Maastricht University (UM) is a prestigious research university in Maastricht, Netherlands. It is known for its Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach, where students actively participate in small groups to solve real-world problems. The university offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines and has a strong international presence, attracting students from around the world. UM emphasizes research in fields like sustainability, health, and governance. With its vibrant campus and cultural setting, Maastricht University provides an innovative education and a global perspective.

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Would you like to contribute to a sustainable planet and circular economy by creating new sustainable materials? Start a master’s in Biobased Materials. Our planet is facing incredible challenges. Whole ecosystems are changing and collapsing because of the way we consume and the materials we use in our daily lives. The continuous use of fossil fuels and non-degradable materials is driving climate change at an accelerating rate. However, these challenges also offer tremendous opportunities to make our planet more sustainable and evolve as a society into a circular economy. With the master Biobased Materials, you can play a pioneering role in this green revolution. You’ll learn how biology provides the building blocks and processes to produce earth-friendly materials that are easily recycled after use, as part of a circular economy. We’ll teach you about advanced functional materials, and how we can develop these from biological resources. Our programme will prepare you for a fascinating career in the research, development, production, and application of earth-friendly materials made from various biological resources. Show less

Courses & curriculum
In the master Biobased Materials, you'll play a central role in shaping your own education. You have plenty of room to choose your own set of courses that fit your specific interests and career ambitions.

You can choose from courses on subjects like bio-organic chemistry, biopolymers, applied materials science and engineering, molecular engineering, bioengineering.

Year 1
Period 1 and 2 : An introduction to biobased materials
In the first 2 periods of 8 weeks each, we set you up for success by giving you a broad foundation with 4 compulsory courses. We will introduce you to the fundamentals of the different disciplines in the programme: biobased materials, process technology, biology, material science and organic chemistry.

Period 3: Project period 1
After having obtained a solid foundation with the compulsory courses, you’ll gain the complementary skills and hands-on experience with a research project. Over the span of 4 weeks, you’ll work in a small group on a real-life research challenge.

Period 4 and 5 : Tailoring your programme
During the 4th and 5th period it’s time to choose your electives. You have 8 electives to choose from which will enable you to specialize your curriculum to fit your interests and ambitions: Molecular Genetics and Bioengineering, Advanced Macromolecular Chemistry, Applied Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Materials, Plant-derived Building Blocks, Organic coatings, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sustainability of Biobased Materials. We will personally guide you during this process so that you can make a decision that is in line with your goals.

Period 6: Project period 2
You will finish off your first year with another research project. As you and your team members have all gained different additional knowledge and skills during the electives, it’s now time to collaborate to solve the next research-challenge that is ahead of you.

Year 2
Period 1: Tailoring your programme
You’ll start your second year with elective courses. This is also the time where you can choose to further expand your entrepreneurial ideas and ambitions. You namely have the choice from the following courses: Commercialization and Entrepreneurship, Biopolymers, Polymer Processing.

Period 2 - 6
The rest of the second year is devoted to the grand finale, your master thesis. Your thesis project helps you build your academic profile through an integrated piece of research and/or research-based engineering, preparing you for your future career. You can choose to do your thesis project at a company, a research institute, an NGO, in a foreign country or in Maastricht, it’s fully up to you. During your thesis project you’ll have a personal mentor supporting and advising you in the process.

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Maastricht University (UM) is a renowned public research university located in the city of Maastricht in the Netherlands. Founded in 1976, it has established itself as a leading institution in Europe for its innovative approach to education, interdisciplinary research, and international outlook. One of the distinctive features of Maastricht University is its Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system. Instead of traditional lectures, students engage in small tutorial groups, actively participating in discussions and solving real-life problems. This interactive learning method fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and independent learning skills among students. The university offers a wide range of academic programs across multiple disciplines, including arts and social sciences, law, economics and business, health, medicine, life sciences, and technology. It has several faculties, such as the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Law, and the Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, among others. Maastricht University has a strong focus on internationalization and hosts a diverse community of students and staff from around the world. Many programs are taught in English, attracting a large number of international students. The university also has partnerships with numerous institutions globally, providing opportunities for student exchanges, joint research projects, and international collaboration. Research at Maastricht University is highly regarded and encompasses a wide range of fields, including sustainability, health, data science, and governance. The university's researchers are actively involved in addressing societal challenges and contributing to scientific advancements. With its vibrant campus located in the historic city of Maastricht, the university offers a stimulating academic environment and a rich cultural experience. Students have access to modern facilities, libraries, and a variety of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations.

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You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

How to book:

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it

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