To ensure a healthy planet and strong economy for current and future generations, a transition to a circular economy is needed.

A circular economy is characterised by a system of closed loop processes. Ideally no waste is created, renewable energy sources are used, and raw materials, components and products retain their value. This transition asks for innovative engineering solutions that require a new way of thinking.

Why this programme?

The bachelor's Circular Engineering prepares you to be the engineer of the future. In a circular economy, resources are reused and waste is minimised. Both are needed to create a long-lasting healthy planet and a strong economy. Circular engineers play a key role in the transition towards the circular economy as they have the knowledge and skills to design, develop and optimise products, processes and services to enhance circularity for a sustainable society and industry.

The bachelor's programme Circular Engineering is for highly motivated students with a passion for engineering and a drive to contribute to a more sustainable society and industry.

Disposable pressure sensors:

Disposable pressure sensors are often used in Intensive Care units to prevent cross-contamination to other patients. You are challenged to analyse these sensors from a circularity perspective - for instance by assessing which parts of these sensors can be reused, remade or recycled - and generate a technical solution to increase their circularity.

Problem-Based Learning:

The main method of instruction in the bachelor Circular Engineering is Problem-Based Learning (PBL). In a PBL environment, you work in small tutorial groups of about 15 students on scientific and engineering questions and challenges, usually in the form of case studies. You conduct discussions, exchange knowledge and formulate your learning goals as a group. By actively addressing real-life issues, you better grasp the theory and learn to apply your insights to various situations.

The variety of perspectives enlivens the discussions and allows you to experience the true strength of your group’s cultural diversity. Moreover, you gain essential skills, such as presenting your viewpoints, debating, writing academic texts and collaborating with peers.

Research-Based Learning:

The bachelor Circular Engineering employs Research-Based Learning (RBL) in addition to PBL. Gradually throughout the programme, you are faced with engineering challenges of increasing complexity.

RBL starts with small engineering challenges in the tutorial groups and skills training sessions in year 1. Subsequently, it is further developed in the various design projects throughout the curriculum, in which you make your own discoveries and research and develop technical solutions, in addition to learning about existing theories and systems. RBL culminates into the individual bachelor thesis.

In skills training sessions and projects you work at our state-of-the-art engineering laboratories.