides access to their state-of-the-art laboratories.

The development and application of new technologies will be a major focus. The term 'technology' can be interpreted in a broad sense: ranging from specific cell culturing techniques, the use of biomaterials, to computer models and imaging modalities. Students can enrol at either one of both institutes. The programme is unique in providing students with a broad background in biomedical and technical aspects of regenerative medicine (RM). The field of regenerative medicine comprises all applications that can help the body to heal itself.

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The MSc Programme in Urban Water and Sanitation educates professionals in the fields of water supply, sanitation and integrated urban engineering, particularly in urban areas.

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The Water Management programme is open to participants from a range of academic backgrounds, as long as they have a Bachelors degree in an area that contributes to water management. These areas include engineering, economics, law, social sciences and natural sciences.

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The new Joint Erasmus Mundus programme in Flood Risk Management integrates the complementary topics of global changes and monitoring natural processes, modelling their behavior and interaction, formulating the decisions based on interrogation of these integrated models and implementing these decisions in the context of socio-economic and institutional framework.

The subjects covered include hydrology, meteorology, monitoring, hydroinformatics, modelling, various types of flooding (fluvial, urban and coastal), risk management, spatial planning and socio-economic and institutional framework.

The Erasmus Mundus Programme in Flood Risk Management is offered by a consortium consisting of:

•IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (the Netherlands)
•Technical University of Dresden (Germany)
•Technical University of Catalonia (Spain)
•University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)

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What is intelligent behaviour? How can robots communicate with each other? In this programme you will learn how to design and implement intelligent systems.

The core topics in The Master's programme Artificial Intelligence are: autonomous perceptive systems, cognitive robotics and multi-agent systems.

- Autonomous Systems
A robot taking samples and collecting information on the moon is an example of an autonomous system. It operates and carries out missions independently. Regardless of their surroundings, it responds with a certain intelligence. While traditional AI focuses on cognition and reasoning as isolated abilities, we strongly believe in perception as an active behavior, which is integrated into general cognition.

- Cognitive Robotics
The courses taught in the area of cognitive robotics are related to research in social robotics, to the origin of robotic communication and to the way in which robots recognize movement. Research is conducted at the Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Engineeringinstitute.

- Multi-agent Systems
When a team of robots play footbal they have to communicate and cooperate with each other. This is an example of a multi-agent system. When designing these systems, techniques from computing science and logic are combined with knowledge about the interaction amongst humans and animals.

Why in Groningen?

- Be part of a Programme with excellent reviews
- Challenging graduation projects

Job perspectives

Once you have obtained your Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence, you can apply your skills in research & development, for instance air traffic and space labs, where you make sure that intelligent and innovative technologies are used during the design process. You could also choose to get a job at a research institute where you work as a researcher. This can be done at a university (PhD) or at a research institute like TNO. About 50% of our students chooses a career as a scientist.

Where do graduated master AI students work at the moment? Maarten van Grachten and Mathijs Homminga did the AI master in the old doctoral program and they specialized in very different directions. Mathijs works as a software engineer at the IT-company Evermind. He programs and implements innovative IT-projects for shops. Maarten is doing a PhD in Barcelona where he investigates how a computer can compose jazz music.

Job examples

- Industrial Research & Development
- PhD research position
- Software engineer

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Solving global water problems requires a multidisciplinary approach of knowledge and skills. That is why the Wetsus Insitute and three Dutch universities offer a joint degree in Water Technology.

The master Water Technology is a two year programme offered jointly by Wageningen University, University Twente and University of Groningen with all education being provided at the Technological Top Institute for Water technology (TTIW Wetsus), in Leeuwarden.

In the field of water technology, breakthrough technological developments are required. Not only to enable the export ambitions of the water sector but also to solve global threats and challenges in society.

The main added value of the course lies in the multidisciplinary study of biotechnology and separation technology. Such a combined technological approach may offer a solution to global developments, within business and society, and have a worldwide impact on the demand for and use of water.

This program will qualify you as the expert who is able to participate in resolving world-wide water issues. It enables students to complement their Bachelor of Sciences diploma with scientific knowledge and capabilities that they need for a successful career in the dynamic international setting of business and research.

Why in Groningen?

- a multidisciplinary research program: cooperation with three Dutch universities and a Technological Top Insitute
- Water Technology is an area of expertise in which the Netherlands has gained an international reputation
- Commercial parties are involved in Wetsus and help to define and guide the research program

Job perspectives

The study domain is becoming more and more relevant due to the urgent need for new technologies to meet the global water problems. Water technology for public drinking water production and sewer water treatment is a very large market. Further, the largest use of fresh water is for irrigation purposes.

The industrial water supply and industrial waste water treatment also represent a significant market. There is no question that business involved in water technology will grow tremendously. Besides this human capital is a basic condition to guarantee the success and continuity of the development of sustainable technologies and a European know-how economy in water technology. In many EU countries the lack of talented technological professionals is becoming an increasingly limiting factor. The program prepares students for a professional position in the broad area of water technology. Graduates have good national and international career prospects in business and research.

Job examples

- Consultant or manager at a development project
- Designer of purification processes
- R&D department of companies, e.g. Arcadis or Philips
- PhD, starting a scientific career

Collaboration, Integration, and Top Level Research

As a student Water Technology you will be in the center of the multidisciplinary laboratory of Wetsus, in which 80% of the research will be carried out. Wetsus is situated in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands. By inviting all the researchers to one location, maximal cooperation and creativity is generated. The researchers are seconded by the participating EU-universities at Wetsus, but the universities carry scientific responsibility of the projects.

