During the programme
The Master of Engineering is a state-of-the-art programme in Asset Integrity Management, inspired by the framework of ISO 55000. The goal of the programme is to train professionals to create value from assets by utilising engineering and leadership skills.
Develop as a professional by cultivating ethical sensitivity and reflective thinking. This programme enhances your research competence for innovative problem-solving and promotes interprofessional collaboration across disciplines. The programme focuses on impactful asset management solutions.
Content of the Master of Engineering
This master's degree programme is built on the Professional Master Standard by the Netherlands Association of Applied Sciences. The programme emphasizes developing mastery, research competence, interprofessional conduct and creating impact.
The programme is executed from the ‘Line-of-Sight’ perspective (from policy to operational execution) to ensure performance throughout the life cycle of physical assets in a sustainable and circular manner. In doing so, the reference framework of the Institute of Asset Management (IAM) and the European Federation of National Maintenance Societies (EFNMS) is respected for Asset Management, Maintenance within Physical Asset Management and Maintenance Management, respectively.
Our programme focuses on real-life projects. Various teaching methods are used, such as lectures, workshops, blended learning, feedback sessions and peer reviews. Classes are interactive and there is plenty of room for discussion and for including your own case studies.
Each semester you will undertake one or two practical assignments within your own working environment. Additionally, a group project will be conducted in a multidisciplinary team each semester. Throughout all three modules, there is a strong emphasis on developing leadership skills.
In the final semester you will write your thesis: a research and development project carried out within your own working environment.
Inspired by the framework of the NEN-ISO 55000 series, the programme consists of three modules, each spanning one semester. The master’s programme is concluded with a thesis phase.
1. Asset Management
In the first semester, we delve into the 'Asset Management' module. This part of the programme introduces you to strategic, tactical, and operational aspects of managing assets. You'll explore how to align asset management with an organisation's goals, using data and insights to inform strategic decisions within the framework of a Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP).
2. Asset Integrity
The 'Asset Integrity' module focuses on the reliability, safety, and risk management of assets. You'll learn to conduct risk and safety assessments, understand asset failure behaviours, and apply life cycle engineering to enhance asset value and integrity.
3. Asset Performance
In the 'Asset Performance' module, you'll explore how to achieve optimal asset performance. This includes balancing maintenance management with the technical condition of assets throughout their lifecycle. You'll learn to establish maintenance management plans that align with business objectives and risks, utilising techniques like condition-based maintenance.
Leadership Learning Path
Our leadership learning path is seamlessly integrated into these 3 modules, enabling you to gain valuable leadership skills throughout your journey. We begin with leadership fundamentals in the first module, then move on to team leadership and conclude with strategic leadership and innovation.
Thesis
During the last semester you will write your thesis, a research and development project that you will carry out within your own working environment.
Our master’s programme has been overhauled in 2024. The contents of the lessons as well as the literature lists have been updated with the latest and greatest in asset management. Also covering topics like Industry 4.0, AI, sustainability and servitisation. The programme is taught by renowned professionals, actively practising within the industry.
Want to apply for a single module instead?
The programme consists of three integral modules, each worth 15 ECTS, and a thesis phase (also worth 15 ECTS). Not ready to commit to a two-year master’s programme yet? Start with one of our modules instead. You can complete the modules in any order you choose. Discover the subjects of each module below.
- Strategic Asset Management
- Tactical Asset Management
- Operational Asset Management
- Leadership Development Programme
- Project Management
- Research Methods & Techniques
- Risk assessment & Safety
- Life Cycle Engineering
- Leading High-Performing Teams in the Leadership Development Programme
- Contract Management
- Research Methods & Techniques
- Data Driven Business
- Toyota Production System
- Industry 4.0
- Predictive Maintenance
- Change Management
- Strategic Leadership and Innovation in the Leadership Development Programme
- Sustainability and Ethics
Meet the Master of Engineering lecturers
Ir. Boris Neefjes
Module Leader Asset Management, Managing Director at Delfluent Services B.V.
Ir. Boris Neefjes has been working as general director at Delfluent Services B.V. since 2015. In this role, he is responsible for the collection and purification of wastewater for nearly one and a half million residents and approximately forty thousand businesses in the region of The Hague.
His main challenge lies in connecting different levels of governance and collaborating with the contracting authority, Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland, and shareholder, Evides Industriewater B.V.
