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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Technology and Operations Management
Header image Technology and Operations Management

Technology and Operations Management

Study technology and operations management in Groningen and learn to use big data, analytical tools, and real-life experience to shape a sustainable, human-centric, resilient business environment.

Are you eager to help today’s organizations make the most of the vast volumes of data they collect? Would you like to apply your expertise in data and tech at the operational heart of a company for the benefit of that company, the environment, and society?

In the MSc Technology and Operations Management, you will learn how to master these from a managerial perspective, having at the same time an understanding of the technology-related implications, opportunities, and limitations. The programme has a strong emphasis on data analytics, data science, programming skills, and the use of simulation and mathematical models. These will provide you with the ability to gather data from complex data sources and use it to make effective managerial decisions so that you can help companies realize their objectives — let these be related to sustainability or operational excellence.

Following your graduation, you will have a large variety of career prospects. Our graduates become, among others, data analysts, supply chain professionals, project managers, production managers, maintenance engineers, and consultants. They work at companies such as ASML, Philips, KPMG, FrieslandCampina, and Accenture.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Technology and Operations Management
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
66277
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Economics and Business
AACSB AccreditedEQUIS logo
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Choose a unique design-oriented programme with a strong focus on data-driven decision-making and a curriculum that balances design science with mathematical modeling and simulation methods.
  • Develop insights into operational processes and socio-technical systems in logistics, manufacturing, services, energy, healthcare, and governance.

* Learn how to identify opportunities, analyze and diagnose operations-related problems, but also to design, develop, and evaluate solutions.

* Learn how to program with Python (no prior knowledge required) and use it for data processing and visualization as well as mathematical modeling and simulation.

* Benefit from courses on the latest technologies and their relationship with humans and artificial intelligence.

* Be the perfect bridge between engineering and business departments of organizations.

* Tap into our strong connections with companies and conduct your research project with an industrial partner.

* Engage in societal problems, ranging from sustainability, carbon emissions, and energy transition to healthcare economics, business ethics, and labour welfare. Did you know that the University of Groningen is the academic lead on an ambitious project to transform the Northern Netherlands into a hub of green hydrogen energy?

* The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.

Programme

The curriculum involves five compulsory courses that focus on applications of data science, programming, mathematical modeling, and simulation in the field of technology and operations management. In these courses, you will also develop an understanding of the technical aspects of processes and systems, and knowledge of research methods. Building on this foundation, you personalize the programme through three elective courses from a wide variety of options that will set you up with skills in management, operational strategy, digitalization, data-driven processes, healthcare operations, sustainability, energy, innovation, and many more (see the full list on our course catalogue). There is also an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of our Focus Areas Energy Transition and Climate Change or Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Then, you will complete your degree by writing a Master's thesis.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Data Analysis and Programming for OM (5 EC)
Facility Design and Planning (5 EC, optional)
Operations Management and Control (5 EC)
Elective(s) MSc TOM (10 EC)

A few examples are: Service Operations; Sustainability: Strategies, Innovation & Change; Data-driven Business Processes; Digital Transformation Strategy; Healthcare Operations; Supply Chain Analytics; Innovation & Entrepreneurship; Sales and Operations Planning. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.

Operations Modelling and Simulation (5 EC)
Research Methods for TOM (5 EC)
Smart Industry Operations (5 EC, optional)
Sustainable Energy Supply (5 EC, optional)
Asset Management (5 EC)
Technology-enabled Innovation (5 EC, optional)
Master's Thesis TOM (20 EC)
Inventory Management (5 EC, optional)
Programme options
Master Internship (specialization)

Opportunity to gain work experience by doing an internship in the second semester of your study.

You will be rewarded 15 ECTS on top of your programme. Your thesis will be postponed to the third semester.

More information about this option

Energy Transition and Climate Change Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the serious changes within the energy sector by dealing with issues such as how firms adapt to renewable energy, how the higher taxes are managed during this transition and how to deal with the weather dependent production of energy systems. Gain the knowledge and skills to shape a sustainable future in this evolving energy sector.

More information about this option

Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the digital transformation within our society and understand how to successfully implement digital transformation in business. A successful digital transition allows businesses to conquer markets, witness industries converging, and step into the realm of winner-takes-all dynamics, like dominating tech-giants like Google and Facebook.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional
Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
All Universities of applied sciences

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) has introduced a 45 EC Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Econometrics and Operations ResearchUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
International BusinessUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Industrial Engineering and ManagementUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
PsychologyUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

SociologyUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Econometrics and Operations ResearchErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieErasmus University Rotterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

International Business AdministrationErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Public Administration ScienceLeiden University

No additional requirements

More information:

For students following the profile Economics, Public Administration and Management.

