Onderwijs- en Examenregelingen (OER) FRW

SECTION 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1.1 - Applicability

1. These Teaching and Examination Regulations (TER) apply to the teaching, the examinations, and final assessments of the following Bachelor’s degree programmes:
   a) BSc Human Geography and Planning (HGP)
   b) BSc Spatial Planning and Design (SPD)
   hereinafter referred to as the degree programme, and to all students enrolled in this
   degree programme.

1. The degree programmes and Pre-master’s programmes (see Article 1.1.5) are provided by the Faculty of Spatial Sciences of the University of Groningen, hereinafter referred to as the Faculty or ‘FSS’.

2. These Teaching and Examination Regulations also apply to students of other degree programmes, faculties, or institutes of higher education, insofar as they follow course units in one of the degree programmes (including Minors) offered by the Faculty to which these Regulations apply.

3. Course units or Minors that students follow in other degree programmes or at other faculties or higher education institutions are subject to the Teaching and Examination Regulations of that programme, faculty, or institution.

4. These Regulations also apply to students enrolled in the degree programme for the purpose of following a Pre-master programme as referred to in Article 8.6.1:
   a) Pre-MSc Economic Geography
   b) Pre-MSc Real Estate Studies
   c) Pre-MSc Population Studies
   d) Pre-MSc Cultural Geography
   e) Pre-MSc Environmental and Infrastructure Planning
   f) Pre-MSc Society, Sustainability and Planning
   hereinafter referred to as: the Pre-master programmes or Pre-MSc’s, and to all students enrolled in one of the degree programmes or Pre-master programmes

Article 1.2 – Definitions

The following definitions apply to these Regulations:

• a. academic integrity: information about scientific integrity and the associated procedures can be found on the University of Groningen website: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/organization/rules-and-regulations/general/gedragscodes-nederlandse-universiteiten/wetenschappelijke-integriteit;
• b. academic year: a period of time that starts on 1 September and ends on 31 August of the following year;
• c. Admissions Board: the board that gives final decisions on admission to the degree programme, on behalf of the Faculty Board;
• d. binding (negative) study advice: negative study advice that is binding for the student, involving rejection from the degree programme in accordance with Article 7.8b.3 of the Act;
• e. Board of Examiners: an independent body charged with the duties and powers as stated in Articles 7.11, 7.12, 7.12b and 7.12c of the Act, including assessing whether the requirements of the final examination have been met;
• f. course unit: a syllabus unit or other part of the degree programme within the meaning of Article 7.3 of the Act, included in OCASYS;
• g. definitive study advice: study advice that is given once, which can involve rejection, in accordance with Article 7.8b.1 and 7.8b.2 of the Act;
• h. degree programme: the Bachelor’s degree programme referred to in Article 1.1 of these Regulations, comprising a coherent set of course units;
• i. ECTS: a credit within the meaning of Article 7.4 of the Act. The student workload of each course unit of a degree programme is expressed in ECTS credit points, whereby 1 ECTS credit point is equivalent to a student workload of 28 hours;
• j. examiner: a person appointed by the Board of Examiners to set examinations and determine their results;
• k. extraordinary circumstances: circumstances as referred to in Article 7.51 of the Act, which must be taken into account when reaching a decision as referred to in Articles 5.4 and 9.8. Within the University of Groningen, the implementation of Article 7.51 of the Act is stipulated in the University of Groningen’s Graduation Fund Regulations. In these Regulations, extraordinary circumstances include, in any case, a disability or chronic illness, illness, pregnancy and delivery, extraordinary family circumstances, a degree programme which is not feasible, students with an elite sports status (issued by the elite sports coordinator), students with a ‘student entrepreneur status’ (issued by the UGCE), membership of a consultative participation body;
• l. final assessment: the final assessment for the Bachelor’s degree, which is considered to be passed if all the requirements of the entire Bachelor’s degree programme have been satisfied;
• m. Major: all compulsory course units in the propaedeutic and post-propaedeutic phases;
• n. matching: the procedure regarding activities and issuing programme recommendations, in accordance with Article 7.31a ff. of the Act, further elaborated in Chapter 3 of the University of Groningen Regulations for Registration and Tuition Fees;
• o. Minor component: the space available for students to specialize within the degree programme;
• p. Minor package: a coherent set of course units that can be followed within the Minor component;
• q. OCASYS: the University of Groningen’s online Course Catalogue;
• r. personal Minor: the Minor personally compiled by the student, to deepen or broaden their degree programme, to be followed at their own Faculty or at another faculty;
• s. post-propaedeutic phase: that part of the Bachelor’s degree programme following the propaedeutic phase;
• t. practical: a practical exercise, as referred to in Article 7.13 of the Act, in one of the following forms:
  - a thesis
  - a written assignment, paper, or draft
  - a research project
  - participation in fieldwork or an excursion
  - completion of a placement
  - participation in another educational activity designed to teach certain skills;
• u. preliminary study advice: a preliminary study advice based on a study progress overview, issued to students halfway through the academic year in the propaedeutic phase;
• v. Pre-master’s programme: a bridging programme that enables students to be admitted to Master’s degree programmes;
• w. Programme Committee: the consultative participation body and advisory body that performs the tasks as described in Article 9.18 and 9.38c of the Act;
• x. propaedeutic phase: the propaedeutic phase of the formal Bachelor’s degree programme as defined in Article 7.8 of the Act;
• y. regular student: a student who is not a part-time student, Minor student, or non-degree exchange student;
• z. semester: part of the academic year, either starting on 1 September and ending on a date to be determined by the Board of the University, or starting on a date to be determined by the Board of the University and ending on 31 August;
• aa. student: a person registered at the University for the purpose of following course units and/or taking examinations leading to the conferral of a university degree.;
• bb. study progress overview: a written overview of results with the associated ECTS credit points, which is sent to students by email;
• cc. test or examination: a test of the knowledge, understanding and skills of students, including an assessment of the results;
• dd. the Act: the Higher Education and Research Act (WHW: Wet op het Hoger Onderwijs en Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek);
• ee. track: a degree programme track that has been approved as such by the Board of the University;
• ff. university Minor: a broadening Minor that students can follow either at their own Faculty or at another Faculty;
• gg. VWO diploma: the diploma awarded upon completion of Dutch pre-university education, in accordance with Article 13.1 of the Secondary Education Act, or Article 7 of the Secondary Education Act BES.

