How can cheaper and more efficient batteries and solar cells be fabricated? Is it possible to make a computer that works like the human brain? Can we control the quantum properties on the nanoscale for useful applications? Can we make cheap detectors and sensors to detect vira in extremely low concentrations or to take non-destructive x-ray photos?
Nanoscience is an interdisciplinary field at the border between physics, chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry, which allows answering these questions. The manipulation of matter on the nanoscale offers new opportunities to solve key scientific challenges in the modern world.
The Top Master Programme in Nanoscience has been reviewed as excellent three times in a row (Dutch Ministry of Education) and is embedded in a top research institute. The mission of the programme in Nanoscience is to educate and train future PhD-students who have the drive to perform cutting edge research in this highly interdisciplinary field, excel in critical thinking and collaborate with their peers to reach out for a larger goal. This is achieved using the advantages of a small, selective programme with students, teachers, and research groups in close contact. This allows for intensive and efficient interaction, with plenty of hands-on experiments in the lab and participation in high-level scientific research projects. Teachers and supervisors represent the excellent research groups of the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials National Research Centre. Students follow a challenging and highly demanding curriculum, combining both the broadness and depth necessary for a successful research career. On average, 95% of the students graduating continue their PhD either in Groningen or abroad.
Career perspectives
On average, 95% of
the students graduating continue their PhD either in Groningen or
abroad. After this students follow careers as researchers in
top high-tech industries such as ASML and AkzoNobel, in state of
the art start-ups as QDI systems and Compass Labs, or they follow
an academic career at top universities.
Two-year programme; credits per year: 60 ECTS.
For the complete curriculum, please see: https://www.rug.nl/research/zernike/education/topmasternanoscience/
In consultation a part of a project may be done abroad.
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Molecular Science and Technology (joint degree) | Delft University of Technology |
Additional requirements Additional requirements:
|
Applied Physics | Delft University of Technology |
Additional requirements Additional requirements:
|
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Chemical Engineering | University of Twente |
Additional requirements Additional requirements:
|
Applied Physics | University of Twente |
Additional requirements Additional requirements:
|
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Chemical Engineering | Eindhoven University of Technology |
Additional requirements Additional requirements:
|
Applied Physics | Eindhoven University of Technology | Additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Chemistry (joint degree) | University of Amsterdam |
Additional requirements Additional requirements:
|
Physics and Astronomy (joint degree) | University of Amsterdam | Additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Chemistry (joint degree) | VU University Amsterdam |
Additional requirements Additional requirements:
|
Physics and Astronomy (joint degree) | VU University Amsterdam | Additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Physics | University of Groningen | Additional requirements |
Applied Physics | University of Groningen | Additional requirements |
Chemistry | University of Groningen | Additional requirements |
Chemical Engineering | University of Groningen | Additional requirements |
Liberal Arts and Sciences | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:For students with a science specialization. |
Life Science and Technology | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Depending on electives |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Physics and Astronomy | Utrecht University | Additional requirements |
Chemistry | Utrecht University | Additional requirements |
Liberal Arts and Sciences | Utrecht University |
Additional requirements More information:University College Utrecht; for students with a science specialization. University College Roosevelt; for students with a science specialization. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Physics and Astronomy | Radboud University Nijmegen | Additional requirements |
Chemistry | Radboud University Nijmegen | Additional requirements |
Science | Radboud University Nijmegen |
Additional requirements Additional requirements:
|
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Molecular Science and Technology (joint degree) | Leiden University |
Additional requirements Additional requirements:
|
Physics | Leiden University |
Additional requirements Additional requirements:
|
Specific requirements | More information |
---|---|
previous education |
A universitary Bachelor's degree in either Physics or Chemistry, Materials Science, or in a related field. This is merely an indication of required background knowledge. The Admissions Board determines whether the specific contents of this/these course(s) meet the admission requirements of the MSc Nanoscience. More information: https://www.rug.nl/research/zernike/education/topmasternanoscience/ Information about admission possibilities and requirements for students with a different academic Bachelor's degree or from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO) is published here: https://www.rug.nl/fse/education/msc-admissions/ |
grade list |
Please submit your previous study results (transcript of records) and planning of the remaining course units (if applicable). |
assessment interview |
Promising candidates are invited to Groningen for a selection interview, mostly between April and June (depending on date of application and visa requirements). Early bird application: Applications before 15 November will be processed with priority. Promising candidates are invited for a selection interview in February. |
reference letter |
This is a selective MSc. In order to be considered for admission to the programme, your application should contain two letters of reference. |
(motivation-) letter |
This is a selective master. In order to be considered for admission to the programme, your application should contain a letter of motivation and curriculum vitae. |
other admission requirements |
Optional admissions requirements include:
Provide a report personally written by the applicant that reflects the ability to produce a well-structured and concise report. The assignment handed in is free of choice and can be a report on a practicum, experiment, a literature review, a bachelor's thesis, etc.
