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University of Kent at Brussels
The University of Kent's Brussels centre is home to the Brussels School of International Studies (BSIS), a specialist postgraduate centre located in a world centre for international affairs. With Brussels known as the ‘capital of Europe’, the city is home to the main institutions of the European Union and numerous other European organisations, such as think-tanks, lobby groups, NGOs and multinational companies.
At Brussels, we offer a range of specialist programmes, all taught in English, related to the study of international affairs. In recent years we have attracted students from more than 65 countries around the world, with 60% of its students coming from outside the European Union. This creates a diverse community, giving students the chance to hear the perspectives of many other nationalities.
Brussels
Modern city campus
The University of Kent at Brussels has its own newly acquired and purpose-designed facilities, a 15-minute drive from the centre of Brussels and close to a metro station, a train station and regular bus and tram services.
The premises overlook the campuses of our partner universities, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). Kent students have full access to all the facilities on these campuses including libraries, public computers, bars, cafés and sports facilities.
International profile
Kent has excellent links with many of the organisations based in Brussels, which greatly enhances the teaching on our courses and your opportunities for research, internships and future employment. Our students can benefit from Kent's links with international bodies, such as:
- European Parliament
- European Commission
- European Council
- NATO
- 165 embassies and diplomatic missions
- 700 multinational corporations
- political think-tanks
- international NGOs.
Local attractions
Brussels is a diverse city with architecture ranging from medieval rampart walls to the impressive modern architecture built to house the European Union.
Popular attractions in the city include the Grand Place Square with its Gothic and baroque architecture, the 15th century Hôtel de Ville, and the Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula. Brussels has over 75 museums and many beautiful parks and open spaces, including the Parc du Cinquantenaire.
Transport links
Brussels has excellent transport links with other European cities. For instance, Paris is only two hours away by train and both Ebbsfleet (near our Canterbury campus) and London can be reached by Eurostar in under two hours. Brussels also has a major international airport.
Programmes
Kent offers both taught and research postgraduate degrees at Brussels, in politics, international relations, law, and migration studies.
Taught
- European Public Policy MA
- International Conflict and Security MA
- International Development MA
- International Economic Law LLM
- International Law with International Relations LLM
- International Political Economy MA
- International Relations MA
- Migration Studies MA
- Political Strategy and Communication MA
- Public International Law LLM
Research
- International Conflict Analysis MPhil, PhD
- International Law MPhil, PhD
- International Relations MPhil, PhD
- Migration Studies MPhil, PhD
Facilities and resources
The University has its own newly acquired and purpose-designed facilities, a 15-minute drive from the centre of Brussels and close to a metro station, a train station and regular bus and tram services. The premises also overlook the campuses of our partner universities, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and theUniversité Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). Kent students have full access to all the facilities on these campuses including libraries, public computers, bars, cafés and sports facilities.
Library facilities
Brussels has a wide choice of libraries on offer, including some unique specialist libraries.
- ULB has four main libraries, as well as specialist libraries for law, human sciences and the library within the Institute for European Studies. In total, the ULB libraries contain about two million books and journals.
- The VUB library contains roughly 400,000 volumes, mostly kept at the Central Library.
- Brussels has a range of specialist libraries including the Royal Library, the Library of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, the Central Library of the European Commission, and the Library of the Embassy of the United States of America.
- Kent students are also members of the Templeman Library at Kent’s Canterbury campus, with online access to its numerous specialist journals.
IT facilities
All our students have access to the public computers and printers within UKB’s facilities as well as those on the VUB campus, across the street. Wireless internet access is available within Kent facilities and on many areas of campus.
Advice and support
Kent staff can provide useful information on housing, student visas, enrolment, orientation and practical tips on preparing for and arriving in Brussels. All new students are encouraged to attend an Orientation Week before their studies begin.
Sport facilities
The sports facilities on the VUB campus include: a 25-metre swimming pool; a football pitch, rugby pitch and athletics track; sports halls for indoor soccer, basketball, badminton and tennis; a martial arts hall, squash courts and a climbing wall.
There is also a fitness centre on campus, which may offer a discount to students. Its facilities include a modern gym and cardio area, a relaxation area, a solarium and a dance hall.
Arts and culture
Cultural activities on the VUB/ULB campus include: art workshops, a student orchestra and choir, concerts, movies, exhibitions and numerous student organisations. Kent’s students in Brussels also have organised groups such as the Migration Forum, the Environmental Forum, the Strategic Affairs Forum and the International Justice Forum. In addition, the city of Brussels has an active arts scene, including concerts, exhibitions and drama.
Language courses
Although all of Kent’s teaching is provided in English, many students wish to take advantage of their time in Brussels to learn another language (such as French). Private French tutoring is available on campus, and courses are available from the ULB and VUB at very reasonable student rates.
Careers
Students from the University of Kent at Brussels do extremely well in terms of entering their chosen careers. Possible options include working for EU institutions (such as the European Commission or the European Parliament), working for NGOs, the diplomatic services, the United Nations, or fields related to public policy, public relations, international commerce, finance, government or law.
The University also has its own Brussels-based Careers Adviser who is dedicated to helping students prepare themselves for work and organises between ten and 15 internships with international organisations, which are exclusively for students attending the Brussels School of International Studies.
Many students take on work experience for organisations based in Brussels and this often leads on to employment within that organisation or in a related field.
Special activities
The University has an extensive network of contacts in the city and, through its Guest Lecture Committee, organises frequent specialist talks from diplomats, journalists and politicians. These discussions are often related to international events that occur during the academic year.
Many students also join think-tanks, such as the Royal Institute for International Relations of Belgium, Friends of Europe, or the Centre for European Policy Studies and can attend the public meetings and events of many Brussels based institutions.
A highlight is the annual dinner for staff and students at the Brussels campus, with a prestigious expert guest speaker, who is usually a diplomat, politician, or a senior member of an international organisation.
Alumni network
There is a growing network of BSIS alumni based in Brussels, Washington DC, New York and around the world. An alumni forum holds regular reunions and events and also provides a website and an email newsgroup for sharing opportunities, information and ideas. Some alumni come back to the University to talk about their experiences and some help our students to find internships and employment.
Further information
Further information
For more on Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB) and the Université Libre de Brussels (ULB), including their extensive campus facilities, go to their websites:
Admissions and Recruitment Officer, University of Kent at Brussels, Boulevard de la Plaine 5, 1050 Brussels, Belgium. s
T: +32 2 641 1721 F: +32 2 641 1720 E: bsis@kent.ac.uk www.kent.ac.uk/brussels/