In this way, an enormous intellectual and creative power will be focused on water technology and at the same time knowledge capacity will be build up by all the participating universities.

The Netherlands is Europe's leading country in water process technology. The Dutch government focuses in her innovation policy on water and has appointed Leeuwarden as the focal point for water technology development. This results in a supportive government policy in the form of enabling subsidies for water research and innovation. Around the Wetsus research and education facilities, a high-tech water campus is realised to concentrate know how, entrepreneurship, talent and venture capital. This attracts starting companies as well as research centers of large companies.

Wetsus is part of the Dutch Innovation Program on Water Technology. The innovation program aims for the development of sustainable water treatment technology with a strong focus on export. Wetsus, operating as as Technological Top Institute, takes care of the pre-competitive technology development within this program. Wetsus focuses on the research and development of entirely new concepts and on breakthrough improvements of existing technology.

In both cases, an entirely new approach has been chosen whereby the basic principle is always the integration of various knowledge disciplines. In addition to collaboration between industry and universities, there is also unique scientific collaboration within Wetsus. Many scientific chairs cooperate in the program. Leading researchers from various universities and other research institutes can physically work side-by-side in the Wetsus laboratory. This unique collaboration brings synergy and new creativity to the search for new sustainable water treatment technology.

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The MSc Programme is intended for mid-career professionals with an interest in environmental sciences and in maintaining environmental integrity in relation to human development.

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Programme features

 Highly international study environment with participants from over 45 different nations
 Lecturers with long-standing international teaching and working experience in the field
 High profile guest lecturers from established institutions such as UN-HABITAT, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and Lund University
 Unique training methodology of role-playing games, real-life case study analysis, class debates and on-site visits
 6 different specialisations offering a unique chance to tailor your study and broaden your career path
 Focus on linking theory to real world urban challenges and solutions developed and perfected in IHS’ almost 60 years of experience in the field
 Balanced learning environment of guided training and self-study

A step in your career

The Urban Management and Development master programme enables participants to advance their career opportunities by offering a wide range of career paths in six different areas of urban expertise.
IHS graduates work in the fields of urban academia, international consultancy, local and national governments and non-governmental organisations as lecturers, urban planners, sustainable urban development and design specialists, project managers, architects, government officials, urban policy analysis and development experts, capacity building trainers, land use advisors, renowned NGO heads and specialists and many others.

In the almost 60 years of experience in teaching and applying urban management and development knowledge and practices, IHS has developed an extensive network of urban professionals. Programme participants benefit from the immense IHS network including an alumni association with over 8000 members actively engaged in the field. IHS is engaged in over 100 urban programmes and projects at any point in time offering students a direct contact with donor agencies and training centres worldwide.
Our lecturers have long-standing international experience and continue to work all over the world thus creating a possibility to discuss and initiate links to programmes and projects in countries and cities of the participants.

Course Content

The cities of today are complex with interrelated economic, social, environmental and physical challenges which need to be balanced in the ever-changing urban environment.

The intensive 12-month MSc in Urban Management and Development is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to become competent urban managers by offering an in-depth insight into urban issues, policies and trends around the world through a blend of lectures with case studies, discussions, working groups, group assignments and field visits and field work.
The master programme is divided into three main periods: a core period, a specialization period and a thesis period. Below you can find more information about the programme structure and the knowledge you will gain during each period.

Core period (October - January)

The core period of the Urban Management & Development master programme provides in-depth insight into urban theories, policies and trends worldwide. It will study cities from different multidisciplinary thematic perspectives such as “Complex City”, “Spatial City”, “Sustainable City”, “Green City”, “Livable City”, “Informal City” and “Competitive City”.

Specialisation period (January - April)

The specialization period allows participants to gain an enhanced understanding of a certain aspect of urban management and development depending on their academic and professional orientation and interests.
 Managing & Financing Urban Infrastructure
 Urban Competitiveness and Resilience
 Urban Environment and Climate Change
 Urban Housing and Livelihoods
 Urban Land Governance
 Urban Strategies and Planning

Master Thesis period (April - September)

The thesis period opens with Research Methods workshops which offer the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to conduct academic research and complete the Master’s thesis. The students work under the guidance of their thesis supervisor and with the support of the IHS academic staff.

Training methodology

Throughout the course, students participate in interactive lectures, workshops and discussions, engage in group and individual exercises, analyse cases, give presentations and write papers and essays which aim to deepen their knowledge about the concepts and theory. The training methodology of the programme includes field visits, fieldwork, simulation games, discussions, best practices and case studies.

Important note for Chinese applicants

Chinese applicants are required to apply for a "Nuffic Certificate". This is a document that provides an assessment of the applicant`s English language proficiency as well as of the educational degrees and diplomas that are required to be eligible for an entry visa to the Netherlands. Nuffic sends this certificate directly to IHS once it has been issued.

The Netherlands Fellowship Programme (NFP)

Applicants who wish to apply for the NFP are kindly advised to apply with IHS at least 4 weeks before the NFP application deadline (14 February 2017) so that they can receive the admissions decision in time for their fellowship application.

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