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Delft University of Technology

The Technische Universiteit Delft, also known as TU Delft, is the largest and oldest public technical university in the Netherlands.
Delft University of Technology
Dean

Prof. Dr. Ir. Fred van Keulen

Locations
Delft, Netherlands
Established
1842
Afiliations
IDEA Climate-KIC CESAER EUA 4TU UNITECH SEFI SAE ATHENS PEGASUS
Address
Mekelweg 5, 2628 CD Delft, Netherlands
Social Media
Summary

The Delft University of Technology, known as TU Delft, is a prestigious public technical university located in the Netherlands. Established in 1842 by King William II, it has a rich history of providing high-quality education and cutting-edge research in the fields of engineering, architecture, and applied sciences. With eight faculties, numerous research institutes, over 26,000 students, and 6,000 employees, TU Delft is the oldest and largest technical university in the country.

The university has a strong reputation worldwide, ranking among the top 10 engineering and technology universities globally in the QS World University Rankings 2022. It is particularly well-regarded for its programs in architecture and civil engineering, where it was ranked second in the world, just behind MIT. The university also excels in other STEM subjects such as mechanical engineering, environmental studies, and engineering and technology.

TU Delft's campus is one of the largest in the world, covering an area of 161 hectares in Delft, Netherlands. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including restaurants, parks, cycle paths, a botanical garden, a new media center, a flight simulator, and an aerodynamics and propulsion lab.

The university has produced numerous notable alumni and faculty, including Dutch Nobel laureates Jacobus Henricus van 't Hoff, Heike Kamerlingh Onnes, and Simon van der Meer. TU Delft is a member of several university federations, including the IDEA League, CESAER, UNITECH International, LDE, and 4TU.

History

Delft University of Technology, also known as TU Delft, has a rich history that dates back to 1842 when it was founded by William II of the Netherlands as the Royal Academy for the education of civilian engineers. The academy was established to serve both the nation and industry, and to educate civil servants for the colonies of the Dutch East India Company. One of the academy's first directors was Antoine Lipkens, who was known for constructing the first Dutch optical telegraph.

Initially, the Royal Academy was located at Oude Delft 95 in Delft, but on 23 May 1863, an Act was passed that imposed regulations on technical education in the Netherlands, bringing it under the rules of secondary education. As a result, the Royal Academy in Delft was disbanded by a Royal Decree on 20 June 1864, making way for a Polytechnic School of Delft (Politechnische School te Delft).

The newly formed Polytechnic School of Delft educated engineers of various fields and architects, much needed during the rapid industrialization period in the 19th century. However, another Act passed on 22 May 1905 changed the name of the school to Technical College (Institute) of Delft (Technische Hoogeschool Delft, from 1934 Technische Hogeschool Delft), emphasizing the academic quality of the education. Polytechnic was granted university rights and was allowed to award academic degrees, and the number of students reached 450 around that time.

The official opening of the new school was attended by Queen Wilhelmina on 10 July 1905, and the first dean of the newly established college was ir. J. Kraus, a hydraulic engineer. In 1905, the first doctoral degree was awarded. From 1924 until the construction of the new campus in 1966, the ceremonies were held in the Saint Hippolytus Chapel.

Corporate rights were granted to the college on 7 June 1956, and most of the university buildings during that time were located within Delft city center, with some of the buildings set on the side of the river Schie, in the Wippolder district. Student organizations grew together with the university, and the first to be established on 22 March 1848 is the Delftsch Studenten Corps housed in the distinctive Sociëteit Phoenix on the Phoenixstraat. This was followed by the Delftsche Studenten Bond (est. 30 October 1897) and the KSV Sanctus Virgilius (est. 2 March 1898).

In 1917, Proof Garden for Technical Plantation (Dutch: Cultuurtuin voor Technische Gewassen) was established by Gerrit van Iterson, which today is known as Botanical Garden of TU Delft. In that period, the first female professor, Toos Korvezee, was appointed.

After the end of World War II, TU Delft increased its rapid academic expansion. Studium Generale was established at all universities in the Netherlands, including TU Delft, to promote free and accessible knowledge related to culture, technology, society, and science. Because of the increasing number of students, in 1974, the first Reception Week for First Year Students (Ontvangst Week voor Eerstejaars Studenten, OWEE) was established, which became a TU Delft tradition since then.

In 1986, the school changed its name to Delft University of Technology, and in 1997, its 13 faculties were merged into nine. The university has continued to expand, with the establishment of the Delft Top Tech institute in 1987 and a closer cooperation with Dutch universities of applied sciences. In 2007, TU Delft, TU Eindhoven, and the University of Twente established a federation called 3TU.

Courses

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is one of the top universities in the Netherlands, renowned for its engineering and technology programs. The university offers a wide range of courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, covering various disciplines of science, engineering, and design. Here are some of the major courses offered by TU Delft:

- Aerospace Engineering - TU Delft is known for its excellent aerospace engineering program, which covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of the field. Students can choose from a variety of specializations, such as Aerodynamics, Space Flight, Structures and Materials, and Control and Operations.

- Computer Science - The computer science program at TU Delft is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of software engineering, computer systems, algorithms, and data analysis. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and encourages students to work on real-world projects.

- Architecture - The Architecture program at TU Delft is highly respected and is ranked among the top 10 architecture schools in the world. The program covers a wide range of topics, including urban design, sustainability, heritage conservation, and digital fabrication.

- Civil Engineering - The Civil Engineering program at TU Delft is focused on developing solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges, such as climate change, water management, and sustainable infrastructure. Students can specialize in areas such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, and hydraulic engineering.

- Industrial Design - The Industrial Design program at TU Delft is aimed at developing innovative solutions to complex design challenges. Students learn to use design thinking and human-centred design principles to create products and systems that are functional, aesthetic, and sustainable.

- Mechanical Engineering - The Mechanical Engineering program at TU Delft covers a broad range of topics, including mechanics, materials science, thermodynamics, and manufacturing. Students can specialize in areas such as robotics, energy systems, and aerospace engineering.

- Electrical Engineering - The Electrical Engineering program at TU Delft focuses on the design, development, and application of electrical and electronic systems. The program covers topics such as electronics, power systems, and communication networks.

- Applied Mathematics - The Applied Mathematics program at TU Delft is designed for students who have a strong interest in mathematics and its applications. The program covers a range of topics, including optimization, modelling, and data analysis.

The university also offers programs in fields such as biotechnology, chemical engineering, environmental science, and nanotechnology. With its excellent faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and innovative curriculum, TU Delft is an excellent choice for students who want to pursue a career in science, engineering, or design.

Global MBA rankings

TU Delft is a leading technical university in the Netherlands that offers programs in engineering, applied sciences, and design. It was founded in 1842 and has since become known for its excellent research and education in these fields.

According to the 2022 QS World University Rankings, TU Delft is ranked 50th globally and 15th in Europe. In the subject-specific rankings, TU Delft is highly ranked in various engineering and technology disciplines. For example, it is ranked 3rd in the world for Architecture/Built Environment, 4th for Civil and Structural Engineering, and 8th for Chemical Engineering.

The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2022 also places TU Delft among the top universities globally, ranking it 64th overall. In addition, THE ranks TU Delft 8th in Europe for Engineering and Technology.

TU Delft also performs well in the academic rankings produced by ShanghaiRanking Consultancy. In the 2021 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), TU Delft is ranked 45th globally and 6th in Europe for Engineering/Technology and Computer Science.

Job integration rate

According to the latest available data from TU Delft, 88% of its graduates find employment within three months of graduation. This high job integration rate is a testament to the quality of education and training provided by TU Delft, as well as its strong connections with industry partners.

TU Delft also offers various career services and support to its students and alumni, including career counselling, job search assistance, and networking opportunities. This helps to ensure that graduates are well-prepared and equipped to enter the workforce and succeed in their chosen careers.

In addition to the high job integration rate, TU Delft is also recognized for its strong entrepreneurship ecosystem, with numerous successful start-ups launched by its graduates. The university's entrepreneurial spirit and focus on innovation help to foster a culture of creativity and drive among its students, preparing them to become leaders in their fields.

General information

Delf University of Technology 

https://www.tudelft.nl/

Campus: Urban

Mekelweg 5, 2628 CD Delft, Netherlands

Delft University of Technology
Dean

Prof. Dr. Ir. Fred van Keulen

Locations
Delft, Netherlands
Established
1842
Afiliations
IDEA Climate-KIC CESAER EUA 4TU UNITECH SEFI SAE ATHENS PEGASUS
Address
Mekelweg 5, 2628 CD Delft, Netherlands
Social Media