Is School of Thinking for you?
The generalist curriculum of the Postgraduate School of Thinking is addressed to working professionals whose interests are focused on complex, ‘wicked’, multidisciplinary, convoluted, and unprecedented phenomena — and particularly to those, for whom the outcome of their endeavors critically depends on the quality of thinking.
The (non-exhaustive) list of the professional roles, whose performance can be greatly enhanced by participating in the programme includes: intellectual and organisational leaders, think-tank members, politicians, activists, entrepreneurs, intellectuals, researchers, artists, philanthropists, managers, as well as consultants, coaches, trainers, and teachers who support such professionals in their development.
Why study at the VUB?
Studying at VUB gives you more than a diploma. You learn to view the world with an open mind and without prejudice. You hone your critical thinking, and you learn to express your opinion. You commit not just to study, but to participate in meaningful social projects that make the world a better place. In short, this is where you shape your identity. Who you are today and want to be tomorrow.
Spread the study load
Would you prefer the default track or a personal study path?
Your personal situation may make it harder for you to follow a full-time course of study. You may want to combine study with work, for example, or practise an elite sport. This needn't be an issue in itself, as the PG isn't necessarily a full-time programme.
You can always opt to spread the studies over a longer term by taking 25 to 35 credits per academic year (for an idea - one credit equals 25 to 30 hours' study time). Which courses you take, you choose in consultation with your study path counselor. Need more info?
What does a study pathway look like? Contact your faculty's study path counselor
Study and examination flexibility
Reflex status
Do you have a physical disability, learning disability or chronic illness, or are you starting a business or finding it harder to study because of your personal situation? If so, you qualify for Reflex Status.
With this you can ask for a flexible approach to your studies and exams, to maximise your chances of success. You may need access to course materials, for example, or more time to sit an exam, a translator or interpreter, staggered examinations, and so on.
Keen on combining your studies with a job?
Combining your studies with a job
The participation is open to both stationary and non stationary students. It requires the in-person, physical presence for two and a half days per month and about three to five days per month of the additional individual and group work, which can be scheduled in a flexible manner and carried out on distance.
Elite sports and studying
Elite sports and study
Keen to combine your elite sporting career with a programme at VUB? It makes sense, as it strengthens your position in the jobs market after your sporting career ends.
Our Elite Sports & Study department helps you work out a personal study pathway and guides you through to the end.
Studying with a disability
Studying with a functional impairment
Do you have a disability (for example, a learning disability, chronic medical condition, psychiatric or sensory disability)? If so, you qualify for a flexible approach to your studies and exams through Reflex Status, to maximise your chances of success. You may need access to course materials, for example, or more time to sit an exam, a translator or interpreter, staggered examinations, and so on.
Find out more about Reflex Status
For extra support there are other student services to draw on at VUB. For example, a wheelchair-adapted room, study guidance and a personal study-pathway, mental healthcare, medical care, etc.
Study Guidance
Study Guidance
An experienced team of student psychologists, student counsellors and study-pathway supervisors are there to give you personal study advice, guidance and training. At every phase in your study career.
- Individual - Advice on your choice of programme, stress and anxiety training, help with exam planning, help for students with dyslexia...
- Group (workshops, courses) - Choosing a subject for your bachelor's or master's thesis, learning to present, dealing with stress and anxiety...
- Tools - An example of good weekly planning, tips and tricks for a good study method, a step plan to help you choose the right programme...