University of Twente
History
The University of Twente (UT) was established in 1961 as the Technische Hogeschool Twente (THT). It was the third technical institute in the Netherlands, following the Delft University of Technology and Eindhoven University of Technology. The university was officially opened by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands on 14 September 1964. In the early years, the university only offered undergraduate programs in applied physics, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
In 1986, the university changed its name to Universiteit Twente (University of Twente) to reflect the broad range of programs it offered, which had expanded beyond technical fields. The university now has five faculties, which are further divided into several departments.
Faculties
The University of Twente has five faculties: the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS), the Faculty of Science and Technology (ST), and the Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC).
Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
The Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS) aims to play a pivotal role in understanding, co-engineering and evaluating innovation in society. The faculty's research is focused on technology and its impact on human behavior, societal transformations, and related policy and governance issues.
Faculty of Engineering Technology
The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) is one of the leading faculties in the field of engineering technology. It offers bachelor's and master's programs in civil engineering, industrial design engineering, and mechanical engineering. The faculty is known for its strong emphasis on practical application and its close ties with industry.
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) combines three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. The faculty's research is focused on areas such as smart grids, cryptography, computational science, and wireless and sensor systems.
Faculty of Science and Technology
The Faculty of Science and Technology (ST) is focused on areas such as nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, and applied physics. The faculty's research is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from various scientific disciplines.
Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation
The Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) provides international postgraduate education, research and project services in the field of geo-information science and earth observation. The faculty uses remote sensing and GIS for the analysis and management of the Earth's resources and environment.
Research
The University of Twente is renowned for its innovative and cross-disciplinary research. The university's research institutes include the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, the TechMed Centre, and the Digital Society Institute. These institutes are involved in cutting-edge research in areas such as nanotechnology, medical technology, and digital technologies. The university's research output is characterized by its focus on societal relevance and technological innovation.
Campus
The University of Twente is located in Enschede, a city in the eastern part of the Netherlands. The university's campus, known as the "Campus University", is one of the few in the Netherlands where students can live, study, and work in the same place. The campus covers 146 hectares and includes educational buildings, research institutes, student housing, and sports facilities.
Student Life
The University of Twente has a vibrant student life, with numerous student associations, sports clubs, and cultural societies. The university's Student Union is responsible for coordinating student activities and representing student interests. The campus also hosts various events throughout the year, including the annual "Kick-In" introduction week for new students.