Are you interested in a career as a researcher of spatial subjects? This programme allows the study of Spatial Sciences in the broadest possible way and it trains students to become good researchers.
The two-year Research Master in Spatial Sciences has two key features. First, it allows students maximum scientific freedom to learn and discover. Second, it lets students develop serious scientific research skills. Throughout the programme we take inspiration from Einstein's words: 'I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious'. Research Master students don't have to be extraordinarily talented or gifted. But students need to have a passionate curiosity about people and places. With this driving curiosity the research master Spatial Sciences is a good choice.
Maximum scientific freedom to learn and
discover
Students can design their own programme by choosing courses
according to their own interests. They can choose courses from all
Spatial Sciences master programmes: environmental and
infrastructure planning, economic geography, population studies,
socio-spatial planning, or real estate studies and they may also
include courses from other faculties.
Serious development of research skills
Students become a good researcher by experiencing a series of
carefully designed research settings. They will participate in a
joint multidisciplinary research challenge with other ReMa
students. They will receive one-to-one individual research training
from an URSI staff member involved in the tWIST research programme
of our faculty. They will do a research internship at an
outstanding research institute. The research experiences will be
both big and small: they will range from the final master thesis
taking several months to small half an hour researches as part of
the scientific diary. Students will be trained in a wide array of
research methods.
Track
If you want to combine thorough training in scientific research
with a thematic specialization on islands and sustainability, we
offer a track in Islands and Sustainability
Specializations
The Research Master offers a specialization option. Students
combine the courses of a one-year FSS master within the two-year
Research Master programme. They receive a formal specialization on
their diploma supplement. Check all of our master's
programmes to find your specialization.
For a top level education in geography and planning you choose Groningen!
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| 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) | ||||
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Advanced and Specialized Research Methods and Techniques (A&SRM) (5 EC) | ||||
| Advanced Research Skills (5 EC) | ||||
| Scientific Reading Debating and Reflecting (5 EC) | ||||
| Research Process and Proposal Writing (5 EC) | ||||
| Thematic Theoretical Specialization (TTS) (10 EC) | ||||
| Individual Master's Thesis (30 EC) | ||||
For more information about the courses in this programme, please visit https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/master-info-frw/courses-master-spatial-sciences
It is also possible to do the course Research Internship at a Research Institute (RIRI) for 15 EC, where you replace a 5 EC part of Thematic Theoretical Specialization for 5 EC extra RIRI.
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
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. Students with a Bachelor's degree in the social or economic sciences also have direct access, preferably with a Minor worth 30 EC in human geography and/or urban and regional planning and/or demography and/or development studies. For those with a different Bachelor degree, the possibilities for admission are discussed with the coordinator. The direct access is conditional on sufficient English command, the knowledge minimum and the required grades. At least 10 ECTS in statistics or equivalent statistical knowledge. |
| knowledge minimum |
Applicants should have some background knowledge in the Spatial Sciences field (Urban or Regional Studies, Human, Economic or Cultural Geography, Spatial Planning, Environmental and Infrastructure Planning, Demography or Real Estate). |
| grade average |
Excellent study results and high grades at university level (A range, typically top 10%); Comparable to Dutch grading system: average grade of at least 7, for Bachelor thesis of at least 7.5. |
| assessment interview |
Generally, an interview with the applicant, in which attitude, motivation, orientation and competence for a career in (scientific) research are evaluated, forms part of the admission procedure. The interview is scheduled after the required documents have been received and evaluated by the Admissions Board. |
| language test |
English on VWO level or one of the following equivalents:
Overall: 90 Reading: 21 Listening: 21 Speaking: 21 Writing: 24
A prospective student can always apply for an exemption from the English language test. The student needs to explain, and if required show proof of, why an exemption would be justified. It is up to the Admission Board to decide whether an exemption will be granted or not. |
| (motivation-) letter |
All applicants with a Dutch previous education have to submit a detailed CV, list of grades, motivation letter, reference letter, and an academic writing sample to dr. Richard Rijnks (R.H.Rijnks rug.nl) Do you have a foreign previous education? Then you can send this information to the Admission Office. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Spatial Planning and Design | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:The Research Master has a selection. All applicants have to submit a detailed CV, list of grades, motivation letter, reference letter, and an academic writing sample to the coordinator R.H.Rijnks rug.nl. |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:The Research Master has a selection. All applicants have to submit a detailed CV, list of grades, motivation letter, reference letter, and an academic writing sample to the coordinator R.H.Rijnks rug.nl. |
| Human Geography and Planning | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:The Research Master has a selection. All applicants have to submit a detailed CV, list of grades, motivation letter, reference letter, and an academic writing sample to the coordinator R.H.Rijnks rug.nl. |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 January 2026 | 01 February 2026 | |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
Academic bachelor degree in human geography and/or urban and regional planning or comparable qualifications, including at least 10 ECTS in statistics or equivalent statistical knowledge. |
| professional experience |
Not required |
| grade average |
Excellent study results and high grades at university level (A range, typically top 10%); Comparable to Dutch grading system: average grade of at least 7.0, for Bachelor thesis of at least 7.5. |
| assessment interview |
Generally, an interview with the applicant, in which attitude, motivation, orientation and competence for a career in (scientific) research are evaluated, forms part of the admission procedure. The interview is scheduled after the required documents have been received and evaluated by the Admissions Board. |
| (motivation-) letter |
All applicants with a foreign previous education have to submit a detailed CV, list of grades, motivation letter, reference letter, and an academic writing sample via the Admission Office. Do you have a Dutch previous education? Please send this information to Richard Rijnks (R.H.Rijnks rug.nl). |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 January 2026 | 01 February 2026 | |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 2530 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 20800 | full-time |
| EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 2601 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 21400 | full-time |
Scholarships: Check the Nuffic website for information about scholarships.
