VUB and KULeuven: the best of Belgium!

The Geography departments of both Vrije Universiteit Brussel and KULeuven continuously develop and maintain innovative and internationally recognised research programmes on fundamental and applied aspects of Geosciences, Human Geography, and Geo-Information Science covering a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Most research programmes are international collaborations, and both departments take part in various international research networks.

The offered courses are strongly embedded in the ongoing research programmes of both universities. Through intensive collaboration with members of the different research groups, you will get the opportunity to develop and improve your scientific skills.

If you are more interested in urbanisation, the planning and dynamics of cities, take a look at our Master of Science in Urban Studies.

VUB in the media

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Specialisation module: Mixed Methods

In the Mixed Methods module students deepen and broaden their knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Ample opportunity is provided apply these methods to geographic problems and to deepen the understanding of novel research approaches. How can we use Big Data to tackle complex urban problems ? How can one model land use changes? And what are state-of the art techniques for qualitative research? Combined with the other modules, you will master geographical methods and apply them to human-environment interactions.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes describe the intended knowledge and understanding, skills and attitudes that you must master after completing your studies.

Do you want to know more about the specific learning outcomes of this programme? Click here for more information.

Erasmus+

Do these international excursions give you an appetite for more? The departments at both universities have a whole host of research projects and collaborations from which you can benefit. That means you might spend a few months abroad for fieldwork in the framework of your Master's thesis (Equatorial Africa, Asia, South America, European Cities, etc.). You can also include a semester in another (European) country in your study programme or do an internship abroad.

Your job? Solving real-world problems!

Geographers integrate the study of physical and human systems. They are in equal parts natural and social scientists and have specialised knowledge in geographical information science techniques.

There is a growing interest for the multidisciplinary approach geographers can offer to solve real-world problems at all spatial scales - from local to global - and a strong demand for competent professionals in the broad field of geospatial sciences. As a graduate from the interuniversity programme Master of Geography, you may be recruited by public authorities, private companies and research institutions dealing with urban and regional planning, mobility and transportation, tourism, environmental conservation and management, natural risk assessment, as well as by a multitude of providers and users of geodata-based tools and services.

Academic requirements

Direct admission - Flemish degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in Geography
• Bachelor of Science in Geography and Geomatics

Online application:

For other bachelors, admission will be evaluated based on academic records and skills. The following minimum requirements are requested:

• 6 ECTS in social processes
• 6 ECTS in physical processes
• 6 ECTS in geo-information sciences
• 9 ECTS mathematicsand statistics
• 3 ECTS basic programming.

Specialisation modules:

• Earth and Climate: applicants are required to have a solid background in natural sciences.
• Geo-information Sciences and Mixed Methods: experience in programming, use of GIS and spatial analysis techniques is required for both modules.
• Society and Space: applicants are expected to have a clear interest in social sciences.

Equivalency and admission to the programme will be based on a review of each student's academic record and will be evaluated case by case.

Language requirements

All prospective students need to provide a proof of sufficient knowledge of English. For more details have a look at the application page.

Online application

Students who don't have a Flemish bachelor degree are required to submit an online application. The application procedure consists out of three steps:

1. Apply online
   Fill out your personal information and upload your documents.
2. Screening of your application
   The Admissions Office and the Faculty will check if you are eligible.
3. Result via e-mail
   If your application is accepted, we will send you a Letter of Acceptance.

All information on the admision procedure, requirements, deadlines and application forms can be found on the application page.

Application deadlines

There are two separate deadlines to submit an application if you are applying with a foreign degree, depending on whether or not you require a visa to enter Belgium.

You can find all information on the application page.

First Online Info Session: 9 december 2021 (2pm CET)

We will start this online info session with a general introduction to VUB and the application process. After that, we will provide breakout rooms per programme for a more in depth presentation on the specifics of each programme.

Worried you might still have questions afterwards? We will leave plenty of time for a Q&A at the end as well.