A word from the Rector Magnificus

Master’s Degrees
in Sciences and ‘Master your talents’
Thank you for considering us for your
postgraduate studies. We offer students from

Technology
all over the world high quality research and
education and provide you with the academic
skills and knowledge you need for your future
role in society.

The University of Groningen, founded in

2011–2012 1614, is one of the older universities in
Europe and has educated more than 200,000
graduates in the last 400 years. We are proud
to say that we developed into one of the
leading research universities in the world.
We are even more proud to say that during
all these years our tradition of academic
excellence has not changed.

We are an international centre of knowledge

that has managed to create an atmosphere
that enables researchers to discover things
which would otherwise have remained
hidden to them. We offer challenging study
and research paths that vary in intensity to
encourage you to develop your individual
talent.

Studying at the University of Groningen

will provide you with a truly international
experience, which will broaden your horizon.
The global outlook we provide you with will
give you a competitive advantage in realizing
your future career plans. All this takes place
in the city of talent, Groningen, a city where
distances are small and possibilities endless.

I hope to be welcoming you to the University

of Groningen soon.

Prof. dr. Frans Zwarts

Rector Magnificus

The Netherlands
The University of Groningen: 400 years of passion
and performance
› Leading research university
› Study in an international environment
› Dedicated to student involvement
Facts & Figures
› 26,800 students
› 3,500 international students
› 9 faculties
› Bachelor, Master and PhD programmes
› 9 Graduate Schools
› 91 English-taught degree programmes
› 15 English-taught double degree quality of life by its inhabitants 2006
programmes
Student facilities: the Groningen
personal approach
› Honours College for exceptional talent
› Student support courses
› Talent and Career Center
› Excellent computer and online facilities
› Wide variety of international Astronomy 28
student organizations
› Limitless access to the University
Sports Centre
Groningen: safe environment, full of life
The Groningen canals, ports and warehouses
take you back to 14th century Hanseatic
times, when Groningen was a member of
this alliance of trading guilds.
Groningen city: City of Talent
› 180,000 inhabitants
› best city of the Netherlands 2010
› best city centre of the Netherlands 2005
› best student city of the Netherlands 2006
› ranked as European city with the highest › Music festivals like Noorderzon, Eurosonic, Scholarships 42
› lively with a safe community character
› cultural and economic capital of the north
Groningen Museum
The Groningen Museum is the most high-
profile museum in the Netherlands, not only
due to its striking design, but also because
of various exhibitions.
Contents
The University of Groningen Student associations 41
Culture & Fun Leading research university 2 Cultural Student Centre: USVA 41
Cinemas and theatres cater for all cultural International outlook 3 Groningen Student Platform 41
tastes. Matching the Groningen way of life International Student Barometer 3
these venues, large and small, can be found Preparing for Groningen
scattered throughout the city. Teaching and Research Admission and registration 42
› Arthouse films in cinema ‘Images’ Master’s Degree Programmes 4 Visa and residence permit 42
› Concerts in the ‘Oosterpoort’ Graduate Schools 4 Health insurance 42
› Theatre at the historic ‘Schouwburg’ PhD opportunities 5 Cost of living 42
› Live music, late-night jazz, funk and Educational System in the Netherlands 5 Working in the Netherlands 42
blues-rock cafés Diploma supplement 6 Tuition fees 42
Noorderslag and Swinging Groningen Master’s Degrees in Sciences and Technology
Mathematics 10 Accommodation
www.cityoftalent.nl Applied Mathematics 12 A home away from home 43
www.groningen.nl Computing Science 14
Chemistry 16 The Netherlands: small in size,
Chemical Engineering 18 internationally oriented
Physics 20 The Dutch landscape 44
Applied Physics 22 Famous Dutch 44
Nanoscience 26 The Netherlands in a nutshell 44
Biomedical Engineering 30 English-taught Master’s Degree
Energy and Environmental Sciences 32 Programmes 2011–2012 45
Industrial Engineering and Management 34
Artificial Intelligence 36
Human-Machine Communication 38
Central University Services and Facilities
International Service Desk 40
Introduction and orientation 40
Language courses 40
Computer and online facilities 40
University Library 40
Student advisors 41
Student Support Courses 41
Student Counsellors 41
Talent and Career Center 41
Sports facilities 41
Disclaimer
All information published in this brochure is subject to change. No legal rights may be derived from this brochure. While the University of Groningen makes
every endeavour to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this brochure, it cannot be held liable for any errors or inaccuracies you may find.
The University of Groningen is a signatory of the ‘Code of Conduct with respect to international students in Dutch higher education’.

 The University of Groningen
Founded in 1614 the University of Groningen is one of
the oldest universities in the Netherlands and enjoys an
international reputation as one of the leading research
universities. It is a university with a modern, student-
oriented vision on education.
The University of Groningen has always been an outstanding example
of an international community. Almost 400 years ago, close to half
the students and lecturers came from outside the Netherlands. Today,
close to 50% of our 1500 PhD students are international students.
Although internationally oriented, the university maintains strong ties
with the city of Groningen and its surrounding region.
Leading research university: passion and performance
Realizing an ultimate dream is the main motive for many scientists
in doing their research. The University of Groningen provides you with
a study environment that rewards vision, quality and achievement.
We belong to the top 3 of European Research Universities in the
fields of: › International Service Desk and faculty International Offices
› Nanoscience
› Ecology/Biology
› Materials Sciences
› Chemistry
› Astronomy
Other strong research groups are Molecular Biology, Medical Sciences,
Neurosciences, Sociology, Philosophy, Theology, Archeology and Arts
& Humanities. All awarded degrees have been accredited by the
Dutch Government and are internationally acknowledged.
The Academiegebouw, the heart of the University of Groningen
 
International outlook: involved with the world
Knowledge has no borders and knows no boundaries – it is universal.
By attracting genuine talent, irrespective of the country of origin,
we ensure the quality of teaching and research. Going abroad for an
international experience is not the only option anymore – home can
be an international environment as well. We maintain long-term
partnerships with universities around the world with similar high
standards, participate in international networks and incorporate
international themes in our programmes.
International Student Barometer
Since 2007 the University of Groningen takes part in the International
Student Barometer, a global survey of satisfaction and well-being
among international students.
Why students choose to study with us:
› international reputation
› quality of teaching and research
› reputation of Groningen as a safe, friendly and relatively cheap city
Rated best in the Netherlands:
› official Welcoming Ceremony
› social activities organized for international students
› sports facilities
Highly valued:
› internet access
› library and study facilities
› Dutch/Groningen host culture
Zernike campus
9 Faculties & 9 Graduate Schools
› Arts › Behavioural and Social Sciences › Economics and Business
› Law › Mathematics and Natural Sciences › Medical Sciences
› Philosophy › Spatial Sciences › Theology and Religious Studies
Strategic partners
› Europe: Uppsala University (Sweden); Ghent University (Belgium);
University of Göttingen (Germany)
› Asia: Gadjah Mada University, University of Indonesia, Bandung
Institute of Technology (Indonesia); University of Beijing, Tsinghua
University, Fudan University (China); Osaka University (Japan)
› Latin America: National Autonomous University of Mexico – UNAM
(Mexico); University of São Paolo – USP (Brazil)
› North America: University of California at Los Angeles – UCLA,
University of Pennsylvania (USA)
Famous graduates
› Aletta Jacobs, the first female student in the Netherlands
› Wim Duisenberg, the first president of the European Central Bank
› Hans Wijers, CEO of the board of management AkzoNobel
› Job Cohen, political leader
› Peter Rehwinkel, mayor of Groningen
› Several members of the Royal Family
Famous scientists: past and present
› Frits Zernike, Nobel Prize for Physics 1953
› Heike Kamerlingh-Onnes, Nobel Prize for Physics 1913
› Albert Szent-Györgyi, Nobel Prize for Medicine 1937
› Serge Daan, Award for Eminent Scientists of the Japan Society for
the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
› Petra Rudolf, Descartes Award for her work on synthetic molecular
motors and artificial nanomachines
› Ben Feringa, Spinoza Award for his work on nanotechnology
 Teaching and Research
The University of Groningen is home to over 26,800 students who are
welcomed to an inspiring and stimulating atmosphere. With a degree from
the University of Groningen, you can be confident that you have the required
skills and theoretical background to pursue your future career.
Master’s Degree Programmes: master your talents
We train you to be a scholar and a scientist, while instilling the
professional skills enabling you to find work outside the research
community as well. The programmes last between one and two years.
Graduate School Master’s programmes
For those of you with research as a special focal point, we offer
two-year ‘Research Master’ and ‘Top Master’ programmes.
They are designed to attract the most qualified students and are
incorporated in Graduate Schools.
Educational System in the Netherlands
Teaching style
Study programmes are carefully defined and highly structured and
you are expected to contribute actively and work independently. The
teaching staff is there to assemble and structure the truths and facts
that make up the body of knowledge. You must make sure that you
absorb knowledge, filter it, and make it your own.
Teaching methods
Most of your courses will have a mixture of two or more of the below
mentioned teaching methods.
› Lecture: large group of students, listening to a professor, less
interaction between teacher and student
› Seminar: small group, a lot of interaction between professor and
student, you are expected to participate actively
› Work/project group: a group of 3–5 students conducting their
own research, you have to contribute to the project actively,
guidance from the professor when needed
› Independent study: you are expected to conduct a research
project independently, guidance from the professor when needed
Study support
Studying in a different country can be quite an overwhelming
experience at times, everything is different and your friends and
family are far away. To guide and help you through your studies as
smoothly as possible the University of Groningen offers students
several support facilities.
Dutch higher education values
› independence
› individual opinions
› teamwork
Binary System of Higher Education
The Netherlands has two types of universities. Universities of
Applied Sciences (Hogescholen) are primarily career-oriented
and prepare students for particular professions. The University
of Groningen is a Research University (Universiteit), with research
as its main focal point.

Double degree/joint programmes

Studying at the University of Groningen does not mean your
experience is limited to the Netherlands alone. The university joins
forces with strategic international partner universities or pools
resources in a consortium of European universities.

Graduate Schools: a union of teaching and research

The Graduate Schools bring together distinguished staff members
and talented students who share a common interest. With these
schools we aim to ease the transition between the Master’s and
PhD levels, give graduates strong research skills, and create a
supporting environment with expert scholars.

PhD opportunities
Admission to a PhD programme is highly selective and based on
academic merit: the best preparation is successful completion of one
of our Graduate School Master’s programmes. In the four-year PhD
programmes, you conduct your own research while the Graduate
School provides a balanced mix of expert supervision, tailor-made
postgraduate training and the freedom to pursue your own ideas.

