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.

You will master data science and machine-learning algorithms, tools, and data structures, and apply them to understand core theories and concepts in urban analytics and city science. You will be able to employ cartographic and geographic theory and concepts to map and model big geographic data. You will understand the main engineering concepts and principles around scientific computing and data infrastructure and use them to model smart cities and urban digital infrastructure.

The Designing Spatial Transformations track in the Master in Designing Spatial Transformations at the Faculty of Spatial Sciences offers you the tools and knowledge to address complex spatial challenges. Graduates are equipped to design intelligent interventions and co-design proposals with stakeholders, addressing multifaceted challenges in urban and rural settings.

The ISLANDS programme combines a thorough training in scientific research with a thematic specialization in Islands and Sustainability. It also provides multi-faceted training of research skills for social science and environmental research, including Individual Research Training by senior staff and training to work in a multi- and interdisciplinary research group. ISLANDS students will be required to study at the University of Groningen in the first semester and the first half of the second semester of the first year of the programme. Then they study at one of the island-based universities of the consortium where they undertake a Research Internship Module. After returning to Groningen, students will again go to an island-based university to undertake their Master's thesis project in the second semester of the second year. ISLANDS graduates receive a double degree from the University of Groningen (including an acknowledgement that this is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master degree involving all partner universities) and the island-based University. The ISLANDS programme builds on the existing Research Master in Spatial Sciences programme at the University of Groningen (RUG).

Tackle large-scale, complex, societal challenges with the use of spatial data. Natural disasters, poverty, food shortage, epidemics, and climate change; are the greatest challenges society is facing today and are characterized by enormous complexity. These so-called wicked problems are impossible to solve in a way that is simple or final.

Welcome to the ISLANDS programme, a dynamic 2-year Research Master that delves into the fascinating intersection of Islands and Sustainability with a curriculum entirely taught in English. Our program is tailored to provide a comprehensive blend of research and professional skills spanning spatial, social, and environmental sciences.

The Bachelor's degree program in Spatial Planning and Design is unique within the Netherlands. It covers a wide range of topics and gives students the opportunity to explore their own fields of interest within the physical and institutional design. This degree program gives you the opportunity to learn from internationally renowned and highly trained teachers.

The new specialization “Smart Environmental Planning and Design” in the Master of Spatial Planning program equips students with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills to address contemporary environmental and urban challenges, focusing on global green deals and digitalization of the planning process.

The program in MA in Interior and Spatial design trains interior design artists to implement aesthetic, functional, and psychological aspects of a given space or space. Graduates will possess essential technical knowledge, and artistic skills, and have an understanding and thorough knowledge of the design thought process and their importance during the planning procedure. They also acquire primary manufacturing-, production processes, and their conditions. Students gain both practical and professional experiences throughout the course of their studies and are prepared to pursue their education in the doctoral program if they wish.

The programme prepares specialists on handling and analysing spatial data and developing decision support systems.

This programme provides you with a rigorous grounding in social theory and mainstream debates and techniques in human geography. It also offers a thorough training in qualitative and quantitative methods. Options allow for the development of specialisms in historical-cultural themes, postcolonial and decolonial geographies, spatial modelling, and debates surrounding environmental conflict and science and technology.

During our MA in New Media Design, you’ll learn how to analyze and locate spatial, moving, and non-linear forms of expression and how to apply them to your spatial concepts. You’ll be in the perfect position to develop complex and advanced design and technological solutions for challenges of a multi-disciplinary nature thanks to the sound media competence you’ll have as a graduate.

A combination of a well-established core programme with electives providing state of the art specialist knowledge.

The main aim of the program is to acquire knowledge in the field of collecting, processing, and analysis of spatial data for the needs of modern navigation systems.

Water is one of the most important substances on Earth. It is essential to many of the things we need and enjoy in life: food, transport, and recreation, but managing it can also pose some serious challenges. Around the world, water managers contend with droughts, floods, sea-level rise, overfishing, pollution, plastic soup, and many other risks to both our natural environment and our society. We need water managers to safeguard our future!