HomeNewsKeuzegids Masters: University of Twente ranks second, eight Top rated programmes

Keuzegids Masters: University of Twente ranks second, eight Top rated programmes

The University of Twente may proudly present excellent scores in the new edition of the Keuzegids. Earlier, the University of Twente was announced Best Technical University in the Netherlands for the bachelor programmes, in the Keuzegids for master programmes, the UT has climbed to a second spot in the ranking of all fulltime universities. Eight master programmes received the quality seal 'Top rated programme'. The Keuzegids counts as one of the major information sources for future students and is published by independent advisory organization Centrum Hoger Onderwijs Informatie (CHOI).

Strong improvement

The average score of the master programmes at the University of Twente has gone up considerably: from 61 points (out of 100) in 2017 to 67.5 in 2018. Therewith, the University of Twente is the strongest climber of all universities. At the overall ranking of fulltime universities, the University of Twente has taken the second spot, right behind Wageningen University (68 points). Compared to the other technical universities, the UT's score is notable: Eindhoven and Delft score 63.5 en 57.5.

The strong increase in appreciation for the UT's educational programmes has been noted earlier at bachelor level. There, the University of Twente came in third overall and was named Best Technical University in the Netherlands.

Five new top rated programmes

For the master programme Geoinformation Science & Earth Observation, it is the fourth time in a row that it receives the quality seal 'Top rated programme'. The seal is awarded to all programmes with 75 point and above. The score for the geoinformation programme is 92, which is exceptionally high for a programme with over 200 students, CHOI stated. Also Applied Physics (80 points) and Chemical Engineering (78), it is a continuation of the quality seal. New seals were awarded to  Applied Mathematics (84 points), Industrial Engineering & Management (80), Philosophy of Science & Technology (78), Educational Science & Technology (76) and Methodology and Statistics for the Behavioural, Biomedical and Social Sciences (75).

The programmes in Sustainable Energy & Technology and Technical Medicine were not able to continue the Top rated status, as they missed out by only one point. Both scored 74 points.

Appreciation for facilities and student support

In particular, facilities and student support were rated highly in the rating. THe results were welcomed with delight at the various faculties.

Dr. Jan-Willem Polderman, programme director Applied Mathematics and portfolio manager Education at the Faculty of EEMCS: "We are happy with our results. It shows that sutdents appreciate our work. When you zoom in, it shows that students appreciate the teaching staff, as it is also the other way around. They are always prepared to give us feedback and participate actively to improve our educational programme, both at bachelor and master level. In that perspective, we do see our students and teachers as partners." Applied Mathematics improved their score by an impressive sixteen points this year.

The Faculty of BMS is awarded four quality seals 'Top rated programme': Industrial Engineering & Management, Philosophy of Science & Technology, Educational Science & Technology and Methodology and Statistics for the Behavioural, Biomedical and Social Sciences. Prof.dr. Ciano Aydin, portfolio manager Education at the faculty: "Distinctive for our programmes is that they are very multidisciplinary, technology-oriented and international. They are constantly pushing to improve, in close collaboration with the students. As a Top rated programme, they are an inspiration for all os us. The seals may be the icing on the cake, but we do want to emphasize that we work hard on the cake as a whole. These great scores reflect a quality boost in the whole faculty.

For Geoinformation Science & Earth Observation, the score improved from 82 to 92 point, an outstanding performance. Prof.dr. Tom Veldkamp, dean of the faculty: "This is the fourth time in a row that we have been awarded the Top rated programme seal. We are excited about our score and the ongoing appreciation of the students. We remain in the further development of our programme. It is a huge challenge to implement a major change in our programme and, at the same time, keep student appreciation on a high level."

For Applied Physics, it is also a continuation of the Top rated programme seal. Programme director dr. Stefan Kooij: "For the third year in a row we receive an excellent score on all aspects. We are happy to see that our recent efforts on student support pay off. We have intensified contacts between students and their study advisor." At Chemical Engineering, the wish for continuous improvement is present. "Both tracks of the programme are in a constant process of optimization. The close involvement of both staff and students in that process is remarkable. I'm glad to see this in the results of the Keuzegids. We are now already looking forward for new opportunities", says programme director dr.ir. Ben Betlem.

L.P.W. van der Velde MSc (Laurens)
Spokesperson Executive Board (EB)