BEFORE YOU APPLY |
Early bird application: Applications before 15 November will be processed with priority. Promising candidates are invited for a selection interview in February.
The Top Master Nanoscience is a selective master's degree programme for which about 15 students are accepted each year. The programme values high-quality and small-scale education with plenty of room for personal attention and development of our students. Therefore, a selection procedure is part of the admissions process. You can find detailed information about this selection procedure on the website of the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials.
For more information about the programme, application and admission, and the curriculum outline, please check this page.
An applicant must both meet the admission requirements and be selected in order to be admitted to the Master's degree programme.
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 February 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
Specific requirements | More information |
---|---|
previous education |
A universitary Bachelor's degree in either (Applied) Physics, (Applied) Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanoscience or in a related field. This is merely an indication of required background knowledge. The Board of Admissions determines whether the specific contents of this/these course(s) meet the admission requirements of the master programme for which you applied. More information: https://www.rug.nl/research/zernike/education/topmasternanoscience/ |
grade list |
Please submit your previous study results (Transcript of Records) and planning of the remaining course units (if applicable). |
assessment interview |
Promising candidates are invited to Groningen for a selection interview, mostly between April and June (depending on date of application and visa requirements). Early bird application: Applications before 15 November will be processed with priority. Promising candidates are invited for a selection interview in February. |
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. |
reference letter |
Two reference letters need to be provided. |
(motivation-) letter |
This is a selective master. In order to be considered for admission to the programme, your application should contain a letter of motivation and curriculum vitae. |
other admission requirements |
Optional admissions requirements include:
Provide a report personally written by the applicant that reflects the ability to produce a well-structured and concise report. The assignment handed in is free of choice and can be a report on a practicum, experiment, a literature review, a bachelor's thesis, etc.
BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit the MSc Application Procedure page for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements. |
Early bird application: Applications before 15 November will be processed with priority. Promising candidates are invited for a selection interview in February.
The Top Master Nanoscience is a selective master's programme for which about 15 students are accepted each year. The Master values high-quality and small-scale education with plenty of room for personal attention and development of our students. Therefore, a selection procedure is part of the admissions process. You can find detailed information about this selection procedure on the website of the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials.
SCHOLARSHIPS: Full or partial scholarships are available for all admitted students. We advise prospective students to also look for other scholarships and funding.
For more information about the programme, application and admission, and the curriculum outline, please check this page.
An applicant must both meet the admission requirements and be selected in order to be admitted to the Master's degree programme.
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 February 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
---|---|---|---|
EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 2530 | full-time |
non-EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 24200 | full-time |
Practical information for:
The programme is designed for people who want to pursue a career in scientific research.
A PhD in the Netherlands normally takes four years, after the Master's degree has been obtained. Upon successful completion of the Top Master Programme in Nanoscience, the student will be in an excellent position for a career in research in nanoscience and nanotechnology. 95% of the Top Master Nanoscience graduates continue their career in a PhD position at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials National Research Centre or elsewhere.
The Top Master's degree programme in Nanoscience is closely linked to the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, a leading international research centre, ranked amongst the top 20 of the world.
Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials
The Institute's mission is the design and scientific study of materials for functionality. It aims to maintain its position as an internationally recognised, leading, materials research and training institute. As an institute, it conducts research that is addressing fundamental questions in the fields of functional materials. In this way, it wants to optimise the synergy and knowledge transfer between the sub-disciplines of physics, chemistry and (with less weight) biology. Also, the Institute educates a new generation of researchers in a cross-disciplinary approach to better prepare the graduates for the diversity and quality of skills needed in society.
Research at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials
Basic research on materials is directed towards unravelling the relations between the properties that determine their functionality and their chemical composition and structure. The quest for in-depth understanding of these constitutive relations often leads to unexpected boundaries signifying fundamental gaps in our knowledge. Although the structure-property relationship is in itself a truism, the actual linkage between (micro) structural aspects in a material and its physical/chemical properties is elusive. The reason is that various properties are determined by the collective behaviour of molecules, atoms and electrons and their behaviour may be extremely non-linear on different time and length scales.
The classic materials triangle concerns an integrative approach in the three aspects of structure, property and chemical composition. The Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials adds an extra dimension to this traditional view by an unconventional linkage to the field of biomolecular sciences, which includes the design aspects as well.
I feel that the programme prepared me well for this PhD position
After I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Mexico City, I chose to study the MSc programme Nanoscience at the University of Groningen. I was drawn to this field because it encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including Physics, Chemistry, and a touch of Biology, creating a multidisciplinary environment. My professor at the time had connections with my current supervisor, and the university really spoke to me. That’s how I ended up in Groningen!
The programme is heavily research-oriented and certainly not easy, but in the end, it’s worth it since you gain so much knowledge in a short period of time. I particularly enjoyed the second year, because you are free in deciding your own research subject for the master thesis and you really have the time to dive deeper into the subject.
Currently, I am a PhD student in the Palasantzas group at the Zernike Institute. My research is about the Casimir effect in topological materials. So far, I really like the PhD position. It involves regular interaction with fellow PhD students and research groups, providing continuous opportunities for mutual learning.
Also, I feel that the programme prepared me well for this PhD position. Because all our teachers were professors associated with the Zernike Institute, you learn from the experts. The contact with my teachers was excellent; they were always willing to answer every one of my questions. This definitely had a positive effect on my research.
My advice to prospective Nanoscience students is: when you do the small project and assignments during the program, choose different subjects and professors! This will enable you to connect with various individuals, broaden your network, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the research field. There's much to learn from one another in this multidisciplinary setting.
As for my future plans, I can envision myself as a professor. While certain aspects of the journey don't fully speak to me, I have a huge passion for teaching. All in all, I will see where the future brings me!
One of the highlights of the programme was the integration into research groups
I pursued my BSc studies in Physics at the University of Groningen. After that, I chose the MSc Nanoscience because this programme entails fascinating topics that combine physics as well as chemistry.
The programme aligned well with my expectations. One of the highlights of the programme was the integration into research groups. This gave me valuable exposure to potential thesis topics and research areas. The programme included a small research project in the first year and a thesis in the second year. Besides these projects I gained more knowledge by following courses and gained hands-on experience in the lab.
After graduation I started working at QDI Systems, a high-tech start-up, spin-off from Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials (ZIAM), founded by a former PhD researcher from the same research group where I completed my master's thesis. My transition to this industry role was influenced by my desire to explore career opportunities beyond academia, given the high workload associated with pursuing a Ph.D.
The goal of QDI Systems is to achieve higher resolution in medical imaging. The company specializes in depositing quantum strips on various sensors for applications in e.g. infrared detection, X-ray imaging, and mammography. My role primarily involves device fabrication and characterization, extracting valuable insights from data, and formulating next steps. The skills and knowledge I gained during the master's programme in Nanoscience have been useful in my work here, as many of the techniques and methodologies we employ were introduced during my academic studies.
For future Nanoscience students, I would advise taking the time to explore the various research groups connected to the programme. Being proactive and not waiting for opportunities to come to you is crucial. In my case, choosing the Nanoscience master's programme turned out to be an excellent decision that aligned perfectly with my current job and career aspirations.
