International Studies Centres

Centre for Development Studies

The Centre for development studies (CDS) is a research institute that pools the expertise on development-related issues of all ten faculties of the University of Groningen. The CDS was established to initiate and conduct research, to strengthen co-operation with universities and academic institutions in developing countries, to promote interfaculty education, and to foster the public debate on a wide range of topics varying from globalization, North-South relations and sustainable development. Senior staff members, post-docs and PhD students of the various faculties participate in a wide variety of CDS activities, such as joint research projects, conferences and workshops.

Centre for Canadian Studies

The Centre for Canadian Studies, founded in 1988 at the University of Groningen, is the only Canadian Studies Centre in the Netherlands. Its objective is the promotion of education and research related to various aspects of Canada. Due to an interdisciplinary approach it is possible to contribute to various fields of study. Since 2003-2004 the Centre has offered the "Minor in Canadian Studies: Aspects of a multicultural society" (20 ECTS).

The Arctic Centre

The Arctic Centre was founded on 19 January 1970 by a group of scientists of the University of Groningen. Originally its purpose was to stimulate the study of languages and cultures of arctic and sub-arctic peoples. However it also developed a multi-disciplinary research programme aimed at getting a better understanding of the arctic environment and its use by people in past and present times.

At present, the Arctic Centre functions as an information centre for polar research in the Netherlands, the Arctic Centre operates the Netherlands Arctic Field Station in Ny-Ålesund (Spitsbergen) and the Arctic Centre offers courses for students as part of their bachelor program.