HBO Electrotechnics, Sensors & Smart Systems
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Hanze University of Applied Sciences' Electrical Engineering - Sensors & Smart Systems program is a four-year, hands-on degree taught in Dutch and English. Students specialize in designing and programming smart systems using sensors, with an emphasis on robotics, programming, control engineering, and data communication. The program boasts strong industry connections, leading to excellent job prospects in sectors such as healthcare, sustainable energy, and transportation. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to innovate solutions for societal challenges.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Hanze University of Applied Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering - Sensors & Smart Systems. This is a full-time, four-year program taught in Dutch and English. The program focuses on designing, creating, and programming smart systems using sensors. Students shape the future of technology across various sectors, including healthcare, sports, and sustainable energy. The program emphasizes practical application, with students working on projects with real-world clients and significant freedom to customize their studies. The program aims to equip students with knowledge and skills in robotics, programming, control engineering, and data communication. The program boasts a passionate, close-knit learning environment with strong industry connections, leading to excellent job prospects. Three specializations are offered within the Electrical Engineering program: Sensors & Smart Systems, Energy & Power Electronics, and Mechatronics.
Outline:
The program is structured across four years, with two semesters per year. The first two years build a broad foundation in electrical engineering, gradually allowing students to tailor their studies towards a specialization.
- Year 1 (Propedeuse): Introduces the diverse world of electrical engineering. Students learn to design, build, and program analog and digital electronics, while establishing a strong foundation in mathematics and physics. Project work includes building electronic games or robots. Elective courses in sustainable energy technology or applied mechanics allow exploration of different specializations. Switching between specializations (Sensors & Smart Systems, Energy & Power Electronics, or Mechatronics) or language (Dutch or English) is possible during the first two years.
- Year 2: Continues building a broad foundation, but with a project-based approach. Students work on projects involving building control systems, creating dashboards for remote data visualization, and developing improvement plans for drive systems. The year culminates in designing and building a robot based on the chosen specialization (PCB design, sensor integration and data processing, or mechanics).
- Year 3 and 4: Offer significant flexibility. Students determine the order of:
- Internship (half-year): A practical experience at a company of their choice (domestic or international), working on a project under the supervision of a company colleague.
- Specialization (half-year): Focuses on the chosen specialization (Energy & Power Electronics, Sensors & Smart Systems, or Mechatronics).
- Free Choice Space (half-year): Allows students to pursue studies abroad, at another Dutch university, or at Hanze, choosing their area of study. Options include a second specialization or unrelated subjects.
Teaching:
The program emphasizes a hands-on, project-based approach, with students collaborating on projects with industry partners and researchers. The program is described as small-scale and personal, with close interaction between students and faculty. Each student has a mentor to support their personal and professional development. The program also features a student association. The teaching staff includes Arnette Overweel-Vogelaar (Docent & Mentor), Miriam Bergstra (Aandachtsfunctionaris & Stagecoördinator), Julian Wilson (Docent & Mentor), and Jeffrey Bout (Docent).
Careers:
Graduates are prepared for various roles in diverse companies and research institutions. Examples include Research and Development Engineer, Research and Development Manager, Industrialization Engineer, Automation Engineer, Field Engineer, Lead Engineer, and Manufacturing Engineer. Sectors include healthcare, sustainable energy, and transportation. The program boasts a high employment rate, with 89% of graduates finding employment within a year. Many graduates remain in the region, while some work internationally.
Other:
The program is offered at locations in Groningen and Assen. Students can choose to study in either Dutch or English. The program includes access to facilities like the Werkplaats Elektrotechniek, Van Doorenveste, and the Hanze Makerspace. The Studievereniging Versorium is also mentioned. Post-graduation options include pursuing a Master of Science degree at Hanze (Smart Systems Engineering or Renewable Energy) or other universities (e.g., Rijksuniversiteit Groningen – Biomedical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering).
Introduction to Hanze UAS
Hanze University of Applied Sciences, located in Groningen, Netherlands, is the largest university of applied sciences in the northern Netherlands. Established in 1986, it was formed through the merger of several professional education institutes, the oldest of which is the Academy Minerva, founded in 1798. Hanze UAS offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and professional programs in fields such as business, engineering, health, arts, and communication. The university is known for its practice-oriented education, strong industry connections, and international focus.
International Environment
With students from over 80 nationalities, Hanze UAS fosters a multicultural and inclusive environment. The university has partnerships with 260+ institutions worldwide, enabling students to participate in exchange programs and international research projects. Additionally, Hanze UAS is part of the Erasmus+ program, further promoting global mobility and collaboration.
Research and Innovation
Hanze UAS is a leader in applied research, with a focus on areas such as sustainable energy, healthcare, and creative industries. The university collaborates with industry leaders and regional organizations to address real-world challenges. For example, the Hydrohub MegaWatt Test Centre focuses on green hydrogen innovation, while the Jean Monnet Chair in Sustainable EU Economy promotes research on sustainable economic practices.
Campus and Facilities
The main campus, Zernike Campus, is located in Groningen and houses state-of-the-art facilities, including modern labs, studios, and research centers. The campus is shared with the University of Groningen, creating a vibrant academic community. Hanze UAS also has facilities in Assen, Leeuwarden, and Amsterdam, specializing in areas like technology and pop culture.
Student Life and Support
Hanze UAS offers a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and a student-to-teacher ratio of 8.75:1. The university provides extensive support services, including career guidance, internship placements, and academic advising. Students can also participate in sports, cultural events, and student organizations, enriching their university experience.
Employability and Alumni Network
Hanze UAS boasts a high employability rate, with most graduates securing jobs in their chosen fields. The university’s strong ties to industry provide students with internship opportunities and access to a network of 21,500 alumni. Notable alumni include Wim Crouwel (graphic designer) and Kimberley Bos (Olympic bobsledder).
Why Choose Hanze UAS?
- Practice-oriented education with integrated internships and real-world projects.
- International exposure through exchange programs and global partnerships.
- Strong industry connections and high employability rates.
- Vibrant student life in Groningen, one of the most student-friendly cities in the Netherlands.
For Dutch Students:
- VWO (pre-university secondary education): Students with a VWO diploma are directly admissible with the following profiles: Natuur & Techniek (Nature & Technology), Natuur & Gezondheid (Nature & Health), Economie & Maatschappij (Economics & Society). Students with a Cultuur & Maatschappij (Culture & Society) profile require either Wiskunde A or B. Those with a Cultuur & Maatschappij profile need Wiskunde A or B.
- MBO (middle vocational education) level 4: Students with an MBO level 4 diploma are admissible from all domains. However, the university recommends preparing by taking additional courses or using preparatory materials found at www.hanze.nl/keuzedelen and www.toelatingstoetsen.nl/voorbereiding.
- 21 years or older: Individuals aged 21 or older who don't meet the standard requirements can undergo an admissions assessment. This includes a Dutch language test (minimum MBO 4 or HAVO level), and tests in mathematics and physics (minimum MBO 4 or HAVO level).
For International Students:
- Students with a foreign diploma must apply before August 15th via Studielink. Admission is granted if the diploma is equivalent to a Dutch HAVO or VWO (with the necessary profiles) or MBO level 4.
