Our English-taught BA Preparatory Programme serves as a progressive transition from secondary school to higher education. Its objective is to educate, instruct and stimulate the development of a broad range of competencies, such as study skills and in-depth academic preparation that we deem necessary for academic success. Moreover, as a pre-bachelor programme it offers students the chance to be introduced to the Brussels School of Governance’s full degree programmes fostering a smooth progression onto the academic path.

To ensure the best possible academic performance, students will encounter small classes, dedicated professors, and career advice services. In addition, students will be assigned an academic advisor who will closely monitor their learning process and provide support in academic and administrative matters. The curriculum gives students a combination of theoretical and practical skills, in line with our STEP approach to teaching and learning excellence.

Our BA Preparatory Programme prepares students for higher education in a single semester. Upon successful completion, students can transfer to the BA programme of their choice.

The Brussels School of Governance is an alliance between the Institute for European Studies (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Vesalius College. This BA Preparatory Programme is organised by Vesalius College.

As someone who throughout secondary school relied on memory and never properly studied, I was in for a rude awakening with the transition into university! This BA Prep programme helped me develop a good work ethic and learn how to study and find which methods worked best for me. It also helped improve my academic writing skills and gave me the confidence to be at ease when presenting in front of people. Since it was a small class size, the teachers knew the students and their weaknesses and were able to adapt to what each student needed.
Student smiling
Juliana Saunders
BA Preparatory Programme alumna

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Learning objectives

  • Strengthen academic English writing and reading skills
  • Strengthen skills in oral communication and to be able to address different kinds of audiences
  • Acquire basic understandings of methods for collecting and analysing data
  • Acquire core organisational skills on how to study effectively
  • Acquire foundational math skills
  • Strengthen skills to thrive in a multinational environment
  • Gain the subject-specific knowledge and skills required to embark onto degree-level course of studies

The Programme consists of 5 non-credit courses for one semester. The programme also incorporates a seminar component providing an overview of different majors students can take on during their BA studies.