Next Level Engineering

“In the first few weeks, we were introduced to all kinds of machine learning models and did assignments with public datasets. The final assignment was challenging. We had to get a robot car to complete a course based on a dataset we had created ourselves. That dataset consisted of images. We had placed a camera on the robot and taken photos of situations the robot might encounter while driving. We then wrote a computer script that we could use to train the model. Based on the model, the robot car could predict what it had to do: turn left, turn right or go straight ahead. It's really fun when the little car does what you want it to do. For me, with a background in architecture & construction engineering, data science was completely new. I never thought we could achieve something like this in 20 weeks!”

“Applied design research redefined my understanding of engineering. True innovation  and designs starts with the user, not the product. The journey through ideation, brainstorming, co-creation to market analysis provided a structured roadmap for my creativity. It taught me the importance of validating concepts through research to ensure a product never loses its essence over time. The combination of design, research, and collaborative rigor didn't just help me come up with better concepts; it cleared the grey areas and permanently broadened my perspective as an engineer. The process was demanding, but the end product was worth every bit of effort.”

“I was part of an experiment focusing on measuring particle emissions from a pneumatic pinch valve in a clean, enclosed test setup meeting semiconductor cleanroom standards. Using clean dry air and a laser particle counter, our team analyzed how different switching frequencies affected the release of microscopic airborne particles. This research is crucial for industries such as semiconductors and medical technology, where even tiny contamination can cause failures. Coming from a background in Industrial Design Engineering, I chose an experiment in this field to step outside my comfort zone. I wanted to experience what it really means to work hands-on in a real industrial environment at Festo. An eye-opener? The extreme precision required: every procedure matters, and even small components are part of highly complex, carefully engineered systems.”

“There is a good chance that you will see me during the intake. The purpose of the intake is to give you a clear picture of what you are getting into, to align expectations on both sides. It's not an exam. We usually do the intake in small groups because we believe it's important to learn with and from each other from the start of the master's programme. During the intake, you will give a pitch and listen to other pitches, followed by a discussion about the different approaches. After the intake, you will receive advice. If you would like to have an additional individual conversation, that is of course also possible. What do I like about the intakes? It is nice to talk to students with very different educational backgrounds about why they want to do the master's programme. And it is still quite special to have a meeting with someone on the other side of the world.”

"One of my responsibilities is to connect with our network of researchers from the THUAS TIS research groups to create meaningful, effective learning activities for the NLE program. Through this collaboration, you will have the opportunity to learn directly about ongoing research and some relevant key enabling technologies, for example by attending guest lectures and participating in hands-on experiments. In this way, you will gain experience in applied research in a professional and practical-oriented setting. After having learned about the tools that support the different phases of the research cycle, you will start carrying out your own thesis research within a research group. What I personally enjoy most during my lessons is engaging in discussions about the wide range of topics you will explore in your theses. Many of these projects go beyond building technical knowledge and skills; they also encourage you to reflect on the broader societal impact of your work."

“In my classes you will learn how to work with data in a professional, critical, and practical way. Building on your existing basic Python skills, my colleague and I guide you through the core techniques of applied data science: handling data, analyzing it, and turning insights into data-driven predictions. Throughout the course, theory is always combined with hands-on practice. Through weekly individual assignments, you strengthen your coding skills. Alongside this, you work on a group project that reflects real-world data science practice. What I like about this course? Being able to share my experience from both international research and industry. I’ve worked with data science in different professional contexts, and I enjoy helping students bridge the gap between theory, code, and real-world applications.”

"You will come across me in the design project, among other things. In a multidisciplinary group you design and research technological solutions for specific target groups. This requires technical insight but also creativity. The projects start with a broad problem definition and, as a group, you determine the direction. This uncertainty will take some getting used to, but the design cycle provides a foothold. You analyze the problem and the users, and you generate creative ideas to come up with innovative solutions. Then you build prototypes and test them with the target group. Is it valuable? What are its strengths and weaknesses? How should it be developed further? Some results from this year are currently being developed further, such as two devices for elderly to live independently for longer. I consider that a great success."

"In my classes, you work on dialogue and reflection skills and career choices. You learn to use dialogue and reflection in collaboration within your team and with stakeholders. This is important because you will come to work in a complex environment where different worlds converge. Are we all talking about the same thing? How and when do you need to question the way things are going? Perhaps the well-trodden path is precisely something that needs to be changed if you want to bring about real change. You learn to initiate this reflection in the collaboration with your stakeholders. Furthermore, we will discuss how to make choices that are in line with your values, during your studies and afterwards. I experience the cultural diversity within this group as an enormous wealth."

"When you send a question to the NLE mailbox, I am the one who answers it. I answer all questions about the intake process, the planning of assessments and invitations. Please keep a close eye on your student email. You can also meet me during the symposium, or I will contact you if you apply for a position as a student assistant. I enjoy working for NLE because of the close-knit team and the inspiring international environment."

“After completing my bachelor’s in Industrial Design Engineering, I chose the Next Level Engineering master’s to expand her technical expertise. I aim to design products with real social value. For my graduation project, I developed a red drinking cup with a scent compartment for people with dementia and swallowing difficulties. The added scent makes drinking safer and more pleasant. I now work as a junior researcher at the Healthcare Technology Research Group, continuing my passion for healthcare innovation.” 

Read the whole interview here

"After completing my bachelor's degree in Mathematics in Iran and my master's degree in Artificial Intelligence, I wanted to specialise further. It was particularly interesting to apply the theory of artificial intelligence in practical projects. My thesis was about the use of machine learning in detecting different types of plastic waste. Ultimately, we are ensuring that plastic can be recycled more effectively worldwide and contributing to a clean planet!"

Read more about Fahimeh

"I completed my bachelor's degree in Iran, but decided to pursue a master's degree abroad. My sister lives in the Netherlands, so we started by looking at the websites of Dutch universities. I was enthusiastic about the NLE master's programme because it seemed to match my bachelor's degree in Information Technology. And that turned out to be the case. I was looking for a master's programme that would prepare me for “something with data science” at a company. During the module on artificial intelligence, I discovered that it is a very broad field and that you can do a lot with it for companies. Another nice thing about the master's programme is all the students with different backgrounds and the friendly lecturers who really wanted to help us achieve our goals. We are like a family."

“This master's has offered me a broader perspective on the world and helped me discover where my interests really lie. New technologies are needed everywhere, so that’s good to know. Through the weekly masterclasses in period 1, I have become familiar with fields that I was not involved in during my bachelor in Spatial Development. Healthcare and shipbuilding, for example. The nice thing is that you can ask all your questions at the master class. At Photonics we got to work with a glass fibre and saw how to use it as a sensor. At Smart Sustainable Manufacturing, we stood next to a robot taking apart a phone. At Data Science, we got an insight into the possibilities of AI. And there were a few more like that.”

“Just before my graduation in Industrial Design Engineering, I started looking for a master’s. I wanted to develop my technical skills, learn how to work with many different people and turn me into a designer with experience and expertise. That is what led me to NLE. In this master’s, I got the chance to gain insight into new technologies while simultaneously developing my communication skills within a project team. The multidisciplinary approach, collaborative environment and innovative outlook to the future, made me feel prepared for being a part of big projects!” 

“I first finished my bachelor in Movement Technology before moving on to NLE. It was my aim to broaden my knowledge with regard to working in a multidisciplinary group, data science and product development. In addition, during this master's I also wanted to find out what field of work I see myself working in in the future. One of the nice things about the master’s is the variation in backgrounds of the students which makes it a very diverse group. I also really enjoyed the excursions organized by the study, since you get a good impression of the sectors where technology plays an important role.”