After graduation
Social Sciences is a broad field of study. With a bachelor's degree in Social Sciences you have several options for the future. You can further your knowledge of Communication Sciences, Sociology or Political Sciences by taking the master's programme (or a master's in another discipline at VUB or Ghent University). Or you can go straight into the labour market and take a job as a social scientist for one of the many international political, social or media companies based in Brussels, the heart of Europe. The opportunities available to you are almost endless.
What have you learnt?
The bachelor in Social Sciences involves much more than learning theories. As part of an interdisciplinary approach, in which we start from a problem-centred curriculum, we focus on qualitative and quantitative methodologies and consider the global perspective. In this way, we marry theory to practice.
What does that mean for you? The programme gives you a toolbox of essential skills. You get a broad foundation in sociology, political science and communication studies, while mastering key research methods such as statistical analysis, interviews, participant observation and content analysis. And you come away with a wide range of problem-solving skills. Whatever your future path, the knowledge, attitudes and skills you acquire (data interpretation included) are of true value in tackling the world's social complexities in our data-driven world.
Whichever path you choose in the future, the ability to interpret data effectively will be truly valuable. That’s why we focus on qualitative and quantitative methods, and consider the global perspective. As a social scientist with European aspirations there’s no better place to be than here. In Brussels, at the heart of European and international political, social and media organisations, the opportunities for your future are almost endless.
Further study
Master of the universe?
Not quite! It's a big universe. However, Ghent University and VUB are both acclaimed universities and well placed on international rankings. Our combined bachelor's programme is internationally accredited. So, after your diploma, you'll be able to continue with a wide range of master's programmes worldwide. Here's a list of the many possibilities.
What professions will it allow you to enter?
The bachelor in Social Sciences is a wide-ranging programme, and it opens up a broad range of job opportunities. During the programme you will have the chance to select a specialist discipline: Sociology, Communication Studies, or Political Science. Later, you may wish to explore this avenue further with a master's degree.
For a social scientist with European aspirations, there is no better place to be. Here, in Brussels, at the heart of the European and international political, social, and media organisations, your opportunities are almost endless. Alternatively, why not pursue an academic career by taking one of the English-speaking taught master's programmes at Ghent University or VUB? And, of course, yet another smart move is to pursue a PhD.
Are you aware that VUB sometimes looks for social scientists?
That's right! You can build an exciting and meaningful career as a sociologist, political scientist or communication specialist here at your alma mater. As a large organisation we look for very diverse profiles.
Join our alumni community
In addition to enhancing your standing in the job market, obtaining a VUB diploma grants you access to a supportive network aimed at helping you achieve your professional goals and contribute positively to the world. Need more reasons to join? We've listed a few more below for you.
- Benefits on and off campus - A BasicFit annual subscription at half the price, student rates in the Resto... : being a former student pays off.
- Help with job applications - It is sometimes hard for young alumni to find their way on the labour market. We help you get off to a flying start.
- Networking - Join your faculty or study-programme alumni association and keep up to date with the latest networking events and developments in your field.