Physics and Astronomy

This public information is part of VUB’s quality assurance and was ratified by the Academic Council on 30/09/2024. Following text is a translation of the formal Dutch version.

Strengths of the programme

• Strong profile founded on scientific excellence: the qualitative and attractive programmes are based on the research done at the VUB. The programmes are also characterised by great expertise in particle physics. Students are taught by passionate lecturers who are highly regarded internationally.
• Accessible and approachable: the reachability of lecturers and assistants is a great asset of the programme. Students can come to them with their questions and problems. Moreover, students are closely mentored by Study Guidance.
• Dedicated team working with students: the course council has a clear vision and is committed to continuous improvement of the programme. Student feedback is also addressed. 

Opportunities

• The course council could communicate more clearly about course contents and electives. To help students choose, the programme could, for example, structure the electives in sample trajectories or by theme.
• The teaching staff could be more diverse. This both in terms of gender and origin.

Current developments

• The programme council will better manage the transition from high school to university by adjusting some courses in the first semester of the first year. In this way, it hopes to better spread the study load in this semester.
• The professional skills learning track will receive more attention throughout the programme. The new course, ‘Physics in Society’, will be integrated into this track, and a career in teaching will also be given more prominence. 
• The course council will further refine the bachelor's and master's thesis assessment forms to make expectations even more explicit.
• The course council will also offer more guidance on how to complete the mobility courses in the programme. An internship can be included within these courses. The programme will communicate more clearly about the internship offer and the internship coordinator they can turn to for support. 

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.