Study in Brussels - Peace & Security Studies (in English) - ISEP Direct
The Brussels School of Governance (BSoG) is an alliance between the Institute for European Studies (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Vesalius College. The Study Abroad program is organised by Vesalius College.
Only offered during the fall semester, the European Peace and Security Studies (EPSS) certificate program provides in-depth and unique insights into the changing nature and fundamental challenges of contemporary security issues from a distinctly Brussels perspective. By pooling the combined expertise and resources of three leading educational institutions in Brussels – BSoG, the Belgian Royal Military Academy and the Global Governance Institute (GGI), students are taught both theory and practice by prominent specialists in the field of civilian and military security issues.
Many extracurricular activities are sponsored by the Vesalius Student Government and the associated Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The VSG organizes regular student parties, outings and other activities. Sports include soccer, basketball, swimming, athletics and fitness at a world-class fitness center. ISEP students can also participate in student-driven academic activities such as college publications, forums and assemblies.
HOUSING AND MEALS
A Homestay is the main housing option for ISEP students studying at BSoG. Homestays enable students to immerse themselves in the everyday life of a Belgian family and the Belgian culture, and are the recommended housing option for ISEP students at Vesalius. Vesalius College works with host families who for years have welcomed international students into their homes and are committed to enriching the study abroad experience of these students. All families have a good command of the English language and can communicate with students who have no knowledge of French or Dutch. Eleven meals per week (breakfast seven days per week and dinner on weeknights) are included in the cost of the homestay program.
ISEP students may opt out of the standard homestay option, but students choosing independent housing are fully responsible for arranging and paying for their own accomodation while in Brussels. BSoG provides advice for students opting out of the program-provided housing, but is not responsible for directly helping students to find accomodation or otherwise assisting in independent housing arrangements.
Students will be able to use their own funds for groceries and meals. See here for information regarding estimated expenses and budgeting while in Brussels.
Course Description
The courses in the European Peace and Security Studies program emphasize theoretical and practical analysis of the comprehensive, civil-military nature of contemporary conflict and crisis management from a NATO, UN and EU perspective. They also examine the history, institutional procedures and policies of, and interrelations between, these three organizations, as well as their interaction with a wide range of civilian and military partners.
The program sheds light on the complex roots and causes of contemporary conflicts in Europe’s periphery and beyond. At the end of the semester, students will have acquired an extensive knowledge of the institutional, theoretical and practical dimensions of contemporary issues and of the core actors in the field of European peace and security.
For every fall term semester, four courses that will constitute this program are selected from the range of courses below. Indicated with *** are the courses that were taught in this program for the Fall 2021 semester. The fall 2022 courses will be announced in early 2022.
The EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy
Understanding Contemporary Conflicts in the Euro-Mediterranean Region***
Global Terrorism, Counter-terrorism and (De-)Radicalisation***
Security, Migration and Cultural Diversity in Europe
NATO and Transatlantic Approaches to Security***
Military Approaches to Promoting Security
International Approaches to State-Building, Reform and Good Governance
Russian Foreign Policy***
For a description of these courses, please refer to the BSoG BA courses overview.
Brussels School of Governance
The Brussels School of Governance (BSoG) carries out interdisciplinary research, organizes fully accredited higher education programs and delivers a broad range of academic services in various policy-relevant fields, including energy...
Academics
Other Academic Conditions
- As part of the ISEP application any student potentially interested in applying for an internship must attach to a copy of their resume/CV and a general cover letter that outlines his or her internship objectives, preferred job responsibilities and qualifications.
- Non-native English speakers must submit language scores to determine their level of language proficiency.
- Housing and meals are not included in the ISEP Direct program fee. Students will apply for housing and pay accommodation fees directly to BSoG. ISEP students must choose one of the official housing options for study abroad students at Vesalius College, and are not allowed to seek independent housing while in Brussels.
Semester & Prices
Select a semester to calculate the price. Semesters are named according to host university's calendar.Semester Tuition
- Priority Admissions Deadline: {{schedule.semester.semesterTranslation.displayPriorityDeadline}}
- Chance of Placement: {{schedule.chancesOfPlacement.name}}
- Application Deadline: {{schedule.applicationDeadline}}
- Average Classes Per Week: {{schedule.semester.classesPerWeek}}
- Average Class Hours Per Week: {{schedule.semester.hoursPerWeek}}
Required Expenses
Pre-Sessions
{{child.getBenefitsRangeDisplay()}}
University Deadline: {{child.studentDeadline | date:'longDate'}}
Housing
Meals
Optional Expenses
Pre-Sessions
{{child.getBenefitsRangeDisplay()}}
University Deadline: {{child.studentDeadline | date:'longDate'}}