 
Universities: Research-oriented The minimum number of ECTS credits needed to obtain a Master’s The programme is very broad
› PhD: 4 years degree is usually 60 (Humanities, Economics, Social Sciences and
› Master’s degree: MA/MSc/LLM: 1–2 years Law). 120 ECTS credits are required for some programmes (mainly My name is Alina Veligura. I first
› Bachelor’s degree: BA/BSc/LLB: 3 years Natural Sciences), whereas other programmes vary from 180 (Medical studied physics in Kiev, Ukraine. Since
Sciences) to 240 ECTS credits. September 2006 I have been a student
Universities of Applied Sciences: Career-oriented of the Top Master’s programme in
› PhD: not applicable The Dutch grading scale runs from 1 (lowest grade) to 10 (highest Nanoscience.
› Master’s degree: M: 1–2 years grade). As an indication, 5.5 is a passing grade. Grades 9, 10 and all I decided to study Nanoscience
› Bachelor’s degree: B: 4 years grades lower than 3 are highly exceptional. because I believe nanoscience is a very
challenging and ‘hot’ topic; it really is
ECTS and grading the future of physics. I was attracted
ECTS is an EU standardized system for measuring study load as The University of Groningen is the only Dutch higher education by the integration of chemistry and
a way to facilitate international mobility. institution to have a ECTS Label and a Diploma Supplement Label, physics in the programme. The design
awarded and recognized by the European Commission, Council of of the modules seemed very promising.
1 ECTS = 28 hours of study (incl. contact hours, reading, exam Europe and UNESCO/CEPES. Also, I had some friends in Holland
preparation, etc.). already.
60 ECTS = one year
The programme is very broad. It really
gives you an overview of the relevant
parts of chemistry and physics. On the
other hand, I sometimes wish we had
more time to go into even more depth.
I guess that will have to wait until my
PhD programme.

Another strong point is that it really

feels like a family. The lecturers treat
you as colleagues rather than as
students, and we students form a
close-knit community. What also
makes the programme attractive is
that it is nice to have so many foreign
lecturers in the programme, as role
models.

If I could do it all over again, I would

definitely select nanoscience again,
and I would also come to Groningen
again.

Alina Veligura
Student of the Top Master’s
programme in Nanoscience

 
 Master’s Degrees
Everything is arranged and I like
being here

I chose Chemical Engineering in

in Sciences and
Groningen because of the good
relationship with my home university,
ITB in Bandung, Indonesia. There is a
lot of cooperation in research projects,

Technology
like the development of biodiesel from
different plants. I am now doing my
research project and am working on
a new process to gain biodiesel from
sterculia oil, a special plant which
grows in Indonesia. This biodiesel can
be used as an additive for biodiesel 2011–2012
from rapeseed oil to enhance the
quality.

When I started here, I had a few

problems upon arrival, like registration
and very late contact with the Housing
Office. But the student organization
for Indonesian students, PPIG, helped
me a lot. New students should always
contact them for help.

Everything is arranged now and I like

being here. I live in an international
student house and meet students from
all over the world. Sometimes that is a
little bit weird because of the different
cultures and languages. But the people
are very nice and tolerant and not
racist towards Muslims.

There are several Muslims in our

department and we pray together
during the day. Most of the time we can
use one of the offices, but when all the
doors are closed we have to leave the
building to go to the mosque.
After I graduate I want to work in
a company in Indonesia to develop
biodiesel for my own country. But if
there is a PhD position available, then
I will do that first.
In the top left corner of the pages where the Master’s programmes are
described you can find a coloured indication of the type of Master’s
programme. The coloured beams represent the following type of
programmes:
RM = Research Master (part of one of our Graduate Schools)
TM = Top Master (part of one of our Graduate Schools)
EM = Erasmus Mundus (the highly esteemed Erasmus Mundus Status)
DD = Double Degree
J = Joint programme

Siti (Mae) Maemunah

Student of the Master’s programme in
Chemical Engineering
 


T DD JW Mathematics
How does a bank check whether your digital
signature is a valid one? Do the planets move
in stable orbits or will they eventually collide?
How can, within the three-dimensional
figures, a 3D-sphere be characterized?
The mathematics behind these questions is
dealt with in the Master’s degree programme
in Mathematics.
General information
The objective of the Master’s degree in Mathematics is to teach you
the mathematical knowledge, skills and attitude needed to pursue a
professional (research) career. You will gain specialized mathematical
knowledge in selected areas such as algebra and geometry, dynamical
systems and analysis, and statistics probability theory.
Furthermore, you will learn how to solve a problem by using
abstraction and modelling, to find scientific literature on the subject,
and to determine whether the problem can be solved by using existing
mathematical theory or whether new theory should be developed.
Finally, you will learn how to present mathematical results in written
and oral form, for both specialized and general audiences.
Programme content
The Master’s programme in Mathematics (120 ECTS) offers three
specializations:
› Algebra and Geometry
› Dynamical Systems and Analysis
› Statistics and Probability
In the first year of the Master’s programme, you will take specialized
courses in mathematics. Examples of such courses include advanced
differential equations, Hamiltonian mechanics, algebraic number theory,
elliptic curves, stochastic processes, measure theoretic probability,
functional analysis and Riemann surfaces. Some of these courses
are given as part of the National Dutch Master’s programme. This
programme provides courses for all Mathematics students within the
Netherlands and takes place at various cities in the Netherlands.
10
Key Facts
› Start programme: 1 September 2011
› Duration: 24 months
› Language: English
› Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
› Tuition fees (per year): €1,680 / €9,600 (EU/non-
EU students)
Admission requirements
In the second year, you will conduct a large research project. This › A Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics
project will be supervised by one of the Mathematics professors, and › The Admission Board may decide you need to take supplementary
will be about a topic in the field of algebra and geometry, dynamical courses
systems and analysis, and statistics and probability theory. At the › Proof of English proficiency is required (TOEFL 580/237/92,
end of the research project, you will have to present your results in a IELTS 6.5, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English), with
colloquium as well as in a written report. the exception of students whose native language is English
› Please check the website for a detailed list of admission
The number of students enrolled in the Master’s programme in requirements
Mathematics in Groningen is relatively small. This results in small
classes and informal contacts between students and staff members. Application
Consequently, you can benefit greatly from the knowledge and You can apply online, please go to: www.rug.nl/howtoapply
research contacts of the staff members when working on your research
project. Application deadline EU students: 1 June 2011
Application deadline non-EU students: 15 April 2011
Field of research
The large research project you conduct in the second year of this Further information
Master’s programme, gives you the opportunity to specialize further in www.rug.nl/fwn/MScMath
one of the following selected areas: algebra, and geometry, dynamical
systems and analysis, and statistics and probability theory. During Contact details
your research project you will be supervised by staff members who are admissions@rug.nl
experts in one of these areas. The research project can be taken in the
form of an internship in the research division of a company as well.
Career prospects
A Master’s degree in Mathematics opens up many job opportunities.
During the Master’s programme, you will learn to think in a logical,
systematic and problem-oriented way. These qualities are highly
appreciated by employers.
If you want to work in a company you can find employment at, for
instance, banks, insurance companies, the consultancy branch and
research and development departments of companies like Philips,
TNO, Gasunie, Ericsson and LogicaCMG.
You can start a scientific career as a PhD student at a university. This
means working for four years on a research project and writing a
thesis. After successfully defending this thesis, you will be awarded a
PhD degree. Afterwards you can continue your career at a university or
start a career in a company.
11

T DD JW Applied Mathematics
Why does one car have more air resistance
than another? How can a satellite be kept
in a stable orbit around the earth? Applied
mathematicians provide the necessary
theoretical background when trying to answer
such questions, in close interaction with
specialists from the field of application.
General information
Applied Mathematics is concerned with the development and
exploitation of mathematical tools for the analysis and control of
technological problems. Mathematical modelling of the problem
at hand plays a basic role, followed by (numerical) analysis and
(computer) simulation. Interaction with other disciplines is essential.
The Master’s degree programme in Applied Mathematics in Groningen
consists of two specializations. The first is Systems, Control and
Optimization. This specialization deals with the mathematics behind
designing stable controllers for satellites, purification plants or more
general technical processes. Questions that arise include: is it possible
to suppress perturbations in a system? how can one stabilize and
control a system without causing shocks? The second specialization is
Computational Science and Numerical Mathematics. The emphasis is
on modelling, analysis and simulation of fluid flow problems. Although
the applications can be quite diverse, the basic mathematical methods
are much the same. If you are capable of computing the flow of air,
you are able to predict the weather, and to design cars and aeroplanes.
And people who can simulate the flow of water can build ships, harbours
and dikes.
Programme content
The Master’s programme in Applied Mathematics (120 ECTS)
offers two specializations: Systems, Control and Optimization and
Computational Science and Numerical Mathematics.
In the first year of the Master’s programme, you will follow courses.
The purpose of this is twofold: to increase your knowledge of either
systems, control and optimization or computational science and
numerical mathematics, and to broaden your knowledge into areas
outside your specialization area (even outside mathematics).
12
Key Facts
› Start programme: 1 September 2011
› Duration: 24 months
› Language: English
› Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
› Tuition fees (per year): €1,680 / €9,600 (EU/non-
EU students)
Typical courses in the area of systems, control and optimization
include robust control, introduction to optimization, and modelling
and identification. In the area of computational science and numerical
mathematics they include courses like computational fluid dynamics,
boundary layer flows and computational engineering. Some of these
courses are given as part of the Dutch National Master’s degree
programme. This programme provides courses for all Mathematics and
Applied Mathematics students in the Netherlands, which take place at
different cities in the Netherlands. To broaden your knowledge, you can
take courses in, for instance, pure mathematics, physics, computing
science, econometrics, or industrial engineering and management.
In the second year you will conduct a research project that is often means working for four years on a research project and writing a
based on a real-life problem from an industrial or academic research thesis.
department. This research project consists of formulating a research After having successfully defended this thesis, you will be awarded a
question, performing a literature study and finding an answer to the PhD degree. Afterwards you can continue an academic career or start
research question. You can conduct the project in a research group at a career in industry.
our Mathematics department, or in the form of an internship at, for
instance, a research laboratory of a company; communication with Admission requirements
specialists from the field of application is crucial. At the end of the › A Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics
research project you will have to present your results in a colloquium › The Admission Board may decide you need to take supplementary
as well as in a written report. courses
› Proof of English proficiency is required (TOEFL 580/237/92,
Typical for the Applied Mathematics programme of the University of IELTS 6.5, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English), with
Groningen is the combination of mathematical theory and real-life the exception of students whose native language is English
problems. Applied mathematics can be combined with, for instance, › Please check the website for a detailed list of admission
mathematics, physics or computing science. The number of students requirements
taking the Master’s programme in Applied Mathematics is relatively
small. This results in small classes and informal contacts between Application
students and staff members. Consequently, you can benefit greatly You can apply online, please go to: www.rug.nl/howtoapply
from the knowledge and research contacts of the staff members when
following courses or working on your research project. Application deadline EU students: 1 June 2011
Application deadline non-EU students: 15 April 2011
Field of research
In the second year of the Master’s programme you will conduct Further information
a research project. Typical research questions in the area of www.rug.nl/fwn/MScAppliedMath
computational science and numerical mathematics include how
much force is exerted on a ship when it is hit by a wave, where does Contact details
plaque develop in a blood vessel, how does the fuel in the tank of a admissions@rug.nl
satellite slosh in the absence of gravity? In the field of systems, control
and optimization answers are sought to questions like how can a
satellite be kept in a stable orbit around earth, is it possible to design a
controller that robustly stabilises for a certain technical process?
Career prospects
A Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics opens up many job
opportunities. During the Master’s programme you will learn
to think in a logical, systematic, and problem-oriented way in a
multidisciplinary environment. After having finished the programme
you will be able to apply mathematics to a technical problem, and
hence to work at the interface between theory and practice. These
qualities are highly appreciated by employers.
Job opportunities are available in industrial companies, research
institutes, as well as in universities. Examples of companies looking for
applied mathematicians include Gasunie, Philips, Stork, Shell, Corus,
KPN and small engineering bureaus. Examples of research institutes
are the National Aerospace Laboratory (NLR, the picture on these
pages comes from the NLR), WL/Delft Hydraulics, KNMI and TNO.
You can start a university career with working as a PhD student, which
13

