Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering

Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering

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 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 structure

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.

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.