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Do you enjoy combining technology, innovation and business? In Commercial Engineering, you learn how to translate technical knowledge into successful products and commercial opportunities. You focus on both the business market (B2B) and the consumer market (B2C). You discover how to analyse markets, understand customer needs and position technical products and services successfully. For example, students have worked on developing and marketing innovative products for companies such as Philips.

Why choose Commercial Engineering?

During this study track, you learn how to:

  • analyse market opportunities and customer behaviour
  • develop commercial strategies for technical products
  • communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders
  • translate customer needs into technical solutions
  • position innovative products in competitive markets

You combine technical insight with commercial thinking and develop the skills to connect engineering and business.

"For some projects, we were given access to a company’s real sales figures."
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Part of the Engineering bachelor

You apply for the Engineering bachelor programme. During the first two years, you build a broad foundation in engineering, technology and design. In the later phase of the programme, you choose your study track: Product Engineering, Commercial Engineering, Energy Transition Engineering or Mechatronic Engineering.

The Commercial Engineering track focuses on connecting technology and business. You learn how to combine technical knowledge, market insights and customer needs to develop successful products and commercial solutions for real-world challenges.

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Programme structure for this track

You choose your study track in the later phase of the programme. When you apply for Engineering, you’ll follow a broad foundation in engineering during your first two years. After that, you specialise in one of the four study tracks through projects, internships and minor (one-semester programme) and your graduation assignment.

In the third year of the programme, you choose your minor. A minor will enable you to deepen or broaden your knowledge and skills. You can do this at the HZ or at another university of applied sciences at home or abroad.

The other half of the year you will do an internship. You can choose whether you stay in the Netherlands or go abroad.

In the final year, you choose one study route. In the first semester, you will have classes and projects.

In the second half of the year, you will work on your graduation project at a company. You design and research technical improvements and innovations in a company during your final project. The choice is yours whether to do this in the Netherlands or abroad.

In this year, all your knowledge and skills come together and you can prove that you have mastered the profession. With your diploma in your possession, you can start working as an engineer!

Career prospects

As an Engineer graduate you can find yourself in various professions. You have a broad education, but the Commercial Engineering study track also includes a number of specific professions, such as:

  • Product developer
  • Product designer
  • Entrepreneur

The Netherlands offers strong career opportunities for Commercial Engineering graduates, especially in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, innovation and international business. Many companies operate globally, where English is often the main working language. However, learning Dutch can improve your career opportunities, particularly in client-facing roles and business development. At HZ, you can follow free Dutch classes to support your future career.

Would you like to continue studying after completing the Engineering programme? Then there are various possibilities. If you want to do this abroad, you can usually get direct access to the Master programme. In the Netherlands, you may be required to follow a pre-Master’s programme. You can start a master's programme through a bridging programme, such as:

  • Master Industrial Project Design
  • Master innovation management

Have questions or want to visit us?

Our International Recruitment team is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need more information about the programme or want to experience HZ yourself, feel free to get in touch.

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