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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Industrial Engineering and Management
Header image Industrial Engineering and Management
Master - full-time

Industrial Engineering and Management

How can you design a complex and sustainable consumer product or bring novel renewable energy technologies and processes to market? How can you minimize production costs without compromising on quality and safety?

These are typical questions that a graduate of the Master’s programme in Industrial Engineering and Management (IEM) is able to address. In a progressively technological society, IEM engineers will increasingly become leaders of technological innovation and design.

A student in the Master’s degree programme in IEM learns how to solve technological problems in a business context. In IEM, we work on industrial problems from a technical and scientific design perspective. The general aim of our IEM Master’s programme is to train engineers to acquire a thorough overview of all primary and secondary business processes in the fields of Production Technology and Logistics (PTL) and Sustainable Process Engineering (SPE).

More than its nearest competitors, the IEM Master's degree programme of the University of Groningen focuses on technology. Over two-thirds of the curriculum is dedicated to engineering and technology. Additionally there are courses that focus on management and business. You can choose between two tracks:

  • PTL: Production Technology and Logistics
  • SPE: Sustainable Process Engineering

About 70% of the curriculum is dedicated to engineering and technology, and the remainder focuses on Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, and Systems Engineering. You can choose from five specializations within the two tracks.

Production Technology and Logistics

- Advanced Production Engineering

- Smart Systems in Control and Automation

- Production Logistics Engineering

Sustainable Process Engineering

- Chemical Engineering

- Biotechnology

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Industrial Engineering and Management
Course type
Master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60029
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Science and Engineering
Apply now
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Integration of technology and management
  • Strongly embedded in a specific technology of your choice
  • Distinctive tracks with corresponding specializations
  • On successful completion of this Master's degree programme, you will have a Master of Science (MSc.) diploma in Industrial Engineering and Management (international title). In the Netherlands, you will also be entitled to use the title of ir (ingenieur)
  • Marijn van Rooij, MSc IEM alumnus and CTO of Ocean Grazer B.V., received the Prince Friso Engineering Award in 2022
  • Our faculty is the home of the 2016 Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry, Ben Feringa, and the Nobel Prize winner in Physics, Frits Zernike
Programme

About 70% of the curriculum is dedicated to engineering and technology, and about 30% focuses on management and business. Within the two tracks, you can choose between five specialisations:

Production Technology and Logistics (PTL) :

  • Advanced Production Engineering
  • Smart Systems in Control and Automation
  • Production Logistics Engineering

Sustainable Process Engineering (SPE) :

  • Biotechnology
  • Chemical Engineering
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
PTL: Foundations of Logistics Systems Engineering (5 EC)
PTL: Robotics for IEM (5 EC)
SPE: Bioprocesses for Engineers (5 EC)
SPE: Polymer Products (5 EC)
Technology Based Entrepreneurship (5 EC)
Technology Based Entrepreneurship (5 EC)
PTL: Simulation of Logistic Systems (5 EC)
PTL: Surface Engineering and Coating Technology (5 EC)
SPE: Advanced LCA for Sustainability (5 EC)
SPE: Elective courses (20 EC)
PTL: Elective courses (20 EC)
PTL: Analysis and Control of Smart Systems (5 EC)
SPE: Advanced Product Engineering (5 EC)
SPE: Advanced Polymer Processing (5 EC)
Sustainable Industrial Practice (5 EC)
Systems Engineering (5 EC)
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Research Methodology (5 EC)
Master's Design Project (25 EC)
Master's Research Project (30 EC)

Curriculum

2-year programme; credits per year: 60 ECTS; most courses are 5 ECTS.

This 2-year programme consists of 4 compulsory courses, 5 track specific courses and 4 electives that allow you to choose your preferred specialization. In addition, the second year is dedicated to a Master Research Project (30 ECTS) and a Master Design Project (25 ECTS).

For the complete curriculum, please click the links below to go to the Ocasys pages with all course information.

Please be advised that students of the Faculty of Science and Engineering are expected to adhere to our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, ensuring seamless integration of personal electronic devices for academic purposes. For more detailed information on our BYOD policy, please visit our webpage .
Programme options
Production Technology and Logistics (PTL) (track)

More information about the specific content this track can be found here: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/60029-5601

When you decide to apply for the Master's degree programme in IEM, be sure to apply to your preferred track.

More information about this option

Sustainable Process Engineering (SPE) (track)

More information about the specific content of this track can be found here: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/60029-5604

When you decide to apply for the Master's degree programme in IEM, be sure to apply to your preferred track.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional
  • For an average of 20 weeks

Exchange: Studying abroad is possible at a number of partner institutions, in consultation with the degree programme.

