Brussels welcomes first international Bachelor students in the Arts
A total of 22 students have started this international joint bachelor's programme this week. Four of them began their studies at the Narafi campus in Brussels. During their first year, they will learn the fundamentals of filmmaking through a combination of in-person classes in Brussels and online courses alongside fellow students in Dublin, Lisbon, and Sofia.
The academic year concludes with a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), a short-term physical mobility experience abroad that is prepared online. During this BIP, students from the partner institutions collaborate on the production of a short film in Lithuania. The entire film production process is prepared together online beforehand.
The programme uses the latest educational technologies to deliver its curriculum simultaneously across multiple locations.
International Experience and Immersive Projects in the Second Year
In their second year, students move to a different campus and study at a partner institution in another country. They are immersed in international student teams and participate in intensive production modules with a strong practical focus. This approach helps students develop the adaptability and global perspective required for a successful career in the film industry.
“This programme combines studying on your home campus with studying abroad and collaborating in international teams. For students, it is much more than a degree programme; it is an international journey that guarantees a lifelong international network.”
Marc Van de Walle, Programme Coordinator, Joint BA – LUCA
First Joint International Bachelor Based on the European Approach
Earlier this year, the new programme underwent a quality assurance assessment at IADT in Ireland. Eva Fernandez de Labastida, chair of the review panel, praised the programme as the first Joint International Bachelor based on the European Approach. The European Approach provides a common framework and set of standards for quality assurance without the application of additional national criteria or requirements.
As film productions are becoming increasingly international in nature, a programme that combines international experience with technical expertise responds directly to this evolution and strengthens the position of graduates in the labour market.
“Film productions are increasingly international undertakings. A programme that combines international experience and technical expertise responds to this development and strengthens our students’ position in the job market.”
Geert Werkers, Vice-Dean for Education, LUCA School of Arts
Four Joint Master's Programmes Paved the Way for This Brand-New Joint Bachelor
International co-productions are becoming increasingly common in the film and television industry, and the demand for film professionals who can work effectively in international environments continues to grow.
LUCA School of Arts has been responding to this trend for several years. Through FilmEU, the university college currently offers four Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's programmes. Around 124 students are currently enrolled in programmes spread across Portugal, Ireland, Denmark, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and, of course, Belgium.
In this way, LUCA not only offers prospective students an exceptionally rich portfolio of film education programmes, but also immerses them in a uniquely international campus experience.