International Master's Programmes 2015-2016

international master’s programmes 2015-2016

Welcome to VU University Amsterdam

2

VU University Amsterdam

Prof. dr Frank van der Duijn Schouten rector magnificus

What factors should a master’s student consider when choosing a university? Is it the city in which the university is located, the scientific reputation of its faculty members, the ambition of its students, or are the facilities the most important factor in this decision?

VU University has a lot to offer on all these dimensions, moreover it is a university where dialogue is considered one of the most important characteristics of the academic environment.

Views and opinions are exchanged with respect for one’s background and beliefs. Our student population is characterized by its diversity. This factor alone may motivate students to come and study at VU University Amsterdam. Diversity in terms of background and religion, and of people’s interests, makes a significant contribution to a culture of academic quality. The emphasis on the impact that (social)sciences should have on the problems and challenges faced by society directly influences

interdisciplinary research and education at our university.

All teaching and research activities take place on our urban campus; an environment to study, explore, work, relax and meet with friends. The campus is located in the Amsterdam Zuidas district, where science and business intersect via innovative research and inspiring education.

Traditionally, universities share the ambition of enabling young people to shape the society of future generations.

VU University strives to maintain this tradition. Hence, we are not satisfied when our students leave us with just a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree.

We want our students to reach the level of an academic professional

who is able to think independently, to argue scientifically, to solve intriguing problems, to critically analyze arguments and to search for underlying connections; who knows how to apply scientific knowledge accurately; who is accountable, aware of prejudice and willing to bear responsibility.

If you aspire to achieve these goals, then you are most welcome at VU University!

In the roaring sixties I studied Mathematics at VU University. Now, late in my career, I have returned as Rector. This university has meant a great deal to me , thus I am delighted to have the opportunity to return the favour and to be of service to my “Alma Mater”.

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

3

VU University Amsterdam VU University Amsterdam is an internationally renowned research university. Located in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we conduct cutting-edge research into problems of major societal and scientific importance. Ever since its foundation, the university has been known for its distinctive approach to academic research and education, in which taking a broad perspective is as important as acquiring in-depth knowledge.

We ask and expect our students, researchers, PhD candidates and employees to look further; to look beyond the boundaries of their own field, culture, traditions and philosophy to become critical and socially engaged academics.

With over 24,000 students and about 4,600 staff, we are a modern

Ranking and education

organization at the cutting edge of higher education. VU University

The overall quality of Dutch higher education is among the best in

Amsterdam offers a wide range of English-taught programmes

the world. The Dutch higher education system has been ranked

at three levels: Bachelor’s (BA, BSc), Master’s (MA, MSc) and

7th in the world by Universitas 21, a global network of research

Doctoral (PhD). Twelve faculties share a single campus and cover

universities. In the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2013

a wide range of disciplines from the arts and sciences to medicine.

(Shanghai Ranking) VU University holds a position in the

In this brochure you will find information on more than 70 Master’s

101-150 category, which is a shared 4th place nationally.

programmes which VU University offers.

In CWTS Leiden Ranking 2014 we even hold a 2nd position out of the 13 Dutch universities. Education at VU University Amsterdam

Why look further into VU University Amsterdam?

VU University Amsterdam: • is consistently listed among the world’s top universities in various rankings; • is located in one of the most dynamic and fastgrowing business districts in the Netherlands; • is a modern campus university with student housing just a five-minute bike ride away; • helps you with housing, visas and the administrative side of studying in the Netherlands; • offers an international environment. A quarter of the students in our English-taught programmes come from abroad; • provides high-quality education in small and highly interactive classes; • is located in lively and multicultural Amsterdam, the city with the largest concentration of students in the Netherlands and where English is the second language; • is open to all cultures, nationalities and religions.

is structured according to the Bologna system. After completing a Bachelor’s programme, which usually takes three years, students may elect to follow a one-year or two-year Master’s programme.

After graduating from the Master’s programme, some students opt to study a PhD. Generally speaking, the teaching style can be described as student-centred: we encourage students to develop their own opinions through independent and creative thinking. At VU University Amsterdam this means that teaching is mainly conducted in small tutorials, where interactivity is the norm rather than the exception. At every opportunity, students are encouraged to engage in constructive dialogue with their professors.

Living in the Netherlands Images of the Netherlands abound, from windmills and tulips to vibrant Amsterdam and an open and welcoming society.

But these traditional perceptions of the country hide a much more interesting story: one of excellent universities and an international reputation for research and development in many of the most exciting fields of education, science and technology.

The international orientation for which the Netherlands is famous is also reflected in the range of degree programmes offered.

There are few non-English speaking countries where the range of English-speaking programmes is so wide and diverse.

Living in Amsterdam Amsterdam is one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world, boasting 179 different nationalities and where English is widely spoken. At VU University Amsterdam some 78 nationalities work and study closely together, creating an international and dynamic academic community.

4

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

Did you know that: • Amsterdam has approximately 800,000 inhabitants?

• Amsterdam has 165 canals and 1,281 bridges, more than even Venice?

• Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands?

• according to Mercer’s 2014 Quality of Life Survey, Amsterdam is ranked 11th worldwide?

• Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in the world?

• w ith almost 92,000 students, Amsterdam is a great and lively place to study?

researchers with a contract of employment. You can apply for a PhD position if you meet the requirements of the PhD programme.

Positions are advertised at www.workingatvu.nl More information can be found at www.vu.nl/phd Non-degree programmes Are you interested in studying at VU University Amsterdam for a semester or summer? For more information, please visit www.studyabroadinamsterdam.nl

Practical matters VU University Amsterdam Services The International Office of VU University Amsterdam can help you

Bachelor’s degree programmes in English

to find accommodation and apply for a visa and residence permit

VU University Amsterdam offers three Bachelor’s degree

(if applicable). We also offer orientation periods for international

programmes in English: International Business Administration,

students in August, consisting of social events, sports activities

Computer Science and in collaboration with the University of

and a cultural programme. An International Student Advisor (ISA)

Amsterdam, Liberal Arts & Sciences. You can find information

assigned to the faculty you are interested in will help you with the

about these programmes and other important information in the

application procedure and any other information you may need.

brochure on International Bachelor’s programmes or online at

You can also contact the ISA with any questions you might have

www.vu.nl/internationalbachelors

about your study programme. Contact details can be found at www.vu.nl/internationaloffice

Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in Dutch VU University Amsterdam also offers Bachelor’s and Master’s

Facilities and activities

programmes in Dutch. If you are interested in taking one of these

As a student at VU University Amsterdam, you will have a wide

programmes as a non-Dutch speaker, you can take advantage of

range of facilities at your disposal. You will have access to

the special language-learning facilities offered by VU University

an extensive library, a university-wide wireless network and

Amsterdam.

numerous computer rooms and reading rooms. The university’s sports centre offers more than 35 different sports and the

Research Master’s

Griffioen cultural centre organizes a variety of courses in the arts

Most students who intend to study a PhD after their Master’s opt

as well as other cultural activities.

for a Research Master’s. Although all our Master’s programmes focus on research and writing skills, this is even more so for

Finances

Research Master’s. Admission is both highly selective and

Students from the European Union (EU) or the European

competitive. You will receive two years of research training

Economic Area (EEA) pay the same tuition fees as Dutch

supervised by professors and have the opportunity to produce

students. The tuition fees for most programmes are set by the

your own PhD research grant proposal. The Master’s programmes

Dutch government on a annual basis and vary per programme.

in this brochure marked with this icon:

Experience shows that it costs between €800 and €1,000 a month

are Research Master’s.

to live and study in the Netherlands, excluding tuition fees and other non-recurring expenses. Some students manage to spend less, but of course that depends on your individual lifestyle.

PhD programmes

Please consult the website to see what the specific tuition fees are

For people with a recognized Master’s degree, VU University

www.vu.nl/tuitionfee

Amsterdam offers the possibility of obtaining a Doctorate or PhD. The process of earning a Doctorate normally takes four

VU Fellowship Programme

years or more an consist of conducting independent research

With our own scholarship, the VU Fellowship Programme

and writing a doctoral thesis. PhD candidates in the Netherlands

(VUFP), VU University Amsterdam offers talented prospective

are not regarded as students but have the status of professional

international students the unique opportunity to pursue a degree INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

5

in a selection of Master’s programmes at the university. Each year

Language requirements

we invests approximately one million euros to attract excellent

For all international study programmes, students need to be

and highly motivated students. The VUFP scholarship covers

proficient in English. International applicants are requested

tuition fees and provides an allowance towards study and

to submit the results of an English proficiency test with their

living expenses. The deadline for this scholarship is 1 March.

application. The minimum English language requirements at

For further details see www.vu.nl/vufp

VU University are IELTS 6.5 and TOEFl iBT 92. Some programmes have higher requirements, so please check the website of the

Other scholarships

programme of your choice. For information about the exact

As an international student planning to study at VU University

requirements, see our website www.vu.nl/application.

Amsterdam, you can apply for a variety of grants and bursaries.

Detailed information about scholarships and deadlines can be found

Application deadlines

on www.vu.nl/scholarships or www.grantfinder.nl

The general application deadlines are 1 April for non-EU students and 1 June for EU students. Some programmes may have other

Admission Requirements and deadlines

deadlines, so make sure you check the programme website.

The application procedure can also be found online at www.vu.nl/application

educational requirements All programmes have specific admission requirements. In general, you will need a university Bachelor’s degree closely related to the Master’s programme you intend to pursue at VU University Amsterdam. To enter a Bachelor’s programme, you will need an equivalent of a Dutch pre-university school diploma (VWO). All programmes start in September.

‘My computer understands me’ VU scientist Piek Vossen

Professor in Computational Lexicology

SUPERcomputer Piek Vossen is a linguist and a computer programmer, a disciplined researcher and an efficient project manager.

He works hard and successfully on computers that have a thorough understanding of language.

In June 2013 he was awarded the Spinoza Prize of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). The Spinoza Prize, worth € 2.5 million, is awarded to researchers who rank among the absolute top of science.

Contents are Research Master’s

earth and life sciences 10 biology

• Ecology

• Green Life Sciences

• Brain and Behaviour 10 biomedical Sciences

• Infectious Diseases

• Cardiovascular Diseases

• International Public Health

• Immunology

• Psychophysiology

• Medical and Behaviour Genomics 11

BIOMOLECULAR Sciences • Cell Biology • Biological Chemistry

12 Earth Sciences

• Solid Earth

• Applied Environmental Geosciences

• Paleoclimatology and Geo-ecosystems

• Earth Science and Economics 12 Ecology

• Ecology and Evolution

• Environmental Chemistry & Toxicology 13 Environment and Resource Management

• Energy Studies

• Climate and Water Policy

• Environmental Studies

• Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity 14

global health

14 Health Sciences

• Policy and Organization of Healthcare

• Prevention and Public Health

• Infectious Diseases and Health

• Nutrition and Health

• International Public Health 15 hydrology 16 Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship in Health and Life Sciences

• Health and Life Sciences-based Policy

• Health and Life Sciences-based Management and Entrepreneurship

• International Public Health

• Science Communication 16

neuroSciences • Neurogenomics • Neurophysiology • Animal Behaviour and Systems Neurosciences • Behavioural and Medical Genomics • Psychophysiology • Clinical Neurosciences

human movement sciences 17

human movement sciences: Sport, Exercise and Health • Sport • Health

18

human movement sciences: Sport, Exercise and Health (research)

sciences 19

artificial intelligence • Cognitive Science • Human Ambience • Intelligent Systems Design • Web Science

20

Bioinformatics and Systems Biology • Bioinformatics • Systems Biology

20 business analytics

• Business Process Optimization

• Computational Intelligence

• Financial Risk Management 21 chemistry

• Analytical Sciences

• Molecular Design, Synthesis and Catalysis

• Molecular Simulation and Photonics

• Science for Energy and Sustainability

• Sustainability - the Molecular Approach (excellence programme) 22

computer science • Foundations of Computing and Concurrency • Internet and Web Technology • Computer Systems and Security • High-Performance Computing • Software Engineering

23

Drug Discovery and Safety • Biomarkers and Clinical Chemical Analysis • Computational Medicinal Chemistry and Toxicology • Drug Design and Synthesis • Drug Discovery and Target Finding • Drug Disposition and Safety Assessment

23

information sciences • Business Variant • Web Variant

24 mathematics

• Stochastics

• Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems

• Topology and Geometry 25 Medical Natural Sciences

• Medical Physics

• Medical Physiology

• Molecular Clinical Diagnostics

• Physics of Life 25 Parallel and Distributed Computer Systems 26 physics

• Advanced Matter and Energy Physics

• Particle and Astroparticle Physics

• Physics of Life and Health

• Science for Energy and Sustainability

• Theoretical Physics 27

stochastics and financial mathematics INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

7

Economics and Business Administration

Theology

27

44 Theology & Religious Studies

• Exploring a Discipline

• Leadership

• Media

• Teaching Religious Diversity

accounting and control • Accountancy • Controlling • Honours Programme in Business Research

28 business administration

• Financial Management

• Human Resource Management

• Information and Knowledge Management

• Management Consulting

• Strategy and Organization

• Transport and Supply Chain Management

• Honours Programme in Business Research 30

econometrics and operations research • Econometrics and Mathematical Economics • Operations Research and Business Econometrics

31 economics

• Development Economics

• Economic and Social Policy

• International and Macroeconomic Policy

• Spatial Economics 33 finance

• Honours Track in Quantitative Finance 34

entrepreneurship joint degree

34

geographical information science • Giscience • Gis and Management • Gis and Environment

35 marketing

• Honours Programme in Business Research 36 spatial, transports and environmental economics

• Spatial Economics

• Transport Economics

• Environmental Economics 37

tinbergen institute master of philosophy in economics • Economics • Econometrics • Finance

45 Theology & Religious Studies

VUMC school of medical sciences 46

cardiovascular research

46 oncology

Arts 47 archaeology

• Archaeology of North Western Europe

• Landscape and Heritage

• Mediterranean Archaeology 49 Communication & Information Studies

• Metaphor in Discourse 50

arts & culture • Comparative Arts and Media Studies • Design Cultures

51

arts & culture • VAMA: Critical Studies in Arts & Culture

52

literary studies • Literatures in English

52 Classics & Ancient Civilizations

• Ancient History

• Ancient Studies

• Classics 54 Classics & Ancient Civilizations 55 Linguistics

LAW

psychology and education

55 International Business Law

• Regulation of Business

• Business Relations

37 Clinical and Developmental Psychopathology

56 International Crimes and Criminology

39 Cognitive Neuropsychology

57 Law and Politics of International Security

39 Social Psychology: Regulation of Social

Behaviour

philosophy

social sciences

58 philosophy

• Philosophy of Management and Organizations

40 Culture, Organization and Management

41 political science

• Comparative European Politics

• Global Environmental Governance

• International Relations and Transnational Governance

• Policy and Politics 42 Social and Cultural Anthropology

8

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

58 philosophy

• Philosophy, Bioethics and Health

master’s degree programmes

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

9

earth and life sciences

YOUR FUTURE CAREER This Master’s programme offers you excellent opportunities in the field of scientific research: 60% of our graduates go on to conduct PhD research at a university or a research institute. But there are plenty of other career paths open to you, including teaching, public relations, policy work and consultancy.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS You must have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology in order to join the programme. If you have a Bachelor’s degree in another subject, the examination board will decide whether you can be admitted.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Bioinformatics and Systems Biology - Biomedical Sciences -Biomolecular Sciences -Ecology - Management, Policy Analysis and Entrepreneurship in the Health and Life Sciences Neurosciences.

BIOLOGY 2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • ECOLOGY • GREEN LIFE SCIENCES • BRAIN AND BEHAVIOUR WWW.VU.NL/BIOLOGY admissionsfels@vu.nl

Why study Biology at VU University Amsterdam?

Biology is the study of life in all its fascinating manifestations, from plants to human beings. The field of study ranges from the latest developments in DNA and genomics to interrelations between flora and fauna in complex ecosystems. While pursuing a Master’s degree in Biology at VU University Amsterdam, you can opt to study a combination of different specializations and career

BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

profiles.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME The Master’s in Biology offers three compulsory courses each year, six optional courses, two research projects and a literature survey. You can combine two specializations or a specialization with a career profile in communication, management or education.

In the specialization in Ecology, you focus on how the Earth, plants, animals and micro-organisms function and interact. Your approach to these processes will range from the molecular and genetic to the regional.

2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • INFECTIOUS DISEASES • CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES • INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH • IMMUNOLOGY • PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY • MEDICAL AND BEHAVIOUR GENOMICS WWW .VU.NL/BIOMEDICALSCIENCES admissionsfels@vu.nl

Why study Biomedical Sciences at VU University Amsterdam? Depth, variety and practical applicability.

The Master’s programme offers no fewer than six different

In Green Life Sciences, you examine growth and how plants

specializations. But you are not restricted to those: you can design

develop and adapt to their environment. The topics you study

your own programme. This means you can tailor your degree to

include plant/microbe interactions, structure and systematics,

your own particular interests and background. The programme

molecular biology, genetics, evolution: ecology and physiology.

offers opportunities to study abroad and you will gain plenty of

In Brain and Behaviour, you focus on the various aspects of all

research experience. Two 20-week work placements hone your

kinds of behavioural functioning and how they are influenced by

practical skills and help you to discover what job will suit you in

genes, the environment and developmental factors.

the future.

10

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME The Master’s in Biomedical Sciences is a two-year, full-time

Why study Biomolecular Sciences at VU University Amsterdam? The field of Biomolecular Sciences is a core

programme. There are three compulsory courses and you are

research area at VU University Amsterdam. Much of the faculty’s

free to select the rest from the six specialization packages. You go

research in this field has been brought together in a single, leading

on two research placements and write a literature-based thesis.

research organization: the Institute of Molecular Cell Biology (IMC).

