Frequently Asked Questions

Applied Mathematics is regarded as one of the most challenging degree programmes at TU Delft. The programme demands a lot of your time. It is important to work hard from the beginning and to spend an average of about 40 hours a week on your studies. If you study hard, attend a lot of lectures and keep on top of everything, you will most likely do well.

Advanced knowledge of mathematics B is essential for the Applied Mathematics degree programme. Students with a mathematics B grade lower than 8 at pre-university level will find it difficult. If you have a grade of 6 for mathematics B, the degree programme will be practically impossible: in the past, very few students with a grade of 6 or lower for mathematics B were able to continue after the first year.

You should apply before 1 May via Studielink. The admission requirements for Dutch universities are applicable to this degree programme.
International high-school students have to enrol before 1 April.

The difference between Applied Mathematics and ‘ordinary’ Mathematics is much smaller than most people might think. In principle, Applied Mathematics is not easier or more challenging than ‘ordinary’ Mathematics. Applied Mathematics places a specific focus on the applications of mathematics, especially in the area of technology. Applications in the field of finance and health are also covered in the Introduction to Probability Theory, Introduction to Statistics and Modelling 2A courses. We should point out, however, that you will only start dealing with applications in the second half of the first year.

The Applied Mathematics degree programme is offered at the University of Groningen, Eindhoven University of Technology, the University of Twente and TU Delft. TU Delft has the largest programme with about 190 students per year, 50 of which are double Bachelor's students. The double Bachelor's students combine Applied Mathematics with Applied Physics. The basics of the Bachelor’s programmes in Mathematics are not that different. However, each Mathematics degree programme has its own specialisations. This is evident in the options available in your Master’s programme and, to a somewhat lesser extent, in the electives in the Bachelor’s programme. The TU Eindhoven programme has less mathematics in the first year, because it has a number of courses in the first year that are taken by all first-year students.

At TU Delft, you have the opportunity of combining Applied Mathematics and Applied Physics. A special programme has been drawn up for this combined Bachelor’s programme. Starting this year, TU Delft is also offering an Excellence Track for students looking for an additional challenge in the field of mathematics.

The degree programmes in the Universities of Groningen and Twente are taught in English. From 2017-2018 onwards, TU Delft will be starting with a pilot English-language degree programme in Applied Mathematics.

The degree programmes also differ per university in terms of atmosphere and character. You can best experience this yourself by visiting one of the open days or a shadow day.

Did you know that...

• You will participate in a mentor group during your first year in Applied Mathematics? You will be supervised weekly in groups of ten students by a faculty mentor, who will help you with your mathematics skills and study skills.
• Computer programming is an important part of the Applied Mathematics degree programme?
• There are special opportunities for talented students at the faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS)? Read more about the Excellence Track, the Honours Programme and top-level sports in the flyer (only in Dutch).Er bij de faculteit Elektrotechniek, Wiskunde en Informatica (EWI) speciale mogelijkheden zijn voor talentvolle studenten?
• TU Delft is renowned for its Dreamteams? These student teams design and build things as rockets, cars (like Nuna), robots and boats. Well-known teams at TU Delft include the Nuon Solar Team and the Formula Student Team. It is possible to do a graduation project with one of these dream teams as well as participating part-time or full-time in a team.
• YES!Delft offers students and engineers help with successfully starting a company?

What is the difference between this degree programme and at HBO (applied) level?

In this degree programme at TU Delft, you will learn to tackle and resolve problems at an academic level. For this, you must put a lot of theory in your head. You ask yourself: ‘Why am I doing this in this way?’ and ‘Can this be done better?’ You learn a general principle rather than a method to a specific solution.

In a Mathematics programme at an university of applied sciences, you start using calculation models much earlier to find a solution to a problem, but these only include existing models and existing solution methods. You will not be designing new models or developing new solution methods independently, since you need more theoretical knowledge for that. An university of applied sciences is more practically oriented.

Although it is rather demanding, there are students who combine a Bachelor’s degree programme in Applied Mathematics with Computer Science Engineering or Electrical Engineering, for example. To enrol in a double degree programme, it is necessary to request prior permission from both programmes. A double programme generally comprises 240 credits, whereas a single Bachelor’s programme comprises 180 credits. Different programmes can have similar models, which you do not have to take twice. This explains the reduced additional credits if you do a double degree programme. A double Bachelor’s degree programme is customised to a specific student. The timetable cannot be adapted, however, which means a high set of organisational skills are required from the student. In general, we advise to successfully complete your first year, before opting for a double degree.

