Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences (Communication Studies)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Ghent University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences (Communication Studies) at Ghent University is a dynamic, English-taught three-year program jointly offered with Vrije Universiteit Brussel, blending political science, communication studies, and sociology to equip you with tools to analyze today's complex societies. It's perfect for curious students passionate about media, politics, and social dynamics who want a multidisciplinary edge that stands out on the job market or in grad school.

Curriculum structure
Year 1 lays a strong foundation by immersing you in the core disciplines through introductory courses like those exploring key theories in political science, communication sciences, and sociology, helping you see how they interconnect in real-world scenarios. You'll dive into hands-on methods early, building skills in statistical analysis and content analysis to tackle research questions right from the start, all while getting comfortable with the English-language environment.

Year 2 builds on that base with deeper dives into the three pillars, including advanced modules on social organizations, media organizations, and analytical approaches to social and political theories. Expect practical exercises in interviewing, participant observation, and data selection, sharpening your ability to formulate scientific research questions and process relevant literature critically.

Year 3 lets you specialize in communication studies or another pillar while keeping doors open across all three fields, featuring courses tied to EU institutions via guest lectures and site visits for networking. You'll design methodologically sound research projects, honing skills in data gathering and analysis to prepare for masters or internships, with a major that gives you expert insight without narrowing your options.

Focus areas
Multidisciplinary integration of political science, communication studies, and sociology; strong emphasis on research methods like statistical analysis, interviewing, and content analysis; close ties to EU institutions and real-world applications.

Learning outcomes
Active knowledge of key theories and concepts in the social sciences; ability to formulate research questions, design studies, and critically process data and literature; analytical skills for understanding social, political, and media organizations.

Professional alignment (accreditation)
Aligned with European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and Flemish Qualifications Framework (FQF) standards, paving the way for English-taught masters in political science, sociology, or communication studies at Ghent University, VUB, or other Flemish programs (with language prep if needed).

Reputation (employability rankings)
This standout BScSS degree makes you highly competitive on the labor market, with the third-year design boosting networks via EU-focused pros and opening ambitious grad paths—Ghent University consistently ranks among Europe's top institutions for social sciences.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences (Communication Studies) at Ghent University, you'll dive into experiential learning right from the start, building real-world skills through hands-on practice in communication strategies, media analysis, and societal impact. Programs emphasize practical application via external internships, group projects, and research techniques, giving you tools to thrive in dynamic fields like media, NGOs, and organizations— all supported by Ghent's top-tier facilities.

This approach equips you with confidence for your career: here's how it works in our program:
- External internships: A mandatory practice-oriented placement (minimum 180 hours, equivalent to 4.5 weeks full-time) in companies, NGOs, or organizations in Belgium or abroad, where you apply communication knowledge in real scientific, social, or business contexts—evaluated by both your supervisor and a Ghent University promotor.
- Group projects: Collaborative seminars on topics like sustainability thinking, where teams use research techniques to investigate real issues (e.g., niche sustainability challenges in communication), fostering teamwork and practical problem-solving.
- Research and documentation tools: Logbooks for tracking internship activities, plus report-writing (up to 20 hours counted toward the total), with guidance on scientific design and evaluation score tables.
- Global opportunities: Internships abroad with simple Oasis registration, broadening your communication expertise across cultures.

These experiences, backed by Ghent University's state-of-the-art campuses in Gent, will make you stand out.

Progression & Future Opportunities

At Ghent University, our Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences (Communication Studies) puts you right in the heart of real-world communication challenges, building hands-on skills through internships, group projects, and cutting-edge tools that prepare you for dynamic careers in media, PR, and beyond. You'll dive into practical experiences like external placements in companies or NGOs, where you apply classroom knowledge in professional settings, and collaborate on group research using research techniques tailored to communication topics. This experiential approach ensures you're not just learning theory—you're doing the work of a communication professional from day one.

Here's how our program equips you with specific facilities and opportunities:
- Practice-oriented internships: Minimum 180 hours (about 4.5 weeks full-time) at external companies, NGOs, or organizations in Belgium or abroad, supervised by both a workplace mentor and a Ghent University promotor for a blend of practical and scientific feedback.
- Group projects in seminars: Team-based work applying research techniques to investigate real communication and sustainability issues, fostering collaboration and problem-solving skills.
- Logbook and reporting tools: Document your internship activities and reflections digitally, with up to 20 hours dedicated to report writing as part of the experience.
- Oasis registration system: University digital platform for managing international internships seamlessly.