Computer ScienceLeiden University

No additional requirements

More information:

For students following the profile Computer Science & Economics.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Business EngineeringMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Global StudiesMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

International BusinessMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
AccountancyNyenrode New Business School

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Business AdministrationNyenrode New Business SchoolNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationRadboud University NijmegenNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsRadboud University NijmegenNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
EconomicsTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Entrepreneurship and Business InnovationTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieTilburg University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Actuarial ScienceUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AnalyticsUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Data ScienceUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationUniversity of TwenteNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Economics and Business EconomicsUtrecht UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
International Business AdministrationVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Management and Consumer StudiesWageningen UniversityNo additional requirements
Economics and GovernanceWageningen UniversityNo additional requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, Industrial Engineering.

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc.

other admission requirements

The information about entry requirements is an indication of your admissibility. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Registration procedure

Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the steps to apply .

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Economics, Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, Industrial Engineering, Technology Management.

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. If you have any questions concerning admission to this programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions.

certified competences

A GMAT/GRE test is required from all candidates who obtained their bachelor's degree from a university in a non-EU/EEA country. For specific scores and exemptions, please see https://www.rug.nl/feb/gmat-gre.

language test

IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176).

other admission requirements

Not meeting the pre-education requirements for direct entry? Please read more about our pre-Master programmes.

Registration procedure

Students have to apply via Studielink and the Progress Portal (replacing the previous system, Online Application System OAS) of the University of Groningen. After you apply for the programme of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis. More information on how to apply.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 17800full-time
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

You graduate with a varied set of skills such as:

  • Analytical skills: you know how to analyze data and information to understand technical systems and processes within their context

  • Problem-solving and critical thinking skills: you can come up with different designs to solve complex problems, and test the effectiveness of these designs using various quantitative techniques such as mathematical modeling and simulation

  • Strategic decision-making skills: you make decisions on the most suitable design using various performance criteria, restrictions, and characteristics of the broader context of the system.

Job prospects

Our graduates can take on a large variety of roles in a diverse set of companies in the public and private sectors. For instance, you will be qualified for a career as an operations manager or data analyst in a production, distribution, or service environment as well as a consultant or project manager in the field of process improvement, innovation, and technology of products and processes.

Below are a few examples of common job titles and employers of our graduates:

  • Accenture, Arriva, ASML, Belsimpel, EQUANS, Fokker, FrieslandCampina, Douwe Egberts, NS, Philips, Scania, Tata Steel, Van Oord, Yamaha

  • Business Analyst, Consultant, Data Analyst, Logistics Manager, Maintenance Engineer, Material Planner, Mechanical Engineer, Operations Manager, Process Engineer, Production Planner, Project Manager, Quality Engineer, Supply Chain Manager.

Alternatively, you may opt for an academic career and start a career in research at a university (see also the Research Master programme).

Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

The programme is strongly rooted in research-driven education, where students conduct interdisciplinary research projects in collaboration with professors and external partners on societally relevant topics such as healthy society, the economics of healthcare systems, digitalization, the impact of artificial intelligence in business and society, future prosperity and sustainability, climate change, and energy transition. From day one of your degree, you will be focused on making a real impact with research.

Our research has applications in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and logistics where common research themes such as smart industries, asset management, production and control, smart industries, inventory management, and sustainable energy supply, are tightly coupled with courses in our curriculum.

Research Institute related to the MSc programme: Operations Management & Operations Research .

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Contact

I have courses where you actually work on designing and programming (Luuk Platvoet)

I visited the Master’s Day of the faculty and after the presentations, I was certain that I wanted to do this programme. I find the MSc TOM study very practical and mathematical.

For the majority of the courses, I actually work on designing and programming, which I really enjoy. The Master is challenging as it requires a lot of self-responsibility to keep up with all the courses. I have never had experience with programming before but I tried to keep up with the work every week, have a lot of contact with my fellow students, and ask for help from the lecturers. Like this, I managed to pass the course without any problems in the end. Overall the programme has shown me that I am particularly interested in working in the operational and technological area in the future.

Groningen is a cozy student city, I have been studying for 6 years now and I still do not want to leave. I like that it’s very easy to make friends in Groningen.


Read more

Related Master's programmes

Did you know you can study supply chain management in Groningen? Find out more about our MSc Supply Chain Management.

Read more

Study associations

EBF

The Economics and Business Faculty association (EBF) is the faculty association for all students studying at the faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen.
The EBF is your partner during your time in Groningen by organising events that support you with your studies and help you prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/

TeMa

TeMa is the study association specialised in the masters Supply Chain Management and Technology and Operations Management. TeMa organizes social, study and career activities, like monthly socials, the TeMa Conference and the Inhousetour.
https://www.temagroningen.nl/home
Read more
Study support

Studying means working independently and planning your studies yourself. But successful studying depends on many different factors, so it is understandable that you may need to consult an impartial expert to discuss your study progress and personal circumstances that influence your studies. The faculty's study advisors are available to help you. Obviously, everything discussed with the study advisor remains confidential.