The other definitions shall have the meaning that the Act ascribes to them.

Article 2.1 - Admission to the programme

1. The admission to the BSc Human Geography and Planning can be found in Appendix 1.1

2. The admission to the BSc Spatial Planning and Design can be found in Appendix 2.1

Article 2.2 - Admission to the programme based on a University of Applied Sciences (Dutch: HBO), University or Open University propaedeutic certificate

1. The admission to the BSc Human Geography and Planning based on a University of Applied Sciences (Dutch: HBO), University, or Open University propaedeutic certificate can be found in Appendix 1.1

2. The admission to the BSc Spatial Planning and Design based on a University of Applied Sciences (Dutch: HBO), University, or Open University propaedeutic certificate can be found in Appendix 2.1

Article 2.3 - Language requirement for foreign certificates

1. Students who have been admitted to a degree programme on the basis of a foreign certificate or degree may be asked by the Admissions Board – before registration – to pass an English language test to be administered by an agency stipulated by the Admissions Board.

2. The English language proficiency requirement can be met by passing an examination in English at the level of a pre-university education diploma (VWO) final exam or competence of English at a level at least equivalent to one of the following test scores:
   - an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 80 (Reading 18, Listening 18, Speaking 20 and Writing 21), or
   - an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 6.0 for all sections), or
   - a Cambridge English result of C1 Advanced with a minimum score of 169, or
   - a level equivalent to those mentioned above, at the discretion of the Admissions Board

3. Exemptions: Native English speakers or diploma holders from the United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines and meet our general end level requirements for that specific qualification.

Article 2.4 - Entrance examination

1. Students who do not satisfy the admission requirements set out in Articles 2.1 and 2.2 may participate in an entrance examination in accordance with Article 7.29 of the Act.

2. a. Students who wish to take the entrance examination must be aged 21 or over on the date on which the examination is held.
   b. This requirement can be waived if the person concerned holds a diploma that was issued outside the Netherlands, which grants them access to a university degree programme in their own country. The age requirement can also be waived if the person concerned has refugee status and is unable to present their diploma for that reason.

3. The entrance examination concerns the following subjects at the respective specified levels:
   - English, a pre-university education diploma (VWO) level
   - Mathematics (Wiskunde), a pre-university education diploma (VWO) level
   - The provisions of Article 2.3 apply.

4. A successfully completed entrance examination will grant admission to the University of Groningen degree programme for which it was taken for the duration of two academic years after the date on which the examination was taken.

Article 2.5 - Admissions Board

1. The Admissions Board has the power to decide on behalf of the Faculty Board in matters concerning admission to the degree programme.

2. The Admissions Board consists of:
   - a member who acts as the Chair, selected from the professors who teach in the degree programme
   - one member / two members selected from the other academic staff who teach in the degree programme

3. The study advisor for the degree programme (or an equivalent member of staff) will be appointed as an advisory member and also secretary.

4. The nominations will be made by the Faculty Board, which will also set out the admissions requirements.

Article 2.6 - Intake date and application dates

1. There is one intake date per academic year, namely 1 September of each year.

2. The provisions of this Article also apply to students who re-register for the same degree programme.

3. In addition to this intake date, there are several application dates on which registration may take place upon the approval of the Admissions Board, namely: 1 November, 1 February, and 1 April.