T DD JW Computing Science
How can we develop secure and robust soft-
ware? How can we teach computers to see?
How can we visualize the glut of information
available in all fields of business and science
today? How can we make our software easily
adaptable to new tasks? How do we improve
learning by computers?
General information
The Master’s programme in Computing Science in Groningen deals
with both theoretical and practical aspects of computing, in particular
in the area of Distributed Systems, Software Engineering, Intelligent
Systems, Computational Science and Visualization. In most courses,
a combination of lectures dealing with the theory and practical sessions
is used. Apart from core computer science skills, mathematics and
research methodology are also important. In student colloquia
research and presentation skills are developed. For those aiming to
go into business rather than academia, project management and
related topics are also offered. All skills acquired are put to the test
in research projects, either within the university or in business and
industrial internships. Because computer science is pivotal in many
areas of research, students can easily participate in one of many
research collaborations with other fields, such as bioinformatics,
medicine and astronomy. Contacts with many businesses facilitate
internships in a variety of fields, to match the interests of most
students.
Programme content
The Master’s programme in Computing Science in Groningen has
three specializations:
› Software Engineering and Distributed Systems (SEDS)
› Intelligent Systems (IS)
› Computational Science and Visualization (CSV)
The SEDS variant is more business oriented, whereas the latter two are
more research oriented. Regardless of which specialization you choose,
Image Processing, Advanced Web Technologies and a Student
Colloquium form a fixed part of the curriculum. In the SEDS variant,
Software Architecture, Software Patterns, Mobile Software, Software
Maintenance and Evolution, Ubiquitous Computing and Distributed
Key Facts
› Start programme: 1 September 2011
› Duration: 24 months
› Language: English
› Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
› Tuition fees (per year): €1,680 / €9,600 (EU/
non-EU students)
Systems are compulsory courses, allowing 15 ECTS for optional
courses. In the IS variant, Automated Reasoning, Machine Learning,
Neural Networks, Pattern Recognition, Computer Vision and Multi-
Agent Systems are compulsory, with 30 ECTS room for optional
courses. In the CSV variant, Scientific Visualization, Introduction to
Computational Science, Advanced Computer Graphics, Numerical
Mathematics 1, Geometric Algorithms, and Modelling & Simulation
are compulsory, leaving 30 ECTS for optional courses. These optional
courses can be chosen either from the compulsory courses in the
other variants, or from suitable courses at other institutes (e.g. Natural
Language Processing from the Faculty of Arts).
In the IS and CSV variants there are two major research projects: in
the first year of the Master’s programme there is a 15 ECTS project,
and in the final year a 30 ECTS Master’s thesis project. In both projects
students usually participate in research within the institute. The main
areas are computer vision and image processing, scientific visualization,
data visualization, computer simulation and machine learning. The
SEDS variant has a similar structure, but here the 15 ECTS project is
an industrial internship, and the research areas involved are distributed
systems and software engineering and architecture.
Groningen has excellent computing facilities, including the 12000+
processor STELLA Blue-Gene type supercomputer, various immersive
virtual reality environments (Reality Cube, 3D Theatre, etc.) and various
smaller clusters. Because the University of Groningen is a ‘classical’
university, a wide range of courses outside computer science is available,
and the institute has many ongoing collaborative research projects
with groups in other disciplines. Another typical feature of Computing
Science in Groningen is the informal atmosphere, both amongst
students and between students and staff.
Field of research
As mentioned above, the research areas in which our institute is
involved focus on the following areas:
› Distributed Systems, which are becoming the standard way to build
information systems, in particular Web Services, Service-Oriented
Architectures, eBusiness, and mobile computing.
› Intelligent Systems, with projects on computer vision, in particular
using models of the human visual system and through mathematical
morphology, medical imaging (2-D and 3-D) and machine learning,
in particular developing a better understanding of the learning
process of systems such as neural networks.
› Computational Science and Visualization, in particular 3-D medical
imaging, visualizing large, multidimensional astronomical data sets,
general data visualization, visualizing bioinformatics data (genomics
and proteomics).
› Software Engineering, dealing with the process of creating programs
from the requirement analysis all the way to its management, in
particular software patterns, explicitly handing variability and
managing architectural knowledge.
Career prospects
Having completed the Master’s programme in Computing Science,
you will be spoilt for choice regarding future employment. There are
hardly any areas of business or research which do not require compu-
ter scientists, either software engineers and architects, or researchers.
Usually our students are offered suitable jobs within one month of
graduating (or even before graduating). Most of our alumni end up
either in software companies (or founding their own), or in academia,
usually by entering into PhD programmes. In industry, after a few years
they generally move to more managerial roles and become project
managers, for example. In academia the usual path is from PhD via
post-doctoral researcher to university staff member, though quite a
few of our successful PhD students have moved to industry as well.
Many MSc and PhD students have gone into the field of medical
imaging, either at various universities or in the research labs of large
companies. More and more are moving into bioinformatics.
Admission requirements
› A Bachelor’s degree in Computing Science
› The Admission Board may decide you need to take supplementary
courses
› Proof of English proficiency is required (TOEFL 580/237/92,
IELTS 6.5, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English), with
the exception of students whose native language is English
› Please check the website for a detailed list of admission
requirements
Application
You can apply online, please go to: www.rug.nl/howtoapply
Application deadline EU students: 1 June 2011
Application deadline non-EU students: 15 April 2011
Further information
www.rug.nl/fwn/MScComputingScience
Contact details
admissions@rug.nl

14 15

T DD JW Chemistry
How can I make a flexible and cheap solar cell
out of organic molecules? Can I build a car
engine on a molecular level? How do I make a
colour television that can be folded up? These
are a few of the fascinating questions you will
encounter as a chemist in Groningen.
Following the Master’s degree programme
in Chemistry at the University of Groningen
means studying in an internationally highly
respected research environment, usually with
a cross-disciplinary approach. The research
programme of the Department of Chemistry
at the University of Groningen is embedded in
the Zernike Institute of Advanced Materials,
which is an officially recognized national
centre of leading research in materials
science in the Netherlands.
General information
The department offers a Master’s degree programme for students who
already have a solid background in chemistry, and who are eager to
expand their knowledge and experience in one of the following fields
of chemistry: Molecular Science, Chemical Physics and Polymer Science.
The Molecular Science specialization develops the understanding of
molecular aspects and applies this understanding to the fields of
nanotechnology, supramolecular chemistry, synthetic chemistry, catal-
ysis and the chemistry of life sciences. Chemical Physics studies
the physical and chemical properties of atoms, molecules and
condensed matter by means of experimental techniques and
theoretical methods. Within the fields of Chemical Physics, you can
choose between theoretical chemistry and solid state chemistry.
16
Key Facts
› Start programme: 1 September 2011
› Duration: 24 months
› Language: English
› Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
› Tuition fees (per year): €1,680 / €9,600 (EU/non-
EU students)
Polymer Science helps you gain a deeper understanding of the
physical and chemical structure and properties of polymers,
and focuses on the development of thin films and surfaces and
biomaterials.
Programme content
The two-year Master’s programme consists of 120 ECTS credits. All
students must complete the following: 1) a research project (of at
least 30 ECTS), 2) a ‘colloquium’ (literature survey and a presentation
about a chemical subject) (9 ECTS). The research project takes place
in a research group within one of the three specializations: Molecular
Science, Chemical Physics or Polymer Science. The actual programme
depends on the candidate’s previous knowledge and experience, and
will be determined on an individual basis. There will also be a number
of practical laboratory experiments.
For the research variant (the P-variant) students must complete in
addition: 1) a second research project (30 ECTS at most), possibly at
another university or company 2) the courses specific for the chosen
specialization, 3) additional optional courses in agreement with the
supervisor.
Research projects are a part of the study in which experimental
and/or theoretical and/or descriptive scientific research is carried
out in a chemical subject at the Department of Chemistry. Taking part
in a research group at our department means dealing with interna-
tionally highly recommended research, usually with a cross-disciplin-
ary approach. Each research project should be concluded by a written
report and a presentation and should be carried out under the daily
supervision of a tutor associated with the Department of Chemistry. Admission requirements
Depending on the chosen specialization, a second research project › A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry
or an internship, of a minimum of 30 ECTS, can be part of the › The Admission Board may decide you need to take supplementary
programme. The second research project or internship should preferably courses
deal with a different subject and should be supervised by a different › Proof of English proficiency is required (TOEFL 580/237/92,
lecturer. Research groups outside the department are allowed, for IELTS 6.5, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English), with
example in a company or at a foreign university. the exception of students whose native language is English
› Please check the website for a detailed list of admission
Field of research requirements
The first research project in the second year of the programme takes
place at the Zernike Institute of Advanced Materials or at the Stratingh Application
Institute. You can apply online, please go to: www.rug.nl/howtoapply
Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials Application deadline EU students: 1 June 2011
The Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials belongs to the THES Application deadline non-EU students: 15 April 2011
top 10 of best materials research institutes in the world. The
institute is dedicated to a cross-disciplinary approach; in many Further information
research groups physicists and chemists work closely together. www.rug.nl/fwn/MScChemistry
Research fields include surfaces, polymers, biomolecular materials,
computational solid state physics, optical properties of the solid state Contact details
and material engineering. admissions@rug.nl
Stratingh Institute
The Stratingh Research Institute for Chemistry carries out both
fundamental and applied (industrially) oriented research. Current
research projects include application-oriented research on organic
and inorganic synthesis, catalysis: heterogeneous, homogeneous and
biocatalysis, and polymer processing. The multidisciplinary teams
within the Stratingh Institute facilitate R&D routes from laboratory
to industrial scale. Typical examples of projects include: design of
new catalysts for olefin products, new processing concepts in homo-
geneous catalysis, modified biocatalysts for the synthesis of chiral
compounds, molecular motors, and the synthesis and development of
organic solar cells.
Career prospects
This degree programme in Chemistry is primarily meant for students
who want to become researchers. Some graduates will, after obtaining
their Master’s degree, continue with a PhD project, either in Groningen
or elsewhere. Some find jobs all over Europe in major companies,
including DSM, Akzo Nobel, Corus or Philips. Nevertheless, many
chemists who are trained as researchers find jobs that are less
research-oriented. This is because the programme also pays attention
to communication skills, teamwork, presentation techniques and
IT skills. During their training as researchers in chemistry, students
develop general competences that make them highly versatile and
widely employable. In practice chemistry graduates can be found in
consulting agencies, commercial functions, product research and
development, product management or teaching.
17
 Key Facts
T DD JW Chemical Engineering › Start programme: 1 September 2011
› Duration: 24 months
› Language: English
› Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
› Tuition fees (per year): €1,680 / €9,600 (EU/non-
EU students)

