MSc in Spatial Sciences (research)
University of Groningen
Key Information
Campus location
Groningen, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 2,314 / per year **
Application deadline
Request info *
Earliest start date
Request info
* Dutch, EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students
** EU/EEA students: €2,314 | non-EU/EEA students: €17,800
Introduction
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
Curriculum
Year 1
Courses
- 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)
Year 2
Courses
- Advanced and Specialized Research Methods (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)
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.
Study abroad
- Study abroad is optional
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Job prospects
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 are 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.