Master of Science in Management Science 
Course outline & Programme
Years: 2
Campus: Etterbeek
In cooperation with the Université Libre de Bruxelles
Internship: compulsory in the second year
The Master of Management Science is a 2-year, full-time programme organised by the Solvay Business School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in cooperation with the Solvay Business School of the Université Libre de Bruxelles. It targets students - both Belgian and foreign - with Bachelor’s degrees in Business Economics or Management (see below) who are looking for an English-language Master’s programme with a distinct international flavour, in an international setting.
Doing business in an international context
The basic concept behind the selection of the courses in the programme is straightforward. There are essentially three types of courses: courses that deal with today's international economic context, advanced business courses, and courses on the intersection of these two fields; that is, courses that are all about 'doing business in an international context', including a hands-on internship in a (multinational) company.
The courses that introduce students to today's European/international/globalised economic environment are placed in the first semester of the first year. Courses that improve students' business knowledge are mainly in the first semester of the second year.
Cooperation between Solvay Business Schools of VUB and ULB
The bulk of the compulsory courses has been placed in the first year. The first semester takes place entirely on the campus of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and, as mentioned, introduces students to the European integration process, its economic and financial legal system, and the broader international trade theories and competition strategies. The second semester is taught by Université Libre de Bruxelles faculty on the campus of the Université Libre de Bruxelles and offers courses in Advanced Marketing, Advanced Accounting, Advanced Finance, Leadership & Personal Development, and Quantitative Methods for Business.
Personalise your curriculum
In the second year, apart from the Master’s thesis and the internship, there are only two compulsory courses, Corporate Social Responsibility and Case Studies in International Strategy. This allows students to personalise their curriculum. Students can choose three courses from a list of eight in the international profile and are also allowed to choose one major elective. Courses in the international profile range from Global Banking to a course on IFRS and a seminar on Euromarketing.
Strength of the programme
Learn from professionals from all over the world...
Our professors and lecturers come from every corner of the world, mostly from the academic arena, and usually from the most prestigious universities and business schools. In addition to our eminent academics, we are proud to welcome, as members of our teaching faculty, numerous business professionals and practitioners from every sector of business and the economy, including industry and services, as well as the private and public sectors in both Belgium and Europe. Their knowledge and experience cover every field of management and business (strategy, finance, marketing, leadership, technology, IT, etc.).
...specialised in various fields of research
The Solvay Business School has also created a number of research Chairs, financed by corporate and private donors. Students have the opportunity to attend lectures given by the holders of these research Chairs, all of whom are highly respected and internationally known professors specialising in various fields of research.
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Admission requirements
All necessary information regarding the admission requirements, deadlines and application forms can be found on the web page 'How to enroll as a student'.
Language requirements
In order to be admitted, you need to be proficient in English. The language requirements can be found on the website.
Curriculum requirements
Direct admission
Candidates with a Flemish university degree of 'Bachelor in de toegepaste economische wetenschappen'.
Admission after examination of the application file:
Candidates with a university Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a field related to business/management or economics who have obtained the minimum number of (European) credits in EACH of the subjects as set out below (a total of 96) may be admitted after a review of their application by the Admissions Board.
| Field | Minimum number of ECTS credits required |
| Law | 6 |
| Business/Management | 24 |
| Economics | 15 |
| Languages | 15 |
| Quantitative mehtods | 24 |
| Humanities/Social Sciences | 12 |
Admission refused for:
- Applicants who fulfil the conditions set out above, but who are judged by the Admissions Board to have unacceptable grades or insufficient background to complete the degree;
- Applicants who have the appropriate degree but who lack a number of credits in the relevant fields;
- Applicantq who do not hold a university degree in a field related to economics or business/management.
Student services
Students at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel are not just mere numbers. A lot of attention goes to making sure that you can study in the best possible situation. There are numerous staff members ready to assist you and give advice on all topics related to student life: practical information, medical assistance and finance, study planning, sports and culture, health, transport, housing and food, etc.
For all kinds of help, advice and support visit the site of ‘Student Facilities’.
More information
- Contact the coordinator: mbt@vub.ac.be, tel: +32 (0)2 629 26 95.
- Check out the website http://www.vub.ac.be/masters/
- An overview of all Master and Postgraduate programmes taught in English at the VUB can be found in the brochure Student (on top) of the world (970 KB)