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 strengths
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.
Webinar
Rewatch the webinar about the Faculty of Engineering Science programmes given on 28 November 2024.
Admission requirements
All students who did not obtain their previous degree at an institution of the Flemish Community, must submit an application via the Admissions office. Be sure to check out the specific admission requirements (diploma requirements, language requirements and possible additional requirements). The only way to know whether you can be admitted to any of our programmes is by applying and completing the application process.
Official and current admission requirements.
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.
Application window
For the most recent - and only official information - on application deadlines, check the application window for this programme.
Application procedure
Check the information on how to apply for this programme. There is also a video that explains the application procedure from start to finish.
Tuition fees
It is worth noting that our tuition fees are more affordable than many other leading universities thanks to generous government financing of higher education in Belgium. The fees for any individual student are contingent upon their academic programme and the nationality of the student.
For the most recent – and only official information – on the tuition fees, check the tuition fee calculator.
Scholarships
KU Leuven offers a variety of scholarships for qualifying students. Just as with our tuition fees, these scholarships may be contingent on a student’s academic programme or nationality, so be sure to thoroughly check eligibility requirements before applying.
The study costs consist of the yearly tuition fee on the one hand, and degree specific costs on the other hand. Beside study costs you also need to take living and transportation expenses into account.
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.
Career support
Our Student Career Center and our student organisation VTK are both happy to put you on the right track towards your first work experience. They also coaches you in the search for an interesting job and help you with job interviews.
Entrepreneurship
For students wanting to start their own business KU Leuven also has KICK, the KU Leuven community that encourages students with innovative and entrepreneurial ideas.
Our alumni network
The Faculty of Engineering Sciences constantly aims at strengthening the contacts between alumni as well as between alumni and current students.
KU Leuven is one of Europe’s highest-ranked and most renowned universities. It boasts a long tradition of pioneering research and high-quality education. But KU Leuven has quite a few other strengths as well.
Our campus in Leuven
The city of Leuven is home to the main and largest KU Leuven campus.
Faculty of Engineering Science
This programme is organised by the Faculty of Engineering Science, located at our beautiful and green campus in Heverlee - south of Leuven.
Publications
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