PROGRAMME

What is the difference between ATLAS and traditional bachelor programmes?

ATLAS offers a broad three-year, English-taught undergraduate interdisciplinary programme with a focus on engineering & technology. Instead of knowing “everything” about one or two subjects, you will be able to generalize information from a range of academic disciplines, while still having the threshold knowledge needed to understand complex technical issues. You are trained to become a problem-solver; therefore learning by doing is essential in this programme. The programme is structured around themes with a large focus on project work. Furthermore, you will live on campus in the vibrant University of Twente student community. And unlike traditional programmes, personal development is an integral part of the programme through the personal pursuit elective.

What is the difference between ATLAS and other UC’s in the Netherlands?

ATLAS is the only University College in the Netherlands that places a strong focus on technology and ‘new engineering’. This means that you won’t just be trained to understand and design technological applications, you will also be able to create solutions that can be implemented in a range of social, cultural and political contexts. Also, ATLAS is part of the University of Twente, the only true campus university of the Netherlands. This international community with its intellectual, cultural, social and recreational diversity gives a distinct identity and atmosphere. Did you know that in 2011, international students voted the UT campus amongst the 20 most attractive campuses in the world?

Will a broad programme like ATLAS sufficiently teach me sufficient in-depth skills and knowledge about each subject?

ATLAS students are trained to become generalists able to work on the same level as specialists. An ambitious goal, that we aim to achieve by selecting students with sufficient talent, by developing a programme that allows students to understand the ‘threshold concepts’ of disciplines and train students on how to generalize and contextualize those concepts. As a result, ATLAS students will acquire a solid base in both technical- and social disciplines. Still, careers centered around excelling at one very specific skill will not be an obvious choice for ATLAS graduates.

What is meant with a ‘thematic programme’?

Every semester focusses on one or more real-world themes. You will work in groups on solving issues within this theme. Typical ATLAS themes are Human Movement, Nano-Robotics, Tracers for Personal Safety, Smart 3D printing, Alternatives for Renewable Energy or the feasibility of a Mars Space Station. As we further develop the programme, additional themes will become available.

Is ATLAS only for really smart students?

The short answer is: yes. ATLAS University College is a selective programme. We demand above average grades, above average intellectual curiosity, above average readiness to take responsibility for oneself and others and the ability to cope with uncertainties. If this selection meets your ambition to take on above average challenges in your life and in your study, ATLAS might be the right programme for you. Selection also guarantees sufficient homogeneity in the group which makes group work more effective and speeds up the learning process of all group members. Selection also expresses our commitment: if you are admitted we are confident that you can be successful at ATLAS and we are commitment to making you succeed.

What is the ratio between lectures, group assignments and project work?

Most days include a plenary lecture of about one hour. You will work on guided projects in small groups for around two hours per day (learning calculus, academic writing or practicing skills). One or two hours are spent studying individually. The other half of the day involves project work including meetings with your tutor and team members and working on sub-assignments in small groups or individually.

How intensive is the ATLAS programme?

ATLAS is a small scale, intensive study programme. For every 16 students there will be one teacher. A typical work week involves about 18 hours contact with your teacher and tutor, instructors and supervisors, some 10 hours peer-to-peer contact in the project groups and, in addition, you will need to spend about 17 hours on individual study activities. The total time investment is around 45 hours per week.

Is the ATLAS programme internationally accredited?

With the completion of the NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders) accreditation of ATLAS, the programme meets the Dutch/Flemish quality standards for programmes of higher education. These standards are to a large extent comparable to the standards used by leading international accreditation agencies.

ATLAS starts in September 2013: – Is it not a little risky to be amongst the first generation?

Risky is not the right indication of the additional challenges the first generation meets. Yes, there will be more improvisation than in an well-established programme. On the other hand it gives a unique opportunity to influence the future of the programme. No other generation will be so much involved in and looked after than the first generation. The programme is accredited; this means that an international audit committee concluded that the conditions for successful implementation of the programme are fulfilled.

PERSONAL PURSUIT / TEACHERS / HOUSING

What student counseling support is available at ATLAS University College?

Each project team is guided by tutors from both technical and social academic disciplines. Tutors are staff members who provide feedback on the methods used, on the decisions made and on team progress. Tutors also have access to professional experts who can provide additional support. Every student also has an ATLAS mentor, who is your first point of contact for academic counseling. Mentors are members of the teaching staff who will be assigned to you from day one. During the introduction week the mentor will introduce him or herself to you and arrange your first few appointments. During the first year, the mentor will take the initiative for meeting the students. Gradually, however, the initiative for scheduling sessions will shift over to you.

Will I be able to participate in extracurricular activities?

ATLAS students work hard and play hard, all living on our unique campus grounds. And everyone or those brings their own cultural background, belief system, ambitions and values to the table enhancing your experience. Engaging in extracurricular activities together with this diverse group of people is exactly what makes ATLAS special. Furthermore, the Personal Pursuit allows you to engage in a topic of personal interest as part of your curriculum. And because the University of Twente is home to over 60 student clubs and associations you will always have additional possibilities for all the things that make student life a great experience.

What is a Personal Pursuit?

Students come to ATLAS with different backgrounds, interests, skills and ambitions. Maintaining and developing this diversity offers a unique perspective to the academic and professional activities of ATLAS. That is why we commit to providing a well-rounded academic education, enabling personal development within the curriculum. Throughout the entire programme our students are able to pursue an area of personal interest as credited study, supported and guided by an ATLAS tutor or external expert, providing opportunities to further develop as an individual.

Personal pursuits can be dance, music, drama/performance, visual art, sport, a second language, a teaching certificate, public service, an internship or development work. Other options include earning a double major or attending an international summer school.

How many students live together in the same house?

You will share bathroom, kitchen and living room with 4 to 12 other students. All student housing have private (single) bedrooms.

Can I choose to live off campus?

Like most University Colleges, ATLAS is a residential college. This means that you will live with other ATLAS students on campus, at least for the first year. Living and working with students from different backgrounds provides an added dimension that will add to your learning experience.

AFTER ATLAS

Does an ATLAS University College Degree grant access UT master programmes like Applied Physics, Mechanical Engingeering, Chemical Engineering or Biomedical Engineering?

Except for Technical Medicine, you are admissible to all UT master programmes with an ATLAS Bachelor of Science degree, provided you make the adequate decisions during the course of the programme. Your ATLAS mentor will guide you throughout your programme to make sure you are well prepared for study at the MSc programme of your choice.

What are my career perspectives with an ATLAS degree?

In contrast to studying Technical Medicine, Mechanical Engineering or Psychology ATLAS does not prepare you for a specific profession or academic master programme. You are trained to self-govern your learning and to easily grasp the essentials of any situation or field of study. You are trained to become a quick-minded and versatile problem-solver with a broad intellectual background, with very strong communication skills, with the ability to empathize with people of various social and scientific background and with an aspiration to responsible leadership. Professionals in companies and public organisations indicate that these qualifications are in very high demand in the global job market where change and uncertainty are facts of life.

CONTACT

What opportunities do I have for visiting the ATLAS University College?

If you feel that the ATLAS programme might be something for you, we would like to invite you to contact us via atlas@utwente.nl. We offer ample opportunities for visiting the campus, meeting your professors and our ATLAS pioneers.