Advanced Master of Arts in American Studies 
This Master program is jointly organized by the Universiteit Antwerpen, Universiteit Gent, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.
This master programme offers an interdisciplinary approach to the field of American Studies by which you will gain insight into various aspects of America. The course in American Studies is designed to get an intellectual grip on the richness of American society.
Courses are offered in English by a group of
mainly Belgian and American specialists from
different universities and organisations.
Course outline & programme
ECTS: 60
Years: 1
Campus: Etterbeek
In cooperation with: Universiteit Antwerpen, UGent, K.U.Leuven
The United States of America is an amazing country, which means, quite obviously, that it is sometimes
difficult to gauge. The M.A. in American Studies is designed to get an intellectual grip on the richness of
American society.
Courses covering American current events from the political, social, economic and cultural realms
With a total of 8 courses, ranging from law and economics across history and politics to
various expressions of culture, together with a final thesis, this full-time program will allow students both to
develop an overview and to zoom in on specific topics.
The Contemporary American Economy- American Law and the American Legal System
- American Political Institutions
- American History: Colonization to the Cold War
- The American Way of Religion
- New York City in Fiction, 1975-2000
- Representations of JFK
- Film Noir: A Hollywood Genre in Its Social Context
The emphasis will be on knowledge that enables you to maximize your chances when applying for a U.S.-related job in the cultural sector (e.g. journalism, higher education), or business at large.Back to top
Admission requirements
The degree is open to everyone (including non-Belgians) who has earned a four-year degree (in Belgium Master or licentiaat/licence) or its equivalent, provided he or she passes an initial English test (TOEFL or IELTS) and/or an oral and written proficiency test that is organized in-house. The following are exempted from this obligation:
- Belgian students who hold a degree in Languages and Literatures including English;
- Belgian students who hold a degree in translation or interpreting including English;
- Native speakers of English. Further exemptions as well as rejections on the basis of inadequate linguistic capabilities are at the discretion of the program director.
Registration should be made at the University of Antwerp. More information can be found on the website of the University of Antwerp.
Our Student Service
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 web pages of ‘Student Facilities’.
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More information
- 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)
- Contact: stbfaclw@vub.ac.be or cas@kbr.be