Program Overview

Introduction to the Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

The Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology is a two-year, 120 ECTS, English language degree program. This program is a joint effort by five leading educational institutions in Europe, offering a unique integrated master program that covers all aspects of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

About the Programme

The program is designed to prepare students with the multidisciplinary knowledge and skills to design custom-made materials and products with new enhanced properties, such as new nanoelectronic components, new types of ‘smart’ medicines and sensors, and interfaces between electronics and biological systems. The program is truly integrated into the international research community, with a strong analytical backbone and an important international network of research centers.

Programme Strengths

• A limited number of scholarships for both European and non-European students are funded by the European Commission.
• The programme offers a broad overview covering all aspects of nanoscience and nanotechnology, with a strong horizontal multidisciplinary core education, and a more vertical specialization in one specific subfield of nanoscience and nanotechnology.
• The Erasmus Mundus master programme is organised by a consortium of university partners selected for their educational and research strengths in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Programme Structure

The programme consists of 6 educational modules: fundamental courses, general interest courses, core courses, specific courses, broadening courses, and a master's thesis. Students will spend one year at each of two separate participating universities.

Organising Institutions

The programme is offered by a consortium of five leading universities:

• KU Leuven (Belgium)
• Universitat de Barcelona (Spain)
• Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden)
• Université Grenoble Alpes (France)
• Technische Universität Dresden (Germany)

Admission and Application

Admission Requirements

All students who did not obtain their previous degree at an institution of the Flemish Community must submit an application via the Admissions office. The admission requirements include diploma requirements, language requirements, and possible additional requirements.

Student Profile

Applicants must be qualified and motivated to start the Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. They should have:

• Strong analytic, synthetic, and interpretive capabilities.
• A clear interest in both the fundamental sciences and technological problems.
• The ability to interpret a large variety of questions and translate them to the abstract, academic level.
• The ability to form a personal and independent scientific opinion and communicate it effectively to others.
• A strong interest in how and why systems function, their societal and psychological relevance, and the implications for society.
• Basic knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics from their bachelor's education.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees are more affordable than many other leading universities, thanks to generous government financing of higher education in Belgium. The fees for any individual student are contingent upon their academic programme and the nationality of the student.

Scholarships

KU Leuven offers a variety of scholarships for qualifying students. These scholarships may be contingent on a student’s academic programme or nationality.

Study Costs

The study costs consist of the yearly tuition fee and degree-specific costs. Students also need to take living and transportation expenses into account.

After Graduation

Career Perspectives

Graduates will find a wealth of career opportunities in the sectors and industries developing new technologies based on nanoscience and nanotechnology, such as electronics, new and smart materials, chemical technology, biotechnology, R&D, independent consultancies, and more.

Career Support

The Student Career Center and the student organisation VTK provide support in finding the first work experience, coaching in the search for an interesting job, and help with job interviews.

Entrepreneurship

For students wanting to start their own business, KU Leuven has KICK, the KU Leuven community that encourages students with innovative and entrepreneurial ideas.

Alumni Network

The Faculty of Engineering Sciences constantly aims at strengthening the contacts between alumni as well as between alumni and current students.