Frequently asked questions

A degree programme at TU Delft is challenging, so make sure you give it your full attention, right from the start of the year. If you drop courses right away, it will be difficult to catch up later in the year as you will have to do a re-sit. Bear in mind that the pace of study at university level is considerably faster than in pre-university education (VWO). Applied Earth Sciences is a challenging bachelor: The level of the courses is high and you will generally be at the faculty every morning and almost every afternoon for practicals, lectures and self-study. As well as putting in a good effort, we expect you to have attained at least a mark seven for the subjects Mathematics B and Physics. Chemistry is mandatory as well. If you have not passed these subjects, you should seriously question whether a bachelor like this would be feasible for you. During the bachelor, you will follow many courses that include the knowledge of Chemisty, Mathematics and Physics as well as geology courses and you will apply the knowledge during practicals, lab work or during excursion.

In Applied Earth Sciences knowledge of geology is a means rather than an end. Ultimately, Applied Earth Sciences is far more about technology than geology. However, you do need a good understanding of geology in order to be able to understand, develop and/or apply the technology. So, in principle, Applied Earth Sciences is a technical degree programme and therefore includes far more mathematics, physics and chemistry courses. 

The bachelor Applied Earth Sciences is only available at TU Delft. Therefore, this bachelor has a unique position, good reputation and valuable connections in the workfield. There is also no similar study availble at an University of Applied Sciences (hbo).

The workload is about 40 hours per week. This consists of lectures, practicals, projects and about 20 hours of self-study. 

Approximately 36% of the students in Applied Earth Sciences are female. 

Exams at TU Delft consist of oral and written exams. Some exams can consist of open ended questions or multiple choice. You can also be evaluated based on written assignments, oral presentation or participation in practicals. This combination can be different per course. More information is available via the digital studyguide.  

Each year of the bachelor is divided into four quarters. Each quarter, you will have three courses which correspond to one of the four categories: Geology; Physics and Chemistry; Mathematics; Applied Earth Sciences. This means that each quarter you will vary courses within these four categories. In the first two years, the amount of geology courses is comparable to the amount of mathematical courses as well as to the amount of chemistry/physics and the amount of Applied Earth Sciences courses. In the third year, your courses will consist mainly out of courses from the category Applied Earth Sciences. 

The study of Applied Earth Sceinces is a very international study and the field of work covers the entire globe. Studying abroad is therefore definitely possible and recommended, however not compulsory. During your studies, it is possible to spend some time studying abroad, for example at another university. There are many exchange programmes with universities over the entire world. Many students also choose to do an internship at an international company. The university will help and guide you with this.

The career market for graduates in AES is good. The degree programme is acknowledged and there is enough question for skilled engineers in the fields of geology and applied sciences. Graduates in Applied Earth Sciences are trained to work in teams as well as individually, they are flexible and creative and have obtained a wide range of skills and knowledge, which makes them an attractive employee in a wide range of branches.

It would be very challenging to combine Applied Earth Sciences with another degree programme and therefore combining two degrees is not recommended. The timetable leaves hardly any room for a second bachelor. However, it would be possible to take an additional minor or you could do an additional bachelor after obtaining the bachelor degree in Applied Earth Sciences.

You will have a lot to deal with at the start of your degree programme. You will also have to make a lot of choices. Do you want to rent a room or continue living at home? How are you planning to finance your degree programme? You'll have your first lectures, examinations and assignments. Should you join a sports club or other association? The website http://welkom.tudelft.nl is a useful resource, containing practical information, links and an introductory film.

In the first week you will be introduced to the bachelor with a special welcome programme. You will also form a mentor group with other students as support during the first year. Then the lectures will get started. During this fist week, you will get to know a lot of your fellow students and lecturers and you will become acquainted with the style of teaching. It is advised to attend all lectures especially in the first week! 

1st period 08.45 - 09.30
2nd period 09.45 - 10.30
3rd period 10.45 - 11.30
4th period 11.45 - 12.30
Breaks
5th period 13.45 - 14.30
6th period 14.45 - 15.30
7th period 15.45 - 16.30
8th period 16.45 - 17.30
9th period 17.45 - 18.30
10th period 18.45 - 19.30 

This does not mean that you will have 10 hours of lectures everyday! Your specific timetable can be found via https://www.tudelft.nl/en/student/education/timetables/

Yes, it is necessary to have a computer or laptop. Via the laptopproject you can purchase one as a student with discount. It's also possible to purchase a laptop yourself. Here you will find more information and advice on the requirements. 

The holidays are indicated in green on the annual academic calendar. There are no exams or lectures on these days. You have approximately 10 weeks of holidays as well as some public holidays. Many students use some of these days to prepare for exams or re-sits or to work on written assignments. During the summer months, you will have six weeks of holiday. In the summer holiday during the last three weeks, just before the start of the year, the OWEE is planned as well as the first years weekend of the study Applied Earth Sciences. It is advised to join both as you will be able to make friends, get to know Delft and learn a bit more about the study and studying in general. 

Study guidance is available in many different forms, such as personal guidance by study mentor and study advisors, trainings and software. At the university you can take on an active role yourself, by asking help via many facilities or people.

During the first week of the quarter, the lecturers will explain whether and which books you will need for their courses. Book can be purchased via the student association with a discount.

The earlier you sign up, the greater the chance that you will find a room quickly. You should therefore sign up as early as possible, for example with www.DUWO.nl (the largest provider of student accommodation in Delft). Or search via www.kamernet.nl or become a part of Facebook groups which promote student housing. If you want to find a room in Delft, the following website is recommended. Rooms could differ between a studio, housing on campus or a room in a student house. For the latter, you will most likely have to come by the house to meet all the roommates. It is also possible to find a student room if you join a certain association. 

Each degree programme at TU Delft has its own study association. The study association represents the interests of students, organises study-related activities, such as educational trips, lectures and excursions as well as leisure activities. Student associations are not affiliated with a degree programme or with TU Delft. They can be regarded more as external leisure associations. There are all kinds of student associations, ranging from general associations to those based on culture, sports or politics. More information about the different kinds of associations can be found here.

It is not compulsory, but study association do have a lot to offer. The association represents your interests in the faculty, arranges discount on study books and organize fun study outings. Within the AES programme a lot of students are a member of the MV, the study association of AES. It is a great way to meet a lot of fellow students, especially when you are new in Delft. 

It is also recommended to join the first years weekend, which is organized by the study association. During this weekend, you will get to know your fellow classmates, some teachers, and you will het some useful tips and tricks for the bachelor programme. On top of that, it is great fun and you will already know some people when you start your classes in the first week of your bachelor programme.

For students who would like to take on an extra challenge on top of that of the curriculum, you could apply for the Honours Programme Delft. This facility offers extra education on top of your regular bachelor. It will provide you with an opportunity to gain knowledge outside of your field of interest and study, it will help you to develop yourself and you will get the chance to work together with students from other faculties. More information on the Honours Programme of the faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences can be found here.