Geography, M.Sc.

  • Application Deadline
  • 24 months
    Duration
The Department of Geography of Vrije Universiteit Brussel and the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences of KULeuven (both in the top 100 of the QS ranking) have joined forces to offer a highly competitive 2-year interuniversity master programme in geography (120 ECTS).

About

The set-up of the programme, which includes a common core and three research tracks, either focusing on physical geography, social and urban geography, or GIS and spatial modelling, gives you the possibility to match it to your interests and ambitions. The programme offers comprehensive coverage of spatially explicit approaches for analysing social and natural phenomena and how these interact. Hands-on training in the use of qualitative and quantitative geographical research techniques prepares you perfectly for your future career.

3 Tracks

  • Earth & Climate
In this specialisation you will gain a deep understanding of land surface and atmospheric processes shaping the physical environment and acquire quantitative skills for analysing and modelling the dynamics of these processes. You will also learn to independently define and carry out research projects in geosciences and develop a synthetic vision of environmental issues, at local, regional and global levels.
  • City, Society & Space
In a strongly urbanised world there is a growing need to better understand social, economic, cultural, and political dynamics of urban areas. The City, Society & Space track focuses on the multifaceted issues that cities are experiencing in the current era of globalisation. During your studies, you will be introduced to key urban social and economic theories and become familiar with critical views of urban development. In the interdisciplinary spirit of urban studies, you will have the chance to engage with and integrate insights from key debates in urban planning and design, housing and real estate markets, tourism and regional development, and much more. What’s more, you will be trained in qualitative and quantitative research methods that will allow you to analyse contemporary urban dynamics in a synthetic and rigorous way.
  • GIS & Spatial Modelling
In the GIS & Spatial Modelling track you will become acquainted with new approaches and techniques for acquiring, managing, analysing and mapping spatial data. Based on your skills in spatial data handling and your background in both natural and human sciences, you will be trained in analysing complex interactions between man and environment and in the application of spatial decision-making mechanisms. As an expert in geodata processing and spatial modelling you will get the opportunity to improve your knowledge in important application fields of geo-information science, including natural resource management, spatial planning, mobility and transportation. A big bonus is that you can also opt to include a 2-month GIS internship in your study programme.

Accreditation

All programmes are accredited by NVAO, the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Agency.

Programme Structure

- Core module (21 ECTS credits)

- Speicalisation courses (33-35 ECTS credits)

- Strengthening courses (33-36 ECTS credits)

- Master thesis (30 ECTS credits)

Detailed Programme Facts

English Language Requirements

You only need to take one of these language tests:

  • Minimum required score:

    79

    The TOEFL iBT ® measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The test has four sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), each with a score range of 0-30, for a total score range of 0-120. Read more about TOEFL iBT ®.

    Schedule TOEFL®

  • Minimum required score:

    550

    The TOEFL®PBT is administered in a paper format and measures your ability to use and understand English in a classroom setting at the college or university level. It accurately measures how well you can listen, read and write in English while performing academic tasks. Read more about TOEFL®PBT.

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  • Minimum required score:

    6.5

    The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

    Schedule IELTS

  • Minimum required score (Grade B):

    193

    C1 Advanced is a Cambridge English Qualification. It reports on the Cambridge English Scale between 142 and 210. You will receive a separate score for each of the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and for Use of English. These five scores are averaged to give you an overall result for the exam. Universities and colleges may ask you to achieve a specific score, either overall or for a particular skill.

    Note: degree programmes and applications may require a more specific minimum score for admission.

Academic Requirements

General required documents:

  • passport
  • picture
  • bachelor degree (or enrollment certificate when you are in your final year of studies)
  • transcript of records
  • proof of English-language proficiency

Extra documents:

  • motivation letter
  • 2 reference letters (written by an academic)

Chinese nationals:

  • all documents als stated above +
  • APS certificate

Tuition Fee

  • International

    939 EUR/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 939 EUR per year and a duration of 24 months.

  • EU/EEA

    939 EUR/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 939 EUR per year and a duration of 24 months.
We've labeled the tuition fee that applies to you because we think you are from and prefer over other currencies.

Living costs for Brussels

  • 885 - 1310 EUR/month
    Living Costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Scholarships

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) participates in many scholarship programmes offering grants to all levels of study (from Bachelor, Master, tp PhD), in various regions, both for short and longer stays.

StudyPortals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.

The Global Study Awards: get funded with up to £10,000 to study abroad

Together with the ISIC Association and British Council IELTS, Studyportals offers you the chance to receive up to £10000 to expand your horizon and study abroad. We want to ultimately encourage you to study abroad in order to experience and explore new countries, cultures and languages.

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