Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen

Master of Smart Systems Engineering

Study a Master of Smart Systems Engineering in the Netherlands

Smart systems are increasingly becoming a reality of our everyday life. By 2030, about 500 billion devices are expected to be connected to the internet. Pinhead-sized sensors will be embedded into practically any product, allowing new, smart and powerful applications for areas like energy management and health care. A few examples? Think of helping to optimize the recycling of plastic waste by injecting sensors into biochemical reactors, or communicating with plants by interpreting feedback from their miniature embedded sensors. The future of smart systems is limitless!

The master programme is for students who wish to become experts on the cutting edge of smart systems. You will learn how to build and develop smart sensor systems that are able to interact with their environment. You will apply your skills and expertise in domains like health, energy, and high tech systems and materials (HTMS). These are areas in which the application of smart sensor technology is rapidly evolving, affecting and benefitting the lives and wellbeing of billions of people all over the world. Smart systems are the future, so get involved now!

First semester: Introduction

You will learn how to integrate data coming from multiple, complex sensors and how to interpret this data correctly. In courses like Applied Machine Learning you will also learn how to apply data analysis algorithms. You will be provided with the knowledge and tools required to model and design complex smart systems from big data applications and digital signal processing. By working on various projects you can demonstrate what you learned within a practical setting. You will follow non-technical courses, such as Sustainable Research Skill, which will provide you with the ability to reflect on the sustainability of developed systems.

Second semester: Deepening and widening of knowledge

You will focus on the practical implementation of acquired skills and knowledge. You will learn more complex algorithms and choose which field you want to focus on. Courses include Products and Service Design, where you will focus on the full designing process of a smart system related to an application. During the Sensor Application Specialisation, you will explore various sensor applications in your chosen field (health, energy or high-tech systems and materials). You will engage in a project where you will work with innovative companies or research institutes, like Philips or the University Medical Centre in Groningen (UMCG). In addition to the technical courses, you will learn how to excel in the professional field by following essential, non-technical courses, which will teach you how to conduct research at a master level and how to solve problems within a multidisciplinary setting.

Third semester: Thesis

You will work on a six-month research project within your chosen domain, which will result in a master thesis. A few examples of master projects from other students:

• The use of serious gaming (WE facilities) for medical arm- and hand rehabilitation.
• Development of a comfortable, wearable respiratory gas measuring device, to assess strain on the body during physical activity.
• Development of a model for optimal energy usage of a solar car system for maximal driving capacity within a changing environment.

Learn more about the programme components, course structure, projects and highlights on the programme webpage on our website, linked below.