Boris started his career in 1986 in tramp shipping. After obtaining his diploma from the nautical school, he spent 10 years overseeing operations and maintenance on board sea vessels as a Chief Engineer. His wife, and later his two daughters, motivated Boris to continue his career onshore.
While working as a Field Service Supervisor and Head of Rotating at Sulzer Turbo, and Department Head of Ship Repair Yard Vlaardingen Oost Shiprepair, Boris developed an interest in maintenance and asset management. He was able to further pursue this interest as the facility and sewerage manager in the municipality of Capelle aan den IJssel before starting his job at Evides Industriewater. There, Boris spent 5 years as the Manager of Maintenance & Technical Support, overseeing the maintenance department and asset management of Evides Industriewater B.V.
Boris obtained his master’s degree in engineering and science with a specialisation in Asset Management and Asset Integrity Management.
Simon van Benten
Module Leader Asset Integrity, Consultant and Founder NRS Consulting
Simon van Benten, the founder of NRS Consulting, brings his extensive consulting and asset management expertise to the Master of Engineering programme as the module leader for Asset Integrity.
With a career that spans significant projects in the energy and maritime sectors, Simon brings a wealth of practical insights to his teaching. His course covers a spectrum of key methodologies, from Weibull analysis to Monte Carlo simulations, tailored to equip students with a holistic understanding of asset integrity.
Simon’s educational approach is characterised by a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students to tackle real-world challenges in asset management. He emphasizes the efficient use of existing data in decision-making processes and champions the incorporation of expert insights into risk quantification. Simon's role goes beyond teaching; he is shaping future leaders in asset management through a curriculum that balances academic depth with practical relevance.
Hein Winkelaar
Lecturer Asset Performance, Founder of PSTAMP
Hein Winkelaar, founder of PSTAMP and a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, enriches our Asset Performance module with his extensive experience in R&D and Operations Management.
Renowned for his innovative approach, Hein developed the patented CheckStamp© system, significantly enhancing industrial safety and efficiency.
As a certified LEAN/TPM instructor and SHELL-certified LEAN coach, Hein's expertise extends to operational optimisation and process streamlining. His leadership in operations management led to remarkable improvements in productivity, morale, and cost-efficiency, recognised by multiple "Best Plant Awards."
In our Master of Engineering programme, Hein combines his practical experience with academic insights, focusing on the practical application of asset management principles. His commitment to continuous improvement and empowering the workforce makes him a vital asset to the programme, inspiring students to pursue excellence in asset management.
Anne-Lot de Heus
Leadership Development Programme, Trainer and Coach at Feedback Training and Consulting
Anne-Lot de Heus, an accomplished trainer and coach, brings her expertise in personal and team development to the Master of Engineering programme.
With a philosophy deeply rooted in the idea of building the new rather than combating the old, Anne-Lot focuses on driving sustainable behavioural changes to help individuals, teams, and organisations achieve their goals. Her approach centres on fostering new insights, creating awareness, and implementing effective interventions to reach personal and shared objectives.
Her work is characterised by a commitment to developing self-awareness and effective communication, which she believes are foundational for personal effectiveness and collaborative success. Anne-Lot excels in reconnecting people and teams with their inner strengths, enabling them to realise their full potential.
Utilising a diverse array of tools and methodologies, including Transactional Analysis, NLP, systemic work, Functional Fluency, DISC, LEGO Serious Play, Anne-Lot's training and coaching style is enthusiastic, empathetic, result-oriented, and deeply intuitive. She is known for her ability to create a safe learning environment and provide clear, insightful guidance, making her a valuable contributor to the programme's leadership and professional development components.
Frank Velthuis
Module Leader Asset Performance, Director Digital Services at Vanderlande
Frank Velthuis is the Director of Digital Services at Vanderlande, an industry leader in logistic process automation. With a rich career spanning predictive maintenance, digital product development, and digital service innovation, Frank brings a wealth of expertise to the Master of Engineering programme.
His leadership roles at Wärtsilä and involvement in cutting-edge projects in the maritime and energy sectors have honed his skills in developing solutions for complex machinery and systems. Frank's passion for leveraging technology in asset management, combined with his practical experience in leading diverse teams and creating customer value, enriches the programme's Asset Performance module. His approach to education involves guiding students through real-world applications of AI and machine learning in asset management, ensuring a curriculum that is both current and highly relevant.
Ir. Diederik van Leeuwen
Lecturer Asset Management, Partner and manager asset management at IES Asset Management
Ir. Diederik van Leeuwen is a partner and asset management manager at IES Asset Management, an engineering consultancy firm specialised in the implementation of asset management.
