Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering
Leuven, Belgium
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English, Dutch
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 7,771 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* non-EEA fee
Introduction
Get in touch: join KU Leuven’s Webinars
Discover all that KU Leuven has to offer via one of KU Leuven’s Webinars about KU Leuven, admissions & applying, housing, and more.
Register Here.
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.
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 strong 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 program.
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.
Curriculum
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 specialization option, you choose a set of compulsory, specific program courses, complemented by a number of elective broadening programs in subjects outside of the nanodomain. The program culminates in the master’s thesis research project.
You can also elect to follow a similar program in the form of an interuniversity program, the Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Fundamentals
- Quantum Physics
- Semiconductor Physics
- Structure, Synthesis and Cellular Function of Macromolecules
- Electronic Components, Circuits and Sensors
- Atom Theory, Chemical Periodicity and Chemical Bond
- Semiconductor Devices
- Quantum Physics II
Core Courses
- Nanostructured Bio-Macromolecules
- Materials Physics and Technology for Nanoelectronics
- Chemistry at Nanometre Scale
- Technology of Integrated Systems
- P&O Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering
- Advanced Nanodevices
- Lectures on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
Ideal Students
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 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 for 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 program.
Admissions
Program delivery
The courses are fully taught in English and also available in Dutch.
Program Outcome
- Credits: 120 ECTS
- Degree Type: Master
- Specifications: Master of Science
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at KU Leuven
What sets us apart as a university?
A highly-ranked university
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field.
Research-based education
Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their research. In our FabLab, students can use several high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.
Affordable tuition fees
Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programs as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.
International student life with respect for diversity
According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student center is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.
Program Leaders
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Info Sessions
KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program
Rankings
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Accreditations
Gallery
Career Opportunities
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.
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.