1. A Brief Introductory Overview to the Human Ecology Program
The English language Master in Human Ecology programme at the Vrije Universiteit
Brussel (VUB) began in 1988 and was based on the highly successful Dutch language
version which was initiated in 1975. The curricula for both programmes were based on a
structure developed for the European network of postgraduate human ecology
programmes, the International Certificate of Human Ecology, which continues to provide
human ecology education at nine universities in Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy and
Portugal. As part of the International Certificate of Human Ecology network, the Master
in Human Ecology programme is organized under the auspices of the World Health
Organization and endorsed by UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme.
Upon graduation, besides their official VUB diploma, students receive an International
Certificate in Human Ecology issued by the European network of postgraduate human
ecology programmes,
Over the past years, the major objective of the Master in Human Ecology program has
been to provide a high quality, interdisciplinary, postgraduate qualification to
professional people from all over the world who wish to deepen their understanding of
environmental problems and learn about theoretical and methodological advances that are
being made by academics who are experts in relevant domains.
Through the years, the curriculum of the program has been revised and redesigned to
reflect current thinking on human ecology and sustainable development and provide a
more integrated look at human-environment interactions, with greater emphasis placed on
the study of human individuals, societies, populations and institutions. The curriculum
aims to stimulate students to think about the role of humans in nature: their impacts, their
responsibilities and the means by which their societies can develop long-term sustainable
ways of using and protecting the resources on which they depend.
The Master in Human Ecology programme is aimed at a wide range of individuals,
particularly those who already hold positions of responsibility for environmental
management and decision-making and those who aspire to such positions.
Whilst the modular structure of the new curriculum and second year thesis work provide
the student with opportunities to specialize in topics of particular interest to them, this
programme provides an interdisciplinary environmental education and not a
"specialization". The programme is intended to attract candidates who understand the
need to address a wide range of issues in order to develop a holistic understanding of
environmental problems.
2. Overview of the Curriculum of the Program
The Master in Human Ecology degree is awarded after successful completion of two
years of full time study including the defense of a Master thesis. Students who do not
wish to or are unable to complete the full two year programme may obtain a
"Postgraduate Diploma in Human Ecology" after successful completion of the first year
of study only.
The Human Ecology curriculum is designed according to a modular structure consisting
of compulsory and optional courses. The curriculum of the first year of the programme or
Postgraduate Diploma has three principal purposes:
(1) to familiarize students with the role and workings of interdisciplinary approaches;
(2) to provide students with basic scientific knowledge necessary for an understanding of
human-environment interactions;
(3) to equip students with essential supporting skills for conducting interdisciplinary
research.
The second year of the programme: (1) examines in further depth the role of
interdisciplinary approaches within the context of specific human-environment
interaction areas; (2) provides students with an understanding of the role of "sectors",
"target groups" and "instruments" in sustainable development; and (3) offers students the
opportunity for more specific skills training.
3. The Academic Year
The academic year runs from the last week of September until the end of June (for those
who pass all courses in the first exam session) or until the middle of September (for those
who have to redo exams in the second exam session). First year courses are scheduled
from the last week of September until the end of May. Second year courses run from the
last week of September and finish at the end of March in order to allow time for Master
thesis research.
4. Teaching Methods
The Master in Human Ecology programme is taught entirely in English. Teaching is
designed to encourage active student participation and to foster a dynamic exchange of
ideas among students and staff. The rich diversity in professional experience and cultural
backgrounds of both the students and staff is recognized as providing an exceptional
forum for interactive and constructive learning. Teaching methods are chosen to best
reflect the contents of each course and include: group discussions, workshops and
projects, seminars, field visits, practicals (i.e. field work, but not laboratory classes),
presentations, team teaching, exercises and lectures. The teaching staff encourages
students to raise topics of particular interest to them which may be incorporated into the
lectures.
5. Examinations
Examinations are held according to VUB regulations. Each academic year is divided into
two examination sessions. A session consists of one or more examination periods, a
deliberation by all the teaching staff during which each student's results are reviewed and
a proclamation at which the final results are announced. The first examination session
consists of examination periods in January and June. Students who fail the first session
are offered another chance during the second session that begins in late August and
continues until the middle of September. Examinations take various forms, including
written and oral exams, "take home exams", research papers, group work projects and
oral presentations. Details of the examination requirements for each course are provided
at the beginning of the academic year.
6. The Student Population
The Human Ecology department draws students from every part of the world. Every year,
our students come from Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and North America, This
creates a favourable atmosphere for cultural exchanges as well as the exchange of
experiences.
7. The Department and the University
Situated in the heart and Capital of Europe, the Free University of Brussels (VUB)
provides a favourable educational environment. The two main campuses of the
University are the Etterbeek and Jette Campuses. The Human Ecology Department is
located in the Jette campus, which is found on the north-western part of the city, close to
parks and nature thereby endowed with a descent educational environment. At the same
time affordable, fair and easily accessible public transport is available for your mobility
needs to the shops, supermarkets, cafes and the city center.