Lectures play a comparatively modest part in this Biomedical

You will learn to work with state-of-the-art techniques and carry

Sciences programme. For the most part, you are encouraged to

out essential research in this vital field of study.

conduct your own research and to pass on what you learn from your research activities to your fellow students. There is plenty of

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

scope for practical work, giving you the opportunity to use the very

On this Master’s programme, you can choose between two

latest research methods and equipment.

specializations or combine the two: Cell Biology and Biological Chemistry. You take compulsory courses that equip you with the

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

essential knowledge you need to pursue your specialization and

Next to a specialization, you can choose a profile: research, social,

study optional courses. You write a literature survey and complete

communication or education. Your job prospects are excellent:

two work placements, combining theory with practice and

60% of our graduates go on to do scientific research at a university

developing your research skills.

or research institute. Depending on your profile, you could enter the field of policy-making, choose a career in teaching or discover

In the Cell Biology specialization, you learn about the regulation

your opportunities as a scientific journalist, press officer or

of gene expression. For example, you will discover how a single

education officer.

fertilized egg cell develops into a complex organism and how the development of undifferentiated stem cells can be directed.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In the Biological Chemistry specialization, you learn how cells,

Students who hold a Bachelor’s degree from an institution outside

cellular structures and individual proteins interact with their

of the Netherlands may be admitted to the Master’s programme in

chemical environment, with a special focus on characterizing new

Biomedical Sciences based on a decision by the examination board.

drug targets and tools to find small molecules as a starting point for developing new medicines.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Biology - Biomolecular Sciences - Drug Discovery and Safety -

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

Environment and Resource Management - Management, Policy

With a Master’s degree in Biomolecular Sciences, there is a

Analysis and Entrepreneurship in the Health and Life Sciences -

whole range of job opportunities open to you. You could work for

Neurosciences - Oncology.

a medical product manufacturer or a pharmaceutical company.

A PhD in Molecular Biology or Biochemistry can lead to a post as a university lecturer or a career in industry (e.g. with DSM, Unilever).

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS To join this Master’s, you must have a Dutch Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Health and Life Sciences, Biology, Natural Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related subject. If you have another type of Bachelor’s degree, it will be up to the examination board to assess your eligibility for admission.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Biology - Biomedical Sciences - Chemistry - Drug Discovery and Safety - Management, Policy Analysis and Entrepreneurship in the Health and Life Sciences - Neurosciences - Oncology.

BIOMOLECULAR SCIENCES 2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • CELL BIOLOGY • BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY WWW.VU.NL/BIOMOLECULARSCIENCES admissionsfels@vu.nl

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

11

Where your career will take you depends to a great extent on the specialization you opt for. Typical Earth Science subjects – energy, climate, resources, geo-hazards – will become even more pressing in the near future.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The Master’s programme is open to motivated candidates with an appropriate qualification in Earth Sciences or related natural sciences. If your Bachelor’s degree does not fully meet the requirements of a specific Master’s specialization, the Examination Board may still decide to admit you. In such cases, additional requirements may be set.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Hydrology - Environment and Resource Management - Ecology.

EARTH SCIENCES 2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • SOLID EARTH • APPLIED ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSCIENCES • PALEOCLIMATOLOGY AND GEO-ECOSYSTEMS • EARTH SCIENCES AND ECONOMICS WWW.VU.NL/EARTHSCIENCES admissionsfels@vu.nl

Why study Earth Sciences at VU University Amsterdam? Understanding how planet Earth works is important for everyone. This is what Earth Sciences is all about. VU University Amsterdam offers you a wide range of specializations that will help you become a geoscientist who is keenly aware of the crucial and intriguing interrelations of System Earth. The programme is a varied mix of lectures, tutorials, and practicals. There is also a strong emphasis on fieldwork and lab

ECOLOGY

work aimed at developing practical skills.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME The two-year Master’s involves a company traineeship, an orientation phase at a science journal, or participation in a research project, complete with fieldwork, lab work and/or computer modelling. The Master’s gives you the opportunity to

2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION • ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY & TOXICOLOGY WWW.VU.NL/ECOLOGY admissionsfels@vu.nl

choose a specialization, but selecting one does not mean that you

Why study Ecology at VU University Amsterdam?

are restricted to a single area. The specializations are:

At VU University Amsterdam you will develop the tools to predict

• Solid Earth: obtain a broad background that combines

and combat problems caused by pollution, biodiversity loss

knowledge of lithosphere tectonics, sedimentary and

and climate change. You will study Ecology from a plant, animal

structural geology, petrology, isotope geochemistry and basin

and systems perspective, investigating ecological processes

analysis.

from molecular level to regional and global level, using field

• Applied Environmental Geosciences: take a broad and applied programme focusing on the Earth’s surface.

• Paleoclimatology and Geo-ecosystems: learn how to account

observations and experiments to identify ecosystem patterns and functions. This Master’s combines lectures with plenty of fieldwork, giving you as broad a programme as possible.

for the interaction between climate and marine/terrestrial ecosystems by studying the geological past.

• Earth Sciences and Economics: learn how to keep our economies healthy using scientific knowledge about the Earth.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME At the start of your Master’s, you can choose between two specializations: Ecology & Evolution and Environmental Chemistry & Toxicology. Ecology & Evolution approaches ecology from a

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

molecular perspective or by taking a field-scale approach, or

The world of today is in great need of people who understand

preferably by combining the two. Courses include Spatial Ecology,

System Earth, whether in industry, business, policy or research.

Biodiversity & Global Change and Environmental Genomics &

12

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

Toxicology looks at how chemicals develop in the environment

Why study Environment and Resource Management at VU University Amsterdam? The Master’s programme

Adaptation. The specialization in Environmental Chemistry & and influence it. Courses include Ecotoxicology & Environmental

focuses on environmental change and resource depletion.

Quality and Assessment of Natural & Chemical Hazards.

We regard environmental problems as societal problems.

Compulsory courses equip you with the vital knowledge you need

The programme will train you to take a multidisciplinary approach

as an ecologist, while optional courses enable you to combine

towards analysing and solving environmental problems in a

the knowledge of your specialization with various aspects of the

variety of contexts. ERM offers you a broad theoretical basis,

discipline. You will complete your Master’s by writing a literature

analytical tools and opportunities to explore a number of areas in

survey and conducting two research projects, integrating theory

greater depth. The programme helps you understand and analyse

and practice, and training your research skills.

the different aspects of the socio-economic consequences of human intervention on our planet.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER As a graduate of the Master’s in Ecology, you have a wide range

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

of career options. The demand for ecologists is considerable

This one-year Master’s programme takes a multidisciplinary

these days. Over half of our graduates continue their studies,

approach to environment and resource management. You will

pursuing a PhD project. Other graduates find jobs in the applied

be part of a very international student body. You will learn how

environmental sciences or in policy preparation for government

environmental change and resource depletion occur, and how they

bodies, water boards or NGOs.

are experienced and addressed in different parts of the world.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

You will combine a number of different theories and discover how

If you hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from a Dutch university,

a diversity of approaches helps to better understand, analyse

you will be granted automatic admission to the Master’s

and deal with environmental problems. You will link theory to

programme. If you have a university Bachelor’s degree in another

practice and grasp the practical challenges involved in tackling

subject or a Bachelor’s degree from an institute of applied

environmental problems. You will have the opportunity to define

sciences in the Netherlands or abroad, the Examination Board

your own focus in your Master’s specialization and your own niche

will assess your eligibility for admission.

through your Master’s thesis.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

Biology - Earth Sciences - Environment and Resource

The Environment and Resource Management programme offers

Management - Hydrology.

excellent career prospects in the field of environment, policy and management. You might find a job as a researcher, pursue a PhD or go beyond the field of academic research and become a consultant, policymaker or activist at an NGO in the Netherlands or abroad.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS New applicants must at least hold a Bachelor’s degree from a university. All applications will be assessed by the examination board.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Earth Sciences - Ecology – Hydrology – Spatial, Transport and Environmental Economics.

ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • ENERGY STUDIES • CLIMATE AND WATER POLICY • ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES • ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND BIODIVERSITY WWW.VU.NL/ERM admissionsfels@vu.nl INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

13

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS You should have a Bachelor’s degree in one of the basic disciplines of global health, with basic knowledge of epidemiology (e.g. medical biology, health sciences, medical anthropology, medicine, health economics, pharmacy). Every year 25 students are admitted to the Research Master’s programme. Admission is both highly selective and competitive.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Health Sciences– Management, Policy Analysis and Entrepreneurship in the Health and Life Sciences.

GLOBAL HEALTH 2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/GLOBALHEALTH admissionsfels@vu.nl

Why study Global Health at VU University Amsterdam? New and emerging infectious diseases, changing disease patterns, rising healthcare costs – just some of the factors that add complexity to the health challenges the world is facing. Many diseases do not stop at borders and most health problems have a social, political and economic impact. These issues require extensive analysis from different points of view to

HEALTH SCIENCES

develop innovative health interventions. In the Research Master’s programme in Global Health you will get to grips with the wider context of health challenges.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME This innovative Research Master’s offers you a research-based approach to global health that spans a range of disciplines and encompasses a systems-based perspective. You will receive two years of research training supervised by professors and have the

1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • POLICY AND ORGANIZATION OF HEALTHCARE • PREVENTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH • INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND HEALTH • NUTRITION AND HEALTH • INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WWW.VU.NL/HEALTHSCIENCES admissionsfels@vu.nl

a Master’s student in Global Health, you acquire the knowledge,

Why study Health Sciences at VU University Amsterdam? Since 1900, life expectancy in Western Europe

skills and attitude to analyse complex national and international

has increased by 30 years. Only five of those years can be

health challenges, and to design, implement and evaluate

attributed to curative medicine; the remaining 25 years are due

integral intervention strategies to meet complex global health

to improvements in public health, hygiene and prevention. In the

challenges. You will learn to build on systems thinking, as well as

Master’s in Health Sciences, you will explore and analyse the

research that combines and transcends individual disciplines. The

various complex factors that contribute to health and disease.

programme has four components: compulsory courses, elective

Your excellent analytical ability, comprehensive overview of the

courses, and two research internships of five months each.

healthcare system and specialized knowledge and skills will

opportunity to produce your own PhD research grant proposal. As

make you a valuable asset to healthcare employers.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER As a Research Master’s graduate in Global Health, you will be

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

ideally equipped to pursue a PhD on global health issues. If this

In this one-year programme you will choose one specialization,

is not your primary objective, the Master’s programme will also

complete a five-month internship and write a Master’s thesis.

prepare you effectively for other research positions. Worldwide

The specialization comprises five one-month courses: two are

there is an urgent need for more research on health problems,

compulsory and two are elective. The specialization in Policy

health interventions, health systems and health policy.

and Organization of Healthcare focuses on health technology

14

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

assessment and health economics. If you choose to specialize in

Why study Hydrology at VU University Amsterdam?

Prevention and Public Health, you will study human behaviour

The Master’s programme in Hydrology offers a strong,

in the living and working environment. Infectious Diseases and

internationally oriented curriculum. You will receive expert

Health examines pathogenic micro-organisms and parasites from

guidance as you gain knowledge and skills before proceeding to

the perspective of disease prevention and treatment. If you take

your specialization. The programme features a finely tuned mix

the Nutrition and Health specialization, you will explore the role

of lectures, computer modelling workshops, lab experiments

of diet in maintaining good health and in disease treatment and

and hydrological field training in the Netherlands, Portugal

recovery. Opting for International Public Health gives you a strong

and elsewhere. All courses contribute effectively to the overall

interdisciplinary focus and insight into international developments

curriculum, and are closely linked to hydrological research.

in health intervention strategies and the impact of globalization.

The programme is one of the top-five Master’s at VU University Amsterdam.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER Health Sciences touches on many aspects of society, resulting

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

in a broad range of career options. These include positions as a

The first year of the Master’s programme in Hydrology consists of

researcher at a university or specialist institute, health insurance

a combination of lectures, computer workshops, laboratory and

policy officer, sickness prevention policy officer for municipal

field courses. This period teaches you the basics of theoretical and

health services, communication advisor on health issues,

experimental hydrology in courses such as catchment rainfall-

manager of a healthcare institution, epidemiologist and health

runoff analysis and surface water modelling, hydrological systems

advisor for an NGO.

and water management, groundwater hydraulics, ecohydrology and micro-meteorology, unsaturated zone hydrology and near-

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

surface hydrological processes and hydrochemistry. A field

You can be admitted to the programme on the basis of a foreign

course in the Netherlands followed by an integrated hydrological

diploma which is at least equivalent to a Dutch Bachelor’s degree

field study in Portugal complete the first year.

in Health Sciences. Your curriculum will be examined to decide if

The second year is devoted to a specialization based on your

you can be admitted to the programme directly or if you need to

individual interests, and is concluded by a 4-6 month research

take additional subjects to bring you up to entry level.

project at the university, or at an international research institute or company. Your thesis may be based on desk research

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

(e.g. hydrological modelling, laboratory studies) or a study

Global Health - Management, Policy Analysis and

incorporating field measurements.

Entrepreneurship in the Health and Life Sciences.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER Our graduates are experts in the interaction between hydrology and geology and are ideally suited for positions in the professional water sector as hydrological consultants, or in government and international organizations dealing with water resources. Many also opt to continue their academic studies by pursuing a PhD. SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS You can gain direct admission to the Master’s programme in Hydrology with a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences, Geology or Physical Geography. The same applies if you have a three-year BSc in other natural sciences and technology, although additional requirements in terms of background knowledge apply to certain specializations.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Earth Sciences - Ecology - Environment and Resource Management - Geographical Information Sciences.

HYDROLOGY 2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/HYDROLOGY admissionsfels@vu.nl

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

15

YOUR FUTURE CAREER Your career prospects on completing the Master’s programme in MPA will be very promising. Opportunities include policy preparation with a government agency or public health organization, a post as a university researcher, or a career with a pharmaceutical company, for example as a clinical research assistant or an advisor.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS You qualify for admission if you hold a Bachelor’s degree in: Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, Medical Natural Sciences, Medical Informatics, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences. The examination board admits international students on the basis of a degree which is at least equivalent to a Dutch Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

MANAGEMENT, POLICY ANALYSIS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN HEALTH AND LIFE SCIENCES

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Biology - Biomedical Sciences - Biomolecular Sciences - Global Health - Health Sciences.

2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • HEALTH AND LIFE SCIENCES-BASED POLICY • HEALTH AND LIFE SCIENCES-BASED MANAGEMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP • INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH • SCIENCE COMMUNICATION WWW.VU.NL/MPA admissionsfels@vu.nl

Why study Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship in Health and Life Sciences at VU University Amsterdam? Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship in Health and Life Sciences (MPA) is unique in its focus. Innovations and developments in the fields of Health and

NEUROSCIENCES

Life Sciences give rise to complex social issues. The programme concentrates on the scientific aspects of integrating different areas of knowledge and on developing effective policies. MPA is all about making the right decisions, and motivating and managing the professionals who work in this sector.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME On the two-year Master’s programme in MPA, you will take compulsory courses, optional courses, complete two internships and write a thesis on a topic of your choice. Internships are a vital

2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • NEUROGENOMICS • NEUROPHYSIOLOGY • ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR AND SYSTEMS NEUROSCIENCES • BEHAVIOURAL AND MEDICAL GENOMICS • PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY • CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES WWW .VU.NL/NEUROSCIENCES admissionsfels@vu.nl

of Health, a pharmaceutical company or a research institute, or

Why study Neurosciences at VU University Amsterdam? The professional environment we provide

even do an internship abroad.

is strengthened by bringing all areas of expertise together in

part of the programme. You might complete yours at the Ministry

In Health and Life Sciences-based Policy, you focus on

the Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam. You will study facets

government policy and how it can solve complex social issues.

of neurosciences ranging from genes to behaviour, from

In Health and Life Sciences-based Management and

both fundamental and clinical perspectives. In addition to the

Entrepreneurship, you look at how scientific knowledge evolves

mainstream Master’s, there is also a top-level Master’s exchange

and contributes to interesting and relevant innovations for society.

programme, which is open to outstanding and highly motivated

In International Public Health, you explore health issues in a

students. Our Master’s programme is a partner in the Erasmus

global context. In Science Communication, you work towards

Mundus Joint Master’s programme, which includes Bordeaux,

becoming an expert communicator on scientific matters.

Göttingen, Berlin, Coimbra and Quebec.

16

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME The Master’s in Neurosciences is a two-year, full-time

HUMAN MOVEMENT SCIENCES

programme. In addition to attending lectures and research seminars, you will participate in demonstrations, lab visits and practicals.

The first year consists of compulsory courses, to give you a thorough grounding in relevant disciplines, followed by a fivemonth work placement. You will have a wide range of placement opportunities to choose from at VU University Amsterdam and affiliated institutes.

The second year consists of optional courses to expand your knowledge of key areas. In addition to six possible tracks, you are free to put together your own set of four optional courses. During the last six months of the programme, you will complete your second work placement. You are encouraged to do so outside VU University Amsterdam, if possible at an institute abroad.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER Around three quarters of our graduates go on to join a PhD programme. The world of neuroscience is particularly keen to welcome students with a multidisciplinary education as offered by our Master’s programme. A PhD will prepare you for a top position at a university, in the corporate sector or with a research institute,

HUMAN MOVEMENT SCIENCES: SPORT, EXERCISE AND HEALTH

such as the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The examination board admits international students on the basis of a degree which is at least equivalent to a Dutch Bachelor’s degree. This can be in a wide range of scientific disciplines,

1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/HMS Admissionsfhms@vu.nl

particularly relevant. Admission is both highly selective and

Why study Human Movement Sciences: Sport, Exercise and Health at VU University Amsterdam?

competitive.

From the latest developments in sports training to new

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

Movement Sciences gives you state-of-the-art insights into the

Biomedical Sciences - Chemistry - Drug Discovery and Safety

various ways in which motor performance can be enhanced.

-Oncology - Physics.

You will learn to translate multidisciplinary scientific knowledge

but Biology, Biomedical Sciences or Biological Psychology are

approaches to rehabilitation, this Master’s programme in Human

to applications in sport and healthcare practice. The Faculty of Human Movement Sciences provides a stimulating study environment, as it is internationally renowned for its highly qualified and dedicated researchers and lecturers and its excellent lab facilities.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME You can only take this one-year Master’s programme on a full-time basis. It spans the broad multidisciplinary spectrum of human movement sciences and comprises four main tracks: biophysics in health & rehabilitation; health & lifestyle interventions; physiology in sport & health; and sport psychology.

These tracks are not mutually exclusive and you are free to customize your own profile by taking a variety of elective courses.

Besides lectures and seminars, the programme involves several practicals and a substantial research internship on a topic of your own choice. Successful completion of the programme results in an internationally recognized Master of Science degree (MSc).

YOUR FUTURE CAREER With a Master’s degree in Human Movement Sciences, you will be a qualified specialist with wide-ranging career opportunities.

