Would you like to play a meaningful role in the quantum industry? As of September 2025, ambitious students can enrol in the master’s degree programme in Applied Quantum Technology. Tjeerd Bollmann, senior lecturer/researcher and co-developer of the new master’s programme, is convinced that industry is eagerly waiting for the quantum engineers of the future. It is almost certain that quantum technology will bring major changes to society. For example, in the way we communicate, develop medicines and solve complex problems.
Tjeerd Bollmann is closely involved in developing the new master’s programme in Applied Quantum Technology. What makes this programme so unique? “Our students can start work in their chosen profession as soon as they graduate,” says Tjeerd. “They will make an immediate and valuable contribution. We offer a professional master’s degree programme. The research we do is genuine applied research. It is also the only master’s degree programme in the Netherlands offered jointly by four universities of applied sciences. This allows us to capitalise on the unique selling points of each region.”
How does that work in practice? Tjeerd: “We have designed a curriculum where students benefit from the strengths of each participating university. In Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Delft and at Saxion in Enschede. For example, you will design software based on quantum computing at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA) and at Fontys and Saxion, you will learn all about photonic integrated circuits (PICs). The Delft region is known for developing quantum computers based on superconductivity and all electronics related to it. At Saxion Enschede, our strength is the application of ‘quantum light’ to photonic integrated circuits for quantum processors.”
Tjeerd Bollmann at the Quantum Talent & Learning Center in Enschede.
Quantum journey
As a master's student in Applied Quantum Technology, you will get on the train every week. And step out at inspiring locations. Our meeting with Tjeerd is at the Quantum Talent & Learning Center (TLC) in Enschede. We are surrounded by a number of tests stands and a table where people can meet and chat. An intriguing curtain hangs in front of a detached block-shaped room. This turns out to be a special place where students can experiment with quantum light on photonic integrated circuits.
Demetra Sîtnic, a third-year Electrical and electronic engineering student, opens the door of the TLC and walks in. When we discover that she is interested in the new master’s programme, we immediately ask her why. She tells us: “I would like to combine my knowledge of electronics and electrical engineering with knowledge of quantum. What I would really like to do is to contribute to the production of chips for quantum computers.” Demetra takes a seat at a research table, and we continue our conversation with Tjeerd. He emphasises that classes are also taught in a hybrid format during the master’s programme so that students are not constantly on the move. “You spend a maximum of two days a week travelling,” he says.
Demetra Sîtnic, a third-year Electrical and electronic engineering student, is interested in the new master’s programme.
The perfect combination
The unique combination of practical knowledge and skills that students can gain from up to four different universities is designed to ensure that they become well-rounded young professionals. Tjeerd confirms: "These are students with a very broad education. They will soon be able to play a significant role in a multidisciplinary, international team. The students who join this programme come from several different study programmes. After the second year, you will choose a specialisation. For example, you may choose ‘Quantum Software’ or you may prefer the hardware side. The software side is taught in Amsterdam and Eindhoven. The hardware side is shared between Delft, Eindhoven and Enschede. Here at Saxion, we focus on the hardware needed for quantum applications using photonic integrated circuits, and on quantum-resistant authentication.”
What challenges will the quantum engineers of the future be able to explore? Tjeerd regularly discusses this topic with various industry partners. He tells us: “We have had discussions with banks, internet consortia and companies active in quantum computing. All these parties are waiting for people with firsthand experience. People who are not afraid to turn the knobs. That is why our curriculum includes the teaching of quantum awareness. What we mean by that is that you understand something about the quantum process, but more importantly, you know how to bring a quantum device to life and know how to integrate it into real-world applications.”
As a student, this master’s degree programme will prepare you exceptionally well for a job in industry.
Everything from delivering packages to new medicines
A bank. When you think of job opportunities in quantum engineering, this may not be the first type of organisation that comes to mind. We ask Tjeerd to explain. “The main concern for banks right now is the question of when quantum computers will be on the market," he says. “Currently, the security of all financial transactions is based on prime numbers. At the moment, something like this is virtually impossible to hack, but if a quantum computer were available, it would have an enormous impact on the banking sector. That is why they want to make sure that they have adequate security in place.”
Of course, it is not only the financial sector that is waiting for quantum specialists. “Let’s consider the example of a salesperson on the road with their van,” says Tjeerd. “There are twelve parcels in the back. What is the shortest delivery route with the least CO2 impact? This is an optimisation problem that requires enormous computing power. It is very encouraging that there is now a lot of investment in quantum. This helps speed up the development of many technologies and applications. When a quantum computer is eventually available, it could be used, for example, to calculate and develop new medicines.”
Doing research at the Quantum Talent & Learning Center.
Quantum hands on
In their second and third terms, master’s students will already be getting closer to the world of work. “That’s when we go out on work visits,” says Tjeerd. “To find out what typical design issues companies are struggling with. What we like to see in the field of education is that our students contribute ideas and look for solutions with open minds. The main thing we do is train them in how to approach a project like this. How do you listen to the client effectively? We also consider how to deal with intellectual property and ethical issues. The next step is designing a solution with input from the company concerned.”
Again, why should students choose the Master in Applied Quantum Technology? Tjeerd: “As a student, this master’s degree programme will prepare you exceptionally well for a job in industry. You will be involved in a wide variety of lab experiments. You will really get hands on in different places in the Netherlands.” Quantum hands on, shall we say. And who are you looking for? “If you have a background in Physics, Mathematics, ICT or Electrical engineering,” says Tjeerd, “you are very welcome to join us! Well-motivated international students are also welcome to come and talk to us about the opportunities available.”
Photography: Thomas Busschers
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