4. Different categories of students may be distinguished. Article 2.6.3 only applies to students who have been registered to the programme before.

5. A request for admission after 1 September may be submitted to the Admissions Board by email. A decision regarding this application will be taken within 6 weeks.

Article 2.7 - Matching

1. Matching procedure for the BSc. Human Geography and Planning can be found in Appendix 1.1.

2. Matching procedure for the BSc. Spatial Planning and Design can be found in Appendix 2.1.

3. The stipulations in Chapter 3 of the University of Groningen Regulations for Registration and Tuition Fees (RIC) and the Faculty matching procedure apply.

4. University of Groningen students who wish to register for the propaedeutic phase of the degree programme in the course of an academic year in accordance with Article 2.6 and who satisfy the entry requirements, will be admitted upon completion of one or more mid- term matching activities, to be determined by the Faculty Board.

Article 3.1 - Aims and learning outcomes of the degree programme

1. Aims and learning outcomes of the BSc Human Geography and Planning can be found in Appendix 1.2

2. Aims and learning outcomes of the BSc Spatial Planning and Design can be found in Appendix 2.2

Article 3.2 - Conducting research

1. Students who conduct research in the context of the bachelor thesis do so in accordance with relevant legislation, the Dutch code of conduct for academic integrity, and the requirements of ethically sound research.  

2. Throughout the entire research process, the student will adhere to the applicable policies and procedures, which are based on the Faculty’s data management policy. 

3. In general, the student holds the copyright on any theses or other independently written assignments that are intended to test their knowledge, understanding, and skills. If anyone else wishes to use the student’s thesis or written work, the student must first give permission for them to do so. The University must be free to perform these procedures unconditionally if it is to archive theses and written assignments (whether or not these are under embargo) and to process them in accordance with the rules of the Dutch Inspectorate of Education and the Act. All students are obliged to give their unconditional consent to the aforementioned procedures.|

3.3 - Type of degree programme

The degree programme is full time. 

Article 3.4 - Language of the degree programme

1. The degree programme is taught in English. Exceptions may apply for specific optional course units. 

2. The thesis/final assignment shall be written in English unless the examiner, second examiner and the student jointly agree to use a different language that all involved understand and are proficient in.

Article 3.5 - Student workload

1. The degree programme has a student workload of 180 ECTS credit points.

2. The propaedeutic phase of the degree programme has a student workload of 60 ECTS credit points.

3. The student workload is expressed in whole ECTS credit points.

 Article 3.6 - Contact hours

1. The propaedeutic phase of the degree programme comprises a minimum of 480 contact hours a year.

2. The post-propaedeutic phase of the degree programme comprises a minimum of 450 contact hours a year.

3. The structure of the contact hours is registered in OCASYS.  

Article 3.7- Organization and examinations of the degree programme

1. The programme is concluded by a final Bachelor’s assessment.

2. The degree programme is divided into a propaedeutic phase and a post-propaedeutic phase.

3. The entire programme comprises a Major and a university minor, personal minor or electives.

Article 3.8 - Participation in course units

1. Students may participate in course units of the degree programme if they register in good time via https://progresswww.nl/rug.

2. The maximum number of students for each course unit is listed in OCASYS.

3. Admission to course units with limited capacity is arranged according to predefined and published admission criteria and priority regulations. Students who are registered for the degree programme will be given priority for the compulsory course units in their Major. 

4. Students who are registered for the Bachelor’s degree programme cannot access the course units of a Master’s degree programme.

Article 4.1 - Structure of the propaedeutic phase

1. The structure of the propaedeutic phase of the BSc Human Geography and Planning can be found in Appendix 1.3

2. The structure of the propaedeutic phase of the BSc Spatial Planning and Design can be found in Appendix 2.3

Article 5.1 - Preliminary study advice 

1. Halfway through the first semester of the first year of registration in the propaedeutic phase of the degree programme, students will receive a study progress overview specifying the student workload realized thus far. Additional study progress overviews will be sent to students later in the academic year.

2. Students will receive a written preliminary study advice as soon as possible after the first semester, and in any case before 1 March.

3. The preliminary study advice should be considered a warning if there is a question of insufficient study progress, giving students the chance to improve their performance.

4. If the study progress is insufficient to such an extent that the student cannot reasonably be expected to satisfy the conditions for receiving a positive study advice within the meaning of Articles 5.2.2 a and b, he or she will be invited to a meeting with the study advisor. The aim of the meeting is to discuss the student’s study habits, to reassess the choice of degree programme, and if necessary to refer him or her to a different degree programme.

Article 5.2 - Definitive study advice 

1. Students must earn at least 45 ECTS credit points in their first year of registration in the propaedeutic phase of the degree programme. This is known as the BSA threshold.

