Activities

As a Faculty, we organise high-quality education and research and relevant social services in an international environment. We do this in various fields such as philosophy, moral sciences, history, art studies, archeology, linguistics and literary studies, and applied linguistics. We are guided in this by a well-considered policy plan and strategy. In order to achieve our set goals, we divide responsibilities and powers over various bodies. Discover our mission and vision, and what exactly our organisational structure looks like.

Mission and vision

Our mission

The world needs humane scientists more than ever. Historians, philosophers, art, culture and literature scholars, along with language specialists and journalists play a crucial role in important developments. Consider recent societal crises such as COVID-19, climate, migrants and refugees, and political turmoil.  These crises are made even worse by fake news and systematic disinformation, putting existing structures, norms, and values under extreme pressure.

It is up to humane scientists to expose and interpret these processes, in the spirit of the free research that lies at the heart of VUB. They can then propose humane solutions that take into account fundamental human values and rights, such as critical thinking, free speech, and the equality of all people.

Teaching and research in the Faculty of Languages and Humanities is organised in 2 departments: the HARP department (History, Art Sciences & Archeology, Philosophy) and the LIST department (Linguistics & Literary Studies). Each department has a number of training and research groups. 

The administration and policy of the Faculty is in the hands of a number of faculty committees (the Education, Research, Internationalisation and Communication and Marketing committees) and councils (the Faculty Office, the Faculty Board and the Faculty Council), each with their own powers.

Currently, over 100 (full-time or part-time) academic staff members (professors, assistants, researchers) and 15 (full-time or part-time) administrative staff members are active at our Faculty.

Our vision

The education provided by our faculty offers numerous research tools for analysis, interpretation, and expression. Such tools can be used to interpret and compare models of human thought and action, and to imagine the future. How do we do that? By studying not only the languages, arts, cultures, philosophies, and texts that have shaped our world and societies, but also their evolution and history.

We strive to open new perspectives by shining a light on differences - different times and places, cultures, but also different ways of thinking, seeing, acting, and expressing. We pose complex questions about the past and present and facilitate innovative ways of exploring the future. 

The wide range of programmes at the bachelor's and master's level reflects the multi-faceted character of our Faculty. Our 6 bachelor's and 13 master's programmes have a strong focus on discipline-related education in small groups with intensive guidance and support. At the same time, we teach our students to have an open mind to multiple perspectives and disciplines and to approach these with a critical spirit. This makes them experts in their chosen discipline who are thoroughly prepared for the labour market or academia. 

Our Faculty makes the most of its location in Brussels, in the heart of Europe. This means that we:

  • are strongly internationally oriented in education and research;
  • offer individual and flexible education tailor-made, with an eye for diversity in all aspects;
  • focus on quality research that is both scientifically and socially relevant, solution-oriented, visible, and interdisciplinary;
  • create an environment for students and staff where everyone can develop to their full potential.
 
The world needs you

Our Faculty actively contributes to a better society. We research society and at the same time pass our knowledge on to future generations through education so that they can participate in and seek solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Read our policy plan (PDF)

Internationalisering

The Faculty of Languages and Humanities is strongly committed to an innovative and effective policy on internationalisation. Within the framework of Erasmus+ , the Faculty has about 40 bilateral agreements for student and staff mobility and for internships. In addition, students can apply for international exchange initiatives outside Europe. 

The Faculty's courses and departments work closely with the partners of the EUTOPIA network, which has been part of the European Universities Initiative since 2018. Specifically, you can study in Paris, Gothenburg, Dresden, Lisbon, Venice, Barcelona, Coventry, or Ljubljana.

Organisational structure

Within our faculty, there are a number of bodies and departments charged with taking care of different tasks and responsibilities. Below you’ll find an overview of our organisational structure.

Faculty Board

The Faculty Board is the management body within the faculty responsible for the general direction taken by the faculty. Led by the dean, who is supported by a management team, the Faculty Board is also responsible for implementing overall university policy in individual educational programmes and for managing the quality control thereof. Students and academic personnel are also represented on the Faculty Board.

Faculty Council

The Faculty Council is the highest governing body within the faculty, and is responsible for determining faculty policy on matters relating to education, research and services. The Faculty Council convenes at least four times per year, and consists of professors, assistants, administrative and technical personnel and students. The council provides advice to the university’s governing body on matters such as educational regulations and training programmes, and is charged with taking decisions with regard to the employment of lecturers, the composition of the examination board, etc.  

Faculty Office

The Faculty Office is responsible for the day-to-day management of the faculty and consists of at least the dean, vice-dean and the academic secretary.

Training Councils

The Faculty also has a number of Training Councils, where the educational recommendations for the Faculty take shape. Students and work-field representatives have an important voice here.

Dean's office

You can consult with the dean’s office regarding administrative matters, exemptions, examination regulations, problems related to your choice of study subjects, etc. 

Departments and research groups

The Faculty consists of departments, which are responsible for the educational and research activities within their specialisation. The departments consist of academic staff (professors, assistants, and researchers), a departmental council that determines their performance and departmental chairmen who assume coordination. A department has several research groups, which are sometimes interdisciplinary and cross-departmental or cross-faculty.

An overview of our departments and research groups

Faculty associations

Our Faculty has 1 student association and 2 alumni associations.

Our student association



Our alumni associations

 

A question for one of our faculty representatives? Contacteer ons.

In addition, anyone who has graduated from VUB can always join the Former Students' Union.