Program Overview

Introduction to the Double Degree Master in Urban Governance within a Global Environment

The Double Degree Master in Urban Governance within a Global Environment is a collaboration between the Faculty of Spatial Sciences of the University of Groningen, the Netherlands, and the School of Public Administration and Policy of the Renmin University of China in Beijing. This program combines the expertise of the Department of Spatial Planning and Environment in Groningen and of the number 1 university in China in the field of public administration.

Program Description

Studying Planning in Beijing enables students to view their own surroundings through new eyes, giving them a new perspective on how multifaceted urban planning can be in small cities and metropoles. The urban age of our globe is now unfolding, with more than half of the world’s population living in cities. Three quarters of the world’s urban population are in the Global South, and China plays a critical role in shaping the global trend of urban transformation.

Facts and Figures

• Degree: MSc, MSc
• Course type: Double Degree master
• Duration: 24 months (120 EC)
• Croho code: 66194, 66653
• Language of instruction: English
• Start: September

Why Study this Program in Groningen?

• Possibility to combine a one-year and a two-year master program in two countries at two top universities and graduate in two years.
• Renmin University is the number 1 university in China in the field of public administration.
• Courses are provided by a skilled and pleasant team of experts in the field of public administration and spatial planning.

Program Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students will follow a customized program from one of the master programs. Because students won't be completing their thesis in the first year, they'll instead do an independent research project and additional electives. Details can be discussed with coordinator Gert de Roo.

Year 2

The second year of the DDM takes place at the Renmin University of China in Beijing, which consists of the courses listed under "Year 2" above.

Curriculum

For the first year of the double degree in Groningen, students can choose between the programs:

• MSc Environmental and Infrastructure Planning
• MSc Society, Sustainability and Planning

The second year of the DDM takes place at the Renmin University of China in Beijing.

Study Abroad

• Study abroad is required
• Students must have completed their year of study in China, including master's thesis, no later than 5 years after starting the Double Degree, otherwise the right to receive the Chinese diploma will be lost.

Entry Requirements

• Dutch diploma
• International diploma

Admission Requirements

• Previous education: See Environmental and Infrastructural Planning & Society, Sustainability and Planning or contact Study Advice
• Language test: English on VWO level or one of the following equivalents:
  • IELTS overall band 6.5, no less than 6.0 on each section
  • TOEFL internet based: Overall: 90, Reading: 18, Listening: 18, Speaking: 20, Writing: 21
  • Cambridge English: Cambridge certificate C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (formerly known as CAE/CPE)

Application Deadlines

• Type of student: EU/EEA students, non-EU/EEA students
• Deadline: 01 May 2026
• Start course: 01 September 2026

Tuition Fees

• Nationality: EU/EEA, non-EU/EEA
• Year:
• Fee: € 2601 (EU/EEA), € 21400 (non-EU/EEA)
• Programme form: full-time

Scholarships

Check the Nuffic website for information about scholarships.

After Your Studies

Job Prospects

Our graduates work in:

• Different levels of government
• Consultancies, housing associations and developers (private sector)
• NGOs (environmental, social, heritage)
• Universities and research institutes

We support you in developing a rich set of analytical tools and practical skills that allow you to create sustainable cities. You become a critical professional who knows how to engage citizens in the major spatial transformations of our times.

Research

The main research direction at Renmin University includes planning- and urban research. Focuses include: scientific urban planning mechanisms and efficient urban planning and management systems, urban social and community problems and migration.

The research agenda of the department of Spatial Planning and Environment focuses on 'Institutional Innovation and Spatial Transformation', as part of the Faculty's Research Program TRACE (TRAnsformations, Communities and Environments)