Internship: This programme offers you the opportunity to carry out an internship at a company in the Netherlands or abroad. Our choice of industry partners ranges from large multinationals (such as Shell, Philips, Unilever) to dynamic small-medium enterprises in the Groningen area. The internship has a typical duration of 3 to 5 months and counts towards your final degree (as a Master Design Project).

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

A university Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering and Management or equivalent degree. A special pre-master programme is available for holders of a technical Dutch HBO or WO Bachelor's degree in the field of engineering. For details on the transfer options, please make an appointment with the academic advisor: https://www.rug.nl/fse/organization/esc/academicadvisors/external-pages/msc.-industrial-engineering-and-management-studieadviseur

Information about admission possibilities and requirements for students from a Dutch HBO institute is also published on: https://www.rug.nl/fse/education/admission-application/apply-msc/nl-diploma/1

other admission requirements

BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at https://www.rug.nl/fse/education/admission-application/apply-msc/nl-diploma/1 for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements.

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Mechanical EngineeringAll Universities of applied sciences

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 40 EC

More information:

Access to be decided by the admissions board.

Mechanical Engineering students often follow the Production Technology and Logistics track within the MSc Industrial Engineering and Management.

Contact the academic advisor (click Contact button on this page) if you have questions about the deficiency
Chemical EngineeringAll Universities of applied sciences

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 40 EC

More information:

Access to be decided by the admissions board

A Chemical Technology diploma provides access to the SPE (Sustainable Process Engineering) track of the MSc in Industrial Engineering & Management.

Contact the academic advisor if you have questions about the deficiencies
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Industrial Engineering and ManagementUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of GroningenVia a pre-master with a maximum of 40 EC
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Industrial Engineering and ManagementAll Research universitiesAdditional requirements

Registration procedure

Do you prefer an early decision on your request for admission? Don't wait until 1 May, but use one of the earlier deadlines for this Master's programme (for a course start on 1 September). If the University of Groningen has received your complete application before, then you will receive a decision at the latest on:

Application - Decision:

1 December– 15 January

1 February – 1 March

15 March – 15 April

1 May - 15 June

The Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to the Master's degree programme. Please fill out the checklist to describe your pre-education.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Holders of a foreign Bachelor's or Master's degree with equivalent learning outcomes as the Bachelor's degree programme Industrial Engineering and Management of the University of Groningen can be admissible. The Admissions Office will determine the level of the prior education. Please see the check list for the required documents.

The Board of Admissions determines whether the specific contents of your courses meet the admission requirements. In order to do so you will need to fill in the Admissions Checklist (https://www.rug.nl/fse/education/admission-application/apply-msc/nl-diploma/iem-checklist.docx) to describe your pre-education and submit it with your application.
language test

MAKE SURE TO VISIT http://www.rug.nl/fwn/fmns-programme/admissions/msc/language-requirements for all the necessary information about required language tests and minimum scores.

Registration procedure

The Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to the Master's degree programme. Applications are evaluated on a continuous basis. You do not have to wait until the application deadline to apply.

Please fill out the checklist to describe your pre-education.

Do you prefer an early decision on your request for admission? Don't wait until 1 May, but use one of the earlier deadlines for this Master's programme (for a programme start on 1 September).

If the University of Groningen receives your complete application before the application deadline stated below, then you will receive a decision at the latest on:


Application - Decision:

1 December– 15 January

1 February – 1 March

1 March – 15 April

1 May - 15 June

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 24200full-time
EU/EEA2025-2026€ 2601full-time
non-EU/EEA2025-2026€ 24900full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch studentsInternational students
After your studies

Job prospects

Career-market analyses consistently show a high demand for professionals with a combined technical and managerial background. Holders of a Master's degree in IEM can work as product managers, product developers, production managers, process designers, and engineering consultants.

== IEM engineers with a Production Technology and Logistics (PTL) specialization ==

IEM engineers with a PTL specialization can start a career as a product manager, involved in the development of new innovative products within the tight boundaries of technical, market and product-related constraints.

== Sustainable Process Engineering (SPE) specialized IEM engineers ==

SPE-specialized IEM engineers can become members of product and process design teams or for example begin a career as a production manager in industrial companies.

Job examples

  • Product manager
  • Product developer
  • Production manager
  • Process designer
Research

Integrate Technology and Management in your Research Projects

Various research groups are associated with the Industrial Engineering and Management (IEM) Master's degree programme at the University of Groningen, which are all clustered within the Engineering and Technology institute Groningen (ENTEG).

The Engineering and Technology institute Groningen (ENTEG)

The research in the institute focuses on the application of fundamental sciences (physics, mathematics, (bio)chemistry and material science) to the design of new (sustainable) product and production concepts and to the control of the production processes, and supports their valorization. Read more about ENTEG.


Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Dutch diplomaInternational diploma
Dutch brochureEnglish brochure
Campus TourMore information
Master's Weeksdiverse locatiesMore information
More events

Contact

  • Academic Advisors FSE (For questions regarding the programme)
  • studyscience@rug.nl Study Science (For students who are interested in a Campus Tour or who have other general questions)
    Email: studyscience rug.nl
Testimonial of Stef van Grieken, CEO of Cradle, UG Alumnus of the year 2024
IEM provides the technical side of an engineering degree while also covering essential business fundamentals
– Stef van Grieken, CEO of Cradle, UG Alumnus of the year 2024
I chose to study Industrial Engineering and Management (IEM) because of my interest in the rapid advancements in technology around the world and the strong engineering focus of IEM in Groningen. After completing my bachelor’s, I decided to continue with the Master’s programme in Groningen as well.

IEM provides the technical side of an engineering degree while also covering essential business fundamentals, making this combination incredibly valuable for a future career. The curriculum equips you to master a specific technical area while having a multidisciplinary approach. It’s the ideal programme for those who want to delve deeper into engineering without getting lost in excessive details. Next to academia, my studies allowed me to focus on personal development, which I find very important. I was quite active in extracurricular activities, which I believe contributed to my job success later on.

Back then, I envisioned myself a career in Silicon Valley. This led me to completing my Master’s thesis at Google, ultimately leading to a position there. At Google, I worked on machine learning. After working there for more than 7 years, I decided to launch Cradle together with my co-founders. Cradle is a platform that uses AI to accelerate the development of practically applicable proteins. Just as ChatGPT can help write a text, Cradle’s AI helps to find the most promising protein that can be used as medicine, an alternative for plastic, milk, or a detergent, for example.


Testimonial of Endre Eisinga
What I really like about the Master's programme is that I can apply the knowledge that I have acquired directly within industry.
– Endre Eisinga

Endre Eisenga - Student of the MSc Industrial Engineering and Management

While doing my Bachelor’s in IEM, I became very interested in applying technical business theory to create models that can simulate reality. When looking for a Master’s programme, I decided to do the IEM Master’s, mainly because of the number of elective courses. I was able to align the courses very well with my interests and create a unique track. I chose the Production Technology and Logistics track, with elective courses focusing on system control and optimization.

What I really like about the Master’s programme is that I can apply the knowledge that I have acquired directly within industry. For example, besides doing my Master’s degree, I am currently a student consultant at Wehkamp, where I am part of a project organized by IEM students. After completing the first year of the IEM Master’s in the form of courses within the programme, my second year consists of doing research at the university for half a year and a design project at a company for half a year. I am planning to do my research at another university, located in Milan. For my design project, I am still considering my options, but I am confident that my broad technical background will enable me to find a company that is a good fit.

Testimonial of Warun Bhola
Perfect balance between basic business administration and technical detail
– Warun Bhola

After my graduation I started as a consultant at the Strategy & Operations practice of Deloitte Consulting. I focus on large scale transformations like designing and implementing new operating models, large scale cost reductions and mergers and acquisitions.

Currently I’m working on a M&A project where I work in the team that designs the global to-be organization structure of two merging international clients in Consumer Business. My role typically includes facilitating client sessions, doing data analysis and making client documentation.

During my years in Groningen I became a broad allround engineer with a strong analytical background. The combination of analytical and numerical skills and knowledge of business administration is crucial for a good consultant in my opinion. IEM Groningen offered me the perfect balance between basic business administration and technical detail.

The study also allowed me to learn about my own strengths and interests. I think it’s important to do the things that you are passionate about and IEM will provide you with the right toolset to pursue any type of career after your graduation.

PhD student creates recyclable rubber
Ocean grazer rules the waves
Study Industrial Engineering and Management at the University of Groningen
– Jorn-Ids Heins

Study associations

TBV Lugus

Students of Industrial Engineering and Management have their own study association, known as Lugus.
Lugus organizes various activities for its members, both social, educational and career-oriented. In addition, Lugus provides study aids in the shape of summaries and organizes regular book sales. Nearly all students of Industrial Engineering and Management join Lugus, which now boasts more than 550 members. This number is rising every year..
https://www.tbvlugus.nl/home

ESTIEM

ESTIEM is a leading organization for students of IEM. Since its establishment in 1990, ESTIEM has aimed and succeeded to foster an ecosystem of IEM Europe by providing opportunities and creating relationships between students of IEM, Universities, Organisations and other entities in the field of IEM.
ESTIEM is composed of 76 local groups across Europe and LG Groningen has been active since 2006. LG Groningen provides students of IEM with the opportunity to create a network that will benefit them not only during their studies but after graduating as well. This is achieved through organizing cultural exchanges, case competitions with IEM related companies, collaborative activities with various LGs and much more. Visit the ESTIEM portal for more info!
https://estiem.org/
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