The word Nanoscience refers to the study, manipulation and engineering of matter, particles and structures on the nanometer scale. Important properties of materials, such as the electrical, optical, thermal and mechanical properties, are determined by the way molecules and atoms assemble on the nanoscale into larger structures. Nanotechnology is the application of nanoscience leading to the use of new nanomaterials and nanosize components in useful products.

About this programme:

Within the Erasmus Mundus framework, five leading educational institutions in Europe offer a joint Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. The objective is to prepare you with the multidisciplinary knowledge and skills to design custom-made materials and products with new enhanced properties- such as new nanoelectronic components, new types of ‘smart’ medicines and sensors, and interfaces between electronics and biological systems.

The programme is truly integrated into the international research community, with a strong analytical backbone and an important international network of research centres such as imec in Belgium, CEA-LETI in France and Leibniz Institute for Solid State Materials Research in Germany. This strong link between education and research ensures a contemporary program at the cutting edge of state-of-the-art research.

Programme strenghts:

• A limited number of scholarships for both European and non-European students are funded by the European Commission. There are scholarships funded by the EU-Commission for non-EEA students. The number of grants and the amount of the grant is decided on an annual basis. Besides the scholarships a limited number of tuition fee waivers are also available.

• The programme offers a broad overview covering all aspects of nanoscience and nanotechnology, with on the one hand a strong horizontal multidisciplinary core education, in the various underlying disciplines, and on the other hand a more vertical specialisation in one specific subfield of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

• The Erasmus Mundus master programme is organised by a consortium of university partners selected for their educational and research strengths in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. This ensures a high quality and competitive master program being recognized as one of the best nano educational programmes currently available in the world.

Programme Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology:

The programme consists of 6 educational modules: fundamental courses, general interest courses, core courses, specific courses, broadening courses and a master's thesis. 

Five leading universities:

The EMM-Nano+ master is a two-year, 120 ECTS, English language degree program. Thanks to its combination of partners, expertise and courses, it offers you a unique integrated master program, covering all aspects of nanoscience and nanotechnology, while at the same time allowing you to design an individual study program with specialization in essentially any field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

It facilitates studying at two separate participating universities where you spend one year per country. It is strongly multidisciplinary: you receive a basic training in all the disciplines offered, one of which becomes your area of specialisation. At the end of the program you will receive a joint degree from the two universities where you studied.

Student profile:

Applicants must both be qualified and motivated to start our Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

• You have strong analytic, synthetic and interpretive capabilities.

• You have a clear interest in both the fundamental sciences and technological problems.

• You  are able to interpret a large variety of questions and translate them to the abstract, academic level.

• You can form a personal and independent scientific opinion and communicate it effectively to others.

• You can further demonstrate a strong interest in how and why systems function, their societal and psychological relevance and the implications for society.

• From your bachelor's education, you should have acquired a basic knowledge of mathematics (including advanced algebra and differential equations), physics, chemistry and electronics.

• You have the capacity to think in a mathematical-analytical way and have a strong interest in technology and a fascination for the relationship between science and technology.

• You are eager and prepared to learn autonomously and be willing to work hard and show perseverance, entrepreneurship and creativity.

Career perspectives:

Within a few years, nanoscience applications are expected to impact upon virtually every technological sector and ultimately almost all aspects of our daily life. In the coming five to ten years, many new products and companies will emerge based on nanotechnology and nanosciences. These new products will stem from the knowledge developed at the interface of the various scientific disciplines offered in the programme.

Graduates will find a wealth of career opportunities in the sectors and industries developing these new technologies: electronics, new and smart materials, chemical technology, biotechnology, R&D, independent consultancies and more. You’ll graduate with the ideal background to become an invaluable interface between these areas and will be able to apply a broad perspective on nanoscience and nanotechnology in the development and creation of new products and even new companies.