How can you design a slow-release drug
system and how can you develop a production
process to produce these systems in sufficient
amounts? How can we make and produce
biodiesel from the Jatropha plant (Indonesia)
and how can we use the waste products of this
process for pharmaceutical purposes? These
are some of the interesting questions you
will be able to answer after you have followed
the Master’s degree programme in Chemical
Engineering in Groningen.
General Information
The two-year programme offers two specializations: Product
Technology and Water Technology. The Water Technology
specialization is offered in collaboration with two other Dutch
universities and the Wetsus Academy.
Programme content
In some respects the programme is tailor-made: depending on your
current research interests or future career prospects you can design
your own programme. The Department has close contacts with
professionals and businesses in polymer chemistry, molecular
chemistry, pharmacy and management sciences. All courses are
taught in English, although we encourage our students to learn
some Dutch.
The first year mainly comprises coursework while in the second year
you will complete an internship. Your final research project or Master’s
thesis is the last step in fulfilling all the requirements for obtaining the
degree.
The compulsory Product Technology courses are: Field of research
› Advanced Product Engineering Design and engineering of new and improved products
› Polymer Products and processes
› Interfacial Engineering A structured methodology is applied to design and develop materials
› Bio-based Products with unique performance properties. Recent examples include the
› Particulate Products design of water-swellable elastomer formulations for sealing applica-
Mathcad is used in all courses to solve engineering problems. tions in humid environments, the design of slow-release drug systems
and the development of a process to isolate high molecular weight
Compulsory Water Technology courses are: natural proteins.
› Global Water Cycle
› Colloid Chemistry Polymer process technology
› Advanced Water Treatment Processes This research area focuses mainly on the production of polymer and
› Biological Water Treatment and Recovery Technology biopolymer materials via reactive extrusion and static mixer technology.
› Process Design Both extruders and static mixers are used as polymerization reactors
to produce a variety of polymers and co-polymers in high viscous
Optional courses can be selected from a wide range of disciplines; surroundings. Reactions studied include homopolymerization and
examples include management science and economics. co-polymerization of methacrylates, styrene and urethanes but also
modification of starches and cellulose. Moreover, we use reactive
extrusion for in-situ compatibilization for both new, high quality
blends and for the recycling of plastic waste. Recent research focuses
on the use of mollified thermoplastic starches for the production of
strong, biodegradable packaging materials.
Chemical reaction engineering
In the coming years this research area will also move towards a
product-oriented approach with a ‘green’ (renewable resources)
accent. Examples include a) the modification of renewable polymers
like starch and cellulose using new processes to obtain new structured
products, and b) the design of new processes for platform chemicals
based on renewable feedstock.
Combustion technology
The formal collaboration between Gasunie (the major supplier of
natural gas in the Netherlands) and the Department of Chemical
Engineering at the University of Groningen has resulted in research
on Combustion Engineering. The research activities are aimed at
obtaining fundamental insights into the behaviour of combustion
systems, for example combustion stability, energy efficiency and
pollutant formation. Based on new insights provided by engineering
models, guidelines and advice for designers and manufacturers of
combustion equipment can be formulated.
Career prospects
Chemical engineers from the University of Groningen are known for
their flexibility and all-round skills. They make careers all over Europe
in major companies including Corus, DSM, Akzo Nobel or Philips. Major
IT companies are also keen to recruit graduates from Groningen. Job
possibilities in the region are expanding rapidly. Groningen is incubat-
ing new industry and there is a high demand for well-trained new staff.
Research positions at the University of Groningen are also available.
Admission requirements
› A Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering
› The Admission Board may decide you need to take supplementary
courses
› Proof of English proficiency is required (TOEFL 580/237/92,
IELTS 6.5, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English), with
the exception of students whose native language is English
› Please check the website for a detailed list of admission
requirements
Application
You can apply online, please go to: www.rug.nl/howtoapply
Application deadline EU students: 1 June 2011
Application deadline non-EU students: 15 April 2011
Further information
www.rug.nl/fwn/MScChemEngineering
Contact details
admissions@rug.nl

18 19
 Key Facts
T DD JW Physics › Start programme: 1 September 2011
› Duration: 24 months
› Language: English
› Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
› Tuition fees (per year): €1,680 / €9,600 (EU/non-
EU students)

The Department of Physics at the University Each of these research institutes has its own fields of interest. (dating), behavioural biology (energy use in exercise), hydrology (water
Together they constitute a wide spectrum of high-level research in management) and oceanography (ocean currents, carbon storage in
of Groningen has a long-standing tradition physics and related sciences. the oceans).

of high level research, with the highlight the
Nobel Prize awarded to F. Zernike in 1953.
Today, physics research at the University
of Groningen concentrates on materials
science, nuclear physics, isotope physics
and theoretical physics. The Department of
Physics and the Nuclear Accelerator Institute
comprise approximately 50 members of
permanent scientific staff and about
50 PhD students and postdocs. There are
approximately 300 undergraduate students
majoring in physics or applied physics.
General information
The School of Physics offers a Master’s degree programme which
is open to foreign students who already have a solid background in
physics and are eager to expand their knowledge and experience in an
environment of modern physics research.
The goal of the Master’s degree programme in Physics is to train
excellent researchers in the field of materials science, nuclear physics,
isotope physics or theoretical physics.
Programme content
The Master’s degree programme offers three specializations:
Theoretical Physics, Experimental Physics, and Instrumentation and
Informatics. The programme will take up to two years of study and
consists of two parts. The actual programme depends on the previous
knowledge and experience of the candidates and will be determined
on an individual basis. The first part, with a duration of up to one
year, may contain courses in advanced general physics, for example
advanced quantum mechanics, solid state physics, subatomic physics
or isotope physics. A number of practical laboratory experiments will
also be part of the programme.
The second part consists of a research project of 60 ECTS or, if you
choose the specialization Instrumentation and Informatics, a research
project of 40 ECTS and an internship of 20 ECTS. The remaining part
of the programme will be spent on specialized courses and examina-
tions in the field of research chosen.
The compulsory part corresponds to one year of full-time study. It
consists of a research project lasting nine months. The remaining part
of the year will be spent on specialized courses and examinations in the
field of research chosen.
Field of research
The research project in the second year of your training takes place in
one of the research institutes of the University of Groningen that carry
out research in physics:
› Nuclear Accelerator Institute (KVI)
› Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials
› Centre for Theoretical Physics (CTN)
› Centre for Isotopes Research (CIO)
Nuclear accelerator institute (KVI)
The Nuclear Accelerator Institute is centred around a superconducting
cyclotron that accelerates positively charged particles to high energies
(typically 200 MeV for protons). These are used for investigations of
the internal structure of atomic nuclei and the interactions between
the nuclear constituents. Other groups are active in the fields of
theoretical nuclear physics, fundamental interactions, atomic physics,
nuclear geophysics and technical aspects of nuclear physics apparatus.
The Nuclear Accelerator Institute in Groningen is one of the very
few places in the Netherlands where a fundamental nuclear physics
research programme is conducted. The KVI is internationally very well
known and has many foreign researchers working for it.
Zernike institute for advanced materials
The Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials in Groningen is one of
the largest centres of materials research in the Netherlands and it
belongs to the THES top 10 of best materials research institutes in
the world. Basic research on materials is directed towards unravelling
the relations between the properties that determine their functionality
and their chemical composition and structure. The Zernike Institute
is dedicated to a cross-disciplinary approach and in many research
groups physicists and chemists work closely together. Research on
surfaces, polymers, biomolecular materials, computational solid
state physics, nanophysics, optical properties of the solid state and
materials engineering are some of the fields of research. In addition
to experimental research with state-of-the-art equipment, the Zernike
Institute also studies theoretical solid state physics.
Centre for theoretical physics (CTN)
An important part of the Centre for Theoretical Physics is dedicated
to the fundamental foundations of nature. String theory and general
relativity are the important theories in this field of research. Other
fields of research include theory of condensed matter, computational
physics and the mathematical description of phase transitions.
Centre for isotope physics (CIO)
The Centre for Isotope Physics is part of the Energy and Sustainibility
Research Institute Groningen (ESRIG) and is specialized in the accurate
measurement of the variations in the occurrence of rare natural iso-
topes. These isotope concentrations are of the utmost importance for
the study of the worldwide carbon cycle, which in turn is co-determi-
nate for the climate on earth. Study of climate history on the basis of
C14 dating is one of the other research areas. Furthermore, isotope
research is applied in many other disciplines, including archaeology
Career prospects
The Master’s programme in Physics is primarily meant for students
who want to become researchers. Most graduates will proceed with
a PhD research project after their Master’s programme, either in
Groningen or elsewhere.
Nevertheless, many physicists who have trained as researchers will
find jobs that are less explicitly oriented towards research. This is
because training as a researcher in physics also develops general
competences that make graduates highly versatile. During the
Master’s degree programme, teamwork, communication and
presentation are important qualities. In many cases considerable IT
skills are developed. In practice, physics graduates can be found in
consultancy firms, in process management, in commercial positions,
in financial jobs or as teachers.
Admission requirements
› A Bachelor’s degree in Physics
› The Admission Board may decide you need to take supplementary
courses
› Proof of English proficiency is required (TOEFL 580/237/92,
IELTS 6.5, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English), with
the exception of students whose native language is English
› Please check the website for a detailed list of admission
requirements
Application
You can apply online, please go to: www.rug.nl/howtoapply
Application deadline EU students: 1 June 2011
Application deadline non-EU students: 15 April 2011
Further information
www.rug.nl/fwn/MScPhysics
Contact details
admissions@rug.nl

