Spatial Sciences

Why do some regions get left behind while others prosper? How do places create opportunity for some and exclusion for others? What does climate change mean for the places where people live, and what can we do about it? For a top level education in geography and planning you choose Groningen! Discover spatial science research through our two-year Research Master programme and tackle these problems head-on. You have total freedom to design your programme and grow into the spatial scientist you want to become. Choose courses from across the University of Groningen or specialise in a field that matches your interests by following courses from another Spatial Sciences master programme or our Islands and Sustainability track. We train you in cutting-edge research methods and the theoretical foundations of spatial science. From day one, you build the skills to produce innovative research by working with peers on a multidisciplinary challenge that is set by societal stakeholders, receiving one-to-one training from senior staff, doing a research internship, and writing a thesis that makes a genuine contribution to the field. Passionate about people and places, our graduates have built careers in research, policymaking, government, and industry, with many going on to do a PhD.

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen is the second oldest university in the Netherlands with over 33,000 students. Known for its vibrant student city atmosphere (1 in 4 residents is a student), excellent research output, and 4 Nobel Prize laureates including Ben Feringa (Chemistry 2016).