2. A definitive study advice is issued at the end of the first year of study, by 31 July at the latest. This can be either:
   a.  Positive, for students who have earned at least 45 ECTS of the propaedeutic programme;
   b. Negative, for students who have earned fewer than 45 ECTS in the propaedeutic programme. This study advice is binding for students (BSA) in accordance with Article 7.8b.3 of the Act.

3. In the event that the preliminary study results are insufficient to such an extent that the student cannot reasonably be expected to pass the 45 ECTS threshold by the the end of the first year of study, a binding (negative) study advice may be issued subsequently to the preliminary study advice as referred to in Article 5.1 before the end of the academic year. This may also be at the request of the student. The procedure set out in Article 5.5 will apply.

4. a. The Faculty Board will take extraordinary circumstances as referred to in Article 5.4 into account in its decision on which study advice to issue in the first year of registration. 
   b. Notwithstanding the stipulations in Article 5.2.2, if no assessment can be made with regard to a student’s suitability for the degree programme due to extraordinary circumstances in the first year, the assessment may be postponed until a later date within the propaedeutic phase. 
   c. Students may be granted a lower BSA threshold in the case of structural circumstances, for instance when a student has a functional impairment.

Article 5.3 – Exceptions to the definitive study advice 

1. Multiple degree programmes at the University of Groningen: Students who are registered for the propaedeutic phase of 2 or more University of Groningen degree programmes in their first year of registration and by the end of the year satisfy the BSA threshold as referred to in Article 5.2.1 for one degree programme will not have to satisfy the BSA threshold for the other programme(s) in that year. Once a student has successfully completed the propaedeutic phase of one degree programme, he or she is exempt from the BSA requirements for all other programmes. 

2. Propaedeutic certificate previously gained: Students who have already completed the propaedeutic phase of a degree programme at the University of Groningen or another Dutch university, or (for degree programmes that do not issue propaedeutic certificates) in the opinion of the Board of Examiners have earned 60 ECTS credit points in the first year, will not fall under the BSA system for the degree programme for which they enrol in the propaedeutic phase.

3. Deregistration before 1 March: No definitive study advice will be issued to students who submit a request for deregistration before or as of 1 March of the first year of registration. The procedure set out in Article 5.1 will apply again to students who re-register in a subsequent academic year. The BSA regulations for the academic year in which they re-register will then apply. 

4. Deregistration before 1 March + registration as of 1 February: Article 5.2 applies in full to students who deregister from a degree programme before 1 March and register for a degree programme in the same degree programme cluster, as of 1 February of the same academic year.

5. Article 5.2 applies in full to students who deregister from the full-time variant of a degree programme before 1 March and register for the part-time variant of the same degree programme or a programme in the same degree programme cluster as of 1 February of the same academic year.

Article 5.4 - Extraordinary circumstances 

1. When deciding whether to issue a binding (negative) study advice, the Faculty Board will take a student’s extraordinary circumstances into account at that student’s request. The Faculty Board can thereupon decide to adjust the BSA threshold or postpone issuing a study advice. The evaluation of extraordinary circumstances will also take into account the student’s study habits, the agreements made and any study plan drawn up in consultation with the study advisor, when the extraordinary circumstances were reported and the study results achieved by the end of the first year of study. 

2. Students must report extraordinary circumstances to the study advisor as soon as possible in order to ensure optimum support. The Faculty Board, or the Faculty BSA Committee on its behalf, will make a decision in response to a student’s request for postponement of the advice or an adjusted BSA threshold. Students must also report to the study advisor as soon as possible if they are unable to complete the study plan drawn up in consultation with the study advisor and based on the original or adjusted BSA threshold. 

3. If no assessment can be made at the end of the first year with regard to a student’s suitability for the degree programme due to extraordinary circumstances as referred to in Article 5.4.1, the assessment may be postponed.

4. Postponed advice can still be given as long as the propaedeutic phase has not yet been completed. 
   - This advice will be positive if the (possibly adjusted) BSA threshold has been passed.
   - The advice will be negative (and binding) if the student in question still fails to pass the  (possibly adjusted) BSA threshold in the propaedeutic phase. 

5. All students whose study advice has been postponed (whether or not combined with an adjustment of their BSA threshold) must draw up a study plan in consultation with their study advisor, comprising at least the following:
   a. the propaedeutic course units that have not yet been passed, with the associated timeline
   b. the post-propaedeutic course units that may be followed in addition to the course units listed under a.

6. Circumstances as referred to in Article 5.4.1 do not automatically lead to a successful application for a grant from the Graduation Fund.

Article 5.5 - Procedure for issuing a definitive study advice

1. A definitive study advice is issued by the Faculty Board on behalf of the Board of the University. The decision will also state the applicable safeguards of legal rights.

2. Before a binding (negative) study advice is issued, students will receive notice of the intention to issue one, after which they will be given the opportunity to put their case to the Faculty Board or its representative.

