MSc in Spatial Sciences (research): Islands and Sustainability (EM)
University of Groningen
Key Information
Campus location
Groningen, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 4,500 / per year *
Application deadline
01 Apr 2024
Earliest start date
31 Aug 2024
* EU/EEA students: €4,500 | non-EU/EEA students: €9,000
Introduction
Islands and Sustainability is an Erasmus Mundus master programme. It combines a thorough training in scientific research with a specialization in Islands and Sustainability. Scholarships are available.
Please note: All applications are processed and accepted only through our own website. Applications made through the official University of Groningen website will not be considered.
Islands are special cases for Sustainable Development. Within the current global economic and social system islands in many cases face economic, social, political and cultural marginalization; unless they cooperate. Cooperation is needed in research and education on the ways to manage islands and raise capacity building in island communities. Understanding the problems and finding effective ways to develop the potential of small islands requires international academic cooperation that looks beyond the specifics of individual islands. There is clearly a demand for a high-quality Masters's programme on sustainable development on islands that can enhance much-required training and expertise in this field. This is why the University of Groningen, the University of the Aegean, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the University of Iceland have joined forces to launch a high-level integrated study programme on islands at the Master level.
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).
Why study this programme in Groningen?
- The master offers a unique combination of research, islands and sustainability
- You will work with professionals and researchers within the field
- And gain an international perspective on islands and sustainability
- It is an ideal grounding for a PhD programme
- You will do fieldwork and evidence-based research
- You have the opportunity to study and do research in different countries
Curriculum
Year 1
Courses
- Advanced Specialized Research Methods (A&SRM) (10 EC)
- Joint Multidisciplinary Research Project Islands and Sustainability (Wadden Project) (5 EC)
- Scientific Reading, Debating and Reflecting (Islands and Sustainability) (5 EC)
- Thematic Theoretical Specialization (TTS) (15 EC)
- Individual Research Training (IRT) (10 EC)
- Research at a Renowned Research Institute (Islands Partner Institute) (15 EC)
Year 2
Courses
- Advanced and Specialized Research Methods (A&SRM) (5 EC)
- Advanced Research Skills (5 EC)
- Scientific Reading, Debating and Reflecting (Islands and Sustainability) (5 EC)
- Research Process and Proposal Writing (5 EC)
- Thematic Theoretical Specialization (TTS) (10 EC)
- Individual Master's Thesis (Islands and Sustainability) (30 EC)
Study abroad
- Study abroad is required
Through internship & excursions
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
A limited number of Erasmus Mundus scholarships are available. The deadline for scholarship applications is 15 January.
Career Opportunities
Academic careers, business consultants, tourism planners and managers, environmental/sustainable management consultants, environmental tourism consultants, local economic development consultants, and careers in international organizations/NGOs in the fields of environment and sustainability.
Job prospects
The graduates from the programme are well trained for academic careers, business consultants, tourism planners and managers, environmental/sustainable management consultants, environmental tourism consultants, local economic development consultants, and careers in international organizations/NGOs in the fields of environment and sustainability.
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.
During the programme at the University of Groningen, we offer support for your career preparation. 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.