Bachelor's in Sensors & Smart Systems

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Hanze University of Applied Sciences

Program Overview

The Bachelor's in Sensors & Smart Systems at Hanze University of Applied Sciences is a 4-year, English-taught full-time program that's perfect for tech-savvy students passionate about innovation in areas like healthcare, sports, sustainable energy, and industry. You'll specialize in designing, building, and programming smart systems with sensors as part of the Electrical Engineering program, diving into real-world projects from day one to shape the future around you.

Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You'll kick off with all first-year Electrical Engineering students, getting a broad introduction to the exciting world of electrical and electronic engineering through hands-on practicals and your first steps in designing products. A key highlight is the Power Up Yourself module, where you tailor learning to your strengths—whether boosting math skills, mastering programming, 3D drawing, or electrical diagrams—with mentor guidance and workshops. You'll also tackle real client assignments, building confidence in robotics, programming, control systems, and data communication right away.

Year 2
Here, you dive deep into the Sensors & Smart Systems major, exploring innovation and sensor applications to make appliances, machines, and buildings smarter through intensive workshops and projects. You'll apply everything from year one in practical scenarios, honing skills in sensor technology while balancing theory with hands-on work. This year solidifies your foundation for creating intelligent systems that respond to the real world.

Year 3
Building on your expertise, you'll use the free elective space for a half-year minor to personalize your path—options like Internet of Things, Industrial Automation, or even Biomedical Engineering let you deepen in electrical engineering or branch out to other fields at Hanze or abroad. This flexibility helps you align studies with your interests, from wind energy to technology innovation, while continuing project-based learning. It's your chance to stand out with unique skills employers love.

Year 4
Cap it off with an in-depth minor such as Biomedical Engineering, Industrial Automation, Internet of Things, Technology to Innovate, or Flexible Energy Technology, pushing your boundaries in advanced smart systems. The highlight is your graduation assignment at an (inter)national company, proving you're the electrical engineer the industry needs. This real-world finale sets you up perfectly for a Master's, like Hanze's own Smart Systems Engineering.

Focus Areas
Smart systems engineering, blending sensors (data acquisition), embedded data processing (edge computing), networking, cloud storage, AI, and security—think smart cities, mobility, healthcare devices, and sustainable energy solutions.

Learning Outcomes
You'll graduate skilled in designing and programming sensor-based smart systems, handling robotics, control systems, data communication, and reliable sensor data; ready to innovate in AI-driven tech while solving real client challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This Bachelor of Science degree from Hanze University of Applied Sciences is accredited and provides seamless access to Master's programs worldwide, including Hanze's transfer Master in Smart Systems Engineering or research universities like the University of Groningen.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)
Hanze's engineering programs shine through strong industry ties, with graduates landing roles at top companies via real-client projects and internships—alumni like Joost Lenten seamlessly transition to Master's and high-demand sensor engineering jobs. Official stats highlight excellent employability, as the field craves these versatile engineers for smart tech growth.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Hanze University of Applied Sciences, the Bachelor's in Sensors & Smart Systems dives right into hands-on learning from day one, where you'll build practical skills in designing, programming, and engineering smart systems with sensors—think robotics, data processing, and real-world applications in healthcare, energy, and smart cities. You'll work on projects with actual clients, get your hands dirty in workshops doing practicals, and tackle assignments that blend theory with real tech like sensor data reliability and embedded systems. It's all about turning classroom knowledge into innovations you'll see shaping the future, supported by dedicated lecturers and mentors who guide you every step.

This experiential approach shines through in specific program features like these:
- Workshops and practicals: Spend tons of time in year two's sensor technology major honing skills through hands-on workshops, building control systems, dashboards for live remote data, and even designing your own robot tailored to sensors and data processing.
- Excursions and guest lectures: Join field trips (excursions) and talks from industry pros to explore sensors in action, gaining in-depth knowledge on everything from AI to advanced sensor applications.
- Group projects and team efforts: Collaborate on real client projects—like stress meters for UMCG or sensor-optimized greenhouses—experiencing engineering as a team with international peers and dedicated teachers.
- Internships and graduation assignment: Wrap up year four with a major like Internet of Things, followed by a full graduation project at an (inter)national company, proving you're ready for the job market.
- Laboratories and facilities: Use specialized workshops for robotics, programming, PCB design, and sensor work, plus tools for 3D drawing, electrical diagrams, and data communication projects.
- Software and digital tools: Dive into programming for embedded systems, IoT, AI algorithms, data analysis, and machine learning via courses like Artificial Intelligence and Applied Machine Learning (integrated across levels).

Imagine applying to a program where you're not just studying—you're building the smart tech the world needs.

Progression & Future Opportunities

In the Bachelor's in Sensors & Smart Systems at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, you'll gain hands-on practical skills right from the start by designing and building smart systems with sensors, working on real client assignments, and diving into projects like robotics and sensor applications in areas like healthcare, energy, and industry. You'll spend plenty of time in workshops doing practicals, programming robots, processing sensor data, and tackling team-based challenges that mirror real-world engineering. This approach ensures you're not just learning theory—you're creating the smart tech that's shaping the future, with guidance from dedicated lecturers and mentors.

Here are some standout ways you'll build those skills::
- Group projects like Robotics: Team up with classmates to design and build your own robot that follows lines, avoids obstacles, picks up blocks, and delivers them—each member specializes in areas like PCB design, sensor data processing, or mechanics, culminating in a live demo.
- Workshops and practicals: Hands-on sessions in sensor technology, programming, 3D drawing, electrical diagrams, and applied mathematics to boost your skills for smart system design.
- Real client assignments and internships: Start with projects for actual companies in year one, then cap off year four with a graduation assignment at an (inter)national organization, proving you're ready for the job market.
- Excursions and guest lectures: Get inspired by industry pros and site visits that bring sensors, IoT, AI, embedded systems, and advanced applications to life.
- Specialized courses with tools: Courses like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Embedded Systems, and Uncertainty in Sensor Data involve practical work with sensors, edge computing, data processing, and reliable data handling—no generic stuff, all tailored to engineering smart systems.

Imagine jumping straight into this exciting world—apply now and let's chat about how it fits your goals!