Educational quality of the programme
At VUB the quality of the education takes centre stage. This isn't something we say lightly: we scrutinise our programmes regularly to align them with changing student needs in a rapidly changing society.
This public information is part of VUB’s quality assurance system and was ratified by the Academic Council on 02/02/2026. This is a translation. Sources: Peer Review 2025 & Strategic plan 2025-2028.
Strengths of the programme
- Self-reflective and purpose-driven: The programme is aware of its strengths and areas for improvement, and acts on them proactively.
- Engaged and accessible teaching team: Lecturers are highly motivated, approachable, and demonstrate strong commitment to teaching.
- Broad and high-quality curriculum: From the first year onwards, students receive a broad introduction to Communication Studies. The MediaLab course, which runs throughout all bachelor years, is a significant asset.
- Clear educational vision: The programme aims to develop reflective communication professionals, a focus is clearly embedded in the structure of the curriculum.
- Well-supported master’s thesis process: Clear guidelines, regular contact moments, and intermediate assignments provide strong support throughout the dissertation trajectory.
Opportunities
- Stronger alignment between bachelor’s and master’s programmes: By strengthening the thematic coherence between the bachelor’s curriculum and the master’s specialisations, a more clearly structured study trajectory can be achieved. A more sharply defined profile for Media & Society is part of this alignment.
- Optimising elective options: The wide range of elective options is positive, yet requires evaluation to help reinforce group cohesion and simplify programme organisation.
- Greater clarity regarding practical skills: Students need a clearer understanding of which practical skills they will acquire within the programme and which they will not. Project management also requires a more explicit place within the curriculum.
- Reconsidering the internship framework: A revised approach could strengthen connections with the professional field. Collaboration with alumni organisations may add substantial value in this regard.
- Vision on quantitative methods and AI: A consistent approach is particularly important for students enrolled in the bridging programme. Generative AI deserves explicit attention in methodological courses, with a focus on responsible use.
Current developments
- Continuous evaluation of bachelor’s and master’s thesis: Supervision and assessment are being further optimised, including attention to new AI-related possibilities.
- Review of the internship framework: the aim is to enhance relevance, clarify expectations, and present internship opportunities in a more structured and accessible way.
- A more coherent programme with revised elective pathways: The programme is reconsidering its elective options and improving alignment between the master’s tracks. The education matrix will also be updated.
- Strengthening critical reflection and dialogue: These core values will be made more explicit in learning outcomes, teaching methods, and forms of assessment.
Where do we get this information from?
As institution we routinely ask our students to give their honest opinion about the study programme during their academic career. We also consult our professors and assistants and gauge the expectations in the future field of work. We receive structured feedback from our former students and compare our programmes with others at home and abroad. Through a Peer Review every six years an expert panel endorses the programme’s assets and can recommend some actions. Lastly, the Education Quality Council takes a formal decision about the quality and functioning of a programme.
Quality Cycle
Each programme follows a six-year quality cycle. The timeline below shows the schedule for this particular programme.
