Programme

Programme in detail

First year

The curriculum for the Master's programme begins with an intensive, one-week introduction to typical SEPAM problems and aspects. During the first semester, students study the foundations of systems engineering, policy analysis and management in two courses approaching design from a systems engineering perspective and an actor systems perspective, respectively. Students are, accordingly, exposed to an inherent conflict between the emphasis on optimisation in system engineering and the focus on negotiated solutions supported by the organisations in actor systems. An additional course acquaints students with various strategies to integrate the engineering and actor systems perspectives.

The second semester includes a course on strategic management of large engineering projects, courses in the four technology domains, and courses dealing with ethical and legal aspects of design. The first module focuses on institutional design and project management in an international context and examining strategic behaviour of actors in complex technological infrastructure projects. The second module ensures the in-depth application of the knowledge within the selected technology domain.

Second year

Design projects integrate the technology, systems engineering and management aspects. To ensure an interdisciplinary approach, groups are supervised by lecturers from widely differing sections. The second year provides further opportunities for specialisation, as well as opportunities to follow the TU Delft interfaculty design challenge or work on an external project. Elective courses and external projects can also be done abroad.
In the second year, students follow a course on writing a project plan and a scientific paper in preparation for the Master's thesis project. The master thesis itself is often carried out in a company.

See the Programme for more information about the content or take a look at the Studyguide.

*1 EC = 28 hrs study, according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) •
One academic year = 60 EC • Total amount of credits MSc programme = 120 EC