As global challenges increase and new technologies emerge, it is becoming apparent that the academics of the future can no longer rely on one-dimensional solutions. Leaders in both industry and education realize that experts of technology need a better understanding of the implications of their solutions on the world around them. This means that the challenges of the future ask for a new engineer: an academic all-rounder who can combine technological and societal approaches to design solutions that can be implemented in a range of social, cultural and political contexts.

At ATLAS University College we aim to educate this engineer-of-the-future. That is why we select students who are driven by technology, but are also socially engaged. Through the programme you will acquire a solid foundation in both engineering and social science concepts, while always keeping your eyes on the bigger picture. You will learn how to approach global challenges from many different perspectives, including technological, societal philosophical or design perspectives. By combining knowledge from all these disciplines, you develop interdisciplinary solutions with a technology-driven result at its core. This way you will not only be trained to have a thorough understanding of new technologies, but be able to fully grasp their implications on society as well.

When you graduate from ATLAS you will have become an academic all-rounder: a systems thinker, opinion leader, great communicator and creative mind, but above all, a true problem-solver who is able to turn original solutions into real changes that make the world a better place to live in. And because you will possess a range of knowledge and a breath of skills, you are ready for the jobs of today as well as the jobs of the future.

ATLAS, the University College is a ‘high-concentrate’ version of the University of Twente’s ethos and character. Drawing upon the best of what the UT has to offer, in terms of teaching staff and educational approach, ATLAS reflects the University’s strong internal culture of innovation across multiple disciplines, as well as a commitment to the pursuit of academic excellence.