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

17

Depending on your individual profile, you can for instance opt for

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

a career in movement-related technology, scientific research,

You can only take this two-year Research Master’s programme

higher education or policy making in sport or (mental) healthcare,

on a full-time basis. The first year is dedicated to preparing you

or become an exercise physiologist or embedded scientist in the

for scientific research, providing a thorough background in sport,

fields of healthcare and sport.

rehabilitation and regenerative medicine, alongside training in state-of-the-art research methods and advanced statistics.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

You can customize your own profile, with a focus on sport,

To gain admission to the Master’s programme in Human

health, fundamental aspects of human movement or research

Movement Sciences you need a Bachelor’s degree that

methods. Since extensive experience in high-quality research

includes coursework on anatomy, physiology and psychology at

is indispensable for a scientific career, the entire second year

introductory textbook level, along with sufficient research skills,

is reserved for your research internship. We aim to produce

knowledge of mathematics and physics, and a good command of

first-class projects that result in scientific publications and we

English (TOEFL 580 or IELTS 6.5).The final decision lies with the

will help you find a project that suits your interests, either at our

departmental Admissions Board.

department or with another leading institute in the Netherlands or abroad. Successful completion of the programme results in an

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

internationally recognized Master of Science degree (MSc).

Human Movement Sciences: Sport, Exercise and Health (research).

YOUR FUTURE CAREER After completing the Research Master’s, you will be all set to pursue a scientific career, typically starting with a position as a PhD researcher. Approximately 80% of our graduates pursue a career in scientific research. However, you will also be well equipped for other research-related positions.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Thirty students a year can be admitted to this selective Research Master’s programme. You must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Human Movement Sciences or related life sciences. You should be highly motivated and have a demonstrable interest in research as well as an aptitude for research activities. Admission also depends on your Bachelor’s or pre-Master’s grade average and your proficiency in English.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Human Movement Sciences: Sport, Exercise and Health.

HUMAN MOVEMENT SCIENCES: SPORT, EXERCISE AND HEALTH (RESEARCH) 2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/HMS-MPHIL Admissionsfhms@vu.nl

Why study Human Movement Sciences: Sport, Exercise & Health (research) at VU University Amsterdam? This Research Master’s is a multidisciplinary programme that covers the whole spectrum of human movement sciences, from molecular biology to cognitive neuroscience and human motor behaviour. Admitting a maximum of thirty students per year, the programme guarantees plenty of scope for indepth discussions and personal attention. Our highly qualified researchers and lecturers and excellent lab facilities provide a stimulating setting that will prepare you for a career in top-level scientific research in sport, healthcare or more fundamental aspects of human movement.

18

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

STARR BROWN/USA

HUMAN MOVEMENT SCIENCES: SPORT, EXERCISE AND HEALTH (RESEARCH MASTER)

‘Well-prepared for scientific research’

I chose to study at VU University to be introduced to a scientific perspective outside of my own culture and I was impressed with the comprehensive list of courses offered within the Research Master’s programme in Human Movement Sciences. During my first year I took many courses that integrated fundamental scientific understanding with practical human movement related questions.

Now completing my second year, I notice that this Research Master’s programme has prepared me well in terms of critical analysis, objectiveness, and measurement skills. I am completing my own research project in which I am investigating the criteria by which the central nervous system controls the amount of body sway during upright standing. Through all phases of the research, I have applied knowledge and approaches learned during my first year. Going forward, as I apply for research positions, I feel confident that my education from VU University makes me a strong candidate.

SCIENCES Why study Artificial Intelligence at VU University Amsterdam? Artificial Intelligence is all about smart and intelligent environments that support humans. Its goals are highly diverse, and range from optimizing internet searches to supporting elderly people in their struggle with dementia. You will study the application of knowledge engineering, multi-agent technology or evolutionary methods. Intelligence is about more than just logical thinking and computation, which is why you will also draw on knowledge from other disciplines: philosophy, psychology, information science and linguistics.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME This Master’s is a pioneering programme in the development of intelligent systems. You will work on advanced information systems at a wide range of companies and institutions and conduct

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

your own research. You will work in study groups and attend supporting lectures. How your programme is structured depends on which of our four specializations you choose: Cognitive Science,

2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • COGNITIVE SCIENCE • HUMAN AMBIENCE • INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS DESIGN • WEB SCIENCE WWW.VU.NL/ARTIFICIALINTELLIGENCE Admissionsfs@vu.nl

Human Ambience, Intelligent Systems Design or Web Science.

Each consists of both compulsory and elective subjects. Your studies will culminate in a thesis based on a five-month internship or graduation project.

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

19

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

high levels of abstraction, and learn to combine the rapid

AI specialists are in great demand in business, research and the

developments in these fields. After an in-depth introduction to

public sector. All of our recent graduates have found jobs relevant

both disciplines, you can specialize in either Systems Biology or

to their degree within a few months of graduating, entering fields

Bioinformatics. This high-quality Master of Science programme

such as organizational consultancy, human factor design and

is a collaboration between VU University Amsterdam and the

applied human-computer interaction. A Master’s degree also

University of Amsterdam. The Bioinformatics programme has

provides a solid foundation for continuing research as a PhD

an excellent international reputation and is led by research

student.

groups with extensive experience in a broad range of practical applications and theoretical research.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS A Bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence or Computer Science

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

is required. Exceptional applicants may also be admitted on other

Our graduates are in great demand: so far all of our students

grounds.

have found employment in industry or the academic world immediately after graduation. The vast majority stay within the

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

field, with over half continuing scientific research to PhD level.

Computer Science - Information Science - Parallel Distributed

Technological advances such as next generation sequencing and

Computer Systems.

the development of personalized medicine mean career prospects will only improve.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The Master’s programme is open to motivated candidates with an appropriate scientific qualification. This may be a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Pharmaceutical Sciences.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Biology - Computer Science - Mathematics - Medical Natural Sciences - Ecology.

BIOINFORMATICS AND SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • BIOINFORMATICS • SYSTEMS BIOLOGY WWW.VU.NL/BIOINFORMATICS Admissionsfs@vu.nl

Why study Bioinformatics and Systems Biology at VU University Amsterdam? Vast amounts of data have been generated by genomics research over the years, enabling us to gain a deeper understanding of life. By understanding life’s complex molecular networks, we can improve our quality of life and conquer major diseases. The Master’s in Bioinformatics and

BUSINESS ANALYTICS

Systems Biology at VU University Amsterdam provides the ideal gateway to this fascinating and challenging field.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME Bioinformatics and Systems Biology are highly interdisciplinary fields. The programme combines molecular and cell biology, computer science and mathematical modelling to produce fundamental knowledge by integrating vast amounts of biological

2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • BUSINESS PROCESS OPTIMIZATION • COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE • FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT WWW.VU.NL/BAM Admissionsfs@vu.nl

focuses more on the mechanism of molecular interactions.

Why study Business Analytics at VU University Amsterdam? The Master’s programme in Business Analytics

You will develop a strong feel for scientific research and

is a multidisciplinary programme aimed at improving business

data. Bioinformatics is more data-oriented, while Systems Biology

20

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

processes by applying a combination of methods that draw from mathematics, computer science and business management.

Based on an understanding of the theoretical applications of the field, you will be trained to recognize and solve company problems and will use your knowledge in the different areas of expertise to improve business practices.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME Business Analytics is a two-year programme. The first six months are devoted to compulsory courses. Over the next twelve months, you will focus on one of three specializations. In the final six months you will go on to complete an internship with a company.

You can choose one of the following three specializations: Business Process Optimization: you will tackle quantitative business problems with the aid of mathematical algorithms which are then implemented in decision support systems.

Computational Intelligence: you will simulate the human brain in a computer program to make decisions using optimization and data mining techniques.

Financial Risk Management: you will learn to price derivatives,

CHEMISTRY

such as share options, and master strategies for risk management.

Employment and academic endeavour can be also be combined by following the dual Master’s programme. During this programme you are employed part time and study part time.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER With a Master’s degree in Business Analytics, you will always be in demand on the labour market. Companies need academics who have learned to analyse quantitative problems, devise effective

2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • ANALYTICAL SCIENCES • MOLECULAR DESIGN, SYNTHESIS AND CATALYSIS • MOLECULAR SIMULATION AND PHOTONICS • SCIENCE FOR ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY • S USTAINABILITY- THE MOLECULAR APPROACH (EXCELLENCE PROGRAMME) WWW.VU.NL/CHEMISTRY Admissionsfs@vu.nl

solutions and implement them. The Master’s programme in

Why study Chemistry at VU University Amsterdam?

Business Analytics will prepare you for a career as a business

Are you interested in how to use inexpensive organic materials

analyst, one of the most sought-after positions in the world.

to capture CO2? Or would you like to develop ground-breaking

analytical methods to determine low levels of bioactive proteins SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

in complex biological samples? Perhaps your focus lies in finding

Students who have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Mathematics,

solutions to the current global problems with regard to energy,

Mathematics or Econometrics from a university or another

climate and sustainability? A Master’s in Chemistry from VU

institute of higher education will be admitted with some

University Amsterdam can lead to an exciting, well-paid career

additional requirements. A minimum of 45 credits in Mathematics

with extensive opportunities for pursuing your ambitions.

and 90 credits in Business Mathematics, Computer Science or Econometrics is required for admission to the Master’s

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

programme. Applications will be assessed individually.

The Master’s in Chemistry is a two-year programme in collaboration with the University of Amsterdam. You choose one of

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

the five specializations that suits your ambitions and interests:

Computer Science - Econometrics and Operations Research -

• ANALYTICAL SCIENCES: you will gain insight in modern

Mathematics.

analytical technologies for the development of analytical screening and characterization techniques.

• MOLECULAR DESIGN, SYNTHESIS AND CATALYSIS: you will design and/or synthesize molecules with desirable properties and do research into new methods for synthesizing organic, organometallic and coordination compounds.

• MOLECULAR SIMULATION AND PHOTONICS: you will focus on state-of-the-art computational and photonic research of structure, dynamics and function in atomic, (bio)molecular and multiscale systems.

• SCIENCE FOR ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY: you will study catalysis for sustainable energy and management of sustainable innovation.

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

21

• SUSTAINABILITY - THE MOLECULAR APPROACH E: within

their qualifications before the day of graduation. As a student,

this excellence programme, you will gain expertise on three

you will profit from the expertise of VU University Amsterdam’s

areas of sustainable molecular chemistry: photo-, organic and

research groups, and from their contacts at national and

theoretical chemistry.

international level.

Each specialization consists of introductory, advanced and optional courses, a research project, thesis and academic skills.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME The Master’s in Computer Science is a two-year programme,

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

consisting of a core track and a selected track. The core track (48

Chemistry graduates have a wide range of career opportunities in

credits) deals with all aspects of Computer Science, whereas the

academic research (50%), chemical or pharmaceutical industry

selected track (36 credits) enables you to delve deeper into the

(35%), business services (24%), education (1%) or other fields (9%).

subject matter that interests you most.

Most students find a position soon after graduation.

There are five tracks to choose from: SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Foundations of Computing and Concurrency, Internet and Web

Direct admission is possible with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.

Technology, Computer Systems and Security, High-Performance

If you hold a Bachelor’s degree in a related subject, you can be

Computing and Software Engineering.

admitted with some additional requirements on which the Master’s

You will conclude your programme with a Master’s project. This

coordinator of the desired specialization decides. The programme

takes the form of a graduation project in one of the research

provides opportunities to fill specific gaps in your knowledge.

groups at the Department of Computer Science or an internship

at a company. Most students complete the project on an individual

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

basis, but it can also be completed in a group.

Biomolecular Sciences - Drug Discovery and Safety - Science, Business and Innovation.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER Computer Science graduates are in demand. The vast majority of our students (90%) embark on a career in consultancy, the software business, other private sector businesses or the government sector. Jobs include systems manager, information analyst, software engineer, policy advisor or project manager.

Others set up their own company. Graduates with excellent grades can apply for a PhD position.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS If you hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from a foreign university, you are welcome to apply for this Master’s programme. We will assess your qualifications for relevance to your chosen Master’s specialization and decide whether and to what extent a pre-Master’s track is required.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Artificial Intelligence – Business Analytics – Information Sciences – Parallel and Distributed Computer Systems.

COMPUTER SCIENCE 2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTING AND CONCURRENCY • INTERNET AND WEB TECHNOLOGY • COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND SECURITY • HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING • SOFTWARE ENGINEERING WWW.VU.NL/COMPUTERSCIENCE Admissionsfs@vu.nl

Why study Computer Science at VU University Amsterdam? The Master’s programme in Computer Science has a solid reputation for its approach to the subject. Nearly 100% of Computer Science students find a full-time job that matches

22

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

YOUR FUTURE CAREER With a Master’s in Drug Discovery and Safety, you will have excellent career prospects and can generally expect to earn a good salary. Our graduates have gone into scientific research (45%), pharmaceutical sales (25%), government or private-sector policy-making (10%), teaching (5%) and other jobs (15%) ranging from clinical research associate to patent consultant and from toxicologist to customs researcher.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS You can join the programme with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy or Chemistry. If you hold a Bachelor’s degree in a related subject, the exam committee will in consultation with the Master’s coordinator of the desired specialization decide on your eligibility.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Biomedical Sciences - Biomolecular Sciences - Chemistry -

DRUG DISCOVERY AND SAFETY

Medical Natural Sciences – Science, Business and Innovation.

2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • BIOMARKERS AND CLINICAL CHEMICAL ANALYSIS • COMPUTATIONAL MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY • DRUG DESIGN AND SYNTHESIS • DRUG DISCOVERY AND TARGET FINDING • DRUG DISPOSITION AND SAFETY ASSESSMENT WWW.VU.NL/DDS Admissionsfs@vu.nl

Why study Drug Discovery and Safety at VU University Amsterdam? Developing new drugs is such a complex and wide-ranging process that it requires real specialists who are excellent team players. The Master’s programme provides you with broad theoretical knowledge of the first phases of drug discovery and development. At the same time, your chosen specialization and research project will make you an expert in one of these areas. Drug Discovery and Safety is a one-of-a-kind programme at the intersection of chemistry and life sciences.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME In this Master’s programme, you will examine drug discovery and safety from a range of disciplines: chemistry, pharmacology, medicine, genetics and toxicology. This multidisciplinary approach is essential in tackling the diseases of tomorrow and developing the drugs of the future. Drug Discovery and Safety starts with introductory courses on chemical biology, ADME processes, drug action and computational design. You will take advanced courses in one of five specializations, write a thesis and carry out your own

INFORMATION SCIENCES 1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • BUSINESS VARIANT • WEB VARIANT WWW.VU.NL/IS Admissionsfs@vu.nl

Why study Information Sciences at VU University Amsterdam? Information Sciences bridge the gap between

research project in one of our internationally renowned research

Information and Communication Technology and its practical use

groups at the Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical

in society. Are you more interested in the application of technology

Sciences within the brand new O|2 laboratory building. You

than technology for its own sake? Do you believe it’s important not

can also opt for an internship abroad or our Double Degree

to lose sight of the role people, organizations and cultures play

Programme in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen.

in generating, processing, designing, modelling, communicating

Our Master’s coordinators will provide you with expert guidance

and sharing information? Are you fascinated by knowledge and

in putting together your own personalized programme within your

innovation? If so, the Master’s programme in Information Sciences

specialization.

is an excellent choice for you.

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

23

The one-year Master’s in Information Sciences trains you to

Why study Mathematics at VU University Amsterdam? Mathematics is a vibrant, multifaceted and

become an outstanding professional who – working independently

versatile field, focusing on the study and development of

or in a team – is able to solve problems with regard to the design,

techniques to tackle pure and applied mathematical questions.

application and practical use of complex information systems in

Often, the dividing line between theory and practice is illusory.

organizations. The first half of the semester consists of optional

Mathematical theory, developed for a specific problem, often

and compulsory courses offered by VU University Amsterdam and

finds its way into unexpected applications. The Department of

the University of Amsterdam. Both institutions offer five courses

Mathematics at VU University Amsterdam maintains close ties

of six credits, and you will select a minimum of five courses from

with organizations where mathematical principles are applied,

a total of ten. Topics range from e-business and visual analytics to

including financial companies and other businesses, VU University

courses on the social web and internet information. The full list of

Medical Center and biomedical research groups.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

courses can be found online. The academic research component of the Master’s consists of courses on research methods and

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

thesis design (12 credits), and a thesis worth 18 credits.

The Master’s programme in Mathematics consists of specialized courses, optional courses and a Master’s project, culminating

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

in the Master’s thesis in your second year. You can carry out

Career prospects for Information Sciences graduates are

this project under the supervision of a staff member from the

excellent. Our graduates work in a wide range of industries and

Department of Mathematics, or externally at a company or

public institutions, both inside and outside the IT sector. They

research facility. The Mathematics Department at VU University

take on positions as consultants, analysts, designers, project

Amsterdam has an excellent reputation as a training and research

coordinators, IT programme managers and researchers. Some

institute, active in areas that vary from the purely theoretical to

graduates pursue their studies to PhD level and some go on to

the highly applied. The Departments of Mathematics at the Dutch

start their own businesses.

universities have joined forces to offer joint courses through the MasterMath initiative. This gives you an ideal opportunity to

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

interact with students and lecturers from other institutes in the

The Master’s is open to students with a university Bachelor’s

Netherlands. All students are required to take at least 30 credits

degree in Information Sciences or in related fields such as

of MasterMath courses.

Computer Science, Informatics, Business Analytics or Artificial Intelligence. A detailed application procedure for international

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

students can be found at the website.

As a Mathematics graduate, your versatility, analytical acumen and problem-solving skills will make you an ideal candidate for

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

a variety of jobs in industry, banking, technology, consultancy,

Artificial Intelligence – Computer Science.

service organizations and many other fields. Graduates with excellent grades are invited to apply for one of our PhD positions.

As PhD student you will conduct research, culminating in a doctoral dissertation.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Direct admission is possible with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or Engineering Mathematics. If you have a Bachelor’s degree in another science subject, your application will be assessed by the Examination Board. Assessment criteria include 90 credits of Mathematics courses at BSc level, including some advanced courses.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Stochastics and Financial Mathematics - Business Analytics Physics - Computer Science - Bioinformatics and Systems Biology.

MATHEMATICS 2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • STOCHASTICS • ANALYSIS AND DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS • ALGEBRA AND GEOMETRY • BIOMEDICAL MATHEMATICS WWW.VU.NL/MATHEMATICS Admissionsfs@vu.nl

24

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

YOUR FUTURE CAREER Medical technology is developing rapidly. Medical Natural Sciences graduates therefore enjoy highly favourable career prospects in the fields of genetics, bio-informatics, clinical chemistry, medical physics, pharmacy and molecular research.