Students are expected to follow our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. For more detailed information about laptop requirements, please visit this webpagePractical information for:
The graduates from the programme are well trained for 1) a PhD position 2) a research position in organisations such as government ministries, non-governmental organisations or research-based consultancies or 3) any other professional job in which scientific solidness and creativity is an asset.
The close contacts with URSI researchers and PhD students (as mentors or teachers) in the graduate school allow an easy transition to a PhD position. The Research Internship at a Research Institute is specifically introduced to let the student experience the work atmosphere at a research institute.
Throughout the year we offer support for practical career preparation and employability skills. Workshops are given about leadership, job interviews and how to present yourself. More information about the FSS Career Services.
See where our alumni end up in this graphic !
The programme of the Research Master in Spatial Sciences is intertwined with the Faculty's Research Program, towards Wellbeing, Innovation and Spatial Transformation (tWIST). In courses such as Individual Research Training (IRT) and Master Thesis, students participate in ongoing research projects of the senior academic staff, which are all embedded in tWIST.
The research themes Wellbeing, Innovation and Spatial Transformation are studied in the broad field of geography and spatial planning, which investigates the role which space, place, location and distance, play in our communities and societies. We employ a range of qualitative, quantitative, micro and macro research methodologies to uncover these issues and to help improve wellbeing, to encourage innovation, and to increase our understanding of spatial transformation processes. The research work undertaken in each of the departments within the Faculty is also supported by the use of advanced geographical information systems (GIS). The research themes of the Faculty of Spatial Sciences complement all three of the University of Groningen’s research themes; Healthy Ageing, Sustainable Society and Energy. Major issues tWIST addresses range important societal shifts such as population growth and decline, aging, economic transformation and sustainability transitions are affecting space, health and well-being. These are major issues faced by contemporary society for which the Faculty of Spatial Sciences is uniquely placed to provide coherent policy analysis, design and impact assessment.
The Study Programme consists of different courses in the field of Spatial Sciences, related to the topics in tWIST. The specific courses depend on the individual student’s interests. Students have the opportunity to develop their own educational pathway according to their preferences and motivations.
Top researchers
Students work closely together with our experienced staff members, who carry out excellent research in the four different research clusters within tWIST: 1) Place, Identity & Wellbeing; 2) Population & Wellbeing in Context; 3) Economy & Place; 4) Institutional Innovation & Spatial Transformation. The researchers who participate in the programme are actively working on international and national research projects and bring their experiences to their teaching.
Studying the Research Master in Spatial Sciences at Groningen University has been motivational. The research master is a two-year programme enabling you to deepen your knowledge of courses and methodologies. In my case it has allowed me the time and the space to reflect on my interest within human geography and put this into practice through my research.
The standard of teaching at the Faculty of Spatial Sciences is very high with staff who are understanding and professional. Having studied in Scotland for my bachelor, adjusting to a new education system had some challenges. I felt however that the programme accommodated international students and their transition to a new education system.
One of the highlights of this course was the opportunity to do an internship. I undertook this internship in Brussels with a research institute specialising in urban mobility. The internship was a great experience in improving my collaboration skills with other researchers, while pushing me out of my comfort zone academically. Working in the capital city of Europe allowed me to explore the complexity and intersectional nature of urban mobility.
This master has encouraged me to pursue a career in mobility, and I am excited to start my thesis centered around this topic.
- Sorcha Macintyre
This infographic shows in which workfield alumni of the master's programme ended up, and is based on alumni who graduated between 2022 and 2024. As is visible, the majority of the alumni have found a job relevant to their field of study within 6 months since graduating.
