Combine design with engineering and technology to create the products, services and systems our future needs.
Will you design the consumer products and services of the future? Products, services and systems that don’t just look good, but are also geared to the needs of end-users, the production process, packaging requirements and recyclability? In our three-year, English-taught Bachelor’s in Industrial Design Engineering you will learn to combine technology and creativity to design and improve products, services and systems. Together with fellow students, you will spend time in the workplace designing and making physical and virtual (consumer) products, services and systems that are practical to use, well-designed and in line with users’ needs and wants. If you want to get a solid foundation in technology and engineering and cover a variety of subjects, from mathematics to graphic design and from ergonomics to marketing, Industrial Design Engineering (IDE) is the right choice for you.
A day in the life of an Industrial Design Engineering student
Wondering what it's like to study Industrial Design Engineering? Bali gives you a glimpse into her student life.
Why study Industrial Design Engineering?
There are many reasons to sign up for the Bachelor’s in Industrial Design Engineering. Read the most important reasons here!
Combine technical knowledge with lots of creativity As an industrial design engineer, you will naturally learn to design innovative products - and the better you understand the technical side of the design process - the more innovative the product can become! But coming up with surprising solutions also requires a great deal of creativity - and also an understanding of how people think and behave: how do you design a product that is attractive, user-friendly and effective? In this Bachelor's, you will combine creativity with knowledge of mathematics and technology - skills that many companies are looking for!
Work on real-life assignments, from companies like IKEA or Philips The University of Twente has strong ties with the industry and other societal organisations, such as governments and healthcare institutions. That's why, as an Industrial Design Engineering student, you will be exposed to the professional field a lot - and work on current, realistic assignments from companies such as Ahrend, Philips, IKEA and the Roessingh Rehabilitation Centre. During your projects, for example, you and your team will develop a prototype of a product, which you will actually present to one of the stakeholders. Quite a few products made by our students have actually made it to the market this way!
More than just designing products During this bachelor's programme, you will not only learn how to design a product, service or system; you will get to grips with the entire design process, from ideation to market introduction - along with all the knowledge of technology, design and marketing that you need for this. This is how you become a broadly educated industrial design engineer. In addition, in your free elective space, you can gain expertise in other fields - and even spend a semester studying abroad - thus creating your own identity as a designer.
Personal guidance from engaged teachers in a relaxed, informal atmosphere Education at the University of Twente is known to be personal and informal, and this Bachelor's is no different. We have an open-door policy and you will receive more individual attention and guidance than at most other universities. The atmosphere between lecturers and students is friendly and informal: you can always approach someone with your questions. Together with our study association, S.G. Daedalus, we continuously improve our education and organise all kinds of study-related activities, such as study trips to companies, museums, and events within and outside the Netherlands. Here, you will live your student life to the fullest and grow both professionally and personally!
Download brochure
Future jobs
As an industrial design engineer, you can go in many different directions after graduation. Academically trained design engineers are in demand in all kinds of sectors. Whether you want to work in the automotive, consumer electronics, packaging, biomedical sector, or any other field, the choice is yours. For example, you could find a job as:
- Product designer
- UX designer
- Innovation manager
- Packaging designer
- Test expert
- Brand manager
- Research & Development (R&D) engineer
- Design manager
- Protoyping specialist
- Ergonomic designer
- Researcher
Programme overview
Related programmes
Below you find a list of educational programmes which are (closely) related to Industrial Design Engineering.
Business Studies and Public Policy
Business Information Technology
Develop expertise in both business and IT to help companies perform better and more sustainably in our digital society.
Communication Science
Communication is everywhere. In this Bachelor’s, you will explore the interactions between people, media and technology to develop effective communication strategies for a better future.
Health Sciences
Healthcare efficiency, eHealth, public health: there’s more to healthcare than medicine. In this Dutch-taught Bachelor’s, you dive into the management of modern healthcare to improve its quality.
Industrial Engineering & Management
Are you analytical and interested in maths and business processes? In this Bachelor’s, you combine technical know-how, engineering, and management skills to become a multidisciplinary manager.
International Business Administration
Do you want to understand and improve businesses in the global market? In this Bachelor’s, you dive into business strategy, marketing, finance, and management to tackle modern business challenges.
Management, Society & Technology
Polarisation, immigration, (cyber)security and sustainability: learn to use your knowledge of policy-making, legislation, and societal developments to address the challenges of today’s digital world.
Engineering & Technology
Advanced Technology
Interested in science and technology, but rather not focus on one field? This Bachelor’s combines electrical engineering, mathematics, mechanical engineering, nanotechnology, robotics and more.
Applied Mathematics
Learn how to use mathematics to find solutions to complex societal challenges in, for example, healthcare, logistics, technology or the environment.
Applied Physics
Learn to understand the fundamental laws of nature and apply them in innovative technologies and sustainable solutions in this Dutch-taught Bachelor’s.
Biomedical Technology
Learn to design, develop and maintain new healthcare technologies such as rehabilitation robots, artificial organs, prostheses and imaging technologies in this Dutch-taught Bachelor’s.
Chemical Science & Engineering
Use chemistry to understand, design and develop new sustainable processes, materials and solutions.
Civil Engineering
Roads, buildings, dikes, bridges: in this Bachelor’s, you learn how to combine technical and non-technical knowledge to design, construct and manage large projects in construction & infrastructure.
Creative Technology
Do you want to use your creative ideas to solve societal challenges? In this Bachelor’s, available in Enschede & Amsterdam, you learn to create smart, innovative and socially relevant tech solutions.
Creative Technology (location Vrije Universiteit)
In this unique programme, you will study Creative Technology in Amsterdam, while benefiting from the small scale, personal attention and technical expertise for which the UT is renowned.
Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is the foundation of most technologies we use daily. In this Bachelor’s, you dive into digital computing, wireless communication and electronic systems to design the future.
Industrial Engineering & Management
Are you analytical and interested in maths and business processes? In this Bachelor’s, you combine technical know-how, engineering, and management skills to become a multidisciplinary manager.
Mechanical Engineering
From rollercoasters to an aeroplane wing: in this Bachelor’s, available in Enschede & Amsterdam, you learn to invent, design and improve all kinds of appliances, machines, constructions and processes.
Mechanical Engineering (location Vrije Universiteit)
In this unique programme, you will study Mechanical Engineering in Amsterdam, while benefiting from the small scale, personal attention and technical expertise for which UT is renowned.
Technical Computer Science
From programming and data science to networks and systems: use your fascination and talent for computers and technology to impact businesses and society.