Brussels School of International Studies are pleased to be running the Two Capitals Programme in collaboration with Virginia Tech in Washington DC, which gives students a unique opportunity to earn two Master degrees in two capitals, and learn about international affairs in a global context! As part of the programme, students spend one year at the Brussels School of International Studies before moving to Virginia Tech in Washington DC, to broaden their understanding of international studies and experience different approaches to International Studies on different continents and in different global capitals. Dr Georgeta Pourchot (Programme Director) will visit BSIS next week to meet with interested students. You can meet with her on Thursday 27th October from 11am – 12noon in Seminar Room 3.
Which BSIS courses does this cover?
In order to undertake the Two Capitals Programme, you must be studying one of the following courses at BSIS:
MA in International Relations
MA in International Conflict and Security
MA in EU External Relations
MA in International Development
MA in International Political Economy.
I am doing one of the above courses – am I eligible for the programme?
You will need to have completed the taught courses of the above programme and have achieved an average of a Merit before applying to participate in the Two Capitals programme with VT.
When will I find out if I may participate in the Two Capitals Programme?
For students who started their Masters in September – a decision would be made in MayFor students who started their Masters in January – a decision would be made the following February
What will I study at Virginia Tech (VT)?
Students at VT as part of the Two Capitals Programme will be enrolled on the Government and International Affairs programme of the School of Public and International Affairs on VT’s National Capital Region Campus in Alexandria, and will study towards a Masters in Public International Affairs (MPIA).
What courses will be offered for the Masters in Public International Affairs at VT?
3 compulsory courses from the following list:
- Global Change, Local Impacts
- Power and Policy in the US
- Collaborative Governance and Civil Society
- Comparative Social Movements
- Politics of Developing Areas
- International Politics
- Democratic Governance in the Economy
- Contemporary American Foreign Policy
1 course from the following list:
- Contemporary Political Theory
- Research Methods
- Discourse Analysis
1course from the following list:
- Quantitative Techniques
- Public Admin and Policy Inquiry
- Alternative Political Theory
- Qualitative Methods in Global Studies
- Global Governance
- Discourse Analysis
A final project: A major paper/journal article sized academic work on a subject determined by students in consultation with advisor.
What are the tuition fees for the programme at VT?
The total cost of the programme at VT is likely to be in the region of $33,000 (USD)
What is the cost of living in Northern Capital Region?
As a rough guide, the following will give you an idea of how much it will cost to live in DC:
- $1,400 apartment rental per month
- $4000/year for insurance, books, miscellaneous
- There is a wide range of food costs, depending on whether students cook for themselves or mostly eat out, so this varies between $300-$800/month
What other opportunities will I be offered at VT?
As with BSIS, students studying at VT will have a wide range of Internship opportunities available to them, ranging from think-tanks (such as the Centre for Strategic and International Studies and the Council on Foreign Relations) to Government agencies (such as the Environmental Protection Agency).
Where will I live?
Like BSIS, VT does not offer on campus housing, however apartments are advertised daily in the Washington DC area and are always easy to come by – check out the VT housing webpage for further information: http://www.nvc.vt.edu/international/students/resources-for-living-in-the-us/housing
I like the sound of this programme – where can I gain more information?
If you would like further information regarding the course being held at VT, the programme Director Dr Georgeta Pourchot will visit BSIS next week to meet with students.
If you would like further information regarding your eligibility to participate in the Two Capitals programme, please email ukbapplications@kent.ac.uk