Program Overview

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Introduction to the Research Master in Spatial Sciences

The Research Master in Spatial Sciences is a two-year, full-time program that allows students to study Spatial Sciences in the broadest possible way and trains them to become good researchers. The program has two key features: maximum scientific freedom to learn and discover, and the development of serious scientific research skills.

Program Description

The program is designed for students who are interested in a career as a researcher of spatial subjects. It provides students with the opportunity to design their own program by choosing courses according to their own interests. Students can choose courses from all Spatial Sciences master programs, including environmental and infrastructure planning, economic geography, population studies, socio-spatial planning, or real estate studies, and may also include courses from other faculties.

Maximum Scientific Freedom to Learn and Discover

Students have the freedom to design their own program, allowing them to explore their interests and passions. They can choose courses from a wide range of Spatial Sciences master programs, giving them a broad and comprehensive education.

Serious Development of Research Skills

The program provides students with the opportunity to develop serious scientific research skills. Students participate in a joint multidisciplinary research challenge with other ReMa students, receive one-to-one individual research training from an URSI staff member, and do a research internship at an outstanding research institute.

Track

The program offers a track in Islands and Sustainability, which combines thorough training in scientific research with a thematic specialization on islands and sustainability. This track is an Erasmus Mundus master program that provides students with a double degree from the University of Groningen and an island-based university.

Specializations

The Research Master offers a specialization option, where students can combine the courses of a one-year FSS master within the two-year Research Master program. Students receive a formal specialization on their diploma supplement.

Facts and Figures

• Degree: MSc in Spatial Sciences (research)
• Course type: Research master
• Duration: 24 months (120 EC)
• Croho code: 60660
• Language of instruction: English
• Start: September
• Faculty: Spatial Sciences

Why Study this Program in Groningen?

• It is an ideal grounding for a PhD program
• Students have the opportunity to do fieldwork and evidence-based research
• Students have the opportunity to study or do research abroad

Program

The program consists of two years, with the following courses:

• Advanced Specialized Research Methods (A&SRM) (10 EC)
• Joint Multidisciplinary Research Project (JMRP) (5 EC)
• Scientific Reading, Debating and Reflecting (5 EC)
• Thematic Theoretical Specialization (TTS) (20 EC)
• Individual Research Training (IRT) (10 EC)
• Research Internship at a Renowned Research Institute (RIRRI) (10 EC)

Curriculum

For more information about the courses in this program, please refer to the course catalog.

Study Abroad

Study abroad is optional, but students have the opportunity to study or do research abroad.

Entry Requirements

• Dutch diploma: Students should have a Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to Regional Studies, such as Human Geography and Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Planning, or Urban Studies.
• International diploma: Students should have a Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to Regional Studies, such as Human Geography and Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Planning, or Urban Studies.

Admission Requirements

• Previous education: Students should have a Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to Regional Studies.
• Knowledge minimum: Applicants should have some background knowledge in the Spatial Sciences field.
• Grade average: Excellent study results and high grades at university level (A range, typically top 10%).
• Assessment interview: Generally, an interview with the applicant forms part of the admission procedure.
• Language test: English on VWO level or one of the following equivalents:
  • IELTS overall band 6.5, no less than 6.5 on each section
  • TOEFL internet based: Overall: 90 Reading: 21 Listening: 21 Speaking: 21 Writing: 24
  • 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 research universities is possible, with additional requirements.

Application Deadlines

• Type of student: Dutch students, 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: 2026
• 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: The graduates from the program are well trained for a PhD position, a research position in organizations, or any other professional job in which scientific solidness and creativity is an asset.

Research

• Spatial Sciences at the University of Groningen has a strong academic position, nationally and internationally, and is well-embedded in a wider range of disciplines.
• The research program is titled TRACE (TRAnsformations, Communities and Environments).
• The researchers who participate in the program are actively working on international and national research projects and bring their experiences to their teaching.

Study Associations

• Ibn Battuta is the Faculty Association of Spatial Sciences.
• Becoming a member of Ibn Battuta means you can join the social drinks, foreign trips, lectures, and all other activities organized by the Association.

Study Support

• For any questions about your study planning, choice of study, and personal circumstances that influence your study, you can contact the study advisors of the Faculty of Spatial Sciences.