Many organisations struggle with societal challenges such as sustainability, health, energy, and IT security. Addressing these challenges requires knowledge in the field of natural or computer sciences but also from other disciplines, such as policy, management and innovation. Solutions for such challenges require scientists with an analytical background as well as a business and societal understanding. This Master’s specialisation will provide you with expertise in a societal challenge and the ability to speak the language of policy and business.

What will you learn?

This specialisation will take you out of the lab and place you right in the heart of society. After the first year in which you broaden your knowledge in your scientific field, you’ll learn the skills you can use to make a direct contribution to society. This contribution can range from the creation of policies that tackle social issues to project development or market research.

Career prospects

Master’s specialisation in Science, Management and Innovation

Master’s students from the Faculty of Science who have done the Science, Management and Innovation (SMI) Master’s specialisation end up in a number of different positions. The specialisation is a good preparation for becoming a policy officer in a government ministry, an R&D manager or sales manager in a company or project manager in organisations such as TNO or ECN. Skills that you acquire also could prepare you for a career in consultancy companies, such as Accenture or McKinsey. There are also several students with this specialisation who have become an entrepreneur and started their own company.