The SMI progamme is always combined with your own Science Master's programme. In the first year you take courses and activities within your Science Master's. In the second year the SMI-specific programme starts, consisting of compulsory courses, theme courses and a research project. You will gain work experience outside of academia during your Master’s and develop skills including interviewing, oral presentation, cooperation and entrepreneurship. You will create a unique profile with your disciplinary background and combine this with one of the focus track areas related to the Sustainable Development Goals: Health, Climate & Energy, Industries & Green IT, or Biodiversity.
Are you a current student? For the programme of this academic year, check the course guide.
Study programme
Study abroad
During your Master's programme, you will have the opportunity to go abroad for your studies, internship and/or thesis. You will learn to look at things from the perspective of a different culture and you will meet new people; it is an experience that will enrich your life. What’s more, it will look great on your CV. Please see the Radboud International web page for information about meetings, scholarships, internships and other practical information.
Additional challenge
Do you want an extra challenge during your studies? Do you find it interesting to think about current, social themes from different academic perspectives? Discover what the Radboud Honours Academy has to offer to achieve your maximum potential during your time as a student.
Themes
When you start with the Master's Specialisation, you will first select your specialisation theme. We offer four themes that are available to all students in this specialisation: Climate and Energy, Health, Green Industries & IT, and Biodiversity.
Climate and Energy
Human interference with the climate system is deeply intertwined with our energy system. In this theme, you will learn about climate science and the various causes and effects of climate change. You will gain experience in analysing and modelling the energy system, and you will learn how to investigate options to mitigate climate change, whether via the transition to a more sustainable energy system or via the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in other sectors.
Health
To reach good health and wellbeing, many challenges need to be faced by healthcare systems. In many parts of the world, health has been improving, but new diseases threaten progress. Moreover, new forms of organisation and modern IT developments are changing the face of the health sector. In this theme you will learn how to address various aspects of innovations, upcoming diseases, new pharmaceuticals, AI applications and personalised care.
Green Industries & IT
Industries generate a lot of physico-chemical data that contain the potential to make processes more economically viable and more sustainable. Digital prediction models (Industry4.0) are essential to control the process for such gains in efficiency. Valuable industrial prediction models require understanding of the origin of the measurements, of the structure of the processes, and of the ways in which new predictions may provide economic and environmental value. This SMI track provides the insight in these three aspects.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is rapidly declining worldwide. Reversing this decline is key in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as biodiversity is at the heart of human well-being and life in water and life on land. Therefore, biodiversity is (increasingly becoming) a point of focus for governments, organisations, and companies. In this theme, you will learn about biodiversity conservation and the various causes and effects of biodiversity change.