University of Groningen MSc in Spatial Sciences (research)
University of Groningen

University of Groningen

MSc in Spatial Sciences (research)

Groningen, Netherlands

MSc

2 years

English

Full time

01 May 2026*

01 Feb 2026

EUR 20,800 / per year **

On-Campus

* Dutch students

** for Non-EU|for EU/EEA EUR 2,530

Fast-track counseling

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Key Summary

    About : The MSc in Spatial Sciences (research) focuses on developing analytical and research skills in the field of spatial sciences. This program is designed to prepare students for advanced studies and research careers in geography, urban planning, and related disciplines. Students can expect to be engaged in research projects that address relevant spatial issues.
    Career Outcomes : Graduates of this program may pursue careers in various sectors, including urban planning, environmental consultancy, and geographic information systems (GIS). Opportunities may also exist in research institutions, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations focused on spatial analysis and policy-making.

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's 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 good researchers 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 a 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 a small half an hour of research as part of the scientific diary. Students will be trained in a wide array of research methods.

Specializations

The Research Master offers a specialization option. Students combine the courses of a one-year FSS master's within the two-year Research Master's program. They receive a formal specialization on their diploma supplement. The following specializations are possible:

  • Economic Geography / Economic Geography: Regional Competitiveness and Trade
  • Real Estate Studies
  • Population Studies
  • Society, Sustainability and Planning
  • Environmental and Infrastructure Planning

Why study this programme in Groningen?

  • It is an ideal grounding for a PhD programme
  • You will do fieldwork and evidence-based research
  • You have the opportunity to study or do research abroad
Read more on the institution's website