Article 5.6 - Consequences of a binding (negative) study advice 

1. Students who have received binding (negative) study advice may not register for the degree programme, or for any other degree programme in the cluster of related degree programmes for a period of 2 years from 1 September of the next academic year.

2. Students who have been issued binding (negative) study advice are not permitted to follow course units in this degree programme via a different degree programme or educational institution in order to avoid the consequences of their binding (negative) study advice. No exemptions will be granted for course units completed in this way, nor will such completed course units be recognized within the framework of the degree programme in any other way.

Article 5.7 – Consequences of a positive study advice 

1. Holders of a positive study advice for the degree programme in question at the University of Groningen will be admitted to the post-propaedeutic phase of the degree programme. Students from outside the University of Groningen will be admitted to the post-propaedeutic phase only if they have been exempted from the propaedeutic phase as a whole. 

2. Notwithstanding Article 5.7.1, the requirement that a previous course unit must have been successfully completed may apply to some course units. This compulsory order of course units is set out in Ocasys and in Article 9.3 of these Teaching and Examination Regulations.

3. The admission does not apply to the Minor of the degree programme. For this, completion of the entire propaedeutic phase is a requirement.

Article 6.1 – Criteria for admission to the post-propaedeutic phase 

Subject to the assessment of the Admissions Board, the following students will be admitted to the post-propaedeutic phase of the degree programme: 

1. Holders of a propaedeutic certificate, or students who have earned 60 ECTS credit points in the first year of study in a related degree programme. 

2. The Admissions Board may grant an exemption for the requirement stipulated in Article 6.1.1 to the holder of a diploma gained in the Netherlands or elsewhere and considered by the Admissions Board to be at least equivalent to the propaedeutic certificate referred to in Article 6.1.1.

Article 6.2 – Admission to the post-propaedeutic phase: hardship clause 

The Board of Examiners may deviate from the stipulations of Articles 5.7 and 6.1 in situations where changes to the curriculum or educational force majeure would demonstrably lead to a situation of unfairness of an overriding nature. This is only possible in unique extraordinary circumstances that are so unusual that admission cannot reasonably be denied.

Article 7.1 - Structure of the post-propaedeutic phase

1. The structure of the propaedeutic phase of the BSc Human Geography and Planning can be found in Appendix 1.4

2. The structure of the propaedeutic phase of the BSc Spatial Planning and Design can be found in Appendix 2.4

Article 7.2 - Replacement and electives 

1. Following a substantiated request by a student, the Board of Examiners may grant permission to:
   a. Replace a course unit in the programme with another course unit offered by the University of Groningen or another university in the Netherlands or abroad that dovetails well with the degree programme, or
   b. Use one or more course units followed at the University of Groningen or another university in the Netherlands or abroad as electives in the degree programme. 

2. When assessing such a request, the Board of Examiners will always evaluate the coherence of the set of course units (or parts thereof) and the level of the course units followed.

Article 7.3 – Open Degree Programme

1. Students may choose to follow a degree programme’s Open Degree Programme, which deviates from the regular specialization(s) of the degree programme. An Open Degree Programme must always be approved in advance by the Board of Examiners of the degree programme in which the student is registered.

2. The following additional requirements apply to Open Degree Programmes:
   - An application for the approval of an Open Degree Programme must be accompanied by a letter of motivation by the student, explaining, for instance, how this programme satisfies the learning outcomes of the degree programme
   - A request for approval of an Open Degree programme should be sent to the Board of Examiners at least three months before the student wishes to start such programme.

A. Minor

Article 8.1 - Minor

1. The first semester of the third year can be filled in using any of the options listed in Article 7.1.2.

2. Students can choose between:
   - a University Minor
   - a Personal Minor.

Article 8.2 - University Minor

1. A University Minor is a coherent set of broadening course units that students can follow either at their own or a different Faculty.

2. Students who choose to fill in their Minor room with a University Minor do not need explicit permission from the Board of Examiners.

Article 8.3 - Personal Minor

1. A Personal Minor is a coherent set of broadening or deepening course units that students can compile themselves and follow either at their own or a different Faculty.

2. Personal Minors must be presented to the Board of Examiners for approval in advance.

Article 8.4 - Authority of the Board of Examiners with regard to Minors

1. Students must present their choice of Minor to the Board of Examiners of their own degree programme for approval, except if they choose a University Minor in accordance with Article 8.2.2.

2. Minors followed in other degree programmes or at other faculties or institutes of higher education are subject to the authority of the Board of Examiners of the degree programme that sets the relevant examinations.

3. Minors in the degree programme followed by students of other degree programmes, faculties or institutes of higher education are subject to the authority of the Board of Examiners of the degree programme.

