Gerontological Sciences

Admission requirements

As a general rule, every study programme comes with its own set of conditions. 

Which degree is required?

The Research Master of Gerontological Sciences is aimed at students with an academic Bachelor or Master degree:

- Bachelor of Political Sciences and Sociology specialisation Sociology Minor Management, Care and Policy in Gerontology (VUB);

- Bachelor in a field relevant to Gerontology (Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Psychology, Physical Education and Kinesiology, Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, …);

- Preparatory Programme in Management, Care and Policy in Gerontology (VUB).

If you hold a foreign diploma (non-Belgian degree), you have to consider specific administration. Let us guide you through these steps:

Check the most important steps to consider   

Will I need to sit an entrance exam?

You will not need to sit an entrance exam to begin the programme.

Are there any language requirements?

If you are applying from outside the EEA you may need to provide evidence of adequate knowledge of English through one of the following criteria. You can do this by meeting one of the following criteria:

1. You have a diploma of primary, secondary or higher education where English was the language of instruction;
2. You have successfully completed at least one year of secondary education where English was the language of instruction;
3. You have successfully completed an education programme in the higher education sector where at least 15 ECTS credits were taught in English;
4. You have successfully completed one of the following language proficiency tests,
   • TOEFL: minimum level 213 computer-based, 80 internet-based;
   • IELTS: minimum level academic module 6.5;
   • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE), grade B;
   • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), grade C;
   • TOEIC: minimum level: 860.

Exceptions to the language requirement may be granted by our programme director on the basis of an interview.

Are there any other conditions?

Selections will be made by our programme director on the basis of a well-justified application and an interview.

The following criteria will be used to rank and select candidates:

• Motivation for starting the Research Master of Gerontological Sciences
• Interest in at least one of the following research areas within gerontology:
  • Biological and biomedical gerontology
  • Social gerontology
  • Psychological gerontology
  • Organisation of health care in an ageing and intercultural society

Study results obtained in previous education may also be considered but there is some flexibility.