Ghent University

The CALM postgraduate program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the language, translation, and communication industry, focusing on the technological skills essential for today’s information society. As translation memory systems, terminology and data mining tools, speech recognition, and machine translation become increasingly prevalent, professionals in this field must also be adept in workflow and content management systems, authoring tools, and desktop publishing software. The program addresses these needs, complementing degrees such as Masters in Translation, Interpreting, Multilingual Communication, Languages and Literature, Journalism Studies, and Communication Studies. Integral to the program is a close collaboration with industry partners, providing students with opportunities to engage with guest lectures from strategic collaborators and gain practical experience through a three-month work placement where they can apply their technological skills in real-world settings.

The Curatorial Studies program views curation—derived from the Latin 'cura,' meaning to care for—as a crucial link between cultural production and the broader social context. This expanded perspective encompasses the full range of curatorial activities, from historical and artistic research to documentation, archiving, and event organization. Students will explore the diverse facets of curation, including the collection, conservation, and study of modern and contemporary art, as well as innovative methods for presenting art through online and offline displays, publications, and pedagogical or performative projects. The program emphasizes the development of individual curatorial practices through exhibitions, publications, and events, culminating in a final project. It also provides a thorough grounding in the history and theory of exhibitions through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research, engaging with contemporary debates at the intersection of social, political, and ethical issues. Leveraging Ghent's rich cultural heritage and its proximity to major European cities, the program includes visits to key art institutions and features talks by prominent international figures, such as curators, museum directors, artists, writers, and theorists.

The Fire Safety Engineering program equips professionals with a comprehensive understanding of fire safety engineering (FSE) as defined by ISO TR 13387-1. FSE involves applying engineering principles, rules, and expert judgment to scientifically understand fire phenomena, its effects, and human reactions to fire, with the goals of saving lives, protecting property, and preserving the environment and heritage. The program covers a range of activities including hazard and risk assessment, fire damage mitigation through effective design and use of buildings and systems, and the determination of preventive and protective measures. Students will also learn to design, install, and maintain fire detection, suppression, control systems, and communication equipment, manage firefighting and rescue operations, and conduct post-fire investigations. Graduates will gain expertise in fire behavior, fire spread, detection, control, and extinguishment, as well as the integration of fire safety systems within various structures, preparing them to apply their knowledge in practical fire engineering scenarios.

Food packaging plays a crucial role in safeguarding food, maintaining its quality, and minimizing waste, yet the predominance of single-use packaging and resource-intensive production processes have led to a growing demand for innovative and sustainable solutions. This advanced master’s program in Sustainable Food Packaging addresses these challenges by integrating principles from material science, food science, information science, and socioeconomics to develop effective packaging strategies. Students can choose to specialize in one of three key areas: Materials, Food, or Sustainability, equipping them with the expertise to design packaging systems that balance high-quality standards, contamination risk reduction, and extended shelf life with environmental and social responsibility.

The study of weather and climate is closely intertwined, with climate representing the long-term average of weather patterns and changes in climate manifesting primarily through extreme weather events. Advancements in these fields rely heavily on the development and application of numerical atmospheric models. As the focus in climate science transitions from global change to regional impacts, there is a growing need for high-resolution numerical models, utilizing similar modeling techniques as those used in weather forecasting. This postgraduate program is designed to equip scientists with the skills necessary to excel in atmospheric modeling for both weather and climate applications. The curriculum is anchored in the current scientific challenges addressed by the international ACCORD consortium, which develops and maintains the European ALADIN system for numerical weather prediction and climate research. Organized in collaboration with the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI), the program features courses delivered by specialists from RMI, Belgocontrol, VITO, BIRA, SCK-CEN, and other national meteorological institutes, ensuring alignment with the latest research developments.

This postgraduate program, offered jointly by Ghent University and KU Leuven, focuses on essential Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies for optimizing operations and maintenance in industrial production. It addresses the integration of automation and advanced digital tools, such as robotics, big-data analytics, and digital twins, to enhance efficiency and ensure smooth operational processes. The curriculum covers technologies for digitalizing product and process information, production and maintenance, and connecting equipment with people. The program not only stands alone but also provides a pathway to the Advanced Master of Science in Smart Operations and Maintenance in Industry, with exemptions for participants advancing to this degree.

Food packaging is essential for minimizing ecological impact and enhancing food safety, yet finding the balance between sustainability, shelf life, quality, and cost remains a complex challenge. Producers, consumers, and governments are increasingly seeking sustainable packaging solutions that extend food freshness while addressing environmental concerns. This postgraduate program addresses these challenges by exploring the trade-offs between material sustainability and food safety, equipping students with the knowledge to select optimal materials and technologies. The program provides a flexible learning environment complemented by hands-on experience through an internship with an external organization. For those seeking a more comprehensive approach, the related advanced master’s program in Sustainable Food Packaging offers additional integrative elements and a master’s thesis.

In an era of rapid change and evolving boundaries, complex societies demand innovative and interdisciplinary thinking. To address this need, the VUB and Ghent University have collaboratively developed the Bachelor in Social Sciences (BScSS), an innovative interdisciplinary program that fosters perspective-shifting and holistic problem-solving. Situated in the heart of Europe and featuring a diverse student body from seventy different nationalities, the BScSS offers a unique learning environment aimed at preparing students to tackle global challenges. The program begins with first-year courses primarily at the VUB main campus in Etterbeek, with one second-semester course held in Ghent. In the second year, students take 4 out of 10 courses in Ghent, requiring one day of commuting per semester. By the third year, approximately half of the courses are taught in Ghent or Brussels, with the frequency of commuting depending on the chosen orientation and electives.

In a rapidly evolving world, complex societies demand innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving. To address this need, VUB and Ghent University have partnered to offer the Bachelor in Social Sciences (BScSS), an interdisciplinary and interuniversity program designed to foster versatile thinking and adaptability. Located in the heart of Europe and featuring a diverse student body from seventy nationalities, the BScSS provides a dynamic learning environment aimed at equipping students to address global challenges. The program begins with most first-year courses at the VUB main campus in Etterbeek, with one second-semester course held in Ghent. In the second year, students complete 4 out of 10 courses in Ghent, necessitating one day of commuting each semester. By the third year, approximately half of the courses are conducted in Ghent or Brussels, with commuting frequency varying based on the chosen orientation and electives.

In a world characterized by rapid change and shifting boundaries, the need for interdisciplinary and adaptable thinking is greater than ever. To meet this demand, VUB and Ghent University have collaborated to offer the Bachelor in Social Sciences (BScSS), an innovative program that integrates perspectives across multiple disciplines and universities. Situated in the heart of Europe and featuring a diverse student body from seventy nationalities, the BScSS provides a rich learning environment designed to address global challenges. First-year students primarily attend courses at the VUB main campus in Etterbeek, with one second-semester course held in Ghent. In the second year, students complete 4 out of 10 courses in Ghent, necessitating one day of commuting per semester. During the third year, approximately half of the courses are conducted in Ghent or Brussels, with commuting requirements varying based on chosen orientations and electives.