4. In case of an interfaculty University Minor, authority will rest with only one Board of Examiners.

B. Honours programme

Article 8.5 - Bachelor’s Honours Programme

1. The Faculty participates in the Bachelor’s Honours Programme organized by the University of Groningen Honours College. The Bachelor’s Honours Programme does not form part of the regular Bachelor’s curriculum.

2. Students admitted to one of the Bachelor’s degree programmes offered by the Faculty can participate in the Bachelor’s Honours Programme if they are selected by the Dean of the University of Groningen Honours College. Please consult the Teaching and Examination Regulations of the University of Groningen Honours College for the selection procedure.

3. The Bachelor’s Honours programme has a total student workload of 45 ECTS credit points, distributed over the three years of the Bachelor’s programme. The Bachelor’s Honours Programme, including the deepening Faculty part, is subject to the Teaching and Examination Regulations of the University of Groningen Honours College.

4. As the Honours programme is not part of the regular Bachelor’s curriculum, the results and marks do not count towards the awarding of an honours predicate for the Bachelor’s programme.

5. The Diploma Supplement that accompanies the Bachelor’s degree certificate will also list the results gained in the Bachelor’s Honours programme.

C. Pre-master’s programmes

Article 8.6 - Pre-master’s programmes

1. The faculty offers Pre-master’s programmes to facilitate students holding a bachelor degree of an accredited degree programme with a study load of 240 ECTS of a Dutch University of Applied Sciences or a bachelor degree of an accredited degree programme with a study load of 180 ECTS of a research university entry into the following faculty master’s degree programmes:

   - MSc Economic Geography
   - MSc Real Estate Studies
   - MSc Population Studies
   - MSc Cultural Geography (Campus Fryslân)
   - MSc Environmental and Infrastructure Planning
   - MSc Society, Sustainability and Planning
   - MSc Educatie in de Mens- en Maatschappijwetenschappen (Dutch, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences)
   The Admissions Board of the desired Master’s degree programme will decide whether students will be admitted to the Pre-master’s programme. The Pre-master students need to meet the admission requirements mentioned in article 2.8.2, 2.8.5 and 2.8.6.

2. Students who enrol in the Pre-master’s programme in MSc Economic Geography, MSc Real Estate Studies, MSc Population Studies, MSc Cultural Geography (Campus Fryslân), or MSc Educatie in de Mens- en Maatschappijwetenschappen (Dutch, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences) are registered in the Bachelor’s degree programme in Human Geography and Planning as referred to in Article 1.1.1.
   Students who enrol in the Pre-master’s programme in MSc Environmental and Infrastructure Planning or MSc Society, Sustainability and Planning are registered in the Bachelor’s degree programme in Spatial Planning and Design as referred to in Article 1.1.1.

3. The content and the student workload of the Pre-master’s programmes are determined by the Admissions Board on a case-by-case basis. Students can be admitted to only one of the in article 8.6.1 mentioned Pre-master programmes within a period of 3 years.
   a) The structure of the Pre-MSc Economic Geography can be found in Appendix 3.1
   b) The structure of the Pre-MSc Real Estate Studies can be found in Appendix 4.1
   c) The structure of the Pre-MSc Population Studies can be found in Appendix 5.1
   d) The structure of the Pre-MSc Cultural Geography can be found in Appendix 6.1
   e) The structure of the Pre-MSc Environmental and Infrastructure Planning can be found in Appendix 7.1
   f) The structure of the Pre-MSc Society, Sustainability and Planning can be found in Appendix 8.1
   g) The structure of the MSc Educatie in de Mens- en Maatschappijwetenschappen (Dutch, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences) can be found in Appendix 9.1

4. The Admissions Board of the desired Master’s degree programme will decide whether a student is admitted to a Pre-master’s programme.
   a) The English language proficiency requirement can be met by passing an examination in English at the level of a pre-university education diploma (VWO) final exam or competence of English at a level at least equivalent to one of the following test scores:
   - an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 90 (Speaking 20 and Writing 21, Reading 18, Listening 18), or
   - an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 for all sections), or
   - a Cambridge English result of C1 Advanced with a minimum score of 169, or
   - a level equivalent to those mentioned above, at the discretion of the Admissions Board
   - Exemptions: Native English speakers or diploma holders from the United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines and meet our general end level requirements for that specific qualification.
   b) Students from a University of Applied Sciences need to have a grade weighted average of 7.0 or higher of year 2 until 4 of the bachelor programme.
   c) Students with a bachelor's degree that does not meet the requirements in Article 8.6.4 can submit a request for admission to the Pre-master programme to the Admission Board of the master's degree programs.
   d) The admission to the Pre-MSc Economic Geography can be found in Appendix 3.1
   e) The admission to the Pre-MSc Real Estate Studies can be found in Appendix 4.1
   f) The admission to the Pre-MSc Population Studies can be found in Appendix 5.1
   g) The admission to the Pre-MSc Cultural Geography can be found in Appendix 6.1
   h) The admission to the Pre-MSc Environmental and Infrastructure Planning can be found in Appendix 7.1
   i) The admission to the Pre-MSc Society, Sustainability and Planning can be found in Appendix 8.1
   j) The admission to the MSc Educatie in de Mens- en Maatschappijwetenschappen (Dutch, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences) can be found in Appendix 9.1

5. Students must complete the Pre-master’s programme within two years. If a student’s admission to the programme is not extended, the student can apply for the Bachelor’s degree programme as referred to in Article 8.6.2.