20 21

T DD JW Applied Physics
The Master’s degree programme in Applied
Physics offers an excellent programme
through a combination of fundamental
research on the one hand, and an open eye to
possible industrial applications on the other.
The department accommodates excellent teaching and research
facilities. Teaching and research are closely related. The research
programme of the Department of Applied Physics at the University
of Groningen is embedded in the Zernike Institute of Advanced
Materials, which belongs to the THES top 10 of best materials
research institutes in the world. Most of the research is carried out
in the same building that accommodates the teaching facilities.The
international environment of the programme, and especially within
the research groups, is inspiring and challenging.
General information
The Master’s degree programme in Applied Physics is open to students
who already have a solid background in physics or applied physics, and
who are eager to expand their knowledge and experience to obtain a
Master’s degree in a modern applied physics research environment.
The programme focuses on material engineering and device physics.
Programme content
The Master’s degree programme will take two academic years and
consists of two parts. The first part is mainly coursework. The actual
programme depends on the previous knowledge and experience of
the candidates and will be determined on an individual basis. The
programme in Applied Physics has two specializations: Applied Physics
and Instrumentation and Informatics. Instrumentation and Informatics
focuses on advanced instrumentation and courses worth up to 60 ECTS
in information technology, measurements systems and detection
techniques are part of the programme.
For the Applied Physics specialization, courses worth up to 40 ECTS
may focus on transport phenomena, advanced materials science,
micromechanics or physics of electronic devices. A module in business
or economics will also be part of the programme.
The second part of the Master’s degree programme comprises an
internship in an industrial research laboratory (in the Netherlands,
Europe or abroad) during a complete semester and a research
project in one of the applied physics laboratories of the University of
Groningen worth 45 ECTS.
22
Key Facts
› Start programme: 1 September 2011
› Duration: 24 months
› Language: English
› Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
› Tuition fees (per year): €1,680 / €9,600 (EU/non-
EU students)
Field of research
Applied physics research at the University of Groningen is embedded
in the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials and focuses on
materials engineering and device physics. There are five main research
groups in these fields.
Materials science
The research programme concentrates on experimental and theoretical
work on the characterization of intraphase and dislocation structures
so as to draw conclusions about the correlation between electronic
charge transfer, bonding behaviour and mechanical/magnetic
properties. The main experimental tools to unravel the microstructur-
al features are ultra high-resolution transmission electron microscopy,
including Lorentz and electron holography, and local probe micro-sco-
py (AFM/STM/FIM, Auger microscopy). The emphasis of research in the
field of advanced techniques of microscopy lies on dynamic studies
rather than static observations, keeping in mind the rather non-linear,
collective and non-equilibrium behaviour of these defects. Structural
aspects and functional properties of intra and interphase boundaries
are considered on different length scales ranging between the sub-
nanometer scale to the 100 micrometer scale produced by high power
lasers (CW-CO2 and Nd-YAG). The curiosity-driven projects are accom-
panied by mission-oriented projects sponsored by the Netherlands
Institute of Metals Research (NIMR) and by industrial partners Corus,
SKF, DAF and Philips.
Micromechanics of materials and presentation are important qualities to be developed. In many
Unravelling the relationship between the microstructure of materials cases considerable IT skills are developed as well. These general
and their macroscopic mechanical properties calls for new modelling competences, together with the analytical skills typical of researchers,
and computational techniques. The research group in micromechanics for example problem-solving abilities, guarantee that graduates are
is devoted to the development of these. Of special interest are materials widely employable. Most applied physicists find jobs in an entre-
and phenomena that are important for industrial applications. preneurial environment where a strong background in physics is
Examples include metallic foams, which are low density materials with necessary.
extraordinary properties. Advanced workstations as well as the local
supercomputer are available for the calculations and, when necessary, Admission requirements
use is also made of the national supercomputer facility. › A Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics
› The Admission Board may decide you need to take supplementary
Computational physics courses
Computational physics is dedicated to the innovative use of computer › Proof of English proficiency is required (TOEFL 580/237/92,
and information technology. Current research topics include molecular IELTS 6.5, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English), with
dynamics simulation of nanoindentation, photonic band gap materials, the exception of students whose native language is English
time-dependent Maxwell equations, quantum computation, morpho- › Please check the website for a detailed list of admission
logical image analysis and nanoscale magnetism. requirements
Nanophysics Application
Nanophysics is devoted to electronics on the lowest possible level: You can apply online, please go to: www.rug.nl/howtoapply
the scale of single atoms, molecules and electrons. Nanophysics opens
up the possibility of new, smaller and faster electronic circuitry. Of Application deadline EU students: 1 June 2011
special interest are the fields of spintronics in metals, spin transport Application deadline non-EU students: 15 April 2011
in low dimensional semiconductors, and single molecule transport
phenomena. The group has advanced experimental facilities, including Further information
a clean room necessary for preparation of the devices and low www.rug.nl/fwn/MScAppliedPhysics
temperature facilities for temperature-dependent measurements
of the electronic properties. Contact details
admissions@rug.nl
Physics of organic semiconductors
Organic semiconductors hold a promise for the future. Research in
this field is of great importance because this type of material can be
used in plastic displays and other electronic circuits made of plastic.
Of special interest are components in which the functional properties
are concentrated in one or at most a few molecules.
The group has constructed a dedicated device laboratory for the
fabrication of organic devices. Currently, the work is focusing on the
development of light-emitting diodes, field effect transistors and
photovoltaic devices on the basis of organic semiconductors. Research
projects are often carried out in close collaboration with industry.
Career prospects
The Master’s degree programme in Applied Physics is primarily meant
for students who want to become researchers and developers in an
industrial environment. However, many graduates continue on to a
PhD project after obtaining their Master’s degree, either in Groningen
or elsewhere. During the Master’s degree, teamwork, communication
23
T DD JW
The great thing about the Master’s
programmes is the high degree of
indepence
After I completed the HLO Chemistry
course in Leeuwarden, in 2002 I
transferred to university because I
wanted to learn more about organic
chemistry.
My Bachelor’s degree programme
had a strongly analytical setup, so
my knowledge of organic synthesis
fell somewhat short. This made the
crossover rather hard, but I soon
caught up. I expected that the transfer
students would remain a separate
group, but we were included in the
degree programme and the research
group from the very beginning.
The great thing about the Master’s
programme is the high degree of
independence, which is much more
up my street than the way I had been
taught up till now.
I have learnt a lot in the past few
years, in particular in the field of
organic chemistry, but in other areas
as well. I enjoyed doing research into
how to make monolayers of fullerene
derivatives.My research also included
many physical measurements, so I
met lots of people from the Physics
department and I have significantly
broadened my knowledge.
Even though I continued to live in
Leeuwarden, I have made a lot of
friends and acquaintances and I still
enjoy the commuting. I will hopefully
graduate in September, after which I
will start looking for a nice job. If I had
to do it all over again, I would definitely
have made the same choice.
Renske Valk
Student of the Master’s degree
programme in Chemistry
24 24
It is an enjoyable and interesting
Master’s degree programme with
a lot of freedom.
I spent two years studying in
Enschede, but decided to continue
in Groningen. I have always been
intrigued by the visual aspect of
computers, and with that in mind
Groningen had the most suitable
degree programme.
The theoretical modules were difficult
but fun and the modules in the
Intelligent Systems Master’s variant
were very interesting, but what I
found the most challenging was the
research phase, where you really had
to think actively about everything. The
lecturers are very approachable and
open to your questions and ideas.
I did a very stimulating internship
in Italy and I have always been active
outside my degree programme. I was
on the editorial board of the student
society journal ‘De Periodiek’, I was a
scout leader, did sports and travelled a
lot. I have always highly valued these
contacts outside my studies.
Computing Science is an enjoyable
and interesting Master’s degree
programme with a lot of freedom,
but you do have to be motivated and
disciplined or else you’ll get into
trouble. After I’ve gained my Master’s
degree I am going to do PhD research
in Zurich. A Master’s degree in
Computing Science opens up a lot of
interesting possibilities. The market
for computer scientists is booming
again, so graduates have a lot of
possibilities and will have no problems
finding a job.
Wicher Visser
Student of the Master’s degree
programme in Computing Science
25

T DD TM
JW Nanoscience
Nanoscience is the study of the fundamental
and functional properties of matter on
the nanoscale (~10-9 m); these properties
often differ completely from macroscopic
properties. Nature has already made good
use of many of the nanoscale phenomena;
the challenge for scientists is to understand
the fascinating world of small length scales,
and to exploit the new technological
possibilities it offers.
The Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, which is responsible for
the Top Master Programme in Nanoscience, is a leading international
research centre in this new field. It belongs to the THES top 10 of
best materials research institutes in the world. It unites some 300
researchers with backgrounds in physics, chemistry and biology.
General information
The Top Master Programme in Nanoscience aims to train the cutting
edge scientists of the future. This is achieved by offering a challenging
interdisciplinary programme and by admitting only very talented and
motivated students. The teaching programme is strongly intertwined
with research at the Zernike Institute: the courses are taught by top
international scientists, and a large part of the programme consists
of actually conducting scientific research, alongside world-class
scientists, using the state-of-the-art facilities of the Zernike Institute.
Participants come from all over the world, as is the case with the
scientists at the Zernike Institute. A fellowship programme is available,
allowing students to join on the basis of their abilities, regardless of
their financial situation.
Best Nanoscience programme in Europe, top 10 worldwide
26
Key Facts
› Start programme: 1 September 2011
› Duration: 24 months
› Language: English
› Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
› Type of Master: Top master
› Tuition fees (per year): €1,680 / €9,600 (EU/non-
EU students)
Programme content
The programme takes two full years. The first year is devoted primarily
to following courses, the second mainly to a large research project.
The first five weeks are spent on an individual programme to remedy
any deficiencies in background knowledge a student may have. As the
programme unites physics and chemistry (and even some biology),
students with a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry will normally need to
study some selected topics in physics, and physics students will need
to study some basic chemistry.
The rest of the first half of the first year is devoted to three large courses
representing the basic knowledge of nanoscience. They cover
Preparation of nanomaterials and devices; Characterization of nano-
materials; and Fundamental and functional properties of nanomaterials.
These courses are taught by a number of staff members of the Zernike
Institute, all active researchers in the topics they teach. The remainder
of the first year is spent on optional courses, chosen by the student
from the wide variety offered by the Faculty of Mathematics and
Natural Sciences, on writing a research paper, and on carrying out a
small research project in nanoscience.
The second year is largely taken up by an independent research
project within one of the research groups of the Zernike Institute.
Additionally, each student writes a research proposal for a PhD-like
research project, to become familiar with formulating a proposal for a
funding agency and with how to manage scientific research. There is
also room for some electives. To help the students find their way in a
new and challenging environment, each student is assigned a senior
staff member as mentor.
Field of research
The Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials covers a wide range of
research topics under one roof, ranging from the design and creation
of new materials and devices to characterizing, modelling, controlling
and understanding the fundamental and functional properties at a
microscopic level.
Career prospects
The programme is designed for people who want to pursue a career in
scientific research. Such research takes place in universities, research
institutions and large companies.
Students who successfully complete the Top Master Programme in
Nanoscience will, under certain conditions, be offered a PhD position
within the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials.
27
Admission requirements
› Admission to the Top Master Programme in Nanoscience is highly
selective. Applicants are first screened on their motivation letter,
prior study results and recommendations. Promising candidates are
then invited to Groningen for a selection interview in April.
› A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or other
relevant field
› Proof of English proficiency is required (TOEFL 580/237/92,
IELTS 6.5, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English), with
the exception of students whose native language is English
› Appropriate attitude, ambition and talent
› Letter of motivation and prior study results
› Recommendations by three qualified referees
› Please check the website for a detailed list of admission
requirements
Application
You can apply online, please go to: www.rug.nl/howtoapply
Application deadline for all students: 1 February 2011
Applying for the programme is a two-step procedure. Applicants are first
screened on the basis of their motivation letter, prior study results and
recommendations from referees. Promising candidates are invited to
Groningen for an interview with members of the Admissions Board.
Selection interviews will take place in April and early May.
Further information
www.rug.nl/fwn/MScNanoscience
www.rug.nl/fwn/zernike (research institute)
Contact details
Regarding your application: admissions@rug.nl
Regarding the programme:
Dr. N.J.I. Mars
T +31 50 363 84 64
n.j.i.mars@rug.nl