Diederik studied mechanical engineering at TU Delft. Since 1995, he has worked as a senior consultant, interim manager and trainer in asset and maintenance management. Including roles in the chemical industry, infrastructure, and public transportation sectors. His specialty lies in strategic issues within asset management organisations.
Want to know more about the programme?
This programme is developed as an international classroom with different didactic methods. We offer a blended format, with different workshops, guest lectures, conferences, lab sessions and studios, as well as a wide range of interactive, student-driven formats. Modules are 10 weeks long and include a self-study week as well to work on your final portfolio.
Our programme is highly competence-driven. Our students are educated in close connection to the skills and knowledge required by the professional field. Our partners from the professional field share their experiences in guest lectures, challenges and other formats. Moreover, students will learn from each other in interdisciplinary projects and learning teams.
Applied research is central in this master, with a focus on independent research. Creative methods, tools and processes go hand-in-hand with research and analysis in this programme. We will often integrate our student projects with those of research centres within and outside of the HU. Moreover, students apply their knowledge to challenges from the professional field.
At Utrecht Science Park, we team up with partners who focus on transition, the future, sustainability and innovation. The research and education lines of this programme are developed in line with research projects that have international impact. Our students explore these topics and help build the knowledge and expertise in these areas. Their projects are not isolated, but their results and insights will be translated to the work field and other partners.
The didactics and assessment In Sustainable Business Transition are competence-based. The emphasis in our curriculum is on demonstrating the competences. In other words, we have a competence-based approach to our teaching and assessment.
We assess the competences (amongst others sustainable business development and future thinking) in a holistic way with integral assignments of 15 ECTS per module. This means there are no separate assessments per course, but that we look at the growth in the module and its competences as a whole. The competences of our curriculum are grounded in what is needed and relevant in the professional field.
Throughout the programme, you maintain a portfolio detailing feedback, advice, and progress, based on your professional products and assignments. This allows you to reflect on your growth in a certain competence throughout the entire curriculum.
Overall our teaching is:
- Co-created with the professional field
We regularly invite professionals and also work with actual challenges from the industry and research - Student-driven
This is a Master’s programme and you are often in the lead during tutorials. You provide insights and actively chair classes. You are considered a professional already, who has a Bachelor’s degree and work experience to bring to the table. - Blended
We integrate different tools and platforms in our programme. Learning does not just happen in the classroom, but also in your own learning team meetings, remote expert sessions and other situations. - International
The SBT classroom is highly international and vibrant. Students with different cultural backgrounds and Bachelor’s degrees collaborate and learn from one another. SBT is one community with students, staff, alumni and professional partners.
You need to have 40 hours reserved for your study in general, since it is full-time. We provide 12-15 contact hours on average. In addition you meet with your own peers in learning teams in your own time for about 5 hours a week to review assignments together. Additionally, you study individually and collaborate on assignments for approximately 20 hours a week.
"Knowledge is power, sharing knowledge is strength. Sharing knowledge is essential to achieve a uniform process approach within a national organisation with regional entities."
Henk van Zwienen
"Knowledge is power, sharing knowledge is strength. Sharing knowledge is essential to achieve a uniform process approach within a national organisation with regional entities."
Henk van Zwienen
"Knowledge is power, sharing knowledge is strength. Sharing knowledge is essential to achieve a uniform process approach within a national organisation with regional entities. And to continuously optimise this process approach by frequently sharing the latest techniques and practical experience gained with all stakeholders."
This is one of the outcomes of the thesis research I conducted as part of the Master of Engineering in Maintenance & Asset Management programme. Many installation companies are increasingly striving to position themselves as knowledge organisations, but the fundamental requirement of that is that the knowledge is shared with all stakeholders. Human interaction is a prerequisite for knowledge creation.
I chose the Master of Engineering because it perfectly aligns with my current role as a maintenance consultant at Strukton Worksphere, where optimisation is the key focus. Within Strukton Worksphere, asset management is gaining a more prominent role. And it is applied in large Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects where the contractor is responsible for the project during the entire contract period, often 25 years or longer. This gives risk management a big part in the company's operations, as well as in asset management. By effectively managing risks and opportunities, we can find the right balance between costs, risks, and performance.
The thesis research has led to the development of an improvement proposal that is intended to gain nationwide support for implementation.
