The multidisciplinary field of nanoscale research into four major themes: (i) nanotechnology (NT), (ii) nanoscience (NS), (iii) biophysics (BP), (iv) bionanotechnology (BNT). Each consortium partner offers speciality courses in at least two of these themes as well as broadening or ontroductory courses for the other themes. You choose one theme as your "major" (2nd year) and one theme as a "minor" (1st year).

A major in one particular theme is not identical at all locations: since a crucial quality of the programme is the strong connection between research and education, the programme themes at each partner reflect local research strengths. Students will greatly benefit from this connection between state-of-the-art research and education within the Master’s programme.

The curriculum consists mainly of course modules taught by research specialists and a research project within one of the many research groups at the consortium.
The weights (according to the ECTS, European Credit Transfer System) of the course modules are given below (see programme details).

The introductory courses will introduce the students to disciplines in which they have had no training and which are essential for the courses in Year 1 and University 1. For example, a physics student will follow the introductory course of biochemistry. If a student does not need any introductory course, he/she may choose an elective course.

The non-technical course modules are necessary to impart non-technical qualities to the nanoscientists. Modules such as ethics, scientific writing skills, entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property are offered. They will typically take place in Year 1 at University 1. A series of seminars of societal aspects of nanotechnology and bionanotechnology will be offered at each university and will be broadcasted by virtual classroom for all students within the consortium.

The core courses contain the basic knowledge within the three main disciplines: nanotechnology, nanoscience and biochemistry/physics. Every student will follow these courses irrespective of her/his specialization. Further broadening beyond the chosen specialization is available through the minor, which consists of elective courses within one of the 4 themes, on the full width of the subject.
The major courses prepare for the master thesis project. They will consist of courses with a general character and as well of courses highly specialized and directly related to the master thesis research.

The master thesis research project is intended to bring the student in close contact with a multinational and multidisciplinary research environment of a research institute in academia or in industry. The student will be assigned a relevant research project and work in close collaboration with PhD students, postdocs and professors. The research project is finalized with a public presentation of a Master’s Thesis at the two universities involved in the student’s curriculum.

“The Erasmus Mundus Lecture Series on Nanotechnology in Modern Society” are organized on a monthly basis by the consortium partners, given by national and international experts on subjects such as “ethics of nanotechnology developments”, “opportunities for nanotechnology applications” and “the risks of nanotechnology”. Nanoscience and nanotechnology are relatively new subjects, and as such they are accompanied by many uncertainties as to their impact on modern society. We consider this an important aspect of the educational programme. Students need to be aware of the challenges, risks and promises of nanotechnical developments and to contribute to finding answers to open questions. They are expected to attend all of the lectures and to prepare a short report of about 4 pages on one of the lectures of their own choice.