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Why this programme?

Business Engineering

In an era characterised by rapid technological developments and radically different business models, it is crucial to provide an educational programme that gives you the capabilities to respond to the challenges of today’s society.

Think of the widespread use of new technologies such as additive manufacturing or virtual reality applications. Alternatively, the growing importance of analysing and interpreting big data and understanding that humankind should be smarter in using the limited natural resources on our planet. That is why it is crucial to understand the context in which these challenges arise, in order to solve these complex problems.

Let’s have a look at the following example. Delays in the production of aircrafts due to engine problems can only be solved by combining and integrating different disciplines which might include materials science, product engineering and operations management.

  • How fast do materials wear and tear?
  • Should the design of the aircraft be altered to solve the problem?
  • How could inventory management be optimised to rule out production delays?
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Be part of something new

Traditional scientists and engineers developing new materials, approaches or methods need complementary business and economic expertise to commercialise their final product or service and produce it on a larger scale. On the other hand, entrepreneurs or business managers may see a gap in the market but lack the scientific or technical expertise to successfully commercialise the product or service. 

The bachelor Business Engineering seeks to bridge these two worlds together by bringing together the disciplines of science, engineering and business.

Small-scale teaching

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The main method of instruction for the BSc Business Engineering programme is Problem-Based Learning (PBL). In a PBL environment, you work in small tutorial groups of about 15 students on scientific and social issues, usually in the form of case studies. You conduct discussions, exchange knowledge and formulate your learning goals as a group. By actively addressing real-life issues, you better grasp the theory and learn to apply your insights to various situations. The variety of perspectives enlivens the discussions and allows you to experience the true strength of your group’s cultural diversity. 

Furthermore, in the curriculum of the BSc Business Engineering programme we also integrate Research-Based Learning (RBL) as an integral part of your education. In RBL, you work on contemporary research topics as part of your study. During courses and skills trainings, you examine research problems for which the answers are not yet known. You conduct your own research in close cooperation with scientists and researchers during the project periods and the Thesis Research Project. This allows you to apply your knowledge and to make your own discoveries, rather than simply learning about existing theories.

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Skills training

On the BSc Business Engineering programme, a lot of attention is paid to the development of your academic skills. In addition to your courses, you'll select skills trainings, some of them will take place at our laboratory facilities. These practicals not only allow you to experiment and conduct research but also help you learn how to present your conclusions. You will develop a number of academic- and professional skills including:

  • Project management
  • Software skills
  • Data Analysis
  • Academic Writing
  • Presentation & Argumentation skills
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Study Abroad - Optional

In your third year, you have the chance to study abroad at one of our international partner university or research institutes. This gives you the opportunity to expand your knowledge of other cultures and practices. We have an extensive network of more than 150 partner universities around the world, in countries including Australia, Singapore, South Africa, the United States, and throughout Europe.

Projects at the Brightlands campuses

You will conduct five major projects during the programme. Each project will integrate the knowledge and skills you develop throughout the course into a research project that deals with the type of issue that you might encounter in your future work environment. During the projects, you will benefit from the support of your instructors and fellow students. You will gain experience working in teams, build your interpersonal and intercultural skills, and develop your professional capabilities by working on real projects with innovative companies.

The projects will deal with real scientific and business issues that are aligned with the themes of the four Brightlands Campuses. Through the campuses, you will have access to a wide array of innovative companies and institutions, all focusing on one field of expertise in which the region and the Province of Limburg excels. The campuses have the following fields of expertise:

Brightlands: knowledge crossing borders

Brightlands is an ambitious community for open innovation in health and sustainability. At the four campuses, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and students develop new solutions in the fields of materials, health, food and smart services. The more than 200 companies at the campuses work closely together, often spanning scientific, geographical and organisational borders.

Thesis Research Project

In your third year you carry out the Thesis Research Project, under direct supervision of Maastricht University staff or at other universities, research institutes or companies in the Netherlands or abroad. The thesis concludes your Bachelor phase and is a report on the research you carried out yourself. You complete your Thesis Research Project through presentations in the form of a mini-symposium. 

Given the structure of the programme, you have three options:

  • a research project that is initiated by Maastricht University or the companies at the Brightlands campuses; or    
  • a research project with a national or international research institute; or
  • a company research project.