[Updated 18 April]
After a series of extensive reviews and internal discussions, we have taken the difficult and regretful decision to wind down our postgraduate Brussels School of International Studies from next year.
Our presence in Brussels has been an important part of our history, with more than two decades of successful study and many notable alumni. However, in recent years we have been running it at an increasing cost and further recruitment and wider pressures mean this is sadly no longer sustainable for the University.
Our intention is for this year’s cohort to be our final Brussels graduates, with no new cohorts next academic year. Teaching will continue as normal until Summer 2024, with all current applicants being contacted personally to explore alternative study options at Kent.
We understand this news has been unsettling for staff and students at the Centre, as well as for our alumni from what has been a remarkable 25 years, and we are fully committed to doing all we can to support and accommodate them. Following recent visits from academic Executive Group leads, the Vice-Chancellor and other senior colleagues travelled to Brussels on 17 April to discuss the plans and answer questions directly from students and staff, including details and options for ongoing study and support.
Our international identity also remains central to who we are as a University, with our regional ties within Europe remaining strong through both our 3i network with the universities of Ghent, Leuven and Lille, and our ongoing presence in Paris. We are also exploring other ways of broadening our scope across Europe and the world as set out in our Global Engagement Strategy.