There is also a special double Bachelor’s degree programme in Applied Mathematics and Applied Physics. In three years you attend both the regular courses of Applied Mathematics and Applied Physics. This double Bachelor’s programme is obviously more demanding than a regular Bachelor’s programme, but as there is an overlap between the courses, talented students should be able to do the double degree programme if they have at least an 8 for mathematics B and physics and an average of at least 8.5 for both subjects. It provides you the opportunity of obtaining two Bachelor’s degree certificates.

Are you looking for an additional challenge in mathematics during the Applied Mathematics degree programme? Then you should start (from year 1) with the English-language Excellence Track. You will follow the regular study programme of 60 credits per year. In addition, the faculty offers an in-depth programme of 12 credits per year. Students with a VWO (pre-university) average of at least 8 and a grade at least 9 for mathematics B are eligible for this Excellence Track. If you are interested, please send an email to studiestart-ewi@tudelft.nl.

The Applied Mathematics degree programme at TU Delft has teamed up with the Mathematics degree programme at Leiden University, as both programmes interconnect. The degree programme at Leiden University is strong in fundamental mathematics, which is why TU Delft students attend the Algebra 1 course there. TU Delft, on the other hand, is strong in applied mathematics, and therefore students from Leiden University attend the Modelling course in Delft. In the first and second years, you will take one course in Leiden. It is partly because of this collaboration that Applied Mathematics at TU Delft is an applied programme with a solid theoretical mathematical foundation.

Contrary to what most people might think, mathematics is not a typical male degree. For years now, one-third of all first-year Mathematics students has been female. Currently, the figure actually exceeds 40 per cent ratio.

The courses in the Bachelor's degree programme are listed on the website of the relevant degree programme. All of the individual courses of our degree programmes can be found on the same page. Are you curious about the lectures? If so, visit OpenCourseWare, where you can view video recordings of the lectures from the courses. 

In the first half year, you will get three pure mathematics courses:

• Analysis 1 (most similar to mathematics at secondary school in relation to functions with one variable)
• Mathematical Structures (abstract mathematics with a strong focus on formal precise reasoning and mathematical proof) 
• Linear Algebra (falls between Analysis and Mathematical Structures)

You will also take an outline course. Different topics in mathematics will be dealt with briefly during this course: Complex Numbers, Graph Theory, Differential Equations, Combinatorics, Probability Theory and Statistics. In addition, there will be a focus on the position of mathematics within society, mathematical word processing and mathematical software. You will also learn programming.

In the second semester, you get three pure mathematics courses:

• Analysis 2 (functions with several variables)
• Algebra 1 (abstract theoretical course) 
• Introduction to Probability Theory (theory of mathematical models for situations where uncertainties play a role)

In addition, you will be introduced to mathematical modelling and follow a first-year elective in physics, electrical engineering or computer science.

The official language remains Dutch, but with effect from the 2017-2018 academic year lectures will mostly be taught in English. An adequate knowledge of English is therefore essential in order to participate. 

During both the Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes, all the books and study materials are in English.

1st and 2nd hour 08:45 - 10:30
3rd and 4th hour 10:45 - 12:30

Break

5th and 6th hour 13:45 - 15:30
7th and 8th hour 15:45 - 17:30
9th and 10th hour 17:45 - 19:30

However, this does not mean that you have ten hours of lectures each day: you will find your detailed timetable at roosters.tudelft.nl

You will have a lot to tackle at the start of your degree programme. There are a lot of choices to make. Do you want to live on your own in a student accommodation or continue living at home? How are you planning to finance your degree programme? Are you planning to join a sports club or other association? Besides that, you will have your first lectures, examinations and assignments. The website welkom.tudelft.nl is a useful resource, containing information, links and an introductory video.
W.I.S.V. Christiaan Huygens (CH) is the Applied Mathematics and Computer Science Engineering study association. CH organises the introductory weekend for first-year students, known as the Eerstejaarsweekend (EJW), in August. During the EJW, you can get acquainted with the degree programme, the faculty, CH and above all with each other.

During Introduction Week (OWee), you can discover the city of Delft and its student life. The week is intended for all new students who are about to start their studies in Delft.

On the first day of lectures, a First-year Students' Kick-off (Eerstejaars Kick-off) event is held. During this event, you will learn all about the faculty and about studying at TU Delft. You will also attend a lecture with information about your own degree programme. The faculty mentors and student mentors will show you around in the first few weeks. During this time, you will gradually become familiarised with Brightspace (the education information system), MyTUDelft (the administration system for marks and registering for examinations), the lecture-response groups, credits, the binding recommendation on the continuation of studies, the mandatory progress tests, the electronic testing systems and much more. 

