Tackle big (societal) issues at the smallest level: become an expert in the field of Nanotechnology and invent, design and develop innovative solutions on the extremely small nanoscale.
How can you diagnose diseases, such as cancer, at an early stage? Are there more sustainable ways to store energy to make the energy transition possible? And how can you make a sensor that checks water pollution levels on a large scale? These important, societal questions all have one thing in common: nanotechnology might be the answer! In the two-year, English-taught Master’s in Nanotechnology at the University of Twente (UT), you become an expert in this exciting, upcoming field.
You start your studies in September. If you need to follow a Pre-Master’s first, you can start in September as well and continue with the Master’s in the following September.
A small-scale event about transferring from hbo to university
Discover how it is to study here! The Campus Experience shows you everything UT has to offer to study and have an unforgettable student life
Small scale, big impact
The research field of nanotechnology might focus on an extremely small scale, but if you think it is a small discipline: think again. Nanotechnology is everywhere. It’s in our phones, our computer chips, our solar panels, our food, our cars, our medicine, our cosmetics and the list goes on and on. The scope of nanoscience is exceptionally wide, with five main application areas: Health, Energy & Sustainability, Security, Agriculture, and Water & Technology.
Nanotechnology, what is it?
Each second, your fingernail grows about one nanometre – a billionth of a metre. The multidisciplinary research field of Nanotechnology deals with dimensions and tolerances at this extremely small scale of less than 100 nanometres. It focuses on the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules. It is all about studying the changes that the physical and chemical properties of a material undergo at nanoscale in order to design and develop functional materials, structures, devices and systems.
Nanotechnology combines multiple disciplines such as physics, chemistry, electrical and biomedical engineering. This multidisciplinarity makes this Master’s unique. Whereas nanotechnology is normally part of a monodisciplinary programme, like for example applied physics or chemical engineering, the University of Twente is the only research university in the Netherlands that offers a Master’s in Nanotechnology that integrates all disciplines. This way, you can become the multi-skilled researcher that you want to be.
Nanotechnology in Twente
If you’re interested in the upcoming field of nanoscience and nanoengineering, then the University of Twente is the place to follow your Master’s. Not only is our university the only research university in the Netherlands to offer a Master’s in Nanotechnology, the region Twente is also home to the MESA+ Institute, one of the world’s leading institutes in nanotechnology.
In this research institute, over 500 scientists collaborate on cutting-edge research at the highest level in the field of materials science, lab-on-a-chip technology, nanophotonics, nanoelectronics, membranes, MEMS and nanofluidics. Many high-tech spin-off companies are rooted in this institute and market developed technologies, such as Lionix, Micronit, LipoCoat, U-Needle, Medspray and IamFluidics, all of which operate within Twente and the MESA+ institute.
Unique access to the NanoLab
MESA+ is home to a state-of-the-art NanoLab with a cleanroom of 1250 m², equipped with a wide variety of technologies capable of developing an almost unlimited number of applications. The NanoLab also comprises Analysis facilities, the BioNanoLab, the Microscope & Analysis Centre.
In the NanoLab, any influencing effects from the environment, such as vibration and electromagnetic disturbances, are virtually non-existent. The environmental conditions inside the building, such as temperature, humidity and the influence of light are extremely stable.
As a student, you will have unique access to this NanoLab including the cleanroom, thanks to the programme’s deep connections with MESA+. This way, you can be sure of an exciting research environment and the best academic training in the world.
Career perspectives
Most of our graduates continue with a PhD – at, for instance, Twente’s world-renowned MESA+ Institute. Others fulfil jobs at all kinds of high-tech companies, creating new materials, technologies or products in sectors such as energy, water, healthcare or electronics, and some even go on to start their own companies!
Programme overview
Quick links
Related programmes
Below you find a list of educational programmes which are (closely) related to Nanotechnology.
Engineering & Technology
Applied Mathematics
In this Master’s, you will apply mathematics to challenging issues in diverse sectors. You will learn how to discover new patterns and how to predict them through mathematical models.
