The Master of Nanoscience examines phenomena on the atomic and molecular scales, where the structure of matter determines important electrical, optical and mechanical properties. A multidisciplinary scientific education integrating physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, material sciences and bioscience engineering empowers students to create new nanocomponents, systems and products.

About this programme:

Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering, newborn scientific disciplines are situated at the interface of physics, chemistry, materials science, microelectronics, biochemistry and biotechnology. Consequently, control of the discipline requires an academic and multidisciplinary scientific education. You will learn the basics of physics, biology and chemistry on the nanometer scale and the use of nanotechnologies for systems and sensors on the macro scale.

The programme is both strongly application and research oriented, and is closely linked to the research centres of global leaders such as imec, the Leuven Nanocenter and INPAC (Institute for Nanoscale Physics and Chemistry) at the Faculty of Science.

Programme strenghts:

• The nanosciences are multidisciplinary. Special courses are designed to encourage thinking beyond the boundaries of the traditional scientific disciplines. The courses are continuously updated following the latest innovations in this young and highly innovative field.

• The programme has an important research-oriented part, while simultaneously maintaining a strong focus on the contemporary industrial picture and relevant problems in the field, effectively bringing nanoengineering into the domain of nanotechnology.  The close link with imec also provides a unique strong nanoelectronics component to the programme. 

• The teaching staff in the programme is closely affiliated with cutting edge research centres like imec and various groups at the KU Leuven such as the Leuven Nanocenter and INPAC (Institute for nanoscale physics and chemistry), which are considered worldwide leaders in the domain of nanoscience and nanotechnology. In your master’s thesis, you will have the opportunity to work in the exciting research programmes of these institutes.

Programme Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering:

You will follow a set of introductory courses to give you the necessary multidisciplinary background of nanoscience, nanotechnology and nanoengineering, as well as a selection of general interest courses to provide some essential non-technical skills. 

After opting for a specialisation option, you choose a set of compulsory, specific programme courses, complemented by a number of elective broadening programmes in subjects outside of the nanodomain. The programme culminates in the master’s thesis research project. 

You can also elect to follow a similar programme in the form of an interuniversity programme, the Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

Student exchange:

The Faculty of Engineering Science at KU Leuven is involved in several Erasmus exchange programmes. For the Master of Nanoscience, this means that you can complete one or two semesters abroad, at a number of selected universities.

Internships:

The Faculty of Engineering Science offers two types of internships in all its master’s programmes: Industrial Experience and Industrial Internships.

Student profile:

Applicants must both be qualified and motivated to start our Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering.

• You have strong analytical, synthetic, and interpretive capabilities and a clear interest in both fundamental sciences and technological problems.

• You are able to understand a large variety of problems and to translate them into abstract academic level thought. You can crosslink knowledge from a variety of scientific disciplines, forming personal and independent opinions and being able to transmit them to others.

• You should show a strong interest in scientific and/or technological problems, be interested in how and why systems function and have a clear sense of the societal and psychological relevance of technology and its implications upon 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. If you are missing some of this background, introductory fundamental courses are offered to acquire this knowledge within the master's programme.

Career perspectives:

Nanoscience applications are expected to impact virtually every technological sector, consequently there will be a strong need for scientists and engineers with expertise in products based on nanotechnology and nanosciences. Graduates will join companies in R&D roles, as well as product design or product development, and you will have the skills required to become an independent consultant. Past graduates have found employment in the electronics sector, new and smart material industry, chemical technology, and biotechnology companies to name but a few.