University of Twente

University of Twente (or Twente University) is a university located in Enschede, Netherlands. It offers research and degree programmes in technology, and in the social and behavioural sciences. In keeping with its enterprising spirit, the University is committed to making an economic and social contribution to the region of the Netherlands where it is based. The UT collaborates with TU Delft and TU/e Eindhoven under the umbrella of the 3TU.Federation, and is also a partner in the European Network of Innovative Universities (ECIU).

The University of Twente was built on the former country estate of Drienerlo, situated between Hengelo and Enschede. On this beautifully landscaped 140 hectare estate, comprising woodland, meadows and water, architects Van Tijen and Van Embden designed the Netherlands’ first - and so far the only - campus university along American lines. Students and staff live, work and pursue their leisure activities on campus. Through the years, several other important architects and artists have made their own contributions to the design of the campus.

Students and staff at the University of Twente continue to form an active academic community. The campus enjoys excellent sports and cultural facilities that have stimulated the development of a rich mix of student societies, student social events, and a constant flow of new initiatives. The Student Union, which is run entirely by students, promotes the interests of all student societies and also manages several premises, including the student social centre in the heart of Enschede.

History

The University was founded in 1961 as the Technische Hogeschool Twente, the Netherlands’ third higher vocational institute of technology later to become a university (the other two being Delft and Eindhoven). The Dutch government’s decision to locate the new institute in Enschede, the main city of Twente, had much to do with the north-eastern province’s rich industrial history. Another important consideration was the fact that the local economy needed a boost to compensate for the dwindling textile industry.

Academics

The degree programmes at the University of Twente range from business studies and applied physics, to biomedical technology and psychology. The curriculum is broad, flexible and relevant to the labour market. Most students combine coursework in their major subject with a coherent set of minors in another discipline. A growing number of foreign students are finding their way to the UT. Almost all postgraduate programmes are taught in English, and half of all PhD students now come from outside the Netherlands.

The University of Twente has a world class research programme. In the applied sciences, the emphasis is on nanotechnology, process technology, engineering, information & communication technology, and the biomedical sciences. The University also has a strong track record in business studies and the behavioural sciences. UT research programmes are organised in six research institutes: • Institute for Nanotechnology (MESA+) • BioMedical Technological Institute (BMTI) • Centre for Telematics and Informationtechnology (CTIT) • Institute for Behavioral Research (IBR) • Institute for Governance Studies (IGS) • Institute of Mechanics, Processes and Control Twente (IMPACT)

The University of Twente sets great store by the useful application of knowledge in society. Patents, life-long learning programmes, and spin-off companies testify to this commitment, as does UT’s intensive involvement in research programmes that enhance knowledge infrastructure in the Netherlands. So far, the UT has produced 600 spin-off companies; more than any other Dutch university.

From the outset, the University of Twente has sought to put the applied sciences in a wider social context. Students and researchers are always challenged to look beyond the boundaries of their own subject area and to establish links between different disciplines. The University of Twente believes that a multidisciplinary approach will stimulate innovation in science and society alike.

Faculty of Behavioural Sciences
Communication Studies
Educational Science and Technology
Leraar VHO Maatschappijleer
Philosophy of Science, Technology and Society
Psychology
Science Education and Communication
Social Systems Evaluation and Survey Research
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
Applied Mathematics
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Embedded Systems
Human Media Interaction
Mechatronics
Systems and Control
Telematics
Faculty of Engineering Technology
Civil Engineering and Management
Construction Management and Engineering
Industrial Design Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Sustainable Energy Technology
Faculty of Science and Technology
Applied Physics
Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Nanotechnology
Technical Medicine
Postgraduate Executive Programmes
Master Environmental and Energy Management MBA
Public Management
School of Management and Governance
Business Administration
Business Information Technology
European Studies
Health Sciences
Industrial Engineering and Management
Public Administration

Faculties

Faculty of Behavioural Sciences

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Faculty of Engineering Technology

Faculty of Science and Technology

Postgraduate Executive Programmes

School of Management and Governance

University of Twente ranked 185th in the 2007 THES-QS World University Ranking

University of Twente ranked 200th in the 2008 THES-QS World University Ranking

University of Twente ranked 200th in the 2009 THES-QS World University Ranking

University of Twente ranked 199th in the 2010 QS World University Ranking