Course info

The Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulation of the different United Nations organs and other forums of international relations and asks young people from all over the world to take on the role of world leaders. 

The students are required to take the role of a “delegate”, i.e. a country’s diplomat whose nationality is different from theirs; they are expected to understand the position of this country in order to represent and serve its « official » interests on various issues during a period of negotiations and debates. The MUN conference is an intensive and enriching learning program that aims to build an understanding of global challenges amongst young people beyond the borders of background, culture and nationality. 

Course presentation 

The MUN is available as an elective course (5 ECTS) for students enrolled in all faculties of the Bruxelles Saint-Louis campus. 

The course is divided into three parts: 

1. A theoretical part providing a framework of knowledge on the UN, its functioning, organs, main issues of debate. 
2. A specific part for each simulation, practice and logistics composed of various sessions supervised by the Head Delegates, the incumbent and / or the assistants, separately for each delegation. The purpose of these sessions is to learn the rules specific to the chosen simulation as well as practice the various aspects of the simulation (oral presentations, writing, rules of procedure, mini- simulations, etc.). Sessions take place every Tuesday from 5:45 PM to 7:45 PM during the first semester, and every Monday from 5:45 pm to 7:45 pm during the second semester. Additional sessions may be organized during the weeks when a course is given to both groups. These sessions are determined by the teacher, assistant, head delegates and delegates. 

3. The course begins in early October, after the selection procedure. Weekly meetings end at the simulation itself (end of February for LIMUN, end of March for NMUN-NY, specific dates in case of other simulations), but a few additional sessions will be organized after the simulations, to enable students to meet professionals in international relations and bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. The course is given exclusively in English.

   NB: Due to the university's financial support for student participation in simulations abroad, only a limited number of participants will be able to register for this seminar. A selection process will be organized if the number of applicants exceeds the number of places available.

Organisation and grading system 

The seminar is organised every week during both semesters of the academic year. The seminars will continue after the simulations abroad (locations and dates to be confirmed) with a series of witnesses and resource persons active in international diplomacy. 

The final mark for the seminar is based on several criteria:

• Participation during the whole year (2 semesters): attending the seminars, developing expertise on the assigned country and theme, preparing readings and speeches as requested, progress in public speaking exercises, etc.
• Quality of the position paper
• Participation in the actual simulations in London or New York

Additional marks will be granted in case of an official recognition, by the organisers, of the delegation (NMUN), of a specific delegate, and/or of a position paper.  

No marks (0/20) will be granted in case of no show to the simulation abroad. 

Students from all faculties and options are encouraged to participate in the seminar. You don't have to be perfectly fluent in English, or perfectly at ease to speak in public, and no prior knowledge of the UN or international institutions is required to apply. The seminar is based on learning by doing, and although it does require a strong engagement and hard work, it is both a fun and solid experience to develop your skills.  

Join us!