International School

The International School of Spatial Policy Studies was established by the Faculty of Spatial Sciences of the University of Groningen in 1989, to provide English language courses and to coordinate educational programmes for visiting students from other countries. Since then, over 900 students from a wide range of countries have participated in the International School.

Spatial Problems and Spatial Policies

The International School currently offers the core course ‘Spatial Problems and Spatial Policies: The Dutch Experience’ (10 EC). This course employs the Dutch experience in defining spatial problems and devising, implementing and monitoring spatial policies to investigate more widely applicable aspects of national, urban and regional planning.

The course is offered two times per academic year: September–November (12 weeks) and February–April (10 weeks). The course is offered in two formats: one for undergraduate (bachelor) students and one for master students. Core lectures are delivered by specialist staff from the Faculty of Spatial Sciences and are coordinated through a series of tutorials (undergraduate students) or seminars (master students). Various other components such as an orientation programme, excursions and social programmes are designed both to integrate visiting students and maximize the benefits of the Groningen experience.

For more information see the ‘Course options’ submenu.

Spatial Planning Group Project

Students enrolled in the core course ‘Spatial Problems and Spatial Policies: The Dutch Experience’ can also participate in one of the many ‘Spatial Planning Group Projects’ (5 EC). These projects, supervised by a specialist staff member from the Faculty of Spatial Sciences, offer an opportunity to explore in more detail a specific aspect of Dutch spatial, spatial-economic, social-economic or demographic policies. In teams of 4 to 5 students from various countries, group members typically conduct a literature study combined with primary data collection by means of mapping, street questionnaires or in-depth interviews.

For more information see the ‘Course options’ submenu.