We spend a lot of time in the nano rooms, where you can work together or have a chat on campus.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a focus on materials science. I have always been interested in the interface between chemistry and physics, which is why I chose the Master’s degree programme in Nanoscience. It was good to be able to gain some physics knowledge through the guided self-study at the beginning of the year, since my Bachelor’s programme did not address this as much. It is hard work but since the groups are small, you can really help each other. We spend a lot of time in the nano rooms, where you can work together or have a chat on campus. We also organised the Nanosymposium, which students organise annually.
You are given a lot of freedom in the research projects. I am doing a research project about STED microscopy: a microscope that can look at things at the nanoscale. I am researching whether these lasers can be used on living cells. This project applies my knowledge of both biology and physics. After my studies, I would like to do research at the University or at a company. The study gives you the tools to do a PhD because you have a lot of contact with the lecturers and interdisciplinary research groups. Working in research groups with different disciplines gives me a lot of energy.
Master's student Eelco shares his research project
My research proposal got funded and led to a PhD position
With a bachelor's degree in Applied Physics, I joined the Nanoscience Top Master programme in 2012. I found the interdisciplinary nature of this programme the most appealing, as I was interested in gathering expertise on areas in chemistry, physics and biology.
During the Top Master, I have attended several advanced
chemistry courses, did my thesis project on single-molecule studies
of DNA-based processes and did my Small Research Project on the
synthesis and characterization of organic-inorganic hybrid
materials. As part of the curriculum, I wrote a research proposal
based on my experience during the Small Research Project, which got
funded and led to my current PhD position.
I believe that the programme and the direct link to ongoing
research in the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials prepared
me very well for my PhD. The Top Master programme allowed me to
evolve from a student with a physics background into a researcher
in the field of materials chemistry. Being able to work at the
border between physics and chemistry, I find myself in a position
where I feel that I can make significant contributions to science.
Being able to make and characterize materials, gives me the tools I
need to develop my career. In addition, I think that the strength
of the Nanoscience programme goes beyond the cross-disciplinary
nature of the curriculum. Having a small cohort of students
(maximum of 15), significantly adds to the learning process.
Working with people who do not only have different scientific
backgrounds (physics, chemistry or materials science), but also
different cultural backgrounds, was the highlight of my Master's
programme and has taught me a lot.
As part of the curriculum, I wrote a research proposal based on my
experience during the Small Research Project, which got funded and
led to my current PhD position. I believe that the programme and
the direct link to ongoing research in the Zernike Institute for
Advanced Materials prepared me very well for my PhD. The Top Master
programme allowed me to evolve from a student with a physics
background into a researcher in the field of materials chemistry.
Being able to work at the border between physics and chemistry, I
find myself in a position where I feel that I can make significant
contributions to science. Being able to make and characterize
materials, gives me the tools I need to develop my career. In
addition, I think that the strength of the Nanoscience programme
goes beyond the cross-disciplinary nature of the curriculum. Having
a small cohort of students (maximum of 15), significantly adds to
the learning process. Working with people who do not only have
different scientific backgrounds (physics, chemistry or materials
science), but also different cultural backgrounds, was the
highlight of my Master's programme and has taught me a lot.
The lecturers treat you as colleagues rather than as students
I decided to study Nanoscience because I believe nanoscience is a very challenging and 'hot' topic; it really is the future of physics. I was attracted by the integration of chemistry and physics in the programme. The design of the modules seemed very promising. Also, I had some friends in Holland already.
The programme is very broad. It really gives you an overview of the relevant parts of chemistry and physics. On the other hand, I sometimes wish we had more time to go into even more depth. I guess that will have to wait until my PhD programme. Another strong point is that it really feels like a family. The lecturers treat you as colleagues rather than as students, and we students form a close-knit community. What also makes the programme attractive is that it is nice to have so many foreign lecturers in the programme, as role models. If I could do it all over again, I would definitely select nanoscience and come to Groningen again.