Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master's Program in Society, Sustainability and Planning

The master's program in Society, Sustainability and Planning at the University of Groningen focuses on understanding the human factor in spatial interventions. This program promotes a novel understanding of how to transform the built environment in collaboration with its users.

Program Description

The program centers around the social, cultural, political, and economic environment in which decision-making on spatial interventions takes place. It emphasizes the role of citizens in shaping places and interrogates why different stakeholders and social groups embrace, contest, or reject spatial changes. The program also pays explicit attention to the ways in which spatial planning can contribute to achieving the UN's sustainable development goals.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes courses such as:

• City Matters
• Interaction, Society and Space
• Planning Theory
• Engaging Society in Spatial Transformation
• Optional courses
• Master's Thesis Society, Sustainability and Planning
• Revitalising Neighbourhoods
• Living Lab Sustainable Places

Program Options

The program offers several options, including:

• Double Degree Master in Sustainable Urban and Regional Development
• Double Degree Master in Urban Planning, Society and Sustainability
• Double Degree Master in Urban Governance within a Global Environment

Study Abroad

Study abroad is optional.

Entry Requirements

The program has specific entry requirements, including:

• Previous education: Access with research university, bachelor degree in Human Geography and Regional and Urban Planning, Spatial Planning and Design, Urban Studies, Land Use Planning and Management, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, and Cultural Geography.
• Additional subject: Course descriptions are required to assess previous education.
• Language test: English on VWO level or equivalent (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English).

Transfer Options

The program allows transfers from:

• All Universities of applied sciences
• All Research universities

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines are:

• Dutch students: 15 January 2026 (start 01 February 2026), 15 August 2026 (start 01 September 2026)
• EU/EEA students: 01 May 2026 (start 01 September 2026), 01 November 2026 (start 01 February 2027)
• Non-EU/EEA students: 01 May 2026 (start 01 September 2026), 01 November 2026 (start 01 February 2027)

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees are:

• EU/EEA: € 2601 (full-time)
• Non-EU/EEA: € 21400 (full-time)

Scholarships

Scholarships are available; check the Nuffic website for information.

After Graduation

Graduates can start a career in:

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

Research

The program follows the research agenda of the Department of Spatial Planning and Environment, focusing on the relationships between wellbeing of people, institutional innovation, and spatial transformation. The core ambitions of the research are to:

• Contribute to planning for liveable, resilient, and resourceful communities and places
• Create coalitions and stimulate collaboration among different stakeholders
• Design policy solutions for an inclusive and sustainable society

Alumni

Alumni have found jobs in various fields, including government, private sector, NGOs, and research institutes. The program provides a fruitful and professional knowledge base, allowing graduates to work in different fields and connect them to each other.