THUAS launches new professional master’s programmes this September

The world around us is changing rapidly. The labour market is increasingly looking for professionals who want to contribute to solutions for complex challenges related to technology, health, wellbeing and the future of work. This September, THUAS will launch several new professional master’s programmes, including AI Translator, Transition to Health and Wellbeing, and Human Capital Innovation. “You learn to develop innovative solutions for problems that do not yet have proven solutions.”

More knowledge, more depth

A professional master’s programme allows students to deepen their expertise while working directly on complex real-world challenges. Unlike many academic master’s programmes, practice-oriented learning is central, enabling students to immediately apply their knowledge within organisations. In addition, students from universities of applied sciences can often progress directly into these programmes without the need for a pre-master’s programme. “Our research is always aimed at improving professional practice. As a result, students enter the labour market with greater knowledge and deeper expertise,” says Monique Ridder from the Transition to Health and Wellbeing master’s programme.

What is a professional master’s programme? And how does it differ from a university master’s programme?

Read more here.

The future requires different kinds of professionals

Although the master’s programmes differ significantly in content, the lecturers share the same vision of the future. Major challenges related to AI, healthcare, the labour market and organisations can increasingly no longer be solved from a single discipline. That is why students learn to collaborate across sectors and connect different perspectives. According to Ellen Noordam from the Human Capital Innovation master’s programme, this is about “developing innovative solutions for problems that do not yet have proven solutions.” The human side of change also plays a crucial role. “How do you make sure people move along with change?” says Mirjam Boer from the AI Translator master’s programme.

The Transition to Health and Wellbeing master’s programme

In the Transition to Health and Wellbeing master’s programme, students learn how to deal with complex issues related to health, care and wellbeing. The programme is designed for professionals who can collaborate across disciplinary boundaries and initiate change. Early in the programme, students work on transition assignments that are linked to the research agendas of THUAS research groups and carried out on location with practice partners. “Living environment, sport, wellbeing, health and healthcare are all interconnected,” explains Monique. “But collaboration between these domains does not happen automatically.

The AI Translator master’s programme

This programme is aimed at professionals who not only want to understand AI, but also apply it responsibly within organisations. Students work on real-life issues related to implementation, change management and collaboration between people and technology. The focus is not only on the technology itself, but also on its impact on organisations and employees. “What does AI actually do?” Mirjam asks. “And isn’t a simple solution using existing tools sometimes better than an expensive AI tool that ultimately adds little value to your organisation?” During the programme, students work on practical assignments through research groups, the AI expert team and the AI workshop at THUAS.

The Human Capital Innovation master’s programme

he Human Capital Innovation master’s programme focuses on major changes in the labour market and within organisations. Students learn how organisations can respond to technological developments, labour shortages and the future of work. In doing so, they look not only at organisations themselves, but also at broader social and international developments. Ellen explains: “You learn to look through different lenses.” Students work from multiple perspectives on complex issues related to collaboration, innovation and change. “You need people who can approach challenges from different angles.”

The start feels like a celebration

The lecturers are looking forward enthusiastically to the launch of the new master’s programmes. “It really feels like a celebration,” says Mirjam Boer with a laugh. Monique Ridder is especially looking forward to the moment students realise they can immediately apply what they have learned. “You can really see people grow through this.” For Ellen Noordam, the biggest motivation lies in the energy and ambition students bring with them. “You immediately notice how many dreams, questions and ideas they carry,” she says. “That’s what I’m looking forward to most: seeing something truly come alive in people.”

All THUAS master’s programmes start in September and applications are now open. Want to know more or apply directly? View the overview of all master’s programmes and discover which programme suits you best.