T DD JW Astronomy
The Master’s degree in Astronomy from the
University of Groningen is a very valuable
degree. The students are supervised by and
follow courses given by astronomers from
the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, all
well known worldwide for their research.
The two-year curriculum connected to the
Master’s degree can be tailored according to
the interests and capabilities of the student,
focusing on observational astronomy,
theoretical astronomy, astronomical
instrumentation and informatics, or
astronomy teaching.
General information
While the Master’s programme in Astronomy is primarily aimed at
training researchers, many graduates find employment in the public
or private sector. Astronomy graduates are well-trained problem
solvers, skilled in astronomy, physics, mathematics, IT and computing
science. To enable students to gain additional experience in business
and economics as well as to follow a company internship, a special
Master’s programme ‘Business and Policy’ profile has also been
designed.
Programme content
The majority of the students select one of the following research
tracks: Theoretical and Observational Astrophysics, or Instrumentation
and Informatics. The first is comprised of a research project (Master’s
thesis), worth 60 ECTS, and 60 ECTS of coursework (30 ECTS for
Advanced Astrophysics, 20 ECTS General Science, 10 ECTS for
optional courses). In the Instrumentation and Informatics track, the
research is split into 40 ECTS worth of Master’s research/thesis
and 20 ECTS for an industrial research project, as well as 60 ECTS
of coursework which includes a substantial component (40 ECTS)
28
Key Facts
› Start programme: 1 September 2011
› Duration: 24 months
› Language: English
› Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
› Tuition fees (per year): €1,680 / €9,600 (EU/non-
EU students)
of instrumentation and informatics courses. The research work is
carried out under the supervision of a staff member from the Kapteyn
Astronomical Institute (including affiliated staff members from
SRON and ASTRON, see below), and often in interaction with his or
her research group, resulting in Master’s thesis of high international
standard. In short, the objective of the Groningen Master’s degree
programme is to put students in the best possible position to join and
successfully participate in major European or global astronomical
research projects and to optimally prepare them for PhD programmes
anywhere in the world or for professions dealing with the development
and application of cutting-edge astronomical/informatics
technologies. It should be noted that some of the advanced courses Career prospects
are taught in a coordinated national context, within the framework The objective of the Groningen Master’s degree programme is to give
of the Netherlands Research School for Astronomy, NOVA. Moreover, students the best opportunity for participation in major European
the curriculum is monitored continuously by a high level national or global astronomical research projects, in PhD programmes,
committee coordinated by NOVA. Certain advanced courses taken and in professions dealing with astronomical instrumentation and
elsewhere in the Netherlands – or even in a foreign country – will be informatics. The curriculum as well as the career prospects are being
accepted as part of the Master’s degree programme. monitored continuously, and are consistently evaluated very positively.
Dutch Astronomy graduates in general, and Kapteyn graduates in
Field of research particular, have excellent career prospects, within and outside science.
The research work is carried out within one of the research groups of
the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, under the supervision of a staff Admission requirements
astronomer. Kapteyn staff are involved in observational and theoretical › A Bachelor’s degree in Astronomy
research dealing with, Interstellar Medium and Star Formation, Stellar › The Admission Board may decide you need to take supplementary
Populations, Structure and Dynamics of Normal and Active Galaxies, courses
and Cosmology. They use the most advanced instrumentation on › Proof of English proficiency is required (TOEFL 580/237/92,
the ground and in space, as well as the most advanced computing IELTS 6.5, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English), with
facilities. Kapteyn staff are involved in the operation as well as the exception of students whose native language is English
planning and construction of major astronomical instrumentation › Please check the website for a detailed list of admission
efforts, again on the ground and in space. Master students at the requirements
Kapteyn Astronomical Institute work in research groups which are
currently shaping 21st-century astronomy and astrophysics.
Application
The Kapteyn Institute has close connections with the two major You can apply online, please go to: www.rug.nl/howtoapply
national foundations dealing with astronomical instrumentation:
ASTRON and SRON. ASTRON, the Netherlands Foundation for Application deadline EU students: 1 June 2011
Research in Astronomy, provides front-line observation facilities for Application deadline non-EU students: 15 April 2011
Dutch astronomers and astronomers worldwide across a broad range
of frequencies and technologies. ASTRON operates the Westerbork Further information and contact details
Radio Synthesis Telescope, one of the largest in the world, and offers www.rug.nl/fwn/MScAstronomy
a strong technology development programme, encompassing both
innovative instrumentation for existing telescopes and new techno- Contact details
logies for future facilities. The latter include the new, revolutionary admissions@rug.nl
low-frequency array LOFAR and the APERTIF antenna array, which will
be operated by ASTRON together with the University of Groningen.
ASTRON and its facilities are within a one-hour drive from Groningen.
SRON is the national centre of expertise for the development and
exploitation of satellite instruments for astrophysical and earth-
oriented research. The low energy astrophysics branch of SRON
(infrared and submillimeter instrumentation and techniques) is
hosted by the University of Groningen. Scientific discoveries and
instrumentation development go hand in hand as a result of the
Kapteyn Astronomical Institute-SRON Groningen connections (IRAS,
ISO, Herschel Space Observatory, just to mention a few successful
missions). In short, the combination offered by the University of
Groningen and the ASTRON and SRON Institutes is unique in the
world.
29
T DD JW
EM Biomedical Engineering
KEY FACTS:
› Start programme: 1 September 2011
› Duration: 24 months
› Language: English
› Degree: Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Engineering
› Type of Master: Erasmus Mundus, Master of Science
› Tuition fees Master of Sciences (per year):
€ 1,680 / € 9,600 (EU/non-EU students)
› Participation fees Erasmus Mundus (per year):
€ 4,000 / € 8,000 (EU/non-EU students
Are you interested in health care and also
in technology? As a biomedical engineering
you develop new methods for the diagnosis
and treatment of patients. You work in
multidisciplinary teams with medical doctors,
engineers, biologists and biochemists. You can
choose from two programmes in Biomedical
Engineering: the Groningen Master’s degree
(Master of Science) or the Erasmus Mundus
programme.
30
General information The Erasmus Mundus Programme is a joint project between six Application
Current-day medical practice relies increasingly on technology, such European universities: For the Master of Science
as microelectronics, information technology and mechanical and › Aachen (Germany), Dublin (Ireland), Ghent and Brussels (Belgium), You can apply online, please go to: www.rug.nl/howtoapply
materials engineering. As a biomedical engineer you develop new Groningen (The Netherlands), Prague (Czech Republic) Application deadline EU students: 1 June 2011
methods; from ever more advanced imaging instruments to scaffolds During the first year you will follow lectures on all biomedical Application deadline non-EU students: 15 April 2011
for tissue engineering, and from modelling software to new surgical engineering subjects at one of the six participating universities.
appliances. You study topics in the fields of imaging techniques, The 3rd semester you will move to one of the other participating For the Erasmus Mundus programme
physiological control engineering, rehabilitation engineering, implant universities to follow lectures on a specific topic, like medical imaging, For application please go to: www.biomedicaltechnology.eu
engineering, cell and tissue engineering and infection prevention, as tissue engineering or artificial organs. The last semester you will Application deadline EU students: 15 April 2011
well as on aspects of medical ethics and law. You also become well perform a Master’s project on this specialization at one of the other Application deadline non-EU students: 3 January 2011
versed in medical and biological basic knowledge. participating universities. You will receive a double degree.
Further information
Career prospects Master of Science: www.rug.nl/fwn/MScBME
› In Groningen: state-of-the-art medical facilities, unique Biomedical engineers may contribute to research, to engineering Erasmus Mundus: www.biomedicaltechnology.eu
cooperation with the University Medical Center Groningen design and product development, or to business aspects of engineering
› Erasmus Mundus: excellent students spend at least 6 months and technical management. They are also experts who may advise on Contact details
at one of the European participating universities and receive the development of long-term strategies and policies in the field of For the Master of Science: admissions@rug.nl
a double degree medical life sciences. For the Erasmus Mundus programme: cemacube@rug.nl
The multidisciplinary nature of Biomedical Engineering adds
Programme content significantly to employment possibilities in both research and
For the Master of Science (120 ECTS) management-oriented jobs in:
You choose one of two specializations: › industry
Biomaterials Medical Phys. › research agencies
Biomechanics 2 5 ECTS 5 ECTS › hospitals
Biomaterials 2 5 5 › universities
Imaging Techniques in Radiology 5 5 › government organizations dealing with health-related products and
services
Biomedical Instrumentation 5 5
Numerical Methods 5 5
Admission requirements
Technology and Ethics 3 3 For the Master of Science
Multidisciplinary Project 5 5 › A Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Life Science &
Quality of Life 2 2 Technology (including the major Biomedical Engineering),
Introduction Research Assignment 5 5 Physics or Applied Physics
Colloids and Interface Science 5 › The Admission Board may decide you need to take supplementary
Integrated Lab Course Biomaterials 5 courses
Surface Characterization 5 › Proof of English proficiency is required (TOEFL 580/237/92,
Recent Developments in Biomaterials 5 IELTS 6.5, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English),
Interface Biology 5 with the exception of students whose native language is English
Electronics 5 › Please check the website for a detailed list of admission
Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology 5 requirements
Nuclear Medicine, SPECT and PET 5
For the Erasmus Mundus programme
Radiation Physics 5
Please go to www.biomedicaltechnology.eu
Principles of Measurement Systems 5
Optional Modules 10 10
Research Assignment 30 30
Internship (company, hospital or laboratory) 15 15
31
 Key Facts
T DD JW Energy and Environmental › Start programme: 1 September 2011
Sciences › Duration: 24 months
› Language: English
› Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
› Tuition fees (per year): € 1,680 / €9,600 (EU/non-
EU students)
What are the solutions to the environmental
issues on a global scale, like climate change,
sustainable development and the greenhouse
effect? What alternative sources of energy do
we need to explore or make available for use?
General information
The Master’s degree programme in Energy and Environmental Sciences
focuses on the large-scale issues and tries to contribute to possible
solutions to the environmental problems.
You can choose from two specializations:
› System studies on Energy and Environment:
with a strong design-orientated, systems approach character based
in natural sciences. What are the possibilities for a sustainable
future for a region, a country or the world as a whole? What
characterizes the optimal transition routes towards a sustainable
future?
› Experimental studies of Energy and Climate:
linked to an experimental, energy-related research programme. It
covers a range of topics such as the carbon cycle in atmosphere
and ocean, gas combustion studies, polymer solar cells, and biofuels
technology.
Teaching is highly modern and active student participation as well
as the development of more general (communication) skills are
essential in many courses.
› Accessible for several Bachelor’s degrees in Natural Sciences
› Growing career prospects
› Offering an interdisciplinary and an experimental
specialization
32
Programme content Admission requirements
The two-year Master’s degree programme in Energy and › For both specializations in this master: a Bachelor’s degree in
Environmental Sciences (120 ECTS) consists of: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics or
Astronomy. For the specialization System studies on Energy and
Year 1 Environment, a Bachelor’s degree in another field of natural
Energy and Environmental Sciences sciences, such as Biology, Industrial Engineering and Management,
Resources and Sustainable Development Mathematics or Computing Science, may also suffice.
For the specialization System studies on Energy and Environment: › The Admission Board may decide you need to take supplementary
› Energy and Materials courses
› Optional courses like global development studies, environmental › Proof of English proficiency is required (TOEFL 580/237/92,
economics, energy law IELTS 6.5, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English), with
For the specialization Experimental Studies of Energy and Climate: the exception of students whose native language is English
› Experimental Methods of Trace Gas Research › Please check the website for a detailed list of admission
› Global Change requirements
› Optional courses like biocatalysis & green chemistry, physics of con-
tinuous media, energy and materials Application
Current Topics in Energy and Environmental Sciences You can apply online, please go to: www.rug.nl/howtoapply
Optional courses
Application deadline EU students: 1 June 2011
Year 2 Application deadline non-EU students: 15 April 2011
Training Thesis (25 ECTS)
Master Thesis (35 ECTS) Further information
www.rug.nl/fwn/esrig
Field of research
This Master’s programme is connected to the Energy and Contact details
Sustainability Research Institute Groningen (ESRIG). The two main admissions@rug.nl
themes of research are Energy supply and energy conversion, and
Transition towards sustainability. Research subjects include:
› Organic solar cells www.rug.nl/fwn/ees
› 2nd and 3rd generation bio-fuels, land and ocean-based
› Energy systems approach
› Carbon capture and storage
› Air pollution modelling
› Greenhouse gas cycles and fossil fuel verification
Career prospects
Environmental scientists from the University of Groningen are known
for their systems-approach and all-round skills. In general they easily
obtain jobs in their field of study at or in:
› research institutes or universities
› industry
› companies like major consultancy firms
› governmental agencies
33

