NVAO: Master’s programme in Nanoscience deemed excellent

The Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO) has awarded the Master’s programme in Nanoscience at the University of Groningen the label ‘excellent’. This is the highest accolade that can be given. The report portrays the programme as an example of ‘best practice’ for similar programmes in the field, both national and international. Earlier this year, the programme topped the tables as best university degree programme in the Netherlands in the Master’s Guide 2013.

In the report, the assessors applaud this unique programme. The Master’s aspires to a higher level than other Master’s programmes and focuses strongly on research. Students undergo stringent pre-selection and numbers are restricted so that they can be given personal coaching.

Research

The programme gives students an opportunity to take part in research carried out at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, a research institute at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, which has enjoyed the highly respected status of national top research school for almost fifteen years. An international ranking referred to the institute as one of the absolute top research schools for materials science.

Top Master’s

The Master’s in Nanoscience is part of the Faculty’s Top Master’s programme. The programme focuses on preparing students for a career in science, and according to the assessors its achievements are comparable with the best training institutes anywhere in the world. Lecturers and supervisors at the Zernike Institute possess excellent research and teaching skills and are themselves an outstanding example to the students.

Selection system

The teaching aspects of the programme are also excellent. The selection system in particular was praised. The assessors think that this system is largely responsible for the high standard that the students ultimately achieve.

See also: Master’s in Nanoscience

More information: Prof. C.H. van der Wal