90% of our graduates found a position within six months after graduation. You can work in clinics, institutes or companies in areas relevant to your specialization.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The Examination Board of the Faculty of Sciences can admit international students with a qualification that is equivalent to a Dutch Bachelor’s degree in Medical Natural Sciences. Your Bachelor’s degree should provide you sufficient preliminary knowledge for the desired specialization.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Bioinformatics and Systems Biology – Biomedical Sciences

MEDICAL NATURAL SCIENCES

– Biomolecular Sciences – Cardiovascular Research - Drug Discovery and Safety - Neurosciences - Oncology - Physics.

2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • MEDICAL PHYSICS • MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY • MOLECULAR CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS • PHYSICS OF LIFE WWW.VU.NL/MNS Admissionsfs@vu.nl

Why study Medical Natural Sciences at VU University Amsterdam? The field of medicine is developing incredibly fast. While the first pacemaker was too large to implant, nowadays these devices are the size of a matchbox and doctors can set them remotely. Such technological advances call for bright scientists with an innovative approach to medical research. Medical Natural Sciences is a multidisciplinary programme that combines physics and chemistry with medicine. It will equip you perfectly for future developments in medical research, in all their complexity.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME Medical Natural Sciences starts with introductory and advanced courses that combine subjects in physics and chemistry with clinical-based topics. You will write a literature thesis, join

PARALLEL AND DISTRIBUTED COMPUTER SYSTEMS

one of the participating research groups and possibly opt for an internship abroad. You will also choose one of the following specializations: • MEDICAL PHYSICS: contribute to the improvement of medical devices aimed at studying processes in the human body and for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

• MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY: become an expert in clinically-oriented

2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/PDCS Admissionsfs@vu.nl

Why study Parallel and Distributed Computer Systems at VU University Amsterdam? As the internet

research focused on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of

develops, it has come to include cloud computing centres,

cardiovascular complications.

smartphones, RFID tags and sensor networks.

• MOLECULAR CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS: study the discovery,

This connected world brings new opportunities for science and

validation and identification of predictive biomarkers and their

business, but also new challenges to privacy and security.

application in clinical chemistry.

You will study entirely new software architectures and large-

• PHYSICS OF LIFE: deal with challenging technological

scale, geographically distributed systems which can serve billions

developments such as protein activity in living cells, optical

of users. Scalability, performance, security and visualization are

tweezers and medical imaging.

key topics.

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

25

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME The Master’s in Parallel and Distributed Computer Systems is a two-year programme that strikes an effective balance between classroom and applied work. About one third of the first three semesters is devoted to practical projects. The emphasis shifts gradually from lectures to independent and research-oriented study with practical work, seminars and the identification of open research questions.

The first semester is an even mix between compulsory and elective courses. Compulsory courses include Distributed Systems, where you will learn about the development of middleware systems for large-scale computer networks.

Parallel Programming teaches you how to write programs that run in parallel on a large number of processors and Computer & Network Security is a wide-ranging course on security. The final semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis, which usually

PHYSICS

involves conducting research together with a member of the programme’s academic staff.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PDCS is a research Master’s, which means that most of our students are preparing for a career in academic or industrial research. Many PDCS graduates continue their studies by obtaining a PhD research position at a top university. Others join industrial research laboratories. PDCS graduates are needed in

2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • ADVANCED MATTER AND ENERGY PHYSICS • PARTICLE AND ASTROPARTICLE PHYSICS • PHYSICS OF LIFE AND HEALTH • SCIENCE FOR ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY • THEORETICAL PHYSICS WWW.VU.NL/PHYSICS Admissionsfs@vu.nl

many sectors. Graduates with an entrepreneurial drive often start

Why study Physics at VU University Amsterdam?

their own companies.

Physics is an indispensable part of modern society. Our lives would be entirely different without computer chips, lasers, MRI

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

screening and all the other benefits of physics research. The

The Master’s programme in Parallel and Distributed Computer

Master’s in Physics provides you with plenty of opportunities to

Systems is an internationally oriented, multidisciplinary

study and engage in ground-breaking fundamental research and

programme based on outstanding research at VU University

its applications. The programme offers a wide range of courses

Amsterdam. The requirements, procedures and regulations are

and the opportunity to work with leading international researchers

therefore different from those of a standard Master’s programme.

in advanced laboratories such as the Laser Centre (LCVU).

For the full procedure, check the website.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

The Master’s programme gives you wider knowledge and a

Artificial Intelligence - Computer Science.

deeper understanding of physics as a whole, and the opportunity to specialize in a specific area. The specializations offered range from Advanced Matter and Energy Physics to Physics of Life and Health. You will take core courses in your chosen specialization, plus a number of optional subjects. These options can be general physics subjects or courses drawn from another specialization. In your second year, you will join one of the research groups for your Master’s project and write a Master’s thesis. In addition to your specialization, you can choose between various professional profiles which emphasize research, communication, education or executive and management skills. You will also benefit from the collaboration between VU University Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam, which expands the range of courses and research topics open to you.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER A Master’s degree in Physics provides a solid steppingstone to a variety of career paths. You can pursue a career at a research institute, a major multinational, a telecommunications company or a bank. Other opportunities can be found in the public sector, software houses and consultancies. You can also choose to continue your research at PhD level.

26

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

courses provided each year by the department. The last semester

In addition to general requirements for the Master’s in Physics,

is dedicated to your Master’s project, which is either a research

each specialization has its own set of specific requirements.

project or an external project carried out at a business or

In general, you should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Physics or

research facility outside the university.

Physics and Astronomy or an equivalent qualification. Please contact the programme coordinator for your specialization to

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

obtain detailed information on specific further requirements.

A Master’s degree in Stochastics and Financial Mathematics will be a great asset to you in finding employment in the business

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

world, especially with major financial institutions (e.g. banks,

Mathematics - Medical Natural Sciences - Science Business &

insurance firms), rail transport and telecommunications

Innovation.

companies. Your future employer will not only benefit from your mathematical background, but also from the personal and organizational skills you developed during the programme.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Admission is possible with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or a closely related subject, such as Statistics or Econometrics, subject to Examination Board approval. You also require some knowledge of measure and integration theory, probability and stochastics.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Business Analytics - Computer Science - Mathematics.

ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION STOCHASTICS AND FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS 2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/SFM Admissionsfs@vu.nl

Why study Stochastics and Financial Mathematics at VU University Amsterdam? Stochastics examines phenomena in which chance plays a central role, such as general election results, share price fluctuations and interactions between molecules in a living cell. The Master’s programme in Stochastics and Financial Mathematics trains you in the full depth and breadth of this field, expanding your abilities and insights and enhancing your career opportunities. VU University Amsterdam maintains close contact with the mathematics departments of many financial businesses and is located in the financial heart of Amsterdam.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

ACCOUNTING AND CONTROL

The Master’s in Stochastics and Financial Mathematics is a small-scale programme that is characterized by a personal style and individual attention. Student-teacher interaction plays a key role. You will benefit from having the opportunity to study in small groups and work closely with the academic staff.

The two-year programme is divided into four semesters. In the first semester you will take one course that lays the foundation for the more advanced subjects to come. In the second and third semester, you can select subjects from a list of recommended

1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • ACCOUNTANCY • CONTROLLING • H ONOURS PROGRAMME IN BUSINESS RESEARCH (20 ADDITIONAL CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/BUSINESSRESEARCH WWW.VU.NL/ACCOUNTING Admissionsfeba@vu.nl INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

27

Why study Accounting and Control at VU University Amsterdam? The Accounting and Control programme draws on the strengths of VU University Amsterdam both as an established research university and as one of the major providers of postgraduate professional education in accountancy. With a strong academic core, an openness to the world of professional practice, and an international outlook, the programme is an effective starting point in your development as a professional preparer, user or auditor of financial information, and a gateway to further specialized training.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME Half of the programme consists of a common core of 30 credits. In the five core courses, you will consider the accounting and control domain from four disciplinary perspectives: financial accounting, management accounting, corporate governance and risk

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

management, and corporate law. The final core course focuses on research methodologies in accounting. The other half of the programme consists of two or more electives and an individual thesis of 18 credits, all of which you can use to develop a specific disciplinary profile.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER Successful completion of the programme will give you a solid basis for pursuing a career in accounting and control. The programme is designed in particular for students aiming for financial manager or controller positions in major organizations and for those seeking work as an internal or public auditor.

Electives make it possible to gear the programme to specific career choices.

1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT • HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT • INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT • MANAGEMENT CONSULTING • STRATEGY AND ORGANIZATION • TRANSPORT AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT • H ONOURS PROGRAMME IN BUSINESS RESEARCH (20 ADDITIONAL CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/BUSINESSRESEARCH WWW.VU.NL/BUSINESSADMINISTRATION Admissionsfeba@vu.nl

Why study Business Administration at VU University Amsterdam? No part of the Dutch economy is growing as fast as the business services industry. The Master’s in

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Business Administration at VU University Amsterdam is the only

To be admitted you must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s

Master’s in the country and in Europe to focus specifically on this

degree (equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s degree),

aspect of industrial activity. The university is located alongside

including advanced courses in Financial Accounting, Management

Dutch multinationals, right in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas

Accounting, Quantitative Methods and Financial Statement

business district. Our teaching staff provide an ideal combination

Analysis.

of excellent scholarship and hands-on experience straight from the business world.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Business Administration: Financial Management - Finance.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME The Master’s in Business Administration is a one-year, full-time programme. The programme offers six specializations, each with its own entry requirements, giving you the opportunity to become a leading expert in one of these areas. You will complete the programme by writing a Master’s thesis about your own research on a specific topic taken from your specialization’s research spectrum. Upon successful completion of the programme, you will have amassed expert knowledge in this specific area of studies and you will receive an internationally recognized Master of Science degree (MSc) in Business Administration.

The specialization will be stated on your diploma supplement.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER Regardless of the specialization you choose, you will be ideally equipped for a career in management, research or consultancy, both internal and external. Your strengths will either lie in your knowledge of a specific field (FM, HRM, IKM, S&O, TSCM) or in your command of processes and skills (MC).

28

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS You must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s degree

3 INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

(equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s degree), including advanced courses related to the specialization of your choice

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

and general courses such as Statistics, Business Statistics and/

You will develop a thorough understanding of innovative

or Research Methods. See specific admission requirements per

organizational forms and new online technologies, and you

specialization.

will focus on their value to develop business and improve

6 SPECIALIZATIONS:

organizational processes. You will be called on to think creatively and critically, using new academic insights, while searching for innovative, practical solutions to turn

1 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

information and knowledge into strategic value. Many highprofile companies are keenly interested in our students, both when collaborating with them on joint projects during courses

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

and upon graduation.

Financial management professionals have to be experts in three major fields: they must have a thorough understanding of how

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

to acquire financial resources (corporate finance), know the law

You must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s degree

of the land in the financial environment (financial markets) and

(equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s degree), including

have a keen awareness of how to manage and report internal

advanced courses in E-Business, Information Technology,

financial flows (management/financial accounting). In addition,

Knowledge Management, Innovation Management, Business

the programme has two focus areas: financial management

Research Methods, and (Strategic) Management/Organization.

in business (Corporate Finance and Accounting) and financial management in the financial sector (Banking and Insurance).

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Marketing - Business Administration: specialization Strategy

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

and Organization/Management Consulting.

You must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s degree), including advanced courses in Corporate Finance, Financial Management, Financial Markets and Institutions, Business

4 MANAGEMENT CONSULTING

Statistics and Accounting.

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION? OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

Consultants are hired when clients are unsure what action to

Finance - Accounting and Control.

take or lack the time for proper reflection. The consultant’s task is to solve management problems, improve performance,

WWW.VU.NL/FINANCIALMANAGEMENT

implement changes and seize new opportunities. Yet even when consultants are called in, clients may still fail to take the right decisions or to implement change. We offer you the tools

2 HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

and training to develop the personal skills you need to become an invaluable partner to businesses, government bodies and other organizations.

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION? HRM can be defined as the management of work and people in

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

order to achieve desired outcomes. For organizations, these

You must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s degree

outcomes involve high performance aligned with organizational

(equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s degree), including

goals. For employees, they involve career and development

30 credits of advanced Business Administration courses (e.g.

opportunities. Human resource managers take on the challenge

Strategy and Organization, Organizational Design) and 30

of aligning individual needs to organizational requirements using

credits of method courses (e.g. Business Statistics, Research

HRM tools and models. This process takes place in the context

Methods). If you have completed a 30-credit minor in

of environmental and societal trends, such as increasingly

Business Administration as part of another degree, you may

diverse employee backgrounds and more fluid career paths.

also apply.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

You must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s degree

Business Administration: specialization Strategy and Control.

(equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s degree), including advanced courses in Organizational Behaviour, Human Resource Management and Research Methods for Business.

WWW.VU.NL/HRM INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

29

5 STRATEGY AND ORGANIZATION WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION? You will explore the four challenges faced by businesses in the 21st century: globalization, collaboration, transformation, and servitization. You can study the challenges involved in the internationalization of entrepreneurial companies and multinational enterprises, and explore different forms of collaboration, including alliances, mergers and acquisitions.

Alternatively, you can focus on topics including the design and management of services, how production firms use services to improve their competitive position and the management of service innovation.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS You must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s degree), including advanced courses in Strategy and Environment, Organizational Design and Business Statistics/Research

ECONOMETRICS AND OPERATIONS RESEARCH

Methods.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Business Administration: specialization Management Consulting.

6 TRANSPORT AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • ECONOMETRICS AND MATHEMATICAL ECONOMICS • OPERATIONS RESEARCH AND BUSINESS ECONOMETRICS WWW.VU.NL/ECONOMETRICS Admissionsfeba@vu.nl

Why study Econometrics and Operations Research at VU University Amsterdam? Econometrics and Operations Research is a fascinating scientific discipline which

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

develops state-of-the-art quantitative methods and applies them

Building on our strong research track record, this

to the analysis of economic problems in their broadest sense.

specialization offers you the right academic and professional

Due to the diversity of modelling and analytical techniques,

skills to manage supply chains and transport networks in

the programme is divided into two specializations. Each track

both product-oriented and service-oriented firms and in

provides you with the opportunity to examine a number of areas

policy-making environments. In close collaboration with our

in greater detail, oriented either towards economic or business

scientific staff, policy makers and leading multinationals, you

processes.

will examine contemporary transportation and supply chain challenges and develop novel solutions and insights. Whether

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

you wish to pursue a career in business or in the academic

The curriculum features many of the latest developments in

world, this specialization is an excellent choice.

areas such as financial econometrics, combinatorial optimization and game theory. The programme offers two tracks, one in

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Econometrics and Mathematical Economics and one in Operations

You must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s degree

Research and Business Econometrics. You will choose a

(equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s degree),

specialization at the beginning of the programme, or you may

including several advanced courses in Strategy Operations

combine courses from both specializations to create a tailor-made

Management, Basics of Transport Economics, and/or

programme based on your own interests. In the latter case, no

Logistics and Decision Analysis. We are looking for highly

specialization will be mentioned on your degree certificate.

motivated students with a strong work ethos and strong analytical skills. A solid command of English is required.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER You will have excellent career prospects in areas where

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

mathematics, statistics and IT resources are applied to

Spatial, Transport and Environmental Economics.

the quantitative analysis of business problems. Operations researchers work in a range of industries, including logistics, software development, transport and distribution, manufacturing and consultancy. Econometricians find employment in national policy research at planning agencies or government ministries, in financial institutions and consultancy firms.

30

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS To be admitted you must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s degree), including elementary courses in calculus, linear algebra, statistics, probability theory, mathematical economics and programming language such as C/C++, JAVA, Matlab and/or Ox. You may also require either advanced courses in econometrics and/or operations research, depending on the specialization you choose.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Business Analytics - Finance: Honours track in Quantitative Finance.

2 SPECIALIZATIONS: 1 ECONOMETRICS

AND MATHEMATICAL ECONOMICS WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION? This specialization focuses on econometric methods and techniques within finance and economics. Within the field of Econometrics you will learn to model economic time series and

ECONOMICS

estimate parameters using advanced statistical techniques such as Kalman filters and Monte Carlo simulations for short-term forecasting. Within the field of Mathematical Economics you will learn to model and investigate markets with large players and develop optimal business strategies.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Besides the basic mathematics involved in the general

1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS • ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL POLICY • INTERNATIONAL AND MACROECONOMIC POLICY • SPATIAL ECONOMICS WWW.VU.NL/ECONOMICS Admissionsfeba@vu.nl

of Econometrics, Statistics, and Mathematical Economics

Why study Economics at VU University Amsterdam? The Master´s in Economics admits highly

(beyond the basic level).

motivated and inquisitive minds from a global pool of applicants

requirements, applicants should have advanced knowledge

(40% international). Using behavioural models and statistical techniques, you will tackle economic issues in a broad range

2 OPERATIONS RESEARCH AND BUSINESS ECONOMETRICS

of areas, straddling globalization and development, labour and health economics, urban and transport economics, and international macroeconomic policy coordination. We offer world-class teaching with an excellent student/teacher ratio.

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

The programme is highly rated by our students and is one of the

This specialization is geared towards analysing, modelling

top Economics programmes in the Netherlands.

and optimizing operational business processes. The topics in the field of Operations Research concern the analysis

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

of combinatorial optimization algorithms, and stochastic

You will learn to take a structured approach to solving practical

simulation of logistical systems. Within Business Econometrics

problems, using modern and appropriate methodology, and

you will learn to model business processes and to apply

basing your research conclusions and policy recommendations

quantitative techniques for solving business decision problems.

on sound scientific principles. In core courses, you will gain a thorough understanding of economic tools in microeconomics,

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

macroeconomics and econometrics at an advanced level. You

Besides the basic mathematics involved in the general

will then take in-depth and challenging field courses to put

require-ments, applicants should have advanced knowledge

theory into practice, with a focus on applied modelling and policy

of Operations Research (specifically stochastic modelling

perspectives. Taking a specialization is optional, and students who

and deterministic optimization) and Mathematical Economics

would prefer to exercise a range of talents can freely pick and mix

(beyond the basic level).

from our list of elective courses. Those who wish to gain more expertise in a particular policy field can choose from among the four specializations within this Master’s programme. Finally, you will conduct your own research and subject current theories to critical tests, culminating in a thesis.