6. In addition to Article 8.6.5, students may only re-register for a Pre-master’s programme if they have earned at least 45 ECTS (or two thirds of the agreed amount of ECTS).

7. The Board of Examiners of the Bachelor’s degree programme as referred to in Article 1.1 has the authority to decide in matters concerning course units in the Pre-master’s programme.

8. The stipulations concerning Pre-master’s programmes in the University of Groningen Regulations for Registration and Tuition Fees apply.  

Article 9.1 - General 

1. Each course unit is assessed by means of an examination. 

2. An examination can comprise a number of partial exams. The results of these partial exams together determine the examination result. 

3. The examination assesses the students’ academic development and mastery of the learning outcomes of the course unit.

4. The results of an examination are given as pass or fail in numbers on a scale of 1.0 to 10.0, expressed as 5.5 or more for a pass and 5.4 or less for a fail.

Article 9.2 - Participation in examinations

1. A student who registers for a course unit in the degree programme in accordance with Article 3.7 of the TER is automatically registered for the examination for that course unit.

2. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 9.2.1, students can register and deregister for examinations during certain periods to be further defined.

Article 9.3 - Compulsory order

1. The compulsory order of the BSc Human Geography and Planning can be found in Appendix 1.5

2. The compulsory order of the BSc Spatial Planning and Design can be found in Appendix 2.5

Article 9.4 - Examination frequency and periods 

1. There will be an opportunity to sit the examinations for the course units listed in Articles 4.1 and 7.1 at least twice in each academic year. 

2. The periods in which examinations can be sat are listed in OCASYS. Partial exams can also be taken outside the period indicated.

Article 9.5 – Assessment of placement or research assignment

The assessment of a placement or research assignment will be conducted by an examiner.

Article 9.6 - Thesis

1. A thesis can in principle be used for only one University of Groningen degree programme. 

2. Each thesis is assessed by at least two examiners.

3. The thesis is stored by the Faculty Board for a period of seven years. 

4. Students will be given the opportunity to start writing a bachelor’s thesis at least twice per academic year.

5. The thesis shall be written in English unless the examiner, second examiner and the student jointly agree to use a different language that all involved understand and are proficient in.

6. The period(s) during which students can write theses will be published in Ocasys.

7. More detailed regulations on the design, content, time frame and assessment of the thesis can be found in the Course guide of the Bachelor’s thesis Project, which form part of these Teaching and Examination Regulations.

8. The Board of Examiners is the only body that may deviate from the provisions of this Article at the written request of a student.

9. Students must satisfy the following requirement in order to qualify for supervision and assessment of the final year thesis for the degree programme: They must have earned at least 60 ECTS credit points in the post-propaedeutic phase of the programme

Article 9.7 – Mode of assessment

1. Examinations will be taken in the manner stated in OCASYS.

2. In situations of force majeure, when it is not reasonably possible to provide examinations in the manner stated in OCASYS, alternative modes of instruction and assessment may temporarily be used. This is on condition that the prescribed learning outcomes are still achieved upon completion of the degree programme. 

3. At a student’s request, the Board of Examiners may allow an examination to be taken in a form different from that stated above.

4. Mock versions of each examination will be made available to practise with. 

Article 9.8 – Oral examinations

1. Unless the Board of Examiners decides otherwise, an oral examination may only be taken by one student at a time. A second examiner must be present during an oral examination.

2. Oral examinations are public, unless the Board of Examiners or the relevant examiner stipulates otherwise due to extraordinary circumstances, or the student objects to the public nature of the examination.

Article 9.9 - Request for additional examination opportunity

1. A student may submit a request for an additional examination opportunity to the Board of Examiners.

2. Such a request may be granted if the student in question failed the relevant exam due to extraordinary circumstances and if not granting the request for an additional resit would result in unacceptable study delay.

Article 9.10 - Authority of the Board of Examiners regarding electives offered by other degree programmes

1. A request to take an elective at another degree programme must be approved by the Board of Examiners of the student’s own degree programme.

2. The Board of Examiners of the other degree programme is authorized to set and assess the examinations and decide upon requests for alternative exam regulations. Article 10.2.2 applies.