Applied Physics
Deepen your understanding of the laws of physics to find technical solutions in a wide range of areas such as IT, sustainability, healthcare, chip design, digitalisation, finance, space and more.
Biomedical Engineering
Contribute to better healthcare by designing and developing medical innovations for improved diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention and a better quality of life.
Business Information Technology
Become an expert in IT-based business innovation, able to devise new services and radically improve the way businesses work with the use of IT.
Chemical Science & Engineering
This Master’s will help you to develop novel chemical processes, materials and molecules and contribute to innovations that benefit our society in areas such as health, water, food and sustainability.
Civil Engineering & Management
If you are eager to focus on both the technical and non-technical aspects of civil engineering projects and systems, then the Master’s in Civil Engineering & Management is the programme for you.
Computer Science
In this Master’s, you will learn to solve the biggest challenges of tomorrow’s digital society by designing and developing more secure, scalable, and efficient ICT systems.
Construction Management & Engineering
This Master’s helps you to become an expert in managing large-scale, complex construction projects in an increasingly digitised industry, using an innovative, holistic approach.
Electrical Engineering
In this Master’s, you will learn to shape the future of electronics by developing novel electronic devices and systems, from circuits to sustainable energy technologies.
Embedded Systems
This Master’s program equips you with expertise in designing the software and hardware of complex embedded systems in vehicles, pacemakers and chipsets amongst others.
Humanitarian Engineering
Combine engineering and sociocultural knowledge in creating sustainable, impactful solutions to promote well-being in underserved communities.
Industrial Design Engineering
Combine design and engineering in creating innovative products that enrich people’s lives. During this two-year Master’s, you learn to optimise both products and the development processes involved.
Industrial Engineering & Management
Become a creative, multidisciplinary manager with both technological know-how and engineering and management skills and optimise processes and solve problems in complex, globally active organisations.
Interaction Technology
Delve into the field of human-computer interaction and design and develop interactive technologies that are meaningful to people and society.
Mechanical Engineering
Become an expert mechanical engineer that focuses on the futureproof design, analysis and maintenance of machinery, structures, products and production processes.
Philosophy of Science, Technology & Society
Philosophy of Science, Technology & Society is the premier Master's programme for learning how to critically analyse and assess the impact of scientific and technological developments on society.
Robotics
In this Master’s, you will learn to create robots that fit seamlessly in society, industry, and healthcare, revolutionising quality of life, safety, and efficiency.
Spatial Engineering
Natural disasters, poverty, food shortage, epidemics, climate change: learn to tackle society’s greatest and complex challenges using spatial data and technical and socio-economic knowledge.
Sustainable Energy Technology
Do you feel called upon to make a valuable contribution to the sustainable energy transition? Become an expert in the development, implementation and integration of sustainable energy technologies.
Technical Medicine
This Master’s will equip you to become a technical doctor who can use medical technologies to their full potential.
Natural Sciences
Applied Mathematics
In this Master’s, you will apply mathematics to challenging issues in diverse sectors. You will learn how to discover new patterns and how to predict them through mathematical models.
Applied Physics
Deepen your understanding of the laws of physics to find technical solutions in a wide range of areas such as IT, sustainability, healthcare, chip design, digitalisation, finance, space and more.
Chemical Science & Engineering
This Master’s will help you to develop novel chemical processes, materials and molecules and contribute to innovations that benefit our society in areas such as health, water, food and sustainability.
Spatial Engineering
Natural disasters, poverty, food shortage, epidemics, climate change: learn to tackle society’s greatest and complex challenges using spatial data and technical and socio-economic knowledge.
Sustainable Energy Technology
Do you feel called upon to make a valuable contribution to the sustainable energy transition? Become an expert in the development, implementation and integration of sustainable energy technologies.
Water Technology
Solving global water problems requires a multidisciplinary approach of knowledge and skills. That is why Wetsus and three Dutch universities offer a joint degree in Water Technology.
