Curriculum

The bachelor's program in Technische Bestuurskunde takes three years. The study is a mix of different educational forms, such as lectures, tutorials and projects. Simulations and a management game are part of this. In the second half of the first year you choose a technology specialization (domain) in which you learn more about the technology. Also in almost every period space is reserved for skills, such as presenting and reporting.

Your third year starts with a minor: a coherent package of electives. You can do this abroad. Finally you complete the bachelor's degree with a graduation assignment. After completing your studies, you may take your Bachelor of Science (BSc) after your name.

The academic year is divided into four quarters, each of which is concluded with an examination period. In the first two years you follow nine weeks per period and the last week you conclude with examinations. The degree programme comprises a mix of different teaching methods, such as lectures, instruction, projects and self-study and a management game. The lectures usually last two hours, including a short break, and take place from 8:45 to 12:45 and from 13:45 to 17:45.

Study plan

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Clusters

The curriculum is divided into four clusters:

Analysis of complex socio-technical systems

You take TB core modules, in which you will learn how you can systematically analyse complex problems with technical, organisational and administrative components. You will learn how you can divide the process of problem-solving into different phases and what the pitfalls are in the process of problem formulation. You will become acquainted with the various methods and tools for identifying the parties involved in the problem and to analyse their viewpoints. You will also become familiar with the various modelling techniques. You will be involved in drawing up design requirements for possible alternative solutions and you will learn to determine what the most desired solution is in a given situation for a specific client.

Administration of complex socio-technical systems

You will study theories about decision-making, public administration, organisation & management and legal issues that play a role in decision making. You will learn which government bodies there are and what powers they have, how government decisions are made, how government bodies and companies are organised and administered, how they function and how to apply government and company policy instruments in practice. You will also learn about the economy in decision-making processes concerning infrastructures: basic concepts in business economics, market forces concerning infrastructures and weighing up of costs and benefits. Finally, you will gain insight into how business and administration interact when decisions have to be made.

Mathematical modelling

Firstly, you will take the mathematics courses that serve to underpin the technology education, such as analysis. The mathematics you will need to master in order to draw up quantitative numerical models of problem situations is extremely important at Technische Bestuurskunde. If these models are computerised, you can use them to perform simulations, for example. This will help you gain more insight into the possible effects of the various possible solutions. Various types of model exist (such as continuous or discrete models), which require a variety of mathematical knowledge. Finally, you will acquire the necessary knowledge in courses such as Research Methods & Data Analysis and Statistics & Data Analysis in order to carry out your own study and to statistically analyse the results of surveys, for example.

Technology specialisation

Because you cannot specialise in every technology, you will choose one of the four domains in the TB degree programme for a more in-depth understanding of the specific technology. The four domains are:

Building & Spatial Development
Energy & Industry
Information & Communication
Transport & Logistics

Skills

In almost every quarter, you will learn a skill that is useful to the TB engineer. You might have devised a wonderful solution with your theoretical knowledge, but if you are unable to convince the stakeholders of your solution, your efforts will have been in vain. For this reason, you will learn how to present, report and debate. And this will enable you to better fulfil your interdisciplinary role as a TB engineer in the future.

Year 1

In the first year, there will be lessons in analysing complex socio-technical systems, the administration of complex socio-technical systems, mathematical modelling and a technology specialisation. In the third quarter, you will choose one domain about which you would like to know more.

Year 2

In the second year, you will take courses which build on the first year. The year is devoted to deepening and broadening your knowledge. You will take follow-up courses in administration and organisation, learn additional mathematical modelling methods and will continue to specialise in your technology domain.

Year 3

The first half of the third year is spent completely on your minor, helping you to develop yourself in your own desired direction. In the second half of the year, you will complete the degree programme with the Bachelor's final project. For this, you will carry out a research project, enabling you to demonstrate that you can tackle a problem independently and report your findings in writing.

Minor

With your minor you can focus on working on your future. Just like Wouter. He went to work in a developing country to help create a business. He first took courses in one quarter on cultural differences and then in the second quarter he went to Zambia to explore the possibilities of starting a company in solar energy.
More information about Minors