Article 9.11 - Exemptions 

1. At a student’s request, the Board of Examiners, having discussed the matter with the examiner in question, may grant exemption from an examination (or part thereof) on the basis of results earned previously (possibly elsewhere) on condition that the student:
   - Has completed part of a university or higher vocational degree in the Netherlands or abroad that is equivalent in content and level; OR
   - Can demonstrate by work experience that he/she has sufficient knowledge and skills with respect to the course unit in question.

2. The stipulations of Article 10.2 apply to exemptions.

3. The validity period of exemptions granted for course units or parts thereof is identical to that of examination results.

Article 9.12 - Examinations and functional impairments

1. Students with a functional impairment will be given the opportunity to take examinations in a form that will compensate as far as possible for their individual impairment. If necessary, the Board of Examiners will seek expert advice from a student counsellor of the Student Service Centre (SSC) before making a decision.

2. With regard to examinations for electives taken at other degree programmes by students with a functional impairment, the Board of Examiners of the degree programme that sets the examination will comply with the facilities permitted by the Board of Examiners of the degree programme for which the student is registered.

Article 9.13 – Examination provision

1. If not providing an individual examination were to lead to a ‘special case of an unfairness of overriding nature’, the Board of Examiners may decide to grant such a provision, contrary to the provisions of Article 9.4.

2. Requests for an individual examination provision must be submitted to the Board of Examiners as soon as possible, including documentary proof.

Article 9.14 - Marking of examinations and publication of marks

1. After an oral examination, the examiner will assess the examination immediately and provide the student with a statement upon his or her request.

2. The examiner will mark a written examination within ten working days of the day on which it was taken, and will provide the Faculty’s administration department with the necessary details for registration of the result in ProgRESS. 

3. If an examination is taken in a form other than oral or in writing, the examiner will determine in advance how and when students will receive written confirmation of the result.

4. Students can lodge an appeal against the results of an examination with the Central Portal for the Legal Protection of Student Rights (CLRS) within 6 weeks of the date on which the result was announced.

Article 9.15 - Validity

1. Completed course units remain valid indefinitely.

2. a. Contrary to the provisions of Article 9.15.1, the Board of Examiners may decide to require a student to take a supplementary or substitute examination for a course unit taken more than five years previously before allowing that student to progress to the final assessment if the student’s knowledge, understanding or skills are demonstrably outdated. 
   b. In the event of extraordinary circumstances the validity term will be extended for the period during which the student in question is receiving support from the Graduation Fund.

3. Partial examinations and assignments passed within a course unit that have not been successfully completed will lapse at the end of the academic year in which they were passed unless the examiner decides differently.

Article 9.16 - Right of inspection

1. On request, students have the right to inspect their marked work during a period of at least 2 weeks after the results of a written examination have been made known. Students who make use of this opportunity will be provided with a copy of their work at cost price at their request.

2. Within the time frame stipulated in Article 9.16.1, any person in the examination may request to be allowed to peruse the examination paper and the assessment criteria.

3. The Board of Examiners can determine that this inspection or perusal will take place at a certain place and set at least two dates and/or times. Students who can show that they were prevented by force majeure from attending at the indicated places and times will be offered another opportunity, if possible within the period stated in Article 9.16.1

Article 9.17 - Board of Examiners and examiners

1. The Board of Examiners is the independent body that determines whether individual students have the knowledge, understanding and skills required to be awarded a degree.

2. The Faculty Board appoints the members of the Board of Examiners on the basis of their expertise in the field of the degree programme (or cluster of degree programmes) in question.

3. The Board of Examiners must comprise at least:
   a. one member who is a lecturer affiliated with in the degree programme (or in one of the degree programmes that are part of the relevant cluster of degree programmes)
   b. one member from outside the degree programme (or one of the degree programmes that are part of the relevant cluster of degree programmes).

4. Members of the Faculty Board or other people who have financial responsibilities within the institution may not be appointed as members of the Board of Examiners.

5. The Board of Examiners appoints examiners to set examinations and determine results.

6. The Board of Examiners adopts the Board of Examiners’ ‘Rules and Regulations’

Article 9.18 - Cheating and plagiarism

1. Cheating is an act or omission by a student designed to partly or wholly hinder the forming of a correct assessment of his or her own or someone else’s knowledge, understanding and skills. 

2. Cheating also includes plagiarism, which means copying someone else’s or your own work without correctly acknowledging reference to the source.

3. The assessment of theses and written assignments requires a plagiarism check to be performed, by means of a plagiarism scanner accessed by the University. Students are individually responsible for maintaining academic integrity. 

4. If a student cheats, the Board of Examiners may exclude that student from participation in one or more examinations or final assessments for a maximum of one year.

5. In cases of serious cheating, the Board of Examiners can advise the Board of the University to permanently terminate a student’s registration in the degree programme.

6. The Board of Examiners will set out its course of action in the event of cheating in its