International Facility Management
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The International Facility Management program at Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen is a four-year, full-time Bachelor of Science degree taught in English. It focuses on creating user experiences in hospitality, health, and sustainability within organizations. The program utilizes real-world learning opportunities, working with real clients on projects that address current societal issues. Graduates are prepared for management-level positions in various sectors.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The International Facility Management (IFM) program at Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen is a four-year, full-time Bachelor of Science degree (240 ECTS credits) taught in English. It focuses on creating user experiences in hospitality, health, and sustainability within organizations. The program aims to develop students' skills in designing and implementing changes in services and space management to positively influence people's behavior and make them feel at home. The program emphasizes real-world learning opportunities, working with real clients on projects that address current societal issues. Students work in living labs, collaborating with other students, lecturers, and entrepreneurs to solve spatial design problems. The program's core is business management centered around people's perception and experience of organizations and public spaces. Graduates are prepared for management-level positions in various sectors.
Outline:
The program is structured across four years, with each academic year comprising two semesters.
- Year 1: Introduces Facility Management, focusing on developing sustainable and innovative work environments. Students learn to analyze and improve company effectiveness, efficiency, and service levels from a customer-oriented perspective, including Human Resource Management.
- Year 2: Concentrates on Service Innovation and Spaces. Students engage in projects related to hospitality, health, or sustainability, designing services using Design Thinking and Facility Management Canvas, and expanding their space management knowledge.
- Year 3: Involves studying abroad for a minor at a partner university (e.g., Austria, France, Finland, Spain, Turkey, the United States, Canada, Indonesia, or other Asian countries). Alternatively, international students can complete their minor in the Netherlands. This year also includes a five-month internship assisting a manager in a company.
- Year 4: Begins with a semester focused on "Experience," analyzing people's experiences in spaces. The year culminates in a graduation project within an organization of the student's choice, involving project analysis, advice provision, or design creation. Specific modules mentioned include:
- Service Design & User Experience: Researching and improving a facility management service.
- Vital Workspace: Designing a workspace considering user needs and relevant space management concepts.
- Professional Skills: Developing immediately applicable project skills.
Teaching:
The program utilizes real-world learning opportunities, including projects for real clients and work in living labs. Teaching is conducted by professionals in the field. Field trips (e.g., to a hospital) are incorporated into the curriculum. The program mentions lecturers and researcher-lecturers involved in the teaching process. Specific names mentioned include Maris Boeringa (Lecturer & coordinator), Jaap Wijnja (Teacher & researcher), and Janet van Wijk (Student affairs).
Careers:
Upon graduation, students are prepared for management-level positions. Examples of potential jobs include: head of facility services, hospitality manager, real estate professional, purchasing specialist, catering manager, events project manager, and head of safety & ICT.
Other:
The program is associated with the study association Facides Dione, which encourages students to get more out of their studies and student life. Students have the opportunity to participate in a Study Choice Check to assess program suitability. The program mentions that after graduation, students can pursue a master's degree at Hanze UAS or other institutions. Several master's programs are listed as potential follow-ups. The program highlights student projects such as CrossWise, SPOT Groningen, and EuroFM COIL, showcasing real-world applications and international collaborations.
Introduction to Hanze UAS
Hanze University of Applied Sciences, located in Groningen, Netherlands, is the largest university of applied sciences in the northern Netherlands. Established in 1986, it was formed through the merger of several professional education institutes, the oldest of which is the Academy Minerva, founded in 1798. Hanze UAS offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and professional programs in fields such as business, engineering, health, arts, and communication. The university is known for its practice-oriented education, strong industry connections, and international focus.
International Environment
With students from over 80 nationalities, Hanze UAS fosters a multicultural and inclusive environment. The university has partnerships with 260+ institutions worldwide, enabling students to participate in exchange programs and international research projects. Additionally, Hanze UAS is part of the Erasmus+ program, further promoting global mobility and collaboration.
Research and Innovation
Hanze UAS is a leader in applied research, with a focus on areas such as sustainable energy, healthcare, and creative industries. The university collaborates with industry leaders and regional organizations to address real-world challenges. For example, the Hydrohub MegaWatt Test Centre focuses on green hydrogen innovation, while the Jean Monnet Chair in Sustainable EU Economy promotes research on sustainable economic practices.
Campus and Facilities
The main campus, Zernike Campus, is located in Groningen and houses state-of-the-art facilities, including modern labs, studios, and research centers. The campus is shared with the University of Groningen, creating a vibrant academic community. Hanze UAS also has facilities in Assen, Leeuwarden, and Amsterdam, specializing in areas like technology and pop culture.
Student Life and Support
Hanze UAS offers a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and a student-to-teacher ratio of 8.75:1. The university provides extensive support services, including career guidance, internship placements, and academic advising. Students can also participate in sports, cultural events, and student organizations, enriching their university experience.
Employability and Alumni Network
Hanze UAS boasts a high employability rate, with most graduates securing jobs in their chosen fields. The university’s strong ties to industry provide students with internship opportunities and access to a network of 21,500 alumni. Notable alumni include Wim Crouwel (graphic designer) and Kimberley Bos (Olympic bobsledder).
Why Choose Hanze UAS?
- Practice-oriented education with integrated internships and real-world projects.
- International exposure through exchange programs and global partnerships.
- Strong industry connections and high employability rates.
- Vibrant student life in Groningen, one of the most student-friendly cities in the Netherlands.
Entry Requirements:
For EU home students and international students outside the EU, the entry requirements vary depending on their prior education:
- Directly Admissible:
- VWO (Dutch pre-university secondary education): Students with a VWO diploma in Natuur & Techniek (N&T), Natuur & Gezondheid (N&G), Economie & Maatschappij (E&M), or Cultuur & Maatschappij (C&M) are directly admissible.
- HAVO (Dutch higher secondary education): Students with a HAVO diploma in Natuur & Techniek (N&T), Natuur & Gezondheid (N&G), Economie & Maatschappij (E&M), or Cultuur & Maatschappij (C&M) are directly admissible.
- MBO (Dutch secondary vocational education): Students with an MBO level 4 diploma from any domain are eligible for admission. However, the university strongly advises preparing for the program's content through transitional electives (www.hanze.nl/keuzedelen) or preparatory courses (www.toelatingstoetsen.nl/voorbereiding).
- 21 years and older: Individuals without the required diplomas but over 21 years old can apply for the 21+ admission exam, which includes an entry test and an intake conversation.
- Foreign Diploma: Students with a foreign diploma equivalent to Dutch HAVO, VWO (with the necessary subject clusters), or MBO level 4 can be admitted. Applications must be submitted via Studielink before August 15th. Therefore:
