Twente Education Model makes studying effective, future-proof and more engaging than ever.
One of the things that makes the University of Twente (UT) stand out is our approach to teaching and learning. Our unique Twente Education Model (TOM) makes studying more effective, more futureproof and a lot more fun, too. All of our bachelor’s programmes work with TOM. What makes this particular way of learning and teaching special?
Modules & project-based work
Our programmes consist of modules. Each module has a theme with all sorts of subjects and learning activities, such as feedback sessions with fellow students or workshops and lectures. The different aspects of a module are related to your study programme and often interconnected. Central to each module is a team project in which, together with your group, you address a real-world problem. This way, you put scientific theory into practice. Challenging and exciting!
Assessment and tests
In the first and second study years, you will take eight modules in total. You will be graded for each module. Your assessment is based on the result of the final project and subtests per module. Both count towards the module's final mark. How many tests these are and in what form they are taken (written, verbal, report, etc.) varies per programme and module. Also, some tests can weigh more heavily than others.
Sometimes additional conditions apply, e.g. you must get at least a five for the maths module test. If your final grade for a module is insufficient, you can still pass by completing additional assignments or tests. Only when you pass a module, you will receive all the credits for that module.
Freedom of choice in your third year
You graduate in the third academic year. Half of this year consists of elective courses (with the exception of the Technical Medicine programme), the other half is devoted to the concluding bachelor's assignment in which you solve a current issue in a scientific manner. You can do this for a UT research group, company or (semi) government institution.
'Student-driven learning'
As a student at UT, you have a great deal of influence on your own learning process. When following modules, you are in control and make your own choices in terms of planning and educational activities. What do you need to pay more attention to? What resources do you need? What role will you play in the team project? You will work actively and self-directed. In close consultation with your lecturers, of course, because personal contact and guidance are important to us. This 'student-driven' approach to learning allows you to develop a flexible and entrepreneurial attitude that prepares you better for the job market.
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Becoming a T-shaped professional
The job market of the 21st century requires T-shaped professionals: people with both substantive professional knowledge and skills to cooperate with others. Through the Twente Educational Model, you will develop into a T-shaped professional. In each module project, you go into depth (the vertical 'leg' of the T) by exploring a theme from all sides. You will research and experiment and constantly gain new knowledge with the result that you become fully familiar with the topic. At the same time, you work on your skills and competencies (the horizontal 'leg' of the T) because you collaborate intensively with people from other disciplines to arrive at new, surprising insights and designs. So you can look at the situation from your own frame of reference, but also know how to approach it from the frame of reference of other disciplines.
Are you a researcher, designer or organiser?
Are you a researcher developing new techniques? Or a designer deploying innovative techniques that will soon be accessible to everyone? Maybe you are a natural born organiser who makes sure society is willing to use all those techniques and innovations. By working on projects and in constantly changing teams and roles, you will get to know yourself and your talents better and better. You discover which role suits you best. Useful to know if you are looking for a suitable master's programme or job after your bachelor's!
Discover three team roles
At UT we distinguish three different roles you can take on in a team or as a professional: researcher, designer or organiser. Throughout your studies, we’ll help you discover which one best suits you. This means that at UT you’ll not only become adept in a certain field of learning, but you’ll also discover where your true strengths lie – professionally and personally.