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

31

YOUR FUTURE CAREER Having graduated, you will be a versatile and independent

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

economist, with an internationally recognized MSc degree in

Applicants must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s

Economics, testifying to specialized knowledge as an expert in

degree (equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s

your field. Some graduates work as policy advisors or analysts at

degree), including advanced courses in Microeconomics,

ministries, government agencies or central banks. Others become

Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Statistics and Mathematics.

consultants or join multinationals in banking and insurance, while others pursue research at PhD level.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

3 INTERNATIONAL AND MACROECONOMIC POLICY

Applicants must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s degree),

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

including advanced courses in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics,

This specialization builds on the foundations of advanced

Econometrics, Statistics and Mathematics.

macroeconomics. Among other topics, specialization courses discuss strategies involved in the coordination and

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

cooperation needed to maintain and promote European

Spatial, Transport and Environmental Economics - Research

integration. Another area focuses on growth in developing

Master: Tinbergen Institute Master of Philosophy in Economics.

nations. We also study the drivers of growth in industrialized

4 SPECIALIZATIONS:

countries, specifically the strategies embraced by firms to boost innovation and growth, and the role of policy. Our highly respected teaching staff have an international track record in

1 DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS

academia, central banking and policy advice.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

Applicants must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s

The department of Development Economics forms one of the

degree (equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s

strongest development economics research groups in Europe.

degree), including advanced courses in Microeconomics,

Our approach is decidedly empirical, using case studies or survey

Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Statistics and Mathematics.

data from individual households or firms to test competing theories and to evaluate the impact of implemented policy initiatives and specific development projects. The Development Economics curriculum is also shaped by broader issues of

4 SPATIAL ECONOMICS

human development. We cooperate closely with the University of Amsterdam, which is responsible for certain teaching activities.

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION? This specialization studies the economics of space, transport

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

and the environment. Global warming, traffic congestion

Applicants must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s

and core-periphery structures in economic activity are

degree (equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s

three examples of issues addressed in the coursework.

degree), including advanced courses in Microeconomics,

All courses apply relevant theoretical and empirical insights

Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Statistics and Mathematics.

to practical issues. You will learn to use modern analytical tools to investigate potential solutions and to formulate policy recommendations. Our staff are internationally renowned

2 ECONOMICS AND SOCIAL POLICY

and active participants in national and international economic policy debates.

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The Microeconomics research group is one of the strongest

Applicants must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s

in the country in this field, and it forms the backbone of this

degree (equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s

specialization. It focuses on three specific areas: A) bridging

degree), including advanced courses in Microeconomics,

the gap between micro- and macroeconomic approaches to

Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Statistics and Mathematics.

labour market policies, B) strategies embraced by firms to gain market power and the role of government in enhancing transparency, C) the consequences of ageing on social security and healthcare institutions and policies to improve work, health and longevity outcomes.

32

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

YOUR FUTURE CAREER As a Finance graduate, you can pursue a career in the corporate sector (treasurer, risk manager, controller or financial manager), the financial sector (banker, analyst, portfolio manager, accounting expert, insurance expert), the non-profit sector (national government agencies, international agencies, supervisory bodies) or in consultancy. Our curriculum is designed to allow easy entrance to a range of postgraduate programmes.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Applicants must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s degree (equal to the Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree), including advanced courses in Corporate Finance, Investments or Asset Management, Quantitative Methods, Mathematics or Econometrics and Statistics.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Business Administration: Financial Management - Finance: Honours track Quantitative Finance - Accounting and Control Stochastics and Financial Mathematics.

FINANCE 1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • HONOURS TRACK IN QUANTITATIVE FINANCE (84 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/FINANCE Admissionsfeba@vu.nl

Why study Finance at VU University Amsterdam?

HONOURS TRACK IN QUANTITATIVE FINANCE WHY CHOOSE THIS HONOURS TRACK? The Quantitative Finance honours track is a 84 credits prestigious programme specifically for students who are interested both in Finance and in quantitative modelling aspects of the finance profession. You will tackle issues in the field of risk management and the development of

The financial sector is constantly subject to change and innovation,

complex financial products, and apply methodological

creating a need for people who have a thorough understanding

concepts to real-life situations. You will be trained in asset

of finance to create workable solutions and improvements. This

pricing, investment issues and derivatives, as well as in the

calls for academic skills, knowledge of financial economics

application of the latest computational and econometric

and an awareness of the latest developments in the industry.

techniques needed for a successful career.

The Master’s programme raises your level of knowledge in investments and corporate finance. It provides the conceptual

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

frameworks and practical insights that are vital for understanding

Applicants must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s

how financial management and financial markets operate.

degree (equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s degree), including advanced courses in Investments, Mathematics

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

and Programming. Knowledge of Econometrics at the level

Throughout the programme, there is a strong focus on finding

of a graduate course in an economics programme.

answers to burning questions in financial economics. Following the economic crisis, it is vital that you receive a broad training in

WWW.VU.NL/QUANTITATIVEFINANCE

all aspects of finance, as provided by four compulsory courses: Corporate Finance, Empirical Finance, Asset Pricing, and Financial Markets and Institutions. Lectures, tutorials, and reallife case studies help you to apply theoretical concepts to specific practical contexts. Our teaching staff are engaged in international financial research or hold key positions at leading financial institutions, thus providing a direct link between cutting-edge academic theories and real-world application. While the standard Master’s programme in Finance has no formal specializations, two or more elective courses enable you to further specialize either in Corporate Finance or (Security) Investments. The Quantitative Finance honours track has its own designated set of courses.

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

33

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Applicants must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s degree), including advanced courses in Organizational Behaviour, Organization Design, Finance, Accounting en Research Methods.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Business Administration and Marketing.

Entrepreneurship joint degree 1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/ENTREPRENEURSHIP Admissionsfeba@vu.nl

Why study Entrepreneurship at VU University Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam?

As two leading Dutch universities, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and VU University Amsterdam jointly deliver a unique

Geographical Information Science

Master’s programme in Entrepreneurship. The programme will give you a profound academic grasp of entrepreneurship and will hone your entrepreneurial skillset. This powerful combination of knowledge and skills will appeal to creative and ambitious students. At the same time these are also competencies that are much in demand with employers who see entrepreneurship as crucial to their ability to create social and economic value. The programme will expose you to two distinct academic cultures, which challenges you to look further and prepares you for the

3 years (part-time/60 credits) • GIScience • GIS and Management • GIS and Environment www.vu.nl/gis www.unigis.nl Admissionsfeba@vu.nl

demands of entrepreneurial practice.

Why study Geographical Information Science at VU University Amsterdam? Geographical Information

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

Science (GIS) is one of the fastest expanding areas in information

This is a one-year, full-time programme taught in English.

technology. Offered under the auspices of UNIGIS, a network of

We see entrepreneurship as the processes of creating and

universities cooperating in the design and delivery of distance

exploiting opportunities by means of novel combinations of

learning in GIS, the Master’s programme at VU University

resources leading to new value. Creativity plays a key role in

Amsterdam enables professionals and recent graduates to

these processes. You will study entrepreneurial processes in

acquire new knowledge and skills in the field. Combining

all contexts where they occur and acquire a solid foundation

academic rigour with flexibility and personalized learning,

in academic research, cutting-edge theory and research

the programme provides an excellent foundation for your

methodology. Upon graduation you will be awarded a joint VU-UvA

GIS career in science, business or public administration.

Master’s degree. This degree is recognized internationally.

Structure of the programme YOUR FUTURE CAREER

GIS is offered as a three-year distance-learning programme on

An increasing number of companies are looking for

a part-time basis. You will study approximately 8 to 10 hours per

‘entrepreneurial professionals’, giving our graduates a distinct

week via online modules. Once a year, in June, you will participate

advantage on the labour market. This programme can also

in a one-week workshop on campus, attending lectures and

put you on a pathway to obtaining a PhD degree, becoming an

completing group assignments with your fellow students. GIS is a

entrepreneurship researcher or otherwise pursuing an academic

flexible, modular programme. It is divided into an academic core,

career.

comprising modules in spatial analysis, spatial data management

34

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

and GIS research skills; a specialization track of your choice,

Why study Marketing at VU University Amsterdam?

designed to meet your career objectives; and an in-depth research

This programme focuses on training you to become a marketing

project on your chosen GI topic, which completes your training as

professional with a strongly developed critical and analytical

a GIS scientist and professional. Through its connection to UNIGIS

intellect, in-depth knowledge and a keen insight into state-of-

International, the programme grants access to summer and

the-art marketing, as well as the ability to apply this insight to

winter schools organized together with other UNIGIS sites, and

practical marketing problems. The programme distinguishes

elective modules offered by our UNIGIS partners.

itself from others by focusing on strategic marketing topics and integrating a managerial and research-focused approach. The

Your future career

Master forms an excellent basis for solving marketing problems in

The job market for GIS graduates is very healthy. Our graduates

both consumer and business markets.

work in the private sector (48%) and with government bodies (47%). Many take a step up the career ladder during or soon

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

after their studies. If you wish to pursue a career in science, the

In the Master’s programme in Marketing, you will study and

programme’s SPINlab (Spatial Information Laboratory) research

analyse the choices that companies make in defining, creating

group is always keen to consider good PhD proposals.

and delivering superior customer value with the ultimate aim of achieving a sustainable competitive edge. Accordingly, you will

Specific admission requirements

concentrate on acquiring and applying knowledge of strategic

To obtain a place on the programme, you need a Bachelor’s

marketing and market research, and you will specialize in the

degree or equivalent. Each application is considered individually

areas of consumer and business marketing. You will integrate and

on the basis of qualifications and experience. If your educational

apply your new knowledge in present-day real-life case studies

background does not grant you direct entry, you may be advised to

and challenges set by our business contacts. Specialization

take additional courses. The programme is taught and assessed in

courses include Cross-Cultural Consumer Research and Geo-

English, so you must possess the necessary language skills.

Marketing, and academic seminars on topics such as Innovation, Strategy and Online Marketing. You will learn to think critically,

Other interesting programmes

make succinct analyses and reach well-argued conclusions.

Landscape and Heritage - Earth Sciences - Ecology - Business Administration: specialization Transport and Supply Chain

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

Management - Spatial, Transport and Environmental Economics -

With a Master’s in Marketing, you can pursue a career in

Environment and Resource Management - Geosciences of Basins

marketing management or market research, for example as

and Litosphere - Global Health - Hydrology.

a product manager, marketing manager, account manager or market researcher in a multinational corporation or in the SME sector. In addition, the Master’s in Marketing can lead to a career in consulting, management or a range of other fields.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Applicants must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s degree), including advanced courses in Consumer Behaviour, Research Methods/Marketing Research (including substantial experience of using SPSS).

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Business Administration: Information and Knowledge Management (E-marketing).

MARKETING 1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • HONOURS PROGRAMME IN BUSINESS RESEARCH (20 ADDITIONAL CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/BUSINESSRESEARCH WWW.VU.NL/MARKETING Admissionsfeba@vu.nl

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

35

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Economics: specialization Spatial Economics - Business Administration: Transport and Supply Chain Management Environment and Resource Management: specialization Environmental Studies - Earth Sciences: specialization Earth and Economics.

3 SPECIALIZATIONS: 1 SPATIAL ECONOMICS WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

SPATIAL, TRANSPORTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS

Spatial Economics analyses how various forces contribute to spatial dynamics and network development from a mainly microeconomic perspective, and explores the use and further development of various techniques, methods and tools in this field.

1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • SPATIAL ECONOMICS • TRANSPORT ECONOMICS • ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS WWW.VU.NL/STREEM Admissionsfeba@vu.nl

Why study Streem at VU University Amsterdam?

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Applicants must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s degree), including advanced courses in Microeconomics, Econometrics, Regional Economics, Transport Economics, Environmental Economics and Mathematics.

This leading scientific programme offers you a thorough education in the modern theory and empirics of regional, urban, transport and environmental economic issues. Applying the theory to

2 TRANSPORT ECONOMICS

practical issues is one of the programme’s key features. You will learn to use your analyses to investigate potential solutions and

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

formulate policy recommendations.

Transport Economics focuses on the causes and consequences of a growing demand for mobility from a microeconomic

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

perspective. It also addresses problems such as traffic

The programme offers an integrated view of the themes of space,

congestion, reliability, safety and environmental externalities.

transport and the environment from an economic perspective.

The Department of Spatial Economics boasts internationally

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

renowned staff, all active participants in the national and

Applicants must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s

international debate on economic policy. The first period of the

degree (equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s

programme centres on a core of compulsory courses. The next

degree), including advanced courses in Microeconomics,

periods are devoted to specialized courses and practical work in

Econometrics, Regional Economics, Transport Economics,

which you will carry out your own research project as a basis for

Environmental Economics and Mathematics.

your final thesis. You are free to choose your own specialization courses, depending on the fields in which you are most interested.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

3 ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS

Many graduates find employment as policy economists with the government or consultancy firms. There are also opportunities

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

with organizations such as airlines, airport authorities, railway

Environmental Economics focuses on economic aspects of

companies and logistics companies. Others opt for a position as

environmental problems and policy. It combines scientific

economic researchers with economic policy institutes.

and policy expertise and addresses the need to integrate economics with insights from other disciplines, notably the

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Applicants must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s degree), including advanced courses in Microeconomics, Econometrics, Regional Economics, Transport Economics, Environmental Economics and Mathematics.

36

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

environmental sciences.

committing to a specific line of research, students can explore the SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

institute’s many fields of research by choosing from over 40 field

Applicants must possess at least an accredited Bachelor’s

courses offered in the TI programme. The programme culminates

degree (equivalent to a Dutch university Bachelor’s

in the MPhil thesis (30 credits), supervised by one of TI’s senior

degree), including advanced courses in Microeconomics,

research fellows, all of whom have excellent international

Econometrics, Regional Economics, Transport Economics,

credentials. The final version of the thesis should be suitable for

Environmental Economics and Mathematics.

submission to an international, peer-reviewed journal and may serve as the first chapter of a PhD dissertation.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER Tinbergen Institute’s Research Master’s programme is a gateway to a wide variety of PhD dissertation opportunities. Over 90% of graduates continue in a PhD position at the University of Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam or Erasmus University Rotterdam. TI’s PhD alumni have taken up influential (research) positions all over the world: at universities, in the government sector, international organizations and major companies.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The typical TI student is one of the better students in his/her class and is mathematically skilled, creative, inquisitive, hard-working, independent and has plenty of academic ambition. Admission to the programme is highly selective and competitive. Criteria include a Bachelor’s degree with a strong quantitative orientation

TINBERGEN INSTITUTE MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN ECONOMICS

(economics, econometrics, mathematics, physics) and a strong motivation to obtain a PhD.

PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION

1 YEAR (120 CREDITS) • ECONOMICS • ECONOMETRICS • FINANCE www.vu.nl/economics-mphil WWW.TINBERGEN.NL/PROSPECTIVE -STUDENTS Admissionsfeba@vu.nl

Why choose the Tinbergen Institute MPHIL in Economics at VU University Amsterdam? Tinbergen Institute (TI) provides high-quality graduate education in economics, econometrics and finance on behalf of three of the Netherlands’ top universities: Erasmus University Rotterdam, the University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam. The best researchers in economics from these universities are connected to the Tinbergen Institute programme. Each of these ‘TI fellows’ has excellent international credentials, carries out research, and acts as a student advisor. In 2013, the programme was rated one of the top Master’s programmes in the Netherlands.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME Tinbergen Institute offers a Research Master’s programme with three tracks: economics, econometrics and finance. Its scope, level and quality rival that of equivalent programmes at leading academic institutions worldwide. The first year consists of rigorous training in the core subjects and tools of economics, econometrics and finance (Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Finance and (Advanced) Econometrics). In the second year, before

CLINICAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY 2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/PSYCHOPATHOLOGY Admissionsfpe@vu.nl INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

37

Why study Clinical and Developmental Psychopathology at VU University Amsterdam?

Intervention, Epidemiological Research, Scientific Writing and

In a small-scale academic setting, students on the Research

Your second year will include a course on Trends in Brain and

Master’s in Clinical and Developmental Psychopathology learn

Behaviour, three practical skills courses and your Master’s thesis.

about the etiology, development and course of psychopathology,

In both years you can choose from a range of elective courses.

Presenting and you will complete your first research project.

and they are trained in cutting-edge methods for its prevention and treatment. The best researchers in this field provide top-notch

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

teaching on the newest insights into the relationship between mental

As a graduate of the Research Master’s in Clinical and

health, biological endowments and environmental resources,

Developmental Psychopathology, you will be well equipped to find

the neuropsychological substrate and human relationships, and

employment as a researcher with a research and development

adaptive and maladaptive developmental pathways.

institute. Other career options are available in the research departments of mental healthcare organizations, municipal health

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

services, government ministries and local government agencies.

In this two-year Research Master’s you will work on theoretical and practical problems in individual, group, and tutorial settings

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

using a diverse range of learning activities (seminars, practicals,

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology,

research projects, presentations and lectures). Electives and

Education or a related field, and have an appreciable interest in

research projects will enable you to discover your own individual

research. You must have received an 8 (B+) or higher for your

direction and approach. Your tutor will be a leading scientist in

final Bachelor’s thesis and have a grade average of 7.5 or higher.

your field of interest, providing feedback on essential academic

Furthermore, you must be proficient in English.

skills, including presentation, collaboration and applying theoretical concepts. Your first year will feature courses such

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

as Psychopathology, Theory of Therapeutic and Preventive

Research Master’s in Cognitive Neuropsychology.

ARZ STEPHAN/LEBANON

RESEARCH MASTER’S IN CLINICAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

This Research Master’s programme has provided me with the opportunity to be trained by top researchers in the field of clinical and developmental psychopathology. It has allowed me to develop my analytical skills in finding the best ways to prevent and to treat mental health problems, and at the same time to investigate the reasons behind such problems.

I’ve also enjoyed the international aspects of the programme. It has introduced me to the international research networks in psychopathology and both the teaching staff and the students form a melting pot of cultural diversity while sharing a common passion for research. Last but not least, this programme has contributed to my personal as well as my professional development, making me ready for the job market!

‘As I approach graduation, I realize I made an excellent choice in my academic journey by joining this research master’s’ 38

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Artificial Intelligence, Biology or a related field and have an appreciable interest in research. You must have received an 8 (B+) or higher for your final Bachelor’s thesis and have a grade average of 7.5 or higher. Furthermore, you must be proficient in English.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Research Master’s in Neurosciences, Artificial Intelligence.

