University of Kent,
Brussels School of International Studies (BSIS)

 

Students from all over the world are drawn to the Brussels School of International Studies (BSIS) to pursue graduate work in international affairs. BSIS is a multidisciplinary graduate school in Brussels offered by the U.K.-based University of Kent. Its master’s degree programs bring together the disciplines of politics, international relations, law, and economics to provide opportunities for in-depth, interdisciplinary analysis in the areas of international conflict, security, development, migration, political economy, and law.

“BSIS is grounded in an interdisciplinary spirit,” says Amanda Klekowski von Koppenfels, academic director. “Our teaching philosophy is also highly interactive. Students enter into debate and become critical thinkers—not only in the classroom, but also at the many events, conferences, and workshops that characterize the international nature of Brussels.” Students have opportunities for internships, research, and networking at the European Union, NATO, and many other international organizations and NGOs based in Brussels.

The school’s seven MA programs and five PhD degrees are offered by the University of Kent’s School of Politics and International Relations, one of the U.K.’s most dynamic institutions for the study of politics and international relations. Its two LLM programs are offered by one of the U.K.’s leading law schools, the Kent Law School of the University of Kent.

BSIS offers a friendly, cohesive community of about 250 students, with extensive opportunity for interaction with faculty and among students in the different MA, PhD, and LLM programs.

The atmosphere is also culturally diverse. “We truly are an international academic community,” says von Koppenfels. “We welcome students from 45 countries across the globe, and our faculty members represent 12 different nationalities.”

The MA program requires one year of study, with extended options available. Students may enroll beginning in either September or January.

Extended options include the Two Capitals Exchange, which allows MA students to spend their first year in Brussels and then broaden their international perspective by studying in either Washington, D.C., or Beijing. In Washington, D.C., students pursue an additional master’s degree from Virginia Tech’s Alexandria, Va., campus.

Each year, two BSIS students are selected for the exchange with Beijing. They spend either a year or a semester studying at China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU), China’s top foreign affairs institute.

Graduate Degree Programs in International Affairs:

• MA in International Conflict and Security
• MA in International Development
• MA in International Migration
• MA in International Political Economy
• MA in International Relations
• MA in Political Strategy and Communication
• MA in EU External Relations
• Two Capitals Exchange
• LLM in Human Rights Law
• LLM in International Law
• PhD in International Relations
• PhD in International Conflict Analysis
• PhD in Comparative Politics
• PhD in Political and Social Thought
• PhD in Law

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