8. Why the program should be interesting to You
It has been an established fact that the solutions to the environmental, social, economic
and cultural problems of our time highly depend on the insight and inputs from a
multitude of professionals in a multitude of disciplines. In order to benefit from such
multidisciplinary solutions, it requires to bring those various professionals together in
problem solving sessions. The other option to this approach can be to organize a
multidisciplinary educational system which brings together as much as possible a
multitude of disciplines, to equip students with essential supporting skills for conducting
interdisciplinary research and inculcate such a training in the minds of professionals,
who in the end can gain multidisciplinary views towards problems and solutions relevant
to sustainable development. It is this later approach that is the preference of the Human
Ecology program. Therefore, if you already hold a position relevant to environmental
management and decision-making or you are one who aspires to such a position, this
program should be interesting for you. Furthermore, as opposed to the customary singleminded unitary specialization programs as we know them, the Human Ecology program
brings together students as well as instructors of diverse intellectual, professional and
cultural backgrounds, which in itself is an interesting, enriching and enjoyable breed of
intellectual interest.
9. Requirements for admission
The Master Programme is open to individuals with a 4-year Bachelor of Arts or Science
degree. Candidates with a 3-year Bachelor of Arts or Science degree must have graduated
"with honours". Professional experience and/or strong interest in the environmental field
is evaluated in acceptance procedures, and this should be detailed in the letter of
motivation which is required from all applicants.
English Language Requirements
Applicants with English as a second or foreign language must complete the
following two requirements to provide proof of proficiency in English:
9. 1. Certificate of Proficiency in English (one of the following):
•
Official letter stating that English was the language of instruction at
secondary school and/or at university (this only pertains to countries where
English is an official language).
•
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). For the computer-based
test, applicants must have a minimum score of 213. For the test center test,
applicants must have a minimum score of 550.
For more information about the TOEFL contact: TOEFL Services, Educational
Testing Service, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, USA (tel.: +1-609771-7100; fax: +1-609-771-7500). E-mail: toefl@ets.org; Website:
www.ets.org/toefl/.
(NO photocopy or a student copy, we MUST receive the original score sheet
directly from the TOEFL test centre, Institution Code 3574).
•
IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Minimum score: 6.5.
For more information about the IELTS contact: The British Council, Rue de la
Charité 15, 1210 Brussels, Belgium (tel.: +32-2-227.08.41; fax: +32-2-227.08.49) or
The British Council office in your own country.
(NO photocopy or a student copy, we MUST receive the original score sheet directly
from the IELTS test centre).
• Applicants living in Belgium or visiting the VUB may take an English
equivalency exam at the Institute of Language Instruction (ITO). Minimum score:
60%.
9. 2. Compulsory English-language test in October:
All incoming students (except those presenting a certificate that English was the
language of instruction at secondary school and/or university) are required to take
an English-language test in October of the first year. Students who fail the test must
take a compulsory 30-hour course in English, organized by the Institute of
Language Instruction (ITO) and scheduled from October-January. The main aim of
the course is to improve students' comprehension and oral expression skills. A
second test is held in January for those who followed the course.
10. How to Apply
For admission in September, applicants must send back the completed application forms
by
- February 1st (deadline for all applicants except, EU-citizens)
- August 1st (deadline for EU-citizens)
The processing of an application can only begin when all the following required
documents are received:
•
A complete, signed and correctly filled in application form.
• Officially Authenticated Copies (not photocopies of authenticated copies) of diplomas
and transcripts.
• Two completed recommendation forms.
•
Letter of motivation
•
Statement of financial resources (except EU-citizens).
•
Proof of proficiency in English (see above English Language Requirements).
•
Two passport size photographs.
For further information, please contact:
Admissions
VUB, Human Ecology Department (GF)
Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: +32-2-477.49.25
Fax: +32-2-477.49.62
Email: meko.admissions@vub.ac.be
11. Registration
Application files are examined by four departments: the Students' Councillors Office,
Social Service, Human Ecology Department and the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy.
Upon acceptance, you will receive an official signed admission letter from the Dean of
the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy. Admission letters may take two forms:
1- Acceptance without any further condition; you may register immediately.
2- Acceptance on a conditional basis. The condition is based upon obtaining a
scholarship (see section on Financial Aid). Individuals who have been accepted on a
conditional basis need to present formal evidence of sufficient financial means to
support their studies.
Registration proceeds from July until the 15th of October (details are outlined in the
admission letter). Students are advised to arrive in Brussels in September, as classes
begin mid-September.
12. Financing your Studies
A sample estimated budget for your studies and living expenses, a list of possible
sponsoring institutions for financial aid as well as relevant information regarding
libraries, computer facilities, student services, student housing, campus restaurants and
cafes, medical and sports facilities and much more are available at our website under the
link concerning the Human Ecology program.
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