The University of Twente has a long tradition of project education, a teaching model that we are implementing in more and more degree programmes. Project education involves choosing one specific theme per teaching period. All the modules during that period, for both lectures and practicals, will revolve around the same theme and allow you to explore the subject in more depth. But this is not all: as the teaching is heavily interlinked, knowledge of one subject will be required to understand what you are being taught in another. This makes your degree programme a lot more interesting, as you are not just studying for an exam, but exploring a subject and acquiring knowledge because you need it. We know from experience that students learn more easily, thoroughly and with greater enjoyment.

Final assignment

Every project period concludes with a final assignment, usually carried out in groups. You divide the work and everyone produces their own contribution. You must make sure that your individual part is up to scratch because your fellow-students are relying on your results. Groups often start to compete with each other for the best results. We applaud this as it shows students just how inspiring a good challenge can be.

Exams and periodic checks

You will obviously still be expected to sit exams to show that you really understand the subject matter, but your knowledge will also be checked periodically.

An extra advantage of project education is that it allows you to discover your own strengths. Everyone works on a different part of a project assignment so you can take on different roles; you can be the researcher, the organizer or the designer. Trying out these different roles allows you to discover which one suits you best, which may eventually help in your choice of graduation assignment, continued education or career.

Project education also gives you an idea of how things will work in your professional career, where you will probably work as part of a team. Each person’s individual contribution can make or break the overall success of the group.

Extra-curricular activities

Studying is in itself a full-time job. We expect our students to be well-motivated and willing to invest time and energy in their studies. This does not mean that you shouldn’t take a weekend job or make time for a sport or hobby, but this should never interfere with studying. Project education is an intensive way of learning and a lot will be expected of you. However, after having put in all the effort, you will be able to look back on an exciting and memorable time at university.