Master's Programme in Smart Systems Engineering

Program Overview

The Master's Programme in Smart Systems Engineering at Hanze University of Applied Sciences is a 3-semester, English-taught program that trains students to become architects of intelligent sensor systems. Emphasizing a hands-on approach, students work with real-life client projects and develop expertise in data science, system intelligence, and product development, focusing on applications in health, energy, and high-tech systems. The program fosters a collaborative learning environment with high-end facilities and an international student body. Graduates are highly sought after in the job market due to their specialized knowledge and practical experience.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master's Programme Smart Systems Engineering at Hanze University of Applied Sciences is a full-time, 3-semester (18-month) Master of Science program (90 ECTS credits) taught in English. The program aims to train students to become architects of intelligent sensor systems, capable of building and developing smart systems that interact with their environment. It goes beyond simple data generation, focusing on implementing intelligence at the point of data generation to enable smart interventions in response to environmental changes. Students are challenged to push the boundaries of what's possible in the field of smart systems. The program emphasizes a strong international learning community, high-end facilities (including the TechHub Assen), and real-life client projects and assignments. The program sits at the cutting edge of data science, system intelligence, and product development, focusing on applications in health, energy, and high-tech systems and materials (HTMS). Students work closely with clients, gaining practical experience from the outset. The program highlights "giving meaning to the data" as a core objective.

Outline:

The program is structured across three semesters:

• Semester 1: Introduction: This semester focuses on integrating data from multiple, complex sensors and interpreting this data correctly.
Students learn to apply data analysis algorithms (Applied Machine Learning) and gain the knowledge and tools to model and design complex smart systems from big data applications and digital signal processing. Practical application of learned concepts is emphasized through various projects. A non-technical course, Sustainable Research Skill, encourages reflection on the sustainability of developed systems.
• Semester 2: Deepening and widening of knowledge: This semester concentrates on the practical implementation of acquired skills and knowledge.
Students delve into more complex algorithms and choose a specialization area. Courses include Products and Service Design (focusing on the entire design process of a smart system), and Sensor Application Specialisation (exploring sensor applications within the chosen field: health, energy, or high-tech systems and materials). Students engage in projects with innovative companies or research institutes (e.g., Philips, UMCG). Non-technical courses enhance professional skills, covering master-level research conduct and problem-solving in multidisciplinary settings.
• Semester 3: Thesis: This semester involves a six-month research project within the chosen domain, culminating in a master's thesis.
Examples of past projects include: the use of serious gaming for medical rehabilitation; development of a wearable respiratory gas measuring device; and development of a model for optimal energy usage in a solar car system. Specific modules mentioned include: Applied Machine Learning, Sustainable Research Skill, Products and Service Design, and Sensor Application Specialisation.

Teaching:

The program emphasizes a collaborative learning environment. Students work closely with peers from around the world, professional practitioners, researchers, and educational staff on real-life projects from real-life companies. The TechHub Assen provides access to high-end facilities. Lecturers mentioned include Mehdi Sedighi (Lecturer, Project Tutor, and Graduation Supervisor) and Paco (Francisco) Guzman (Professional Skills Lecturer & mentor). The teaching approach combines theoretical knowledge with practical application through real-world projects.

Careers:

The program focuses on the cutting edge of data science, system intelligence, and product development, leading to strong job opportunities. The Hanze Makerspace (HMS) is available to students, offering a creative workspace. The program includes international opportunities. Student stories highlight the international nature of the student body, the applied nature of the program, and the novelty of the field.

The tuition fees are listed per academic year here. Every year you will be enrolled as a student for a full year. As Energy for Society is an 18 months programme, the tuition fee for your second year of enrolment will depend on the month you graduate and deregister. Note: Students with a NON-EU/EEA nationality must be aware that on top of the tuition fee you will have to prove that you have enough financial means to live of. Information about the procedure, the amount and what costs are included in the financial guarantee can be found here.