Is Chemicals and Materials Engineering for you?
Want to know if you are suited to the master in Chemicals and Materials Engineering programme? See the information and activities below to find out.
What does this programme involve?
Tackle environmental challenges and help build the future.
Would you like to be at the helm of new developments? Do you have an interest in the structure and properties of materials? Would you like to develop chemical processes that consume fewer resources and are more sustainable? Would you like to be close to advanced research? Are you looking for a master that does not restrict you to a particular sector?
Engineers in chemistry and materials sciences play a unique role in sustainable development. They develop new processes to manage resources, energy, and the environment, in order to produce novel materials and chemical commodities.
This master’s programme prepares you to face the demands of modern technological employment. With English as the working language, you are ready to start an international career and help shape the future.
Who better to tell you what this programme is like than the students who've participated?
- Wout Weijtjens | Student Engineering Sciences
"As for many, my study choice was not evident. After all, it's your future at stake. My choice of engineering was logical, as science and techology are intricately interwoven in it. And this still fascinates me. The idea of becoming an inventor always appealed.Brussels was not an obvious choice. But when obtaining information about VUB and BRUFACE, I was immedately charmed. Being able to converse with professionals who could guide me in my choice was great. As the study groups were not as large as in some other institutions, the professors never made me feel like just another student, and I never had the feeling they were living in an ivory tower. It is not an urban legend that some professors suggest using their first name, nor that they are there to help you.
The atmosphere on and around the VUB and ULB campuses is great, without feeling lost in the masses. Being a student is always more than studying alon. At parties or cantusses, you always meet familiar faces. And that in the exciting metropolis of Brussels!"
What is the difference to the master in Chemical Engineering and the master in Material Sciences?
Our master differs from the master in chemical engineering and the master in material sciences programmes by its unique two-pronged programme that will give you an integrated view on chemical process technolgy and material sciences and technology, plus insights into how chemistry intricately connects process and materials technology.
Why study at the VUB?
Studying at VUB gives you more than a diploma. You learn to view the world with an open mind and without prejudice. You hone your critical thinking, and you learn to express your opinion. You commit not just to study, but to participate in meaningful social projects that make the world a better place. In short, this is where you shape your identity: Who you are today and want to be tomorrow.
Spread the study load
Create your own studypath
Within the VUB, we want to maximize our commitment to personal development and give as many students as possible the opportunity to continue their studies and develop themselves. Depending on your personal situation, it may be more difficult to devote full time to your studies. For example, you combine your studies with a job, you do top-level sports, ...   
Students enrolling for the first time in their bachelor are required to take their model track. An exception can be made. More information can be found on this page. For our other programs (preparation programs, switching master programs, etc ...), this requirement does not apply. 
After your first bachelor year, you can take fewer ECTS-credits. You can spread your study load over a longer period. If you have a student visa or VUB student room, you have to take at least 54 ECTS credits each academic year! You ALSO have to take into account your growth package, study grants and funds, study progress rules, etc. Do you want some advise? Contact your study path counselor. Need more info?   
Study and examination flexibility
Reflex status
Do you have a physical disability, learning disability or chronic illness, or are you starting a business or finding it harder to study because of your personal situation? If so, you qualify for Reflex Status.
With this you can ask for a flexible approach to your studies and exams, to maximise your chances of success. You may need access to course materials, for example, or more time to sit an exam, a translator or interpreter, staggered examinations, and so on.
Elite sports and studying
Elite sports and study
Keen to combine your elite sporting career with a programme at VUB? It makes sense, as it strengthens your position in the jobs market after your sporting career ends.
Our Elite Sports & Study department helps you work out a personal study pathway and guides you through to the end.
Studying with a disability
Studying with a functional impairment
Do you have a disability (for example, a learning disability, chronic medical condition, psychiatric or sensory disability)? If so, you qualify for a flexible approach to your studies and exams through Reflex Status, to maximise your chances of success. You may need access to course materials, for example, or more time to sit an exam, a translator or interpreter, staggered examinations, and so on.
Find out more about Reflex Status
For extra support there are other student services to draw on at VUB. For example, a wheelchair-adapted room, study guidance and a personal study-pathway, mental healthcare, medical care, etc.
Study Guidance
Study Guidance
An experienced team of student psychologists, student counsellors and study-pathway supervisors are there to give you personal study advice, guidance and training. At every phase in your study career.
- Individual - Advice on your choice of programme, stress and anxiety training, help with exam planning, help for students with dyslexia...
- Group (workshops, courses) - Choosing a subject for your bachelor's or master's thesis, learning to present, dealing with stress and anxiety...
- Tools - An example of good weekly planning, tips and tricks for a good study method, a step plan to help you choose the right programme...
Combining your studies with a job
The Master in Chemicals and Materials Engineering is a daytime only programme. Therefore, there is no option to combine this study with a fulltime job.
Studying abroad
Fancy an international career? You can replace the curriculum of the first semester of the second master year by an alternative programme worth 30 ECTS at a university abroad. This mobility window allows extra freedom and flexibility to tune the content of your curriculum with additional courses and research projects without delaying your study. It also gives you the chance to work with experts from other universities for your thesis research.
Our collaboration with T.I.M.E. (Top Industrial Managers for Europe), a network of engineering schools and universities in Europe, gives you unique opportunities with possible destinations inside and outside Europe, including Japan, China and Australia. Broaden your horizons personally as well as professionally, and graduate with a degree from both VUB/ULB and the receiving institution.