COGNITIVE NEUROPSYCHOLOGY 2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/NEUROPSYCHOLOGY Admissionsfpe@vu.nl

Why study Cognitive Neuropsychology at VU University Amsterdam? The Master’s in Cognitive Neuropsychology will teach you how to investigate the human mind. You will learn about cognitive and neuropsychological theories and apply these to individual patients with brain damage.

You will understand how such disorders lead to fascinating symptoms, and what such symptoms mean for our theories of the mind. In doing so, you will acquire essential skills in the cognitive neurosciences, including experimenting, programming and imaging. In the end, you will become an expert on brain functioning.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME You will learn about about the brain, cognition, and brain disorders, and how the latter express themselves in cognitive

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY: REGULATION OF SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR 2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/SOCIALPSYCHOLOGY Admissionsfpe@vu.nl

Why study Social Psychology: Regulation of Social Behaviour at VU University Amsterdam? Become the

functioning. You will learn to investigate this using behavioural

best scientist and scholar that you can be! Our Master’s programme

measurements, neuropsychological tests and neurophysiological

in Social Psychology takes a multidisciplinary approach to

techniques such as EEG and MRI. The two-year programme also

understanding fundamental social psychological processes.

has a strong focus on academic skills, such as critical analysis

The underlying idea is that new insights regarding human

and presenting your own research. It includes three elective

behaviour can be understood more completely by incorporating

courses, seminars, a research internship and a Master’s thesis.

evolutionary, cognitive, and social structural perspectives into the

Courses include Medical Neuroscience; Cognitive Dysfunction in

study of diverse social and psychological phenomena, including

Psychiatric Disorders; Advanced Statistics; Memory and Memory

self processes, interpersonal relations, and intra- and inter-group

Disorders; Cognitive Neuroscience; Perception; and Brain

phenomena. Social psychology is therefore an important factor in

Imaging. Students who are proficient in Dutch and have a Dutch

countless situations and settings.

Bachelor’s degree with a neuropsychological specialization will be eligible for a specialized programme that prepares them for the

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

Dutch clinical GZ opleiding.

During the first year, courses focus on basic principles and advanced skills, including methods, statistics, and writing;

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

you will also complete a group-based research project. The

You will become a versatile and skilled researcher, capable of

second year integrates this knowledge and places it in a broader,

pursuing a successful career at a university, research institute or

multidisciplinary context; you will complete two research projects

in a clinical setting. Graduates work in developing evidence-based

and write a thesis as the culmination of your Master’s degree.

clinical applications, in human factors research, in marketing and

Teaching takes place on a small scale in seminars, workshops, and

IT, in the pharmaceutical industry, etc. Many go on to obtain a PhD

individual mentorships. Our lecturers are internationally recognized

in cognitive psychology, neuropsychology or other brain sciences.

in diverse fields. The programme features special facilities, INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

39

including a dedicated research laboratory and a work-study room,

sociocultural and socio-political patterns and processes

and has a truly international character: all teaching is in English, and

in organizational contexts. This interdisciplinary Master’s

more than half of our students come from outside the Netherlands.

programme integrates management and organizational theory with anthropological, sociological and psychological approaches

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

to identity, politics and cross-cultural cooperation. It is a unique

As a social psychology graduate, you can work in college

approach that is only available at VU University Amsterdam.

or university settings, in the private sector as a consultant, researcher, or manager, or in government and non-profit

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

organizations, designing and evaluating policies and programmes

In the first semester you take a number of in-depth seminars,

in education, conflict resolution, environmental protection, etc.

using mainly qualitative research methods which are key to the

You can also pursue your studies to PhD level.

ethnographic approach in organization studies. In the second semester you conduct fieldwork research for your Master’s thesis

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

in an organization and country of your choice, benefiting from

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or a

individual supervision by experienced professionals.

related field and have an appreciable interest in research. You

The Master’s programme requires you to develop an

must complete an assignment as part of the admission procedure,

interdisciplinary academic, critical, and investigative research-

which needs to be graded with at least “sufficient” to be admitted

focused attitude. Within organizations we explore how people

to the program. Furthermore, you must be proficient in English.

cope with colleagues and handle themselves. We look at changing cultures and the central issues of management styles and

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

strategies. You will combine research techniques and relevant

Research master’s in Cognitive Neuropsychology - Political Science.

theoretical approaches, giving you a basis for gathering qualitative data that can be used to understand the complexities of everyday life in organizations.

SOCIAL SCIENCES

YOUR FUTURE CAREER The prospects for Culture, Organization and Management (COM) graduates are favourable. Many graduates become organizational consultants. Others enter the fields of customer relations, HRM and recruitment, or policy and internal communications. In the nonprofit sector and the public sector, there is an increasing demand for COM graduates, particularly in interdisciplinary teams.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS To join the Master’s programme you must have a Bachelor’s honours degree from an accredited research university in one of the following subjects: Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, Organization Science, Communication Science (from a Social Sciences perspective), Organization Psychology, Social Psychology, or Business Administration. Your studies must have included courses in qualitative social sciences research methodology.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

CULTURE, ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT 1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/COM Admissionsfss@vu.nl

Why study Culture, Organization and Management at VU University Amsterdam? This programme explores how people deal with their work, customers and each other both within and between organizations. It focuses specifically on cultures and national and international management styles and offers you a comprehensive understanding of complex

40

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

Social and Cultural Anthropology - Political Science.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER Our graduates find work as policy analysts or advisors with international governmental or non-governmental organizations in the private sector, or as civil servants in government ministries.

You can also enter the field of journalism or pursue a career in communication and public relations, or continue your studies by participating in PhD programmes around the world.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS You must hold a Bachelor’s honours degree in Political Science, International Relations or a closely related discipline from an accredited research university. Your studies must have included social sciences research methodology and you must have achieved good grades throughout. You also need an excellent working command of English (IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 100).

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Culture, Organization and Management - Social and Cultural Anthropology - Law and Politics of International Security.

POLITICAL SCIENCE 1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • COMPARATIVE AND EUROPEAN POLITICS • GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE • INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND TRANSNATIONAL GOVERNANCE • POLICY AND POLITICS WWW.VU.NL/PS Admissionsfss@vu.nl

Why study Political Science at VU University Amsterdam? Are you interested in international and European

4 SPECIALIZATIONS: 1 COMPARATIVE AND EUROPEAN POLITICS WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION? European integration is having a major impact on citizens, politicians, businesses and governments. This creates conflicts on issues such as the influx of Polish workers in the Netherlands or how to solve the European debt crisis.

These new political realities require keen minds who are knowledgeable about Brussels and developments in

politics, environmental governance and policy making? Welcome

European politics. This Master’s specialization acquaints you

to the Master’s programme in Political Science! You will become

with current scientific research on the European Union and

acquainted with current academic research in the field of political

its member states, and the debates on key issues that affect

science, while exploring a specialization of your choice and

Europe.

learning about the most important research traditions, theories and approaches. The programme has been developed and is

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

taught by an internationally renowned team with an extensive

You must hold a Bachelor’s honours degree in Political

international network. Approximately 25% of our students come

Science, International Relations or a closely related discipline

from abroad.

from an accredited research university. Your studies must have included social sciences research methodology and you

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

must have achieved good grades throughout. You also need

The programme has a unique cumulative structure, in which

an excellent working command of English (IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL

you continue to specialize month by month. You start the first

iBT 100).

semester with two basic courses in the major sub-disciplines of the field: Comparative Politics and International Relations (or Public Administration for the Policy and Politics specialization).

In smaller groups, you then focus on a particular issue within your specialization and an issue selected from one of the other specializations. In the final phase of the programme, you concentrate exclusively on your own specialization with a workshop and by working on your individual Master’s thesis topic.

This Master’s therefore provides you with a solid foundation in all aspects of Political Science, as well as a clear specialization.

Throughout the programme, you benefit from highly interactive tutorials, workshops and intensive individual supervision.

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

41

2 GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE

4 POLICY AND POLITICS

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

The development of human civilization and industrial growth

The specialization in Policy and Politics offers you an

has left almost no species, country or part of the ocean

interdisciplinary combination of political science and

untouched. Politicians and policy makers have to cooperate

governance studies. The focus is on the interaction between

with multinationals, organizations and scientists to confront

political institutions and policy development. You will receive

international environmental problems. In this specialization

a thorough introduction to the interaction between political

you will engage with the political aspects and implications

and governance processes, not only in the Netherlands, but

of topics such as climate change, sustainability and nature.

also at European and international level. You will apply this

You will familiarize yourself with current research and learn

knowledge to specific policy areas, including security policy.

about the most important research traditions and approaches related to international environmental politics.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS You must hold a Bachelor’s honours degree in Political

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Science, International Relations or a closely related discipline

You must hold a Bachelor’s honours degree in Political

from an accredited research university. Your studies must

Science, International Relations or a closely related discipline

have included social sciences research methodology and you

from an accredited research university. Your studies must

must have achieved good grades throughout. You also need

have included social sciences research methodology and you

an excellent working command of English (IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL

must have achieved good grades throughout. You also need

iBT 100).

an excellent working command of English (IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 100).

3 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND TRANSNATIONAL GOVERNANCE WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION? Issues of war and peace, terrorism, globalization and economic crises are not restricted by national borders. They therefore require an international or transnational approach.

As a result, politicians and diplomats ever more frequently find themselves dealing with multinationals, NGOs and intergovernmental organizations such as the World Bank.

This results in a shift in political power. In this specialization, you analyse these issues and get to grips with theoretical approaches and current research in the field of international relations.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS You must hold a Bachelor’s honours degree in Political Science, International Relations or a closely related discipline from an accredited research university. Your studies must

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY

have included social sciences research methodology and you must have achieved good grades throughout. You also need an excellent working command of English (IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 100).

1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/SCA Admissionsfss@vu.nl

Why study Social and Cultural Anthropology at VU University Amsterdam? This challenging, smallscale and tightly organized Master’s programme explores the multiple dimensions of human security and insecurity. Your focus will be on people’s attempts to achieve material, physical and existential security, and on how these often clash and create new insecurities. The programme’s anthropological approach to the

42

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

issue of human security is unique. In its most recent NVAO quality

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

assessment (2013), this programme was judged to be the best

The job market offers a variety of prospects for anthropology

anthropology Master’s in the Netherlands.

graduates. You can find anthropologists in policy or management positions in companies, government organizations and NGOs.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

Other career opportunities include government jobs in the social

The programme offers you a fascinating combination of intensive

services or advisory positions in the field of communication and

courses on human security and related issues, with time for

organization.

individual research in the field of your choice. You will deal with various aspects and manifestations of human security

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

and insecurity, such as livelihood, risk-taking, sustainable

You must hold an honours Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology or a

development, migration and belonging, and religion and security.

closely related discipline from an accredited research university.

The programme begins with a comprehensive theoretical

Your studies must have included courses in qualitative social

orientation on human security. Halfway through this orientation,

sciences research methodology and you must have achieved good

you will choose a theme: Constructing Identities and Notions

grades throughout.

of Belonging or Development and Social Transformations. In the second semester you will spend three months conducting

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

fieldwork research for your Master’s thesis in a country of your

Culture, Organization and management - Political Science.

choice. You will be closely involved in your fellow students’ projects through joint activities such as Master’s conferences, the reunion day after fieldwork and the weekly graduate seminar that supports you when writing your thesis.

‘VU University stimulates creativity and welcomes new ideas’ LUIZA ANDRADE/BRAZIL

SOCIAL SCIENCES: SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY

The decision to study at VU University Amsterdam was not a difficult one. At first, I was attracted by university’s principle of being free from the influences of government and religious institutions. But when I actually started my programme at the university, I realized that this notion of freedom goes far beyond the scope of institutions.

VU University Amsterdam is a place that stimulates creativity and welcomes new ideas. It offers an excellent academic environment, not only by providing the students with access to the latest publications and the classics, but also by creating comfortable work spaces in the university buildings. The teachers are of the highest quality, combining outstanding academic backgrounds with an on-going interest in current events. They are always open and available to the students, guiding us through the academic year. Furthermore, the financial aid provided by the VU Fellowship Programme for excellent students is more than welcome to foreign students looking to study in the Netherlands. The scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies full-time, giving me the opportunity to experience an outstanding Master’s year.

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

43

THEOLOGY

other religious organizations, and in the world of business. The programme also offers a solid basis for a career in research.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology or Religious Studies (or related disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, psychology and philosophy) from a university abroad will only be admitted following an assessment of their degree by the admissions board.

4 SPECIALIZATIONS: 1 EXPLORING A DISCIPLINE WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

THEOLOGY & RELIGIOUS STUDIES

“Exploring a Discipline” is especially suitable for students that are eager to obtain in-depth expertise in a particular theological subdiscipline (biblical studies, church history, dogmatics and ecumenics, philosophy of religion and comparative study of religion, practical theology, or Islamic theology) or topic. This includes professionals that want to

1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • EXPLORING A DISCIPLINE • LEADERSHIP • MEDIA • TEACHING RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY WWW.VU.NL/TRS Admissionsftp@vu.nl

Why study Theology & Religious Studies at VU University Amsterdam? Amsterdam is the place to engage

further explore an aspect of theology or religious studies, among which ministers, teachers, church workers and media practitioners. The MA programme can be part of the continuing education of ministers.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology or Religious Studies from a university abroad will only be admitted following an assessment of their degree by the admissions board.

in theology and religious studies. A metropole of world fame, the city is home to a large diversity of religious traditions. In

WWW.VU.NL/EXPLORING-A-DISCIPLINE

this context, VU University’s Faculty of Theology offers in-depth teaching and cutting edge research. In its research and teaching, the faculty mirrors the society it is part of. Therefore, it is also committed to making a meaningful contribution to its immediate

2 LEADERSHIP

context - and even to the global village we live in.

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION? STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

There is enormous demand for good leadership in all

The one-year programme in Theology & Religious Studies

types of organizations, from faith communities to other

aims to train academic professionals who are specialized in

third-sector organizations and businesses: leadership that

the role of religion and theology in professional fields such as

inspires people, that brings people together; leadership that

education, management and media. You may also opt to spend a

is based on humanity and sustainability. This specialization

year specializing in one area of theological expertise, eventually

focuses on leadership issues in societal organizations and

continuing your studies in the second year of the Research

on (prospective) leaders of religious or religiously inspired

Master’s. Central to this Master’s programme is the professional

organizations who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the

field and the link between a specific section of contemporary

academic theory behind leadership.

society and the way in which theological reflection relates to this field. The programme includes general and specialized courses,

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

an internship and a thesis.

Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology or Religious Studies from a university abroad will only be admitted

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

following an assessment of their degree by the admissions

A wide range of careers are open to you, including positions of

board.

responsibility and entrepreneurship in societal organizations and movements, in politics, in schooling and education, in media and communication, in non-profit organizations, in churches and

44

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

WWW.VU.NL/LEADERSHIP

3 MEDIA WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION? Across the globe, religion holds sway over the public debate, and has become part of popular culture. This Master’s specialization enables you to reflect critically on the media’s role in constructing everyday images religion and identity and the ways religions and spiritualities are being transformed through modern media. With a multidisciplinary approach combining perspectives from journalism, media studies, religious studies and theology, this specialization offers a challenging program at the cutting edge of contemporary debates on religion and society.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology or Religious Studies from a university abroad will only be admitted following an assessment of their degree by the admissions board.

WWW.VU.NL/MEDIA

4 TEACHING RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY

THEOLOGY & RELIGIOUS STUDIES 2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/TRS-RESEARCH Admissionsftp@vu.nl

Why study Theology and Religious Studies (research) at VU University Amsterdam?

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

The Theology & Religious Studies research Master’s

In an age of globalization, a need has arisen for interreligious

programme offers you the opportunity to conduct research in

dialogue in politics, education and business. This Master’s

any specialization offered. At VU University Amsterdam you

specialization enables students to critically engage issues of

can choose to specialize in one of the following disciplines:

religious diversity, focusing on various models of religious

Biblical Studies, Church History, Dogmatics, Practical Theology,

pluralism (from exclusivism to particularism), changing

Philosophy of Religion, and Islamic Theology. Within the discipline

patterns of religious identity (multiple religious belonging,

of Biblical Studies, you may also specialize in the field of Bible

hybridity, fundamentalism, nones), the ethics of encounter

Translation. The specialization you choose will define the content

(power imbalances, violence, hospitality), interreligious

of your personal programme.

hermeneutics, and the politics of recognition. Students learn to engage cutting edge literature and relate it to current societal challenges.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME The Faculty of Theology’s Master of Arts in Theology & Religious Studies (research), is a two-year research Master’s degree

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

comprising 120 credits. The programme consists of in-depth

Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology or Religious

training in specialized research and allows advanced studies in a

Studies from a university abroad will only be admitted

wide range of theological topics and disciplines. The specialized

following an assessment of their degree by the admissions

research training is supervised by leading scholars from the

board.

Faculty. The programme of the research Master’s is designed to prepare you for a career involving theological research, especially

WWW.VU.NL/TEACHING-RELIGIOUS-DIVERSITY

doctoral study, but also for positions in society or in religious organizations in which academic excellence is a prerequisite.

The degree is comparable to the M.Phil. in other countries.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER The Theology & Religious Studies research Master’s degree is the gateway to writing a doctoral dissertation at VU University Amsterdam. If you are interested in pursuing your theological studies at the PhD level, then we strongly recommend this Master’s programme. With outstanding grades, you will be eligible for the doctoral programme at the University’s Graduate School of Theology.

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

45

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

and therapy. The programme consists of compulsory courses

Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology or Religious

(33 credits), a minor research project (21 credits), a major

Studies from a university abroad will only be admitted following an

research project (42 credits) and a literature survey (9 credits).

assessment of their degree by the admissions board. Your grade

Electives make up a further 15 credits.

average needs to be equivalent to (or higher than) a 7.5 in the Dutch system.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER A Master’s in Cardiovascular Research enables you to work in

VUMC SCHOOL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

the field of cardiovascular research at a university, a research institute or a pharmaceutical or biotech company in the Netherlands or abroad. The majority of our graduates (75%) make a smooth transition to an international PhD programme.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS You must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or a related field and a GPA of at least 3.5. For more detailed programme information and admission requirements, please visit our website.

CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) www.vu.nl/cardiovascular WWW.MED.VU.NL/NL/OPLEIDINGEN/MASTERCARDIOVASCULAR-RESEARCH cvrmaster@vumc.nl

Why study Cardiovascular Research at VU University Amsterdam? Do you have a heart for heart and vessels, and are you willing to be educated as a top-scientist in Cardiovascular science then the Master’s programme

ONCOLOGY 2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) www.vu.nl/oncology WWW.MASTERONCOLOGY.NL masteroncology@vumc.nl

Cardiovascular Research is looking for you. Our programme aims

Why study Oncology at VU University Amsterdam?

to transfer the joint expertise of fundamental science groups and

Be part of life-saving oncology research. The Master’s

clinical research groups of the Institute of Cardiovascular Disease

programme in Oncology trains students to become world-class

(ICaR-VU) to the next generation of scientists in cardiovascular

researchers with in-depth knowledge, razor-sharp academic

research and health care. The Research Master’s programme

acumen and top-notch investigative skills. Our mission is to train

provides you with knowledge and skills to equip you to become

excellent students to become tomorrow’s leading scientists in

part of the next generation of scientists eager to unravelling the

the field of cancer research.

causes of cardiovascular disease.

You will be personally supervised by the programme coordinator and you will be in close contact with the programme’s top

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

researchers. We have alliances with renowned institutes in the

The principal goal of this Master’s programme is to provide a

Netherlands and abroad.

world-class education in all aspects of cardiovascular function and cardiovascular disease. The programme is research-oriented

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

and has a multidisciplinary character. You will be trained in state-

The two-year Master’s programme (120 credits) provides you

of-the-art techniques in cardiovascular research, diagnostics

with the opportunity to fulfil your individual needs and ambitions

46

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

with the greatest possible degree of freedom. After successfully completing the compulsory courses (33 credits), your will

ARTS

be free to choose from a wide range of specialized optional courses (12 credits) and two research projects (66 credits). For your placements you can choose from a variety of challenging projects either at VUmc, other Dutch research institutes or one of our leading international partners. Finally you will complete a literature survey (9 credits) under the supervision of a VUmc oncology expert. A select group of outstanding students will be offered the opportunity to follow an advanced Top Master’s programme; they will attend advanced courses in oncology and will be required to complete a research project at a specialist cancer centre abroad.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER A Master’s degree in Oncology will enable you to work in the field of biomedical/oncological research at a university (including VU University Amsterdam/VUmc), a research institute such as the Netherlands Cancer Institute, or pharmaceutical or biotech companies in the Netherlands or abroad.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

ARCHAEOLOGY

Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Medical Natural Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry or other related Life Sciences are welcome to apply. An assessment is part of the admission procedure.

1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • ARCHAEOLOGY OF NORTH WESTERN EUROPE • LANDSCAPE AND HERITAGE • MEDITERRANEAN ARCHAEOLOGY WWW.VU.NL/ARCHAEOLOGY Admissionsfa@vu.nl

Why study Archaeology at VU University Amsterdam? VU University Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam offer a joint Master’s in Archaeology within the Amsterdam Centre for Ancient Studies and Archaeology (ACASA), which also offers a range of other Master’s programmes in the field of Ancient Studies. This joint venture enables you to choose from a wide range of subjects and develop as an archaeologist in many different specialisms.

The programme comprises the following specializations: Archaeology of North Western Europe, Landscape and Heritage, Mediterranean Archaeology.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology are eligible for admission to the Master’s programme in Archaeology.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES The one-year Master’s programme in Classics & Ancient Civilizations, and the two-year Research Master’s programme in Classics & Ancient Civilizations.

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

47

3 SPECIALIZATIONS: 1 ARCHAEOLOGY OF NORTH WESTERN EUROPE

Within the Landscape and Heritage specialization, you can choose one of the following tracks:

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

• Landscape Archaeology addresses the cultural landscape

Together, Amsterdam’s universities cover over 3000 years of

from wide-ranging perspectives and through core themes:

West European archaeology. The University of Amsterdam

ecological and economic dimensions of interrelationship

specializes in the archaeology of the Middle Ages and the

between man and landscape; historical stratification of

Early Modern Era. VU University Amsterdam concentrates on late prehistory and Roman times in Western Europe, with a

landscapes; ‘past in the past’; landscape and identity.

• Archaeological Heritage is for archaeology graduates

special focus on Dutch archaeology. The programme covers

with an affinity for heritage management and policy.

topics such as settlement archaeology, archaeology of cult

It interprets the social and economic significance of

sites, archaeology of gravesites, integration processes in the

archaeological remains in modern society, especially

Roman Empire, and research into city centres and material

the shift towards heritage, and explores the current

culture studies.

archaeological system and how the ‘market’ operates.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

In the first semester, you will take compulsory courses and

Within the Archaeology of North Western Europe

two to three electives from the other track or specializations.

specialization, you can choose one of the following tracks:

In the second semester, you will conduct research for your

• Late Prehistory and Roman Archaeology of North Western

Master’s thesis, supervised by two of the programme’s staff.

Europe explores the Celtic/Germanic societies of North Western Europe during the late Iron Age, and their eventual

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

integration into the Roman Empire.

With a specialization in Landscape and Heritage you are

• Medieval and Early Modern Archaeology focuses on the

exceptionally well equipped for a professional career in

origins and development of cities (especially Amsterdam),

archaeology, particularly in heritage management or public

developments in landscape, and settlement and agrarian

services. You can also pursue your studies at PhD level, work for

strategies in various Dutch landscapes.

a Dutch or European company doing archaeological research or

In the first semester you will take compulsory courses and

enter sectors such as journalism, tourism and publishing.

choose two to three electives. You will enlarge your fieldwork skills at one of ACASA’s current research locations in the Netherlands or elsewhere in western Europe. You can also write a protocol book based on an internship in the field (max 12

3 MEDITERRANEAN ARCHAEOLOGY

credits). In the second semester, you will conduct research for your Master’s thesis supervised by two of the programme’s staff.

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION? VU University Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

share a long tradition of conducting archaeological research

With a specialization in the Archaeology of North Western

in the Mediterranean basin. The large number of fieldwork

Europe, you are exceptionally well equipped for a professional

projects in Italy and Greece and the collections of the

career in archaeology, either in the Netherlands or with a

Allard Pierson Museum testify to this. The Mediterranean

European company in this field. You can also pursue your studies

Archaeology specialization offers two tracks that interlink

at PhD level, work in heritage management or public services, or

with the universities’ rich, on-going traditions, encompassing

enter sectors such as journalism, tourism and publishing.

archaeological objects, their creators and their users.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

2 LANDSCAPE AND HERITAGE

Within the Mediterranean Archaeology specialization, students can choose one of the following tracks: • Issues of Objects and Peoples deals with material culture

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

and incorporates aspects from material culture studies,

Study the past of a landscape and discover the significance of

material sciences and museum archaeology. The in-depth

archaeology as heritage. The specialization in Landscape and

analysis of different facets of pottery or material from

Heritage is not restricted by geographical or chronological

burials and sanctuaries invites you to learn more about

boundaries, but deals thematically with archaeological

humans and the past. It discusses aspects of material

landscapes and archaeological heritage in many different

culture, from technique and style to the social role of

societies.

objects and buildings.

48

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

1 SPECIALIZATION: • Mediterranean Interconnections explores the

METAPHOR IN DISCOURSE

Mediterranean in the broadest sense of the term, linking current discussions about interconnections with cultural exchanges in the Mediterranean from 2000 B.C. onwards.

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION? Communication & Information Studies: Metaphor in Discourse is a unique one-year Master’s in (English) language, cognition

In the first semester, you will take compulsory courses and

and communication. It is taught by internationally renowned

two to three electives from the other track or specializations.

specialists and is part of a new and exciting teaching and

In the second semester, you will conduct research for your

research community at VU University Amsterdam, whose

Master’s thesis, supervised by two of the programme’s staff.

members focus on the study of effective communication in various languages, media and domains such as journalism

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

and health. Metaphor in Discourse is an interdisciplinary

With a specialization in Mediterranean Archaeology, you

specialization, incorporating linguistic, cognitive and social

are exceptionally well equipped for a professional career

aspects of metaphor in interaction.

in archaeological services or heritage management, for example. You can also pursue your studies at PhD level, work

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

for a museum or educational institution or enter sectors such

Your studies on metaphor will be framed by a core course

as journalism, tourism and publishing.

on genre analysis. This course relates language use to the properties and functions of genres such as the novel, advertisements, news reports, news broadcasts, conversations and e-mail. The approach to metaphor is inspired by the cognitive-linguistic view of metaphor as cross-domain mapping in thought. It also takes in other approaches to metaphor, such as those found in stylistics, discourse analysis, applied linguistics and semiotics. In addition to the core course, you will take three compulsory courses: Metaphor in Professional Practice; Metaphor, Mind, Multimodality; and Tools for Metaphor Analysis. You will take one additional elective course and will complete the programme by writing a Master’s thesis (18 credits).

YOUR FUTURE CAREER This Master’s degree will prepare you thoroughly for PhD research on metaphor and other language and discourse phenomena in various fields of linguistics and in the

COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION STUDIES

humanities. Given the importance of metaphorical language in effective communication, there are clear opportunities for developing a professional career in document design, communication advice and other fields where discourse analysis plays a key role.

1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • METAPHOR IN DISCOURSE WWW.VU.NL/METAPHOR Admissionsfa@vu.nl

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The Metaphor in Discourse specialization is specifically aimed at students with an interest in research on metaphor in all communication types. It provides a solid background for PhD

Why study Communication & Information Studies at VU University Amsterdam? The Master’s programme

Language and Communication is required. If your degree is

in Communication & Information Studies comprises the

in another subject, you will only be eligible if it has a strong

specialization Metaphor in Discourse. The programme is meant

linguistic component.

research. A Bachelor’s degree in English, Linguistics, or

for all students who are interested in the role of language in discourse and communication.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES The Research Master’s in Linguistics.

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

49

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME Arts & Culture: Comparative Arts and Media Studies is a oneyear Master’s degree comprising seminars, electives and a Master’s thesis (18 credits). Compulsory courses are: • Introduction: Reading Concepts of Intermediality • Transmedia Storytelling • The Art of Comparison: The Cinematic City • Crossmedial Exhibitions The range of interdisciplinary electives includes Fiction and Film; Literature Visualized; The Gothic Gaze; Visual Art and The American Poet; Design, History and Culture; and Methods of Design Analysis.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER The Comparative Arts and Media Studies specialization prepares you for employment in various sectors. Our

ARTS & CULTURE

graduates work in cultural and historical research, digital registration of cultural heritage materials and cultural policy and administration. Other career paths include museums,

1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • COMPARATIVE ARTS AND MEDIA STUDIES • DESIGN CULTURES WWW.VU.NL/ARTS-CULTURE Admissionsfa@vu.nl

Why study Arts & Culture at VU University Amsterdam? The Master’s Programme in Arts & Culture

archives, film theatres and cultural funds, and positions such as festival organizer, programmer, producer and distributor.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS You can join the Comparative Arts and Media Studies specialization with an academic Bachelor’s degree in Art, Film, TV, Digital Media or (Visual) Cultural Studies. If you have a degree in another humanities subject (e.g. History,

consists of two specializations, namely Comparative Arts and

Journalism, Communication Studies, Comparative Literature),

Media Studies, and Design Cultures. While Comparative Arts

you may be eligible with at least 30 credits in Art, Film, TV,

and Media Studies focuses on the relations between the visual

Digital Media or (Visual) Cultural Studies.

arts and media, Design Cultures focuses on design history and theory. The Arts & Culture Master’s programmes at VU University Amsterdam are unique in the Netherlands and part of a research university with an outstanding reputation.

2 DESIGN CULTURES

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

The two year Research Master’s Arts & Culture with its

The Design Cultures specialization focuses on the study of

specialization Visual Arts, Media and Architecture.

product design, graphic design and fashion in a broad and diverse cultural context. Central to Design Cultures is the

2 SPECIALIZATIONS:

diversity of cultural processes where design has evolved as practice, product, environment and discourse in recent decades. The focus is on both the designer as ‘author’ and the

1 COMPARATIVE ARTS AND MEDIA STUDIES

complex chain of production, sale, consumption and criticism in which design operates and derives its many different meanings.

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

The Comparative Arts and Media Studies specialization focuses

Arts & Culture: Design Cultures is a one-year Master’s degree

on the relations between the visual arts, film, literature,

comprising compulsory courses (30 credits), electives or an

television and digital media. This not only covers crossovers and

internship and a Master’s thesis (18 credits). Compulsory

interrelations between the arts and the media, but also within

courses are:

and between various media. This process has intensified with

• Design, History and Culture

the arrival of digital media and the hypermedium generated

• Methods of Design Analysis: The Meanings of Design

by the on-screen interplay of words, images and sounds,

• The Arts and Crafts of “Dutch” Design

and through the convergence of cinema, television, radio,

• Design in Words: Criticism, Writing & Theory

journalism, e-books and photography on the web.

50

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

1 SPECIALIZATION: Opportunities for interdisciplinary electives include Transmedia Storytelling; Reading Concepts of Intermediality; Seminar Architecture; Crossmedial Exhibitions; Trajectory

VAMA: CRITICAL STUDIES IN ARTS & CULTURE

Global and Local, Global Changes and Human Choices; Literature Visualized; Trajectory Culture and Power; Culture

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

and Identity in Organizations; Migrations and Circulations;

The Research Master’s programme VAMA: Critical Studies

and Ethnicity and Nationalism in East and South East Asia.

in Arts & Culture enables you to critically research current developments Visual Arts, Media and Architecture from

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

a theoretical, historical and interdisciplinary perspective.

As a Design Cultures graduate, you can look forward to a

Important research areas are the role of the new media, the

career in a cultural institution (editor, project manager) or a

ever-expanding culture industry, the growing importance

museum (researcher, curator), in the media, (author, critic,

of design and the rise of the creative industries. These

producer), in the government sector (administrator, advisor),

developments have resulted in ever more complex

at a design agency (researcher, consultant) or at an educational

interrelations between the visual arts, media, architecture

or research institute (teacher, researcher).

and society.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

You can gain direct admission to Design Cultures with an academic

As a student on the Research Master’s in Arts & Culture:

Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Industrial Design, Architecture,

VAMA: Critical Studies in Arts & Culture, you will be trained

Design or Fashion. Admission is also possible with an academic

to critically examine and discuss the visual and material

Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Studies, History, Anthropology or

manifestation, presentation and representation of these

Sociology, if your major or specialization (minimum 30 credits)

relationships. It is a two-year, full-time programme of 120

was in Design, Fashion, Art or Visual Culture.

credits. While a fixed set of courses is compulsory, you will also have plenty of opportunity to define your own individual path on the basis of supervised personal research (tutorials) and your Master’s thesis (30 credits).

You will take the following compulsory courses: • Imagining the Image • Critical Issues in the Cultural Industries • Research Design And choose two of the following five seminars: • Reading Concepts of Intermediality • Creative City • Focus Seminar Art History • Focus Seminar Architectural History • Methods of Design Analysis

ARTS & CULTURE

YOUR FUTURE CAREER The Research Master’s enables you to work as an independent researcher and is seen as an important step

2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • VAMA: CRITICAL STUDIES IN ARTS & CULTURE WWW.VU.NL/VAMA Admissionsfa@vu.nl

Why study Arts & Culture (research) at VU University Amsterdam? The Research Master’s programme

towards obtaining a PhD. You can also pursue a career in art and media management, journalism, publishing, teaching or government. Alternatively you could work for an art and architecture centre, research body, museum, film festival or art and media archive.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

in Arts & Culture focuses on critical studies of Visual Arts, Media

The Research Master’s programme is aimed in particular at

and Architecture (or VAMA, for short). This interdisciplinary

the talented student who is exceptionally motivated to train

approach is unique in the Netherlands and is proudly offered by a

in academic methods in the field of art history, architectural

research university with an outstanding reputation.

history, visual culture and media studies. To be admitted to the course, you should have at least a Bachelor’s degree in

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

art, architectural history or media and culture.

The one-year Master’s programme in Arts and Culture, and its specializations Comparative Arts and Media Studies, and Design Cultures.

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

51

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME Literatures in English consists of 60 credits and aims to give you new insights into the ways in which literary works and the visual arts continually reinforce one another. After a theoretical core course, you will be exposed to a host of highly diverse yet interrelated courses, for instance on Visual Art and the American Poet, Fiction and Film, Renaissance Literature, and Visual Culture, Literature and Society,; The Gothic Gaze, and Screenwriting. You will complete your Master’s degree by writing a Master’s thesis (18 credits).

YOUR FUTURE CAREER After completing your degree, you have become a specialist in English literary studies with a strong international orientation and, more generally, you are fully trained to analyze and

LITERARY STUDIES

write about complex cultural issues. Many of our recent graduates have found employment in commerce , working as communication specialists, marketing managers or

1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • LITERATURES IN ENGLISH WWW.VU.NL/LITERATURES Admissionsfa@vu.nl

Why study Literary Studies at VU University Amsterdam? The Master’s programme in Literary Studies

lexicographers, for instance. Opportunities also abound in journalism, translation, editing and publishing.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The Master’s programme is intended for students with an academic Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Culture.

It is also suitable for students with other Bachelor’s degrees in

includes a specialization Literatures in English. This Master’s

the Humanities (e.g. History, Comparative Literature, Cultural

programme, offered at an internationally oriented research

Studies, American Studies) who also have a solid background (at

university with an outstanding reputation, attracts a large number

least 30 credits) in English and American literature and culture.

of international students each year.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES The one-year Master’s programme Communication & Information Studies, with its specialization Metaphor in Discourse.

1 SPECIALIZATION: LITERATURES IN ENGLISH WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION? The Literatures in English specialization at VU University Amsterdam focuses on the relation between literature and visual culture, unique in the Netherlands and rarely studied so intensely as here. Rooted in the university’s longstanding tradition of studying the relations between word and image, this specialized interdisciplinary programme will teach you how to analyse the various ways in which textual and visual culture interact. The topics studied in this Master’s range from the Renaissance stage to screenwriting, from the

CLASSICS & ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS

relation between poetry and photography to film adaptations of gothic novels.