T DD JW Industrial Engineering and
Management
How can you design a fraud-resistant,
electronic toll collection system? How can
an automobile production plant minimize
production costs without compromising on
quality and safety?
How can you design a new complex consumer
product (e.g. cosmetics, food, pharmaceutical
formulations) and implement it in an existing
production facility?
These are typical questions that an Industrial
Engineering and Management (IEM) engineer
can address. In a progressively technological
society, IEM engineers will increasingly
become leaders of technological innovations
and design.
General information
The IEM Master’s degree programme focuses on learning how to deal
with practical problems in business and how to obtain solutions driven
by a technical and scientific design perspective. The general aim of the
IEM Master’s programme is to train engineers to acquire a thorough
overview of all primary and secondary
business processes, especially with respect to design aspects of a
technological product or process.
More than its nearest competitors, the IEM Master’s degree programme
of the University of Groningen focuses on technology: in general the
curriculum consists of 65% technical courses and 35% management
courses.
There are three specializations within our programme:
› Discrete Technology and Production Automation (DT)
› Information Engineering (IE)
› Product and Process Technology (PT)
One of these specializations has to be chosen right from the start of
the programme.
34
Key Facts
› Start programme: 1 September 2011
› Duration: 24 months
› Language: English
› Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
› Tuition fees (per year): €1,680 / €9,600 (EU/non-
EU students)
Programme content
Within the Master’s degree programme four main themes or fields of
competence can be distinguished:
1 (Applied) mathematics/numerical methods: Mathematical and
statistical knowledge at Bachelor’s level is applied in courses such
as Simulation of Business Processes and System Engineering, in
which complex case studies are performed in order to obtain a
quantitative analysis of business processes.
2 Management and organization: Further profoundness in this
theme is gained in courses such as Strategic Management of
Technology, Applied Capital Budgeting and Finance and Business
Law. Students learn to apply these disciplines in designing complex
technological products or processes.
3 Specialization-specific technology: Further scientific and techno-
logical understanding is gained by following courses that are
specific for each of the three specializations of the Master’s degree
programme in IEM. Examples of these courses include Principles of
Measurement Systems and Mechatronics for the DT specialization;
Design of Distributed Systems and Software architecture for the IE
specialization; and Transport Phenomena and Process Design for
the PT specialization. Scientific theories and their application in
day-to-day practice are taught in these courses.
4 Scientific methodology: In courses such as Research Methodology
and System Engineering, real-life problems are translated to
(mathematical) models and vice versa, and generic IEM methods are
presented. Central themes in these courses include the regulatory
(design) cycle and a system-oriented approach. Furthermore,
students learn how to write or review research proposals.
In addition to compulsory courses (60-65 ECTS in total), optional Admission requirements
(technical and management) courses are offered (20-25 ECTS) in › A Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Management or
which students can choose subjects in which they are specifically equivalent field
interested. Since most of these optional courses are scheduled in the › The Admission Board may decide you need to take supplementary
first semester of the second year of the programme, students have the courses
opportunity to study at another university during this semester. › Proof of English proficiency is required (TOEFL 580/237/92,
After successfully finishing their compulsory and optional courses, IELTS 6.5, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English), with
students enter the final stage of the Master’s degree programme: the exception of students whose native language is English
the Master’s thesis research. Typical of the IEM programme at the › Please check the website for a detailed list of admission
University of Groningen is that successful completion of this research requirements
is partially aimed at conducting experimental research carried out
either within a research group at the University or – in most cases – in Application
cooperation with an industry-related company. You can apply online, please go to: www.rug.nl/howtoapply
Field of research Application deadline EU students: 1 June 2011
Various research groups are associated with the IEM Master’s degree Application deadline non-EU students: 15 April 2011
programme at the University of Groningen, and all are clustered with-
in the Industrial Technology and Management (ITM) research institute. Further information
Important lines of research for each specialization are: www.rug.nl/fwn/MScIEM
DT: Lean manufacturing, design and management of production
systems and control systems, robotics, electro-mechanical systems Contact details
and energy systems admissions@rug.nl
IE: design and development of complex, distributed information
systems
PT: Design of products and production technology, sustainable
integrated product and process development, planning and
scheduling in the processing industry
Career prospects
Career opportunities are abundant for IEM engineers. Career-market
analyses consistently show that there is a strong need for professionals
with a combined technical and managerial background.
IEM engineers with a DT specialization can start a career as a product
manager, involved in the development of new innovative products
within the tight boundaries of technical, market and product-related
constraints.
IE-specialized IEM engineers are able to design independent complex
information systems used, for example, by financial institutions, or
governments, but also information systems used to enable control of
industrial processes, or used for quality management. They are able to
design an information system adjusted to the needs and the strategies
of the company in which it has to function. Determining how a
company can effectively use information technology is typically a
question that an IE-specialized IEM engineer can address.
PT-specialized IEM engineers can become members of product and
process design teams, begin a career as a production manager in a
process industry, or occupy leading positions in business activities
within the product-to-customer value chain.
35
T DD JW Artificial Intelligence
KEY FACTS:
› Start programme: 1 September 2011 / 1 February 2012
› Duration (in months): 24
› Language: English
› Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
› Tuition fees: € 1,680 / € 9,600 (EU/non-EU students)
What is intelligent behaviour? How can
robots communicate with each other? How
to design a system that negotiates? In this
programme you will learn how to design and
implement intelligent systems. Humans and
animals are important sources of inspiration
in this area.
General information
The Master’s programme Artificial Intelligence (AI) focuses on the
development of intelligent systems. The core topics in this master are
autonomous perceptive systems, cognitive robotics and multi-agent
systems.
Autonomous systems are systems that can operate and carry
out missions independently, for example robots driving around
on the moon taking samples and collecting information. Even in
unpredictable surroundings these robots respond with a certain
intelligence and take decisions about what to do.
At the University of Groningen we concentrate on autonomous
perceptive systems, i.e. robots that can find and read a sign in an
unknown environment or systems that detect verbal aggression from
the complex sounds of busy streets. While traditional AI focuses on
cognition and reasoning as isolated abilties, we strongly believe in
perception as an active behavior which is seamlessly integrated into
general cognition.
Cognitive robotics is also an important part of this Master’s
programme. The courses taught in this area are connected to research
in social robotics, the origin of communication and recognizing
36
movements of other robots. Research is conducted at the ALICE
institute (ArtificiaL Intelligence and Cognitive Engineering). A possible
research topic is how to get one AIBO (robot dog) to recognize another
AIBO.
An example of a multi-agent system is a team of robots playing
football. These robots have to communicate and cooperate with each
other. When designing these types of systems, knowledge of thinking
and acting of humans and animals is necessary. This is combined with
techniques from computing science and logic.
Programme content
There is a specific emphasis on the understanding of natural
cognition. We want to explore and understand the behaviour of
humans and animals by simulating it in robots and computer
simulations. The emphasis here is on the more ‘complicated’ forms
of cognition, like cooperation, communication, social interaction and
predictive perception.
The Master’s programme Artificial Intelligence is a two-year
programme and it is part of the School of Computing and Cognition.
The programme consists of six compulsory core courses (30 ECTS),
optional courses (45 ECTS) and a Master’s thesis (45 ECTS). You may
choose to do one or two of the following specializations: Autonomous
Perceptive Systems and Multi-Agent Systems. In the study programme
there is a theoretical as well as an applied approach to these two
themes.
Compulsory courses: Admission requirements
› Perception › A Bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Psychology or a
› Machine Learning relevant degree including the following subjects: Knowledge
› Advanced Research Methods Systems, Autonomous Systems, Mathematics (discrete and
› Cognitive Robotics continuous), Statistics, Logics (set theory, predicate logic and modal
› Multi-Agent Systems logic), and Computer Science (programming, data structures, search
techniques, practical skills).
Some optional courses: › The Admission Board may decide you need to take supplementary
› Language Modelling courses
› Self-Organization, Cognition and Social Systems › Proof of English proficiency is required (TOEFL 580/237/92,
› Computer Vision IELTS 6.5, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English), with
› Pattern Recognition the exception of students whose native language is English
› Sound Recognition › Please check the website for a detailed list of admission
requirements
Using the optional courses you can choose to specialize in one of
the two main themes or choose your own specialization. Through Application
the optional courses you decided whether to take a more theoretical You can apply online, please go to: www.rug.nl/howtoapply
approach or an applied approach.
If you wish to start the programme on 1 September 2011:
For your Master’s thesis you work on your own research project. Application deadline EU students: 1 June 2011
The choice of subject is up to you. You can choose from a broad range Application deadline non-EU students: 15 April 2011
of subjects. Examples are:
› Self-organization in groups of penguins If you wish to start the programme on 1 February 2012:
› Simulation of co-evolutions in robot crickets Application deadline EU students: 1 December 2011
› Modelling of crowds Application deadline non-EU students: 15 October 2011
› Strategy evolution in Diplomacy
More theses and their summaries can be found at: Further information
http://scripties.fwn.eldoc.ub.rug.nl www.rug.nl/fwn/MScAI
Field of research Contact details
Most of the teachers in the Master’s programme also participate as admissions@rug.nl
researcher in the research institute ALICE (ArtificiaL Intelligence and
Cognitive Engineering). The content of the courses taught are closely
linked to the research themes of the teachers.
Career prospects
Once you have obtained your Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence,
you can apply your skills in a
› Industrial research & development: for instance air traffic and space
labs, where you make sure intelligent and innovative technologies
are used during the design process
› Work as a researcher at a university (PhD) or a private research
institute, like TNO
About 50% of our students choose a career as a scientist, mostly PhD
37
T DD JW Human-Machine Communication
KEY FACTS:
› Start programme: 1 September 2011 / 1 February 2012
› Duration: 24 months
› Language: English
› Degree: Master of Science (MSc) in Human-Machine
Communication
› Tuition fees: € 1,680 / € 9,600 (EU/non-EU students)
How can we model human task performance?
How do our brains combine visual and
auditory information? What is the ideal
interface for a tired air traffic controller? In
this programme you will try to find answers
to fundamental questions in cognitive science
and use these answers to design applications.
General information
The Master’s degree programme in Human-Machine Communication
focuses on Cognitive Science and its applications. By knowing more
about cognition you can for example improve the communication
between humans and complex computer systems, by using language
and speech technology or by developing simulation models of users.
Human-Machine Communication (HMC) is aimed at providing you
with fundamental insights into human cognition and at teaching
you how to use this knowledge in applied settings, such as tutoring
systems, speech technology and human-computer and human-robot
interaction.
Two questions form the basis for this programme: How does human
cognition work? And how can we use that knowledge in applied
settings? To answer these questions, you have to know how humans
perform specific tasks and how characteristics of and limitations
affect task performance. We need to know about learning: how
do humans acquire new skills and how do they learn to adapt to a
new task? Finally it is important to know in which way information
is transferred. The most natural way of human communication is
through language. Can machines communicate in this way too? Or
are other means of communication, such as keyboard, choice menu or
multi-touch screen better suited?
38
Field of research
