About the Bachelor of Social-Economic Sciences

​Unique Bachelor now available in English too

Social-Economic Sciences is one of UAntwerp’s most popular Bachelor programmes. Every year, more students enrol in this multidisciplinary programme, which is unique in Flanders. As of academic year 2021-22, it will also be offered in English, making it UAntwerp’s first English-taught Bachelor programme.

The University of Antwerp launched the Social-Economic Sciences (SES) study programme in 2004. It is one of a kind in Flanders, focusing on the intersection of sociology and economics. In this programme, students learn to look at things through a multidisciplinary lens. They develop competences in various fields, such as business administration, economics, sociology, mathematics and statistics.

Popular on the labour market

The degree has also proved popular on the job market. Of the students who graduated between 2011 and 2020, a huge 94.7% found jobs within six months. Many alumni now live and work abroad, in Germany, Spain, Canada, Australia, Singapore... the list goes on. 'You develop a certain intellectual flexibility and a broad view that allows you to analyse complex issues independently. For this reason alone, it's a unique study programme in Flanders', says Prof. Ive Marx, who coordinates the SES Master programme.

The popularity of this multidisciplinary programme is also reflected in the enrolment figures. Over the last two years, the number of first-year students has increased by 44%. This academic year, 144 students started the programme. 'I think Social-Economic Sciences really is one of the best programmes the university has to offer. To me, it embodies the potential of a true scholar: a broadly educated, versatile all-rounder', says stand-up comedian, TV presenter and SES alumnus Kamal Kharmach.

English-taught version

From academic year 2021-22 onwards, the University of Antwerp will also offer this Bachelor programme in English, making it the first English-taught Bachelor programme at UAntwerp. Prof. Koen Decancq, coordinator of the new Bachelor, says: 'The programme will be much the same as the Dutch-taught one – the key difference of course being that all the subjects will be taught in English. In addition, some Belgium-specific modules will take a more international view. This English-taught programme has the potential to attract people from all over the world, so students will be able to start building international networks while still in the classroom.'

Studying in a metropolis

The programme will be taught in the heart of the city of Antwerp, which means that students will get to engage with a sociologically interesting, multicultural environment where they can put theory into practice right away. With its major seaport and innovative spirit, this metropolis is one of the most attractive business cities in all of Europe. The economic insights of the programme will be enriched by guest speakers from business and industry. This programme is the ideal choice for students who have a keen interest in social sciences and economics and who want to pursue international careers.