52

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • ANCIENT HISTORY • ANCIENT STUDIES • CLASSICS WWW.VU.NL/CLASSICS-ANCIENTCIVILIZATIONS Admissionsfa@vu.nl

Why study Classics & Ancient Civilizations at VU University Amsterdam? VU University Amsterdam and

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

the University of Amsterdam offer a joint Master’s programme

The Ancient History specialization is open to students with a

in Classics & Ancient Civilizations within the Amsterdam Centre

Bachelor’s degree in Ancient Studies. If you have a background

for Ancient Studies and Archaeology (ACASA). This joint venture

in Archaeology, Greek and Latin Language and Culture, or

enables you to choose from a wide range of subjects and develop

History, you may also be eligible, provided that Ancient History

as an ancient historian or classicist in many different specialisms.

has been adequately covered in your Bachelor’s programme.

The Master’s programme comprises the following specializations: Ancient History, Ancient Studies and Classics.

WWW.VU.NL/CLASSICS

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES The two-year Research Master’s programme Classics & Ancient Civilizations and the one-year Master’s programme in Archaeology.

3 SPECIALIZATIONS:

2 ANCIENT STUDIES WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION? The specialization in Ancient Studies does not adhere to disciplinary boundaries. Few questions can be answered solely

1 ANCIENT HISTORY

from an archaeological or literary vantage point. In Ancient Studies you learn to draw from the area of expertise that the situation demands, be it Ancient History, Archaeology, Ancient

WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION?

Languages or Philosophy. An ideal approach if you consider

VU University Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam

yourself both a historian and archaeologist, and want to view

are the only universities in the Netherlands to explicitly link

literature as a product of society.

the study of the ancient history of the Near and Far East with consideration of Mediterranean history. We also focus on Greek

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

elite culture in the Roman Imperial era. In this specialization,

You can tailor your specialization in Ancient Studies to suit your

you will interact with students from widely differing academic

own particular interests by making an appropriate choice from the

backgrounds such as History, Ancient Studies, Archaeology and

available options. You can choose between the following tracks:

Greek and Latin Language and Culture.

• Archaeology and Ancient History • Ancient Thought: from Plato to Augustine

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

• Ancient Studies and Ancient Greek

The Ancient History specialization provides two tracks, each

• Ancient Studies and Latin

with two core modules that introduce you to key debates in the

• Neo-Babylonian and Neo-Assyrian

field. There is also considerable emphasis on interdisciplinary

In the first semester, you will take a core course and two to

research.

three electives from the other tracks or specializations. In the

• East-West Confrontations: examine the cultural interaction

second semester, you will conduct research for your Master’s

between the Near East and the Greek world, from religious

thesis, supervised by two of the programme’s staff.

and artistic motifs and science to writing systems and public administration. The expertise of the teaching staff

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

centres mainly on the Hellenistic era (Alexander the Great

As a graduate of the Ancient Studies specialization, you can

in Mesopotamia), though earlier and later periods are also

find work in areas that require an in-depth knowledge of

covered.

antiquity, such as higher education or museums. However,

• Religion and Culture: explore these themes through Greek elite culture in the eastern half of the Roman Empire.

your academic skills in conducting independent and critical research and producing coherent, concise and clear reports

In the first semester, you will take a core course and two to

will stand you in good stead in a wide variety of jobs, including

three electives from the other track or specializations. In the

as a PhD researcher.

second semester, you will conduct research for your Master’s thesis, supervised by two of the programme’s staff.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The Ancient Studies specialization is open to students with a

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

Bachelor’s degree in Greek and Latin Language and Culture;

Graduates of this specialization can find employment in

Ancient Greek Language and Culture; Latin Language and

sectors where knowledge of ancient culture and history is

Culture; Assyriology; and Ancient Studies. Students of History or

important, such as history magazines, publishing, cultural

Archaeology may also be eligible, provided that Mediterranean

travel and museums. With a Master’s in Classics & Ancient

Archaeology and/or Ancient History have been adequately

Civilizations you will also be able to pursue PhD research at a

covered. Admission requirements may vary per track.

university or research institute, including both VU University Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam.

WWW.VU.NL/CLASSICS

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

53

3 CLASSICS WHY CHOOSE THIS SPECIALIZATION? Classics is alive and kicking. The study of the texts, literature and material culture of ancient Greece and Rome offers a treasure trove of information. This information is not only fascinating in its own right, but it is also highly relevant to our present-day culture. Do you consider it a challenge to nuance our image of Greco-Roman antiquity and to forge new links between the present and the past? In that case, Classics is the specialization for you.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME The specialization comprises two tracks: • Linguistic and Narratological Approaches to Classical Texts: theoretical lectures on the principles of textual linguistics and narratology; parallel workshops applying theory to work of Greek and Latin authors; choice between two modules

CLASSICS & ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS

in Greek and Latin linguistics or Greek and Latin literature studies.

• Intertextuality and Reception: module on theory and practice of intertextuality and reception; Greek or Latin literature studies focusing on later historical periods;

2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/CLASSICS-RMA Admissionsfa@vu.nl

covers Byzantine literature; Latin section covers Mediaeval

Why study Classics & Ancient Civilizations at VU University Amsterdam? The ancient world of the

and new Latin.

Mediterranean and Western Europe is an object of study for

representative texts from Christian literature; Greek section

In the first semester, you will take three courses within your

archaeologists, ancient historians and researchers specialized in

own specialization and two to three electives from the other

Greek or Latin. We believe that in-depth thematic research that

tracks or specializations. In the second semester, you will

integrates all of these fields of study will generate new insights

conduct research for your Master’s thesis, supervised by two

and open up entirely new areas of academic endeavour. We offer

of the programme’s staff.

the best of all worlds by combining these different approaches and by cooperating closely with the University of Amsterdam, giving

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

you the best of both universities.

University language studies are not designed to lead to one specific career. As a Classics graduate, you can work within

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

your area of expertise or in less immediately relevant positions

The Research Master’s in Classics & Ancient Civilizations is a full-

that call for a critical, independent and inquiring mindset.

time programme lasting two years. You will benefit from a highly

Possible areas of employment include secondary education,

specialized, individually tailored study programme with close

libraries and publishing houses, the media and the corporate

personal supervision from your mentor. The programme offers

world.

an archaeological/historical track and a literary/cultural track.

Each track comprises a number of disciplinary study clusters that

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

correspond with the research interests of the various members

Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Greek and Latin

of the teaching staff. These study clusters offer you a basis for

Language and Culture are eligible for admission to the

building your own individual study programme in consultation with

specialization in Classics.

your mentor.

WWW.VU.NL/CLASSICS

YOUR FUTURE CAREER The Research Master’s in Classics & Ancient Civilizations is the ideal stepping-stone to an academic career in Archaeology, Greek and Latin Language and Culture, Ancient History or Assyriology of the first millennium BC. It opens the way to doctoral research at a university or research institute. Successful graduates stand a good chance of being accepted for a PhD at VU University Amsterdam.

54

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

linguistics, the cognitive sciences, anthropology, communication

You can join the Research Master’s programme if you have a

theory, and education. The programme will also train you in the

Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Greek and Latin Language

various methods of linguistic research (corpus-based research,

and Culture, Ancient Studies or a related degree. Your thesis

fieldwork, native speaker intuitions, experiments, and linguistic

grade and your grade average must be 8 or higher, and you must

modelling).

possess appreciable research skills.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

After completing the Research Master’s, many students opt to

The one-year Master’s programme in Classics & Ancient

pursue a PhD. You might also embark on a career at a research

Civilizations and the one-year Master’s programme in Archaeology.

institute outside of the academic setting. Other opportunities available to you after graduation include working as an editor, a teacher or a language policy officer in education for a local or national government.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics in order to be considered for admission to the programme.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES The one-year Master’s programme Communication & Information Studies and its specialization Metaphor in Discourse.

LAW

LINGUISTICS 2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/LINGUISTICS Admissionsfa@vu.nl

Why study Linguistics at VU University Amsterdam? The Research Master’s in Linguistics is a twoyear programme which will enable you to become a professional researcher. The programme deals with linguistics in its broadest sense. In your first year you will take a general course in the field of linguistics research, taught by three or four lecturers. They are all experts on the history of research in the field of linguistics within their own specialization and on the methods and techniques used in their individual fields.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME This two-year Research Master’s trains you as a researcher in theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics, and applied language and communication studies. The programme contains a set of core courses in these areas which all students take, but at the same time it allows you to specialize in one of the three main research

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW 1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • REGULATION OF BUSINESS • BUSINESS RELATIONS WWW.VU.NL/IBL Admissionsfl@vu.nl

namely Language, Cognition and Communication; Language

Why study International Business Law at VU University Amsterdam? VU University Amsterdam benefits

Acquisition; and Language Documentation. The researchers

from its unique location in the heart of Amsterdam’s business

working within these departmental themes are all affiliated with

district, where many international law firms are located. As a

themes of the Department of Language and Communication,

interfaculty research institutes at VU University Amsterdam. As

student of International Business Law, you will be able to network

a result, there is great emphasis on the relationship between

in a real-life business environment. Some courses are taught by INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

55

legal practitioners, who can give you a genuine understanding of how law works in practice. Classes are small, international and interactive. The mix of nationalities within the group gives the programme an extra dimension.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME The Master’s programme in International Business Law consists of core courses, electives, a research seminar, a Master’s thesis and a specialization (‘Regulation of Business’ or ‘Business Relations’). The core courses provide you with a general legal foundation, while later courses focus on more specific areas of international business law. In the final stage, you will write your thesis. The programme focuses on rules and practices for promoting international commercial transactions. It aims at developing an understanding of the world’s trading system and rules for international investments, and it examines the legal aspects of business practices. You will study the main legal areas and the interaction between the actors involved in transactions. In addition, you will develop skills to anticipate, analyse and address

INTERNATIONAL CRIMES AND CRIMINOLOGY

problems that may arise in your future career: the legal practice of international business.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER After finishing this Master’s programme, you will be well equipped

1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/ICC Admissionsfl@vu.nl

as a professional business lawyer, an in-house counsel for a

Why study International Crimes and Criminology at VU University Amsterdam? War crimes, crimes

corporation, a government official or a legal professional for

against humanity and genocide disrupt societies and pose a

an international organization. Pursuing a PhD is also an option.

threat to international peace and security. Developing theories

Alumni have found jobs at international law firms, accounting

to understand this human behaviour and designing effective

companies, banks and government agencies.

strategies to react to these atrocities is extremely challenging.

for your further professional training. You can start a career

International Crimes and Criminology is an interdisciplinary SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Master’s programme in which you will learn how to measure and

Ideally, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

investigate these crimes. You are challenged to critically reflect

in Law, but students with a sound academic background and

on international criminal law and alternative modes of transitional

proven experience in the field of law may also apply. International

justice, such as truth commissions and amnesties.

Business Law is a selective programme and open to a limited

The Master’s programme is unique: it is not offered by any other

number of students only. You can find full details on admission,

university worldwide. VU University Amsterdam is close to The

selection and application on our website.

Hague, the legal capital of the world.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

Law and Politics of International Security - Transnational Legal

The programme in International Crimes and Criminology

Studies.

consists of five required courses, several elective courses and an interdisciplinary Master’s thesis on international crimes.

The programme deals extensively with insights from various disciplines such as sociology, psychology, criminology and political science. This Master’s aims to define and conceptualize international crimes and to analyse ways to effectively prevent, eradicate and respond to them.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER The programme leads to the Master of Science degree (MSc.). On completing the programme, you will be able to objectively assess empirical data and critically comment on theoretical notions.

On the practical side, you will be able to draft policy documents, develop preventive strategies and carry out fieldwork. Possible careers include working for international criminal courts and tribunals, human rights organizations, refugee organizations, government departments, universities or other research institutes.

56

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

The International Crimes and Criminology Master’s programme is

The programme in Law and Politics of International Security

a selective programme and open to a limited number of students

consists of four required courses, two elective courses and a

only. An English language proficiency is required. You will also

Master’s thesis. The programme is taught entirely in English.

need to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Law,

The concept of ‘international security’ is no longer confined to

Political Science, Psychology or Social Sciences. In some cases,

traditional issues of war and peace, and calls for interdisciplinary

applicants with other academic backgrounds are selected. You

study. This is why the programme takes a clear, interdisciplinary

can find full details on admission, selection and application on our

approach: it offers knowledge and modes of thinking combining

website.

international law and politics.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

Law and Politics of International Security.

The programme leads to a Master of Laws degree (LLM).

Succesful graduates of the programme will be able to work in one of the many fields where the concept of security is most significant, such as ministries and parliaments, private security firms and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

You could, for instance, become a legal or policy advisor, member of a diplomatic service or a judge in training.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The Master’s programme of Law and Politics of International Security is open to both Dutch and international students only to a limited number of students. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Law, Social Sciences or Liberal Arts, and a basic knowledge of international law or international relations theory. Applicants must be proficient in English. For detailed information on admission requirements, application and the programme, please see the website.

OTHER INTERESTING PROGRAMMES International Business Law - International Crimes and Criminology - Political Science.

LAW AND POLITICS OF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY 1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) WWW.VU.NL/LPIS Admissionsfl@vu.nl

Why study Law and Politics of International Security at VU University Amsterdam? The Master’s programme in Law and Politics of International Security offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that focuses on international security from the perspectives of international law and international relations. It includes topics such as terrorism, criminal law, international criminal tribunals, the protection of human rights and human security. The programme attracts students from all over the world, so international security will be discussed in a truly international environment. You will be introduced to different methodologies for carrying out independent research, combined with practical activities and exercises such as role-playing and moot courts. Field trips to international organizations and international tribunals are an integral part of the programme.

VU University Amsterdam is close to international courts and tribunals in The Hague.

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

57

PHILOSOPHY

management and organizational development of business firms and of not-for-profit organizations.

The core curriculum consist of: • Four specialized courses in the philosophy of management and organizations and a specialized seminar philosophical reading of classical M&O. • Two courses in general philosophy, i.e. a course in the history of philosophy and one in theoretical philosophy.

• The master’s thesis.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER The demand for people who have learnt to think beyond the boundaries is growing within the business community and in government, for people who can perceive the larger picture and think critically. You could find work as a general manager and as an ethical or philosophical consultant. Other options include advisory positions in government or a career in the journalism.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS • A Bachelor’s degree in any field in combination with a minor in philosophy (30 credits) or an entry exam/assessment based on

PHILOSOPHY

individual study.

• Further requirements: English language proficiency, motivation letter & CV, recommendations.

1 YEAR (60 CREDITS) • PHILOSOPHY OF MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONS WWW.VU.NL/PHILOSOPHY Admissionsftp@vu.nl

Why study Philosophy at VU University Amsterdam?

The one-year Master’s programme in Philosophy teaches you to analyse and think philosophical issues through. You will be trained to independently perform philosophical research and to report on it correctly. Our inspired programmes offer you the opportunity to specialize either in fundamental philosophical research or in societal issues. Both the teaching and research at the faculty regularly receive highly favourable evaluations from independent inspection committees.

WHY CHOOSE THE SPECIALIZATION IN PHILOSOPHY OF MANAGEMENT AN ORGANIZATIONS? The Philosophy of Management and Organizations specialization offers training to future experts and scholars in management and organization development in business and in non-profit

PHILOSOPHY

organizations as well as in philosophy. The programme combines rigorous training in analytical and normative methods with an emphasis on developing management and organizational practice and theory. It will provide managers and philosophers with the expertise in the philosophical foundations and the philosophical enhancement of management that they need in a society and

2 YEARS (120 CREDITS) • PHILOSOPHY, BIOETHICS AND HEALTH WWW.VU.NL/PBH Admissionsftp@vu.nl

business world that is becoming more and more culture-oriented.

Why study Philosophy at VU University Amsterdam? In the two-year Master’s programme in

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME AND THE SPECIALIZATION

Philosophy, you will reflect on important problems within a

The Philosophy of Management and Organizations programme is

specific academic discipline. Because the sciences are not

designed to prepare the next generation of professionals, experts,

separate from the society in which they are practised, you will

and scholars in management and organization development as

acquire a solid understanding of the wider connection between

well as in philosophy with an orientation on the philosophy of

science, society, culture, ethics and the philosophy of life.

58

VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM

WHY CHOOSE THE SPECIALIZATION IN PHILOSOPHY, BIOETHICS AND HEALTH? The Master’s specialization in Philosophy, Bioethics and Health will provide you with the theoretical and practical tools needed to deal with ethical issues in healthcare and healthcare policy. You will learn how to reflect on practical problems from a medical, moral, legal, political and economic perspective. If you have a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences, this two-year specialization is a great opportunity to obtain two Master’s degrees: one in philosophy and one in your original field.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME AND THE SPECIALIZATION In the first year, you will combine your non-philosophy Master’s with three of our first-year courses: ethics, philosophical anthropology and an introduction to health sciences. Students who have a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences will take three philosophy courses and two elective courses in subjects such as health law and public administration. If you have a Bachelor’s in Philosophy, you can take a modified two-year programme.

The second year consists of four thematic courses, a seminar including a winter school (30 credits), a practical training course (12 credits), and a literature survey and thesis (18 credits), which count towards both Master’s degrees.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER With Philosophy, Bioethics and Health you will be an attractive candidate for the position of clinical ethicist or assistant/advisor to the management and the board within health-care organizations, health insurance companies, medical ethical committees and other organizations dealing with societal and ethical issues in health care. As a holder of two degrees (if you take the full twoyear programme), you will have an extra advantage on the labour market.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS 1 A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Philosophy, Psychology, and Social Sciences.

2 The minor in Ethics and Social Philosophy taught by the Philosophy Department at VU University Amsterdam, or another minor of 30 credits consisting of courses in Philosophy and Ethics and a 6-credit paper on a philosophical subject.

INTERNATIONAL MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

59

see you at VU University Amsterdam!

Did you know that • Amsterdam has approximately 800,000 inhabitants?

• Amsterdam has 150 canals?

• Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands?

• a ccording to Mercer’s 2012 Quality of Life Survey, Amsterdam is ranked 13th worldwide, ahead of London (39th) and New York (49th)?

• Amsterdam is one of the safest cities of the world?

• w ith almost 92,000 students, Amsterdam is a great and lively place to study?

• English is widely spoken in the Netherlands?

Published by: Communications & Marketing VU University Amsterdam Graphic design and Photography: Haagsblauw en Studio VU Edition 23030/1 September 2014 No rights may be derived from the information contained in this brochure.

ADDRESS VU University Amsterdam De Boelelaan 1105 1081 HV Amsterdam The Netherlands T +31 20 598 9898 F +31 20 598 9899 E International@vu.nl www.vuamsterdam.com