At Ghent University, we strive to educate people who dare to think about the challenges of tomorrow. For that purpose, we provide education that is embedded in six strategic objectives: Think Broadly, Keep Researching, Cultivate Talent, Contribute, Extend Horizons, Opt for Quality.
Ghent University continuously focuses on quality assurance and quality culture. The Ghent University's quality assurance system offers information on each study programme’s unique selling points, and on its strengths and weaknesses with regard to quality assurance.

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Ghent University's Education Objectives

Quality Assurance at Ghent University

1. Comprehensive scientific groundwork: our study programme introduces you to biosciences and their subfields: biochemistry, ecology, genetics, microbiology, food chemistry, soil science, etc. You acquire a comprehensive scientific basis in preparation for a promising career in one of the most dynamic and growing sectors.
2. Application engineer: in our study programme, you acquire the qualifications needed for a career as an application engineer. You combine a thorough knowledge of biosciences with technical skills to implement innovative solutions in existing processes. 
3. Hands-on approach: our study programme's key objective is to put theory into practice. To that end, the curriculum comprises numerous practicals and seminars.
4. Extensive career opportunities: the multidisciplinary character of our study programme yields a wide range of advanced studies and career opportunities. Our programme provides robust preparation for specialising in Master’s and doctoral courses, leading to career opportunities across various sectors (e.g., biotechnology, pharmaceutical industry, environmental sciences, nutrition, and agri- and horticulture).
5. Student talent development: every student has talents. The wide variety of competencies you have to acquire will reveal where your strengths lie. These competencies include more than pure scientific knowledge: social competencies, entrepreneurship, communication and collaboration skills, etc. These skill sets are taught using various teaching methods (lectures, lab work, group assignments, presentations, reports, etc.).     

1. Specialisation: as you progress in your studies, you can choose from different specialisations according to your interests and career plans. This means you do not have to choose from the start, which is an asset.
2. Premium quality education: we offer a premium-quality and well-organised programme. Student appreciation and appreciation from the professional field are high. Our study programme’s application-oriented profile is realised, among other things, through a wide range of active teaching and assessment methods. Students appreciate how their critical thinking evolves and develops. 
3. Data-driven: today’s society is becoming progressively data-driven. Critical decisions, the optimisation of (business) processes, etc., are increasingly based on significant quantities of collected data and (mathematical) models). Quantitative thought and (metric) data processing are essential to the study programme.
4. Dedicated team of lecturers: our study programme boasts a close-knit and committed team of lecturers. They contribute to a continuous, purposeful, and transparent improvement policy.
5. Approachability: our lecturers and their team are always open to personal contact if you have questions. The size of student groups, including class groups and practicals, is relatively small, ensuring accessibility.

1. Heavy workload: our study programme is challenging and demands significant application and commitment. Solid planning and time management skills are indispensable. Although this can be challenging, we monitor the workload to ensure it is evenly distributed.
2. Monitoring our profile: the field of (applied) biosciences contains various higher education study programmes, e.g.; Biology, Biotechnology, Bioscience Engineering or Biomedical Sciences. Each study programme has a unique focus and differs from the Biosciences programme. However, there is some common ground, resulting in a tendency to overlook the differences. As our education landscape is constantly in motion, it is essential that we continously monitor our study programme's profile and work on brand recognition vis-à-vis (prospective) students, businesses, the government, etc. Our graduates are application engineers in applied biosciences and are sought after in the labour market thanks to a unique combination of skill sets. We want to keep it that way.
3. Brand recognition: our study programme is still too little known among secondary school graduates.