Social Work and Applied Psychology

Exchange courses in Social Work and Applied Psychology

An English-taught programme for international exchange students who have obtained at least 120 ECTS in Applied Psychology or Social Work, at bachelor level.

You should select courses from this list for a minimum of 24 ECTS. You can't combine them with courses from another programme. 

AUTUMN 2025           

*This course is obligatory for all students.

Language courses 

Course content 

For official course catalogue information check the course catalogue: Course Catalogue 2025-2026 (available from june 2025).

Below you can find a description of the course contents.

The internationalist

The Internationalist explores the complexity of the contemporary world through themes of super-diversity, culturalization, stereotyping and polarization. Students gain an understanding of the impact of cultural diversity on societal structures and how cultural differences often give rise to stereotyping and polarization. In addition, the eco-social world is addressed as a challenge, focusing on the connection between social inequality, environmental issues and global sustainability. Ethical action in an international context is also addressed, emphasizing the importance of respecting cultural diversity and making responsible choices in complex situations.

Applied criminology

The course ‘Applied Criminology’ provides students with an in-depth understanding of crime and the factors that drive criminal behavior. Through a critical exploration of historical and contemporary topics in criminology and forensic psychology, students will engage with research and debates shaping these fields. The course includes the application of theories and concepts to real-world contexts, enabling students to analyze the complexities of criminal behavior and forensic practice. Students will also develop advanced critical thinking, necessary to fully grasp the implications of policy measures taken on different political levels, but also to assess the effectiveness of punishments and preventive measures. 

Sociology of the family

During the past decades, Western family life has witnessed important changes. This course provides an overview of key sociological theories, demographic trends and research giving crucial insights on the nature of these changes. They have an impact on the way we tend to define and think about the family, the way we conceive of ‘typical’ family roles, the dynamics and relationships within families, the transitions families and their members go through, and common challenges experienced by families. Topics that will be discussed more in particular include the transition into young adulthood, relationship formation patterns (marriage, cohabitation, Living Apart Together), divorce and relationship dissolution, dynamics of re-partnering, complex family forms, (grand)parenthood, changes in family-work dynamics and intergenerational solidarity. Throughout all topics, attention will be paid to the existing diversity of families in terms of gender, social class and cultural background.

Health and welfare in an international perspective

The course ‘Health and welfare in an international perspective’ provides a comprehensive exploration of social security systems, emphasizing their role in ensuring societal well-being. It examines the structure and function of health care systems, with a specific focus on drug policy as a critical area of intervention. The course integrates insights from social work and psycho-medical perspectives to analyze the complexities of health care challenges in general and drug use, treatment, and prevention in particular. A European lens is applied to understand regional approaches and national differences, while international comparisons broaden the scope to global practices and challenges. Students will critically assess the interplay between policy, practice, and social justice in addressing issues related to social security, health and welfare. Through case studies and theoretical frameworks, the course equips students to critically assess and compare policy developments in diverse settings.

Psycho-social methodologies

We are born into families. Our first relationships, our first group, our first experiences of the world are with and through our families. We develop, grow and hopefully die in the context of our families. Family members share past, present and future. As professionals, we are often confronted with family functioning at moments of family crisis. Interaction in families is influenced by several factors, including individual life events, the family life cycle, the extended family, communities, society, ... . This makes working with families complex. In this course students learn how to approach families methodically. Theoretical knowledge is supported by practical experience. 

Interdisciplinary casework

In the course interdisciplinary casework, students from Social Work and Applied Psychology collaborate in an international learning environment where interdisciplinary cooperation, cultural exchange, and practical learning take center stage. This course prepares students for a world where social, psychological and other challenges are deeply interconnected. By
collaborating in an international classroom and engaging with real cases, students not only develop professional skills but also gain a profound understanding of human connection, resilience, and collaboration. Interdisciplinary casework is the ideal choice for students who are ready to embrace complexity, cross boundaries, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Advocacy

Many problems clients of social workers and other care professionals face are not merely personal issues, but issues linked with broader social mechanisms and inequalities. Working towards social and political change is therefore an important, but often still underestimated dimension of the role of the professional. In this course, students will get acquainted with methods to take up this role. Starting from theories, basic concepts, and current challenges in relation to advocacy and socio-political work more generally, students will learn how to take action on several levels: the client, the organization and the broader society. Supported by an action framework, students will be immersed in current topics through co-learning. Central to this process will be the analysis, comparison, and critical evaluation of practices of different organizations cross-nationally. During a two-day field visit, students will also gain inside knowledge of the advocacy strategies and socio-political practices of specific organizations.

Summer School English

An intensive English language course (held before the start of the other courses) for incoming and outgoing PXL students (45 hours divided over 7 days, not on Saturday and Sunday).

In order to determine your level you'll have to complete a written intake and an oral intake interview before the start of the Summer School on 10/9 on campus in Hasselt. 

Using authentic material, this course gives you the best possible chance of making the most of your educational opportunities and it provides help in developing essential skills for your career. You'll also make a field trip to get to know Hasselt and your fellow students.

With the focus on general English you will be given the opportunity to practice on:

• Writing reports, essays …
• Giving presentations, seminar discussions …
• Taking notes on the main points of a lectures …
• Understanding main ideas in paragraphs and longer texts …
• Brief recapitulation of the main grammar items…

Survival Dutch

You will learn the basics of the Dutch language so you will be able to take the bus/train, find your way in Hasselt or order a pint in a pub.There is a strong focus on communication, listening to conversations by native speakers and understanding the (basic) contents. 

Subjects:

• Meeting and greeting, on the road
• In town: shopping - eating – drinking – washing clothes
• The alphabet, pronunciation
• Numbers, time, dates
• Going out, making an appointment
• Health, going to the doctor and pharmacy.

The lectures will take place during 9 weeks (sept-dec), this with a frequency of 3 hours (evening) a week. 

English for eXchange

In this course, students learn how to communicate in an international (professional) context. Students work on their general language skills as well as improve their language competences so that they can function in an international working environment.

This course is designed to practice the four communicative skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking by e.g.:

• reading newspaper articles and short stories and understanding the (basic) contents;
• deriving the meaning of selected vocabulary items from a text;
• writing formal/neutral (professional) and informal emails or letters;
• listening to conversations by native speakers and understanding the (basic) contents;
• watching short movie fragments and understanding the (basic) contents;
• expressing one's opinion about topics of general or professional interest;
• having everyday (professional) conversations/performing role plays.

The exact contents of the course is subject to change and is open to suggestions by students. Students extend their vocabulary by reading real life texts, listening to conversations by native speakers and by having conversations and playing role plays.

They study grammar items by doing exercises and will have to put these grammatical items into practice in conversations and in writing.

The lectures will take place during 9 weeks (sept-dec), this with a frequency of 3 hours (evening) a week.