Discover drone innovations and make lasting societal impact

With the growing demand for drone-based innovations across civilian and military sectors, our drone minor program offers an unique opportunity to be at the forefront of this transformative technology. The minor drones offers hands-on learning and personalized exploration, by tackling real-world challenges in various applications. This program is designed for students from almost any technical background, providing a broad, accessible minor that allows you to address urgent and relevant challenges while tailoring your learning experience to your individual interests.

Course Content

The drone minor explores the cutting-edge field of drone technology, combining technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and real-world applications. It offers a comprehensive yet flexible minor program, including modules on drone fundamentals, modeling and control, AI-based perception, testing, certification, and piloting. A semester-long innovative project allows students to tackle societal challenges, specialize in their areas of interest, and work on public-private collaborations with the SMART Mechatronics and Robotics research groups. Open to students from diverse technical backgrounds, this minor equips participants with essential skills, practical experience, and recognized certification, preparing them to innovate, be part of and even lead in the rapidly growing drone industry.

Skills and Competencies You Will Develop

• Rapid Prototyping
• Problem-Solution Mapping
• Piloting
• Teamwork
• Research & Development

Program Structure
The minor is composed of four 5 ECT modules, of which you follow at least three:

• Fundamentals of Drones (mandatory module): Establish a strong foundation in drone technology.
• Elective Modules (choose at least two):
  • Modeling and Control
  • AI-Based Perception
  • Certification and Piloting

These above modules provide you with the flexibility to shape your learning path based on your interests and career goals.

Innovative Project (15 ECT)
The innovative project spans the entire semester and serves as the culmination of the knowledge and skills acquired in the modules, focusing on solving real-world societal challenges. This project provides students with the opportunity to further specialize in one or more areas covered in the modules.

Projects are conducted within the context of ongoing and prospective public-private collaborative projects of the SMART Mechatronics and Robotics research groups. At the same time, they are designed to offer flexibility, allowing students to tailor their work to align with their interests.

Throughout the project, students will also develop foundational knowledge of drone frameworks and get critical training in research skills, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to succeed and thrive in this field.

Target group

This minor is made for students from diverse technical backgrounds, including:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Applied Computer Science
• HBO-ICT
• Industrial design
• others after intake

Students from other educational programs, both within and outside Saxion, who possess basic technical knowledge and an interest in the field are also eligible to apply. However, these students are expected to meet certain knowledge and skills for this minor, including knowledge of kinematics, dynamics, and programming. Students who wish to participate in the minor but lack these prerequisites are expected to acquire the necessary knowledge themselves.

Why choose this minor?
The emerging demand for drone-based innovations in civilian and military applications underscores the relevance of this minor. Here's why it's a game-changer:

• Broad, Accessible Technical Program: Expand your technical expertise with minimal prerequisites.
• Flexible and Unique Curriculum: Tailor your learning journey to suit your interests.
• High Value and Diverse Applications: Enhance your skills for various impactful challenges.
• Personal Growth and Certification: Gain a recognized certification that adds value to your career.

Course structure

Mandatory:

• Fundamentals of drones(5 EC)
• Innovative project (15 EC)
• Minimum of 2 courses from:
  • Modelling and control  (5 EC)
  • AI based perception(5 EC)
  • Testing, certification and piloting (5 EC)

Assessment methods

Different types of exams are used for each module (each module is graded independently).

Grading will be based on products as they are used in the work field: prototypes as a physical product, reports or presentations describing the design process and an assessment to explain your individual contribution.

Fundamental technical knowledge can be assessed in oral or written exams (TBD).

How do I apply?
The application process regarding the Kies op Maat minor at Saxion is a bit different than described at www.kiesopmaat.nl

How does it work?
Step 1: Download the learning agreement from the Kies op Maat website and let it sign by a member of the exam commission at your own educational institution ánd sign the document yourself.
Step 2: go to https://sis.saxion.nl/account# and fill in your personal data
Step 3: you will receive an automatic generated email from IAM including your username and password
Step 4: go the https://sis.saxion.nl, log on with your username and password which you have received from IAM and apply!
Step 5: After this we can process your application for a Kies op Maat minor at Saxion

Please note: in 'upload documents' you are requested to upload some documents. The following documents we need:

• A copy of your valid passport or ID-card. No driving license!
• A copy of your propaedeutic diploma or a printout from the DUO diploma register. In case you do not have the propaedeutic diploma yet, we would like to receive an official statement from your educational institution in which they state that you will receive the propaedeutic diploma before the start of the minor.
• Learning agreement, page 1, 2 and 3 (signed by a member of the exam commission of your own education institution and student)
• Original Proof of Payment for the study year 2025-2026 (available from June). You can request this proof from your educational institution, also if you pay in instalments. Your educational institution will email the Proof of Payment to Saxion.
  Deadline for handing in the original Proof of Payment is 2 weeks before the start of the minor.

If you have further questions, please let us know. You can contact Saxion Service Point, telephone number: 088 – 019 3000.