programme is unique in its combination of: Most of the teachers in the Master’s programme also participate as
› artificial intelligence researcher in the research institute ALICE (ArtificiaL Intelligence and
› cognitive psychology Cognitive Engineering). The content of the courses taught are closely
› language & speech technology linked to the research themes of the teachers.
Career prospects
Programme content › Industrial research & development departments or usability labs
In this 2-year Master’s programme the focus is on understanding › Companies where computer software and new media applications
natural cognition and cognitive modelling (simulation models of brain are made
processes on the computer). Other courses are on communication, › User interface design experts, usability testers, interaction
linguistics and linguistic applications. designers
› If you specialized in speech and language technology, you can find
The programme is a cooperation between the Artificial Intelligence a job at a telecommunication company
and Psychology programmes at the University of Groningen. You › Work as a researcher at a university (PhD) or a private research
can also attend lectures of Information Science, Computer Science, institute, like TNO
Linguistic Science, and Philosophy. About 50% of our students choose a career as a scientist, mostly PhD
The Master’s programme consists of about seven compulsory core Admission requirements
courses (35 ECTS), optional courses (40 ECTS), and a Master’s thesis › A Bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Psychology or a
(45 ECTS). The Master’s thesis may consist of an internship. relevant degree including the following subjects: Artificial
Intelligence, Cognitive Psychology or Cognitive Science, Statistics
Compulsory courses: and Research methods, practical skills in Programming
› Language Modelling › The Admission Board may decide you need to take supplementary
› User Models courses
› Experimental Design and Variance Analysis or Repeated Measures › Proof of English proficiency is required (TOEFL 580/237/92,
› Cognitive Modelling IELTS 6.5, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English), with
› Advanced Research Methods the exception of students whose native language is English
› Usability Engineering and Analysis › Please check the website for a detailed list of admission
› Neuro-ergonomics requirements
Some optional courses: Application
› Perception You can apply online, please go to: www.rug.nl/howtoapply
› Multi-Agent Systems
› Machine Learning If you wish to start the programme on 1 September 2011:
› Skill Acquisition and Training Application deadline EU students: 1 June 2011
› Computational Discourse Application deadline non-EU students: 15 April 2011
› Handwriting Recognition
If you wish to start the programme on 1 February 2012:
For your Master’s thesis you work on your own research project. Application deadline EU students: 1 December 2011
The choice of subject is up to you. Examples are: Application deadline non-EU students: 15 October 2011
› Digital reporting during surgery
› An intelligent tutor system for learning arithmetic Further information
› User interest modelling www.rug.nl/fwn/MScHMC
› Multimodal affective human-machine interaction
› iCat, the caring robot Contact details
More theses and their summaries can be found at: admissions@rug.nl
http://scripties.fwn.eldoc.ub.rug.nl
39
 Central University Services and Facilities
Studying at the University of Groningen goes beyond
lectures and research. We also offer a wide range of
services to international students.
International Service Desk: a helping hand
At the University of Groningen you can be sure you will receive
personal and professional help and support from both the
International Service Desk (ISD) and the International Offices of
the faculty you study at. They will inform you about general matters
relating to studying at our university or living in the Netherlands
(i.e. visa procedures, registration, medical care, housing, travel
information, university facilities).
www.rug.nl/isd
Introduction and orientation: the most welcoming university
To help you get used to your new academic surroundings and social
life, several introduction programmes and social events are organized
right before or during the first week of the new semester.
Welcoming Ceremony and information market
At the Welcoming Ceremony, organized twice a year, new students,
researchers and staff members will be introduced officially to the
University of Groningen. The programme includes short speeches by
representatives of the university and the city, a lunch, an information
market, workshops and drinks.
www.rug.nl/welcomingceremony
Introduction Week
ESN-Groningen, the student organization for all international
students, organizes an Introduction Week starting immediately after
the Welcoming Ceremony. It includes social and cultural events, tours
of the city, sports, parties, dinners and workshops on Dutch culture
and history.
www.esn-groningen.nl
Faculty programmes
Many faculties and degree programmes organize their own intro-
duction for international students. During these activities you can
get to know each other, staff, and receive further information about
courses, procedures, schedules and facilities.
40
Student advisors: 1001 questions
Student advisors are there for 1001 questions, like study delays, study
methods, career prospects, but also about studying with a disability,
illness or other personal circumstances. These meetings are strictly
confidential: they are there to listen, advice and support. Each degree
programme has a student advisor.
Student Support Courses: stuck with you studies?
Every year hundreds of students participate in one of the courses
offered by Centre for Study Support and Academic Skills, covering
study skills, communication skills, giving a presentation successfully,
time management, how to deal with stress, Dutch teaching and
examination modes.
www.rug.nl/so
Student Counsellors: bad patches and getting back on track
Although studying abroad is exciting and adventurous, not everyone
will have an easy time adjusting to a new environment, strange
customs and a different language. This does not necessarily mean
that you will need professional help, but if problems begin to
affect your studies and your personal life, it is time to get help.
It is available to all students and is free of charge.
www.rug.nl/so
A game of rugby in the park after a picnic organized by ESN-Groningen
Language courses: become truly international
Whether you want to improve your English language skills, learn
Dutch, or wish to study any other foreign language (French, German,
Japanese, Spanish, etc), the Language Centre at the university offers
various possibilities at different levels.
www.rug.nl/languagecentre
Computer and online facilities: state-of-the-art
While registered at the university, you have a university
computer account and e-mail address, with access to the (wireless)
internet, computer rooms, and other online educational services of
the university.
www.rug.nl/cit/helpdesk
University Library: academic meeting point
Located in downtown Groningen, across from the Academy
building, you will find the University Library (UB). This student
meeting point, with over a thousand visitors a day, is a popular
place to study and to meet with other students.
www.rug.nl/library
41
Talent and Career Center: after your studies
Once you have started your studies, it is important to assess your
employment opportunities, especially when you are about to graduate.
The Talent and Career Center will give you advice on how to prepare
yourself for your future career. The TCC offers courses, weekly office
hours, workshops and an information library. It is important to know,
however, that the TCC does not help you to find an actual job, they are
only there to advice you and prepare you.
www.talentcareercenter.nl
Sports facilities: the best in the Netherlands
Do you want to play a specific sport, join one of the 53 associated
sports clubs, or try a range of different sports? The university Sports
Centre (ACLO) caters to every need by offering excellent sports
facilities and several courses to become acquainted with various
sports, from aerobics and fitness to sailing and waterskiing.
The ACLO was rated best university sports facility by international
students in the International Student Barometer 2007.
www.aclosport.nl
Student associations: not just academics
The University of Groningen has a long tradition of nourishing its
student associations as studying is not just attending lectures
and passing exams.
International (student) associations
The activities of the international associations range from providing
useful information and fun activities for international students to
organizing international congresses (i.e. on a unified Europe or the
United Nations).
www.rug.nl/studentorganizations
Cultural Student Centre: USVA
The USVA is the university cultural student centre. It has a theatre and
a gallery and organizes about 70 different courses on culture, singing,
dancing, photography, story writing, painting, communication, drama,
film, etc.
www.usva.nl
Groningen Student platform: religion, philosophy, ethics,
and culture
The Groningen Student platform (GSp) is a place where the religious
and philosophical interests of students are related to contemporary
issues in today’s society, the world of science, and their personal life.
It is a place where you can meet others, have a drink and discuss
sense and nonsense, religion and life.
www.gspweb.nl
 Preparing for Groningen
Once you are accepted by a programme, the ISD or the faculty contact
person will assist you in applying for a visa, dealing with immigration
authorities, arranging insurance and registering at the university.
Admission and registration
Our admission requirements vary per programme and each application
is assessed on an individual basis. Admission procedures are managed
by the faculty, the Graduate School your programme is part of, or in
some cases by the Central Office for International Relations.
www.rug.nl/internationalstudents
Visa and residence permit
It depends on your nationality whether you need a residence
permit or visa (MVV). You have to apply for an entry visa (MVV)
before departure and upon arrival you have to apply for a residence
permit. The University will assist you with all these applications.
Below it shows if you need a residence permit and/or an entry visa.
Nationality Residence permit Entry visa (MVV)
EU/Schengen countries, No No
Bulgaria, Romania
Australia, Canada, Japan, Yes No
Monaco, New Zealand,
South Korea, United
States, Vatican City
All other internationals Yes Yes
The University of Groningen is the only Dutch university to cover the
MVV application fee and fees for the residence permit in most cases.
MVV applicants must prove to be able to finance the study and cost of
living. Dutch Immigration authorities determine the annually needed
amount: 2010–2011: appr. EUR 900 per month.
www.rug.nl/prospectivestudents/information/visaImmigration
Health insurance
Medical costs can be very high, especially if they include a stay in a
hospital. You must arrange your health insurance yourself, either
before coming to the Netherlands or upon arrival.
www.rug.nl/prospectivestudents/information/healthInsurance
42
Cost of living
› Housing € 300–500 per month
› Administration costs housing € 300
› Security deposit € 325 (refundable)
› Food € 200 per month
› Health insurance € 75–100 per month
› Bicycle € 45–110
› Language course € 100–450 per course
› Books € 300 per semester
Estimated costs for one year Appr. €10,000–12,000
Excluding travel costs and
tuition fees
Tuition fees EU/EER nationals Appr. € 1,680 per year
Tuition fees non-EU nationals Appr. € 8,700 –11,500 per year
Working in the Netherlands
Many students want to have a job while going to university to
cover for the expenses. However, this might be very difficult in the
Netherlands. International students may only work 10 hours a week
maximum, plus most jobs available require that you speak Dutch.
Tuition fees
Higher education in the Netherlands is subsidized to uphold its
high academic standards. As a result, tuition fees are kept low for
all EU students, while due to taxation reasons non-EU students pay
higher fees. If you are an EU student, already in possession of a Dutch
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, please check the website for more
information on tuition fees. Different rules apply starting 1 September
2010.
www.rug.nl/insandouts
Scholarships: The University of Groningen Talent Grants
The university is committed to recognizing excellence in academic
achievement by offering a number of scholarships, the University of
Groningen Talent Grants, for international students and researchers.
www.rug.nl/grantfinder
Students preparing their meal
43
Accommodation: A home away from home
The Netherlands is one of the smallest countries in Europe and one of
the most densely populated countries in the world. Foreign visitors are
often surprised to learn how difficult and expensive the housing situation
is. The University of Groningen, like many other Dutch universities,
does not have a campus, which means that every year, thousands of
new first-year students scramble to find small rooms or appartments.
Since you are an international student, the Housing Office, a
non-profit organization acting as an intermediary, will help you
find temporary furnished housing. Housing is scarce and not cheap.
Try not to be disappointed when you see what you are offered (and
how much it costs). Bear in mind that local students are also paying
high prices for their accommodation.
In most cases you will be housed in one of the International Student
Houses that are spread throughout the city of Groningen. You will live
with other international students and you will quickly feel at home
in the multicultural, relaxed atmosphere of these houses. For some it
might be a challenge, but for most it will be the best part of this study
abroad eperience.
All International Student Houses employ (Dutch) student managers to
welcome new students and act as caretakers. Matching Dutch student
accommodation, the facilities include:
› a private study/bedroom
› shared kitchen and bathroom, shared living rooms
› fully furnished (bed, desk, lamp, chair, closet/locker)
› free wireless internet
www.rug.nl/internationalstudents (Useful Addresses)
www.housingoffice.nl
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