Master of Science in Geography

UNRAVEL COMPLEX INTERACTIONS
BETWEEN MAN AND ENVIRONMENT

Geographers are in equal parts natural and social scientists and have specialised knowledge of techniques for analysing complex interactions between man and environment. They strongly contribute to the debate on environmental change, globalisation, and other major societal challenges and seek for solutions for a more sustainable development of our planet, at both local and global scales.

The Department of Geography of Vrije Universiteit Brussel and the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at K.U.Leuven (both top 100 QS ranking) have joined forces to offer a highly competitive, 2-year interuniversity Master's programme in Geography (120 ECTS).

The set-up of the programme, which includes a common core an three specialisations, 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.

VUB AND KULEUVEN: THE BEST OF BELGIUM!

The Geography Departments of both Vrije Universiteit Brussel and KULeuven continuously develop and maintain innovative and internationally recognised research programmes on fundamental and applied aspects of geosciences, covering a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Most research programmes are international collaborations, and both departments are participating in various international networks.

STUDENTS AS SCIENTISTS

The offered courses and specialisations are strongly embedded in the ongoing research programmes of both universities. Through intensive collaboration with team members of the different research groups, students get the opportunity to develop and improve their scientific skills. 

Contact

Department of Geography
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussel
Programme director: Prof. David Bassens
[T] + 32 2 629 33 82
[E] david.bassens@vub.be
[W] www.vub.ac.be/DGGF

Secretarial office K.U.Leuven
Geel Huis
Kasteelpark Arenberg 11 – bus 2100
B-3001 Leuven (Heverlee)
[T] + 32 16 32 14 01
[E] info@wet.kuleuven.be
[W] www.mastersinleuven.be

General information about Vrije Universiteit Brussel
[T] +32 2 629 20 10
[E] info@vub.ac.be
[W] www.vub.ac.be

All information about the programme on www.vub.be/geography

I’ve lived in Britain most of the time and finished a bachelor on Environmental Sciences in England. But then I moved to Belgium because part of my family lives here. Brussels is a very international city and I’m getting a lot out of the master. I enjoy living here and never felt unwelcome. The Master of Science in Geography allows you, depending on your background, to tailor the courses to what you want to do. I must confess that it is harder than I expected. But I’ve accepted the challenge!
Charlotte Flasse

I am Portuguese and I studied Meteorology in my home country. After my bachelor I wanted to spread my wings and looked on the internet for something like a Master in Geography. Most of the English programmes are on very specific subjects. What attracted me in this master in Brussels was exactly its multidisciplinary approach. Besides your specialisation it also offers you a wide curriculum in physical and human geo-sciences. This means that you can really personalise and specialise your programme and still have a broad overview of everything Geography offers.
Daniela Pombal

A well balanced mix of physical and social sciences and spatial modelling skills is what attracted me to study Geography, and this is exactly what I got at VUB. I chose to specialise in GIS and spatial modelling, yet my Master programme allowed me to explore other paths as well. My fields of interest were clearly reflected in the choice of my Master's thesis which focused on spatial analysis of rural poverty in SW-Ethiopia, and for which I received the opportunity to perform field work in this fascinating country.
I was offered the opportunity to start a PhD at VUB, combining hyperspectral remote sensing and urban modeling. In my research I am trying to better understand the interactions between the physical characteristics of the urban environment and changing global and climatic conditions. The ultimate aim of my work is to be able to assist urban planners in making proper decisions on the future development of urban areas. In my research I am strongly collaborating with people of different scientific backgrounds (bio-engineers, climatologists, hydrologists, urban planners). Working in an interdisciplinary environment has made my research so far a truly inspiring experience.

Frederik Priem, PhD student

Studying at VUB opened my mind and was my introduction to the fascinating world of physical geography. After an unforgettable excursion to the Alps I decided to focus on this region for my Master's thesis and during my last year I had the opportunity to participate in two field work campaigns on a glacier in Switzerland. The thrill and excitement of working on a glacier made me realise that this was the environment where I belonged and where I wanted to spend the coming years of my life.
After my Master in Geography, I therefore started a PhD focusing on glaciers, ice caps and ice sheets around the world. During my PhD I travelled to some of the most remote places on earth and had the unique opportunity to visit ice masses in the European Alps, Alaska, Russia, Spitsbergen and even Antarctica. Working and living for several weeks in the Belgian Princesse Elisabeth research station, the first 'zero-emission' station in Antarctica, was an absolute highlight. It has been a truly amazing adventure so far and I often realise that non of this would have been possible if I had not studied Geography at VUB. It was probably the best choice I made in my life, one I would recommend to anyone.

Harry Zekollari, PhD student

Why I decided to study Geography? It is an ideal combination of natural and social sciences, theory and practice. During my studies I discovered what social and urban geography entails, and it turned out it actually combined most of my interests: cities, people and urban renewal. My PhD research focused on 'urban development projects' in the Brussels Canal Zone. Within 10 years the population of Brussels will have grown with almost a fifth. That means there is a big need for housing, schools, childcare and public space. It is therefore a real challenge to find planning solutions that make optimal use of the space available, both in the short and the long term. In my research I looked at who is currently living in the Canal Zone, the problems and opportunities there are, and how space has been allocated.
The second part of my research critically looked into the way polititicians, urban designers, spatial planners, real estate investors and citizens arrive at a spatial plan, forming a vision for the future development of the city. In the beginning of my PhD research I spent a lot of time reading, talking to experts and digging into archives but in the second phase I ventured out every day to my 'lab' - the city itself. I visited all districts to get a feel for the place, to better understand the context and to learn from the people living and working in the Canal Zone.

Sofie Vermeulen, Doctor in Science, alumna Geography

When I meet former VUB students in my professional life, there is an instant click. We share a common mindset, a common view on society, a firm belief in the value and importance of free thinking and free inquiry. In today's world this particular mindset and spirit are of the utmost importance, because they form the basis of innovation.
Marc Schepers, CEO of CityDepot and VUB science fellows, Geography alumnus