Yes, every student should have a laptop. TU Delft offers a range of computer rooms, but you are expected to purchase your own laptop. You will need a laptop for laboratory courses and projects, and it will also be useful for self-study purposes. It is up to you which operating system you choose. Thanks to the laptop project you can buy a good laptop at the university, which also comes with support. Is your laptop not working properly? If so, you can bring it in for repair while you will be issued with a temporary replacement laptop.

A written examination lasts two or three hours and usually takes place in a large hall with the entire group of first-year Applied Mathematics students. In a written examination, you will usually answer a number of questions, which requires applying the knowledge and skills you have learned in the course. They may be open or closed questions, or a combination of both.

A course may also conclude with a final presentation in combination with writing a report.

Some courses can only be completed by carrying out assignments, which are handed in online. The final grade of many modules is partially determined by interim tests.

In the third year, there is the Bachelor’s final project, which is concluded with a written report and an oral defence.

Last year the examinations were as follows:

• Mathematical Structures: written examination
• Kaleidoscope: assignments (group work)
• Linear Algebra 1: written examination
• Analysis 1: written examination
• Introduction to Programming: written examination and computer assignments
• Modelling A: presentation + report (group work)
• Modelling B: presentation + report (group work)
• Algebra 1: written examination
• Analysis 2: written examination
• Elective: written examination for the regular electives, possibly in combination with computer assignments
• Introduction to Probability Theory: written examination

The resits for first quarter examinations take place after the Christmas holiday. The resits from the other quarters are held midway through the next quarter or in the summer holidays.

The Applied Mathematics degree programme has a compulsory mentorship in the first year. You will receive supervision in groups of ten students from a faculty mentor. Attention is paid to study skills and course-related supervision, and you can discuss problems or concerns with the mentor and with each other. It is a place to become acquainted with each other, the faculty and TU Delft all at the same time.
There is also an academic counsellor to discuss your progress, study schedule and other plans. Students with a functional disability, such as a physical disability, dyslexia or an autism spectrum disorder, can call on the academic counsellor for assistance. You can make an appointment via this link.

TU Delft also organises various workshops and training courses on study skills, such as stress management, thinking constructively and studying with dyslexia. For more information, visit the website of the TU Delft Career Centre.

The academic calendar year is made up of four ten-week terms. The fourth quarter includes an additional week to compensate for the large number of public holidays during that period. The regular examinations also take place during these four terms, and the majority of resits take place in the summer period. You have two weeks of Christmas holiday, one week in the spring and nine weeks in the summer in period five. Your summer holiday will be shorter if you have resits in weeks 3 and/or 4 of term five or need to catch up on other work (e.g. reports). 

Yes, for example, during the minor in your third year by participating in an exchange programme, or during your graduation project. You can also go abroad for an educational trip or internship. You can also do a part of your Master's degree programme abroad. Visit buitenland.tudelft.nl for more information.

The earlier you register, the greater the chance you will find a room quickly. So register on time, for example, with duwo.nl (the largest provider of student accommodation in Delft). For more information on student housing, click here. You can also find a room via kamernet.nl, but this may involve a voting-in process as these rooms are privately offered.

Each degree programme at TU Delft has its own study association. The study association represents the interests of the students and organises study-related activities, such as educational trips, lectures and excursions, as well as social activities. Student associations are not affiliated with a degree programme or with TU Delft. They have more of an external social function. There are all kinds of student associations, ranging from general interest to ones based on culture, sports or politics.

W.I.S.V. ‘Christiaan Huygens’ (CH) is the study association of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science Engineering. CH organises interesting and fun activities throughout the year and sells books (members receive a discount). The books are on sale from the first day of lectures. You can also contact them if you have any questions, comments or complaints about the examinations, lecturers or courses.

You can get acquainted with the study association during the introductory weekend for first-year students, the Eerstejaarsweekend (EJW). This is an annually event and takes place during the TU Delft Welcome Week (OWee).

During the EJW, you will get to know other new students of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science Engineering and receive a lot of information about studying at the faculty of EEMCS. You will be joined by a number of academic counsellors and lecturers. This is not an initiation but a fun weekend designed to help you get acquainted with the degree programme, your fellow students and the study association. The department therefore recommends that you take part.

No, you don't, but it is a good way of getting to know people, especially if you are new to Delft. You can find more information about student associations here.

The Delft Honours Programme is for students who are looking for a challenge on top of what their curriculum offers. You follow the Honours Programme in addition to the regular study programme. It gives you the opportunity to acquire additional knowledge in or outside your field of specialisation, to work on your personal development and to collaborate with students from other programmes. You also have the possibility to follow the Excellence Programme, which consists mostly of mathematics modules. You also follow the 5 EC of interdisciplinary courses from the Delft Honours Programme.