“MNW met all of my expectations—mainly because of the varied range of subjects on offer, but also because of the different forms of education. Switching between lectures and practicals makes the programme very dynamic. The programme gives you lots of room to discover what makes you more or less enthusiastic, both inside and outside the field of science. I used this freedom to compose my own minor with subjects outside the programme, and my internship allowed me to link software programming to the curriculum of the study programme. This is how my interest in combining computer science and medical technology came about. The BMTP master’s programme was the best fit with the path I had taken during my bachelor’s degree.”

“I never thought I’d go into research, let alone do a PhD. In my head, I had a totally different image of research. Through the internships during my studies, I discovered that it met my needs for independence, creativity and combining my interests. You work independently on a research project for four years in order to take research to a higher level and to answer one or more research questions. My goal is to apply artificial intelligence to data from a microscopy technique that makes it possible to examine excised tumour tissue in real-time during surgery. Ultimately, we want to support the surgeon in deciding whether or not all of the tumour tissue has been removed. This PhD is a perfect reflection of the interdisciplinary character of MNW and BMTP.”

“My student life at VU Amsterdam was really great, which mostly had to do with the study association. I didn’t live in student housing during my bachelor’s degree. The association brings you in contact with a lot of new friends and together you make the time during your studies very fun and educational. The opportunity to have a drink together or participate in educational activities and other events made the study in Amsterdam, for someone who didn't live in Amsterdam, complete. Since the beginning of my bachelor's degree, I’ve actively participated in several committees and the board of the study association MENS. Most of my personal development is due to the experiences I gained there.”

“My tip for future MNW and BMTP students is to make good use of the opportunities to get to know yourself better, in and outside your studies. Showing initiative and the desire to follow your own path is indispensable. What do you like and what do you see yourself doing or not doing later? How can you integrate your own abilities and interests in this? Your time at university is both the most fun and the most formative time of your life.”