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.
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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 February.
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.
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!
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.
Programme overview
Quick links
Related programmes
Below you find a list of educational programmes which are (closely) related to Nanotechnology.
Engineering & Technology
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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 and Management is the programme for you.
Computer Science
Computer Science is omnipresent in modern society. Latest hardware and software developments are crucial in domains such as social media, security, health, energy, ICT systems, finance and telecom.
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
This master's challenges you to develop new methods and technologies for high-tech electronics-based systems in nanotechnology, robotics, electronics, telecommunication or biomedical systems.
Embedded Systems
This master’s focuses on the design of embedded systems: the hardware and software that control a device, process or system, e.g. smart phones, pacemakers, chip sets or navigation systems.
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Industrial Engineering & Management
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Interaction Technology
Interaction Technology combines principles from electrical engineering and IT with the analysis of human behaviour and storytelling.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineers focus on the design, analyses and maintenance of machinery, structures and products. The Master’s programme in Mechanical Engineering zooms in on one of these disciplines.
Philosophy of Science, Technology & Society
Philosophy of Science, Technology and Society is the premier Master's programme for learning how to critically analyse and assess the impact of scientific and technological developments on society.
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.
Systems & Control
This two-year master’s programme teaches you how to control the behaviour of dynamic phenomena and systems in interaction with their environment.
Technical Medicine
We educate a new kind of technical-medical professional who improves patient safety, diagnosis, and treatment through the innovative use of medical technology in direct patient care.
