Is Geography right for you?
The Geography master’s programme at Vrije Universiteit Brussel is designed for those eager to engage with critical global issues, such as environmental change, globalisation, and other societal challenges, with a focus on fostering sustainable development. This interuniversity programme, in collaboration with KU Leuven, offers a diverse curriculum that spans various disciplines within geography, allowing you to tailor your studies to your own interests and career ambitions.
The programme emphasises the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, reflecting the growing demand for geographers who can tackle real-world problems at multiple spatial scales, from local communities to global systems. Additionally, field trips and excursions are integral to the curriculum, providing hands-on experience that complements classroom learning. These opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings are crucial for developing the skills needed in the field of geospatial sciences.
Situated in Brussels, the programme benefits from its proximity to numerous European institutions and multinational organisations, offering an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers. Through close collaboration with various research groups, you will have the chance to enhance your scientific expertise, preparing you to meet the challenges and opportunities within the ever-evolving field of geography.
Why choose this programme?
Solving real-world problems
There is a growing interest in the multidisciplinary approach geographers can offer to solve real-world problems on all spatial scales, from local to global, and a strong demand for competent professionals in the field of geospatial sciences. As a graduate of the interuniversity Master of Science in Geography, you can be recruited by public authorities, private companies and research institutions dealing with urban and regional planning, mobility and transportation, tourism, environmental conservation and natural risk assessment, as well as by a multitude of providers and users of geodata-based tools and services.
Why choose this programme?
Scientific expertise
The Geography Departements of both Vrije Universiteit Brussel and KU Leuven continuously develop and maintain innovative and internationally recognised research programmes on fundamental and applied aspects of Geosciences, Human Geography, and GeoInformation 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. Thus 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.
Why choose this programme?
Fieldwork and excursions
As a geography student you are privileged. As the Earth is your study subject, you need to go out there and discover the world so you can truly understand it. Field trips and excursions are a crucial element of this study programme, and allow you to look at the world from either a physical or societal perspective. The departments at both universities have a 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, and so on). You can also include a semester in another (European) country in your study programme or do an internship abroad.