The ULB study structure follows the European model and is divided into three main ULB degree cycles: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD. This reflects the broader ULB academic organisation, ensuring a clear and internationally recognised pathway for university studies.

Bachelor's Degree: Gaining Basic Knowledge and Skills 

Within the ULB study structure, the ULB Bachelor’s degree (1st cycle) provides a broad, generalist education that allows students to acquire essential knowledge and skills in their chosen discipline. As part of the ULB academic organisation, this first cycle also encourages the development of independence, critical thinking, and creativity, qualities highly valued in all ULB academic programmes.

The ULB Bachelor’s degree consists of a structured programme worth 180 ECTS credits at ULB, designed to be completed over three years. Successful completion of this cycle grants direct access to a related ULB Master’s degree (2nd cycle), while alternative pathways are also possible. Students may transfer to another programme or follow bridge courses, particularly if they hold a diploma from a higher education college. Ultimately, the first cycle forms the foundation of the three main ULB degree cycles, which progress from Bachelor’s to Master’s and culminate in the ULB PhD programme.

Master's Degree: Building on Knowledge and Skills 

The ULB Master's Degree (2nd cycle) degree allows you to build on the knowledge and skills acquired on the Bachelor's degree and to choose a specialist area. 
It offers: 

  • Various professional focuses leading to career opportunities 
  • A teaching focus that prepares you for teaching careers 
  • A research focus that prepares you for the methods of scientific research and careers in research

The ULB Master's degree generally consists of a programme of 120 credits, designed to be completed in 2 years (see box for the definition of a credit). However, an exception is made for medicine and veterinary medicine (180 credits) and certain 60-credit Master's degrees (see below). The Master's also includes a piece of work to be submitted at the end of the degree (dissertation) and often one or more internships. A certain number of Advanced Master's (worth 60 credits or more) are organised to complement the Master's courses offered in highly specialised fields. 

PhD: Research Is the Goal

The ULB PhD programme (3rd cycle) includes doctoral training and work relating to the preparation of a thesis under the responsibility of a supervisor and within a research team. They end with the submission and then the defence of the thesis in front of a specialist examination board. 


Programmes, Blocks, Course Units and Assessments: What Do They All Involve? 

The ULB study structure is defined for each Bachelor's and Master's degree. It includes some compulsory courses and other courses that are chosen by the student. 

Each course or Course Unit (CU) is associated with several credits. The CUs are grouped into annual blocks of 60 credits. At the start of the year, the student receives an individual annual programme (Student's Annual Programme or SAP) taking account of their blocks, the CUs they have already completed and various educational considerations. 

Each CU is subject to assessment(s) in the form of exams, work to hand in, etc. When the result is at least 10/20, the course unit is credited. When the CUs of a cycle are all credited, the Bachelor's or Master's degree is awarded. 
Updated on October 2, 2025