Master of Science in Bioscience Engineering: Environmental Technology

The Master of Science in Bioscience Engineering: Environmental Science and Technology delivers engineers who are able to analyse scientific as well as social challenges in a critical, multi- and interdisciplinary manner, and work on sustainable and effective solutions. You will acquire a broad and in-depth knowledge of chemical, physical, (micro)biological and ecological environmental diagnostics in the compartments of water, air and soil. You will be taught both preventive and curative environmental technology. The study programme has a strong process-oriented and quantitative focus, both on the level of the ecosphere (i.e. natural systems) as well as the technosphere (i.e. urban and industrial systems). Taken together, this results in a highly distinct engineering profile. By responding to renewed insights regarding (circular) management of natural resources, and by paying attention to the broad social, economic and legislative framework, the programme is characterized by a holistic approach to the study of environmental problems. As one of the pioneers in environmental technology programmes and due to its internationally renowned cutting-edge research, Ghent University is one Europe’s leading universities in this field.

The Master’s programme is made up of three clusters:

Environmental analysis and diagnostics (e.g. analysis of organic micropollutants, applied marine ecology, environmental risk assessment). Processes and interactions within natural, urban and industrial (eco)systems are studied from a wide range of perspectives. You are able to analyse in a critical and cross-disciplinary fashion the quality of our environment and our resources within a context of increasing pressure on raw materials and growing international concerns about ecological and/or human risks, and to assess the necessity and effectiveness of improvement measures.

Environmental technology and engineering (e.g. environmental technology: air, technology for recovery of raw materials, environmental installations in practice). In addition to biological and physicochemical purification technologies for the various environmental compartments, emphasis is placed on sustainable cycle technologies with a focus on the reuse of natural raw materials, life cycle analysis and clean technology, and the recovery of by-products. This Ghent University programme is hence clearly focusing on current social trends and internationally evolving insights regarding sustainable materials, energy and resource management, closing cycles, and valorising residual flows in the technosphere. Preventing and solving environmental problems does not only require an understanding and quantitative calculation of environmental-technical processes. It also requires a proper knowledge of, and insight into, the design, control and implementation of environmental-technical installations in practice.

Social contextualization (e.g. management for engineers, legal framework of environmental technology). The programme pays attention to the legislative and policy frameworks, and to socio-economic competencies that can be widely applied in a business environment and in the professional field of a bioengineer in environmental technology. The wide range of elective course units, a targeted work placement and the Master’s dissertation research ensure that you are able to both deepen and broaden your environmental and engineering knowledge and insights, as well as to acquire specific skills and attitudes.

The Faculty of Bioscience Engineering is highly international. As such it is a  hub for coming into contact with students and cultures from all over the world. Additionally, there are several ways to gain an international experience: you can e.g. participate in an exchange programme or a summer school during the Master’s programme. A work placement abroad is also one of the possibilities. In addition, you can go abroad for a period of time as part of your Master’s dissertation. For programme-specific information, please visit www.ugent.be/bw/nl/voor-studenten/buitenland.

The study programme delivers polyvalent engineers and environmental experts. With their high-quality and multidisciplinary academic training, our graduates are well-prepared for taking up leading research, technological, commercial, policy or management positions in the labour market. Many graduates hold managerial positions in national and international research laboratories, government agencies, study and consultancy firms, and various branches of industry. Typical application areas are found in sectors in which fundamental and applied knowledge of environmental (risk) analysis, sustainable environmental management, and technology in the field of valorisation of residual flows (e.g. process gases, aqueous flows, solid household/industrial substances) and purification of environmental compartments (i.e. air, water, soil) are required. In short, the Master of Science in Bioscience Engineering: Environmental Technology is a unique and state-of-the art study programme that will undoubtedly lead to an exciting career.

Find out where our graduates work (Dutch only) and take a look at our alumni’s highly diverse profiles.