Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Master's program in Economic Geography: Resilient Rural Regions is a full-time program that explores the rural-specific socio-spatial impacts of global transformations and how rural regions and communities deal with such transformations in socially and environmentally sustainable and place-specific ways.

Program Description

This program provides students with a deep understanding of the unequal spatial and social effects of global megatrends, such as technological, demographic, and climate changes. Students will learn about economic geographical processes, wellbeing, quality of life, labor market developments, and mobility, and how these take shape in different regions along the European urban-rural continuum.

Program Structure

The program consists of various courses, including:

• Economic Geography: Theory and Practice
• Rural Communities in Transition
• Social Impact Assessment
• Global Transformations Local Impacts
• Nature, Landscape and Heritage
• Master's thesis
• Advanced Statistical Analysis OR Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
• Regional Labour Market Dynamics
• Transport Geography

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. More information about the courses can be found in the course catalog.

Study Abroad

Study abroad is optional, allowing students to gain international experience and broaden their perspectives.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the program, students must have:

• A Bachelor's degree related to the field of regional economic development
• 10 ECTS in statistics
• English language proficiency (VWO level or equivalent)

Admission Requirements

Specific requirements include:

• Previous education: Bachelor degree related to the field of regional economic development
• Additional subject: 10 ECTS in statistics required
• 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); European Baccalaureate, English level L1 or L2

Transfer Options

Transferring from other universities is possible, with specific requirements and transitions outlined for different study programs.

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines are as follows:

• Dutch students: 15 January 2026 for a start in February 2026, 15 August 2026 for a start in September 2026
• EU/EEA students: 01 May 2026 for a start in September 2026, 01 November 2026 for a start in February 2027
• non-EU/EEA students: 01 May 2026 for a start in September 2026, 01 November 2026 for a start in February 2027

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees are as follows:

• EU/EEA students: € 2601 (2026), € 2695 (2027)
• non-EU/EEA students: € 21400 (2026), € 22200 (2027)

Scholarships

Scholarships are available, and students can check the Nuffic website for more information.

After Graduation

Graduates of this program will be able to consider careers in a number of areas dealing with rural development, planning, and innovation, including local, regional, or (inter)national governmental and non-governmental organizations, public service organizations, consultancies, local tourism and heritage organizations, and local development organizations.

Research

The research in Economic Geography focuses on regional labor market analysis, the demography of firms, Geography of Innovation and Sustainability Transition, and well-being. The research explores how institutions, regional policies, place-based capabilities, and firms' routines, along with their intra- and inter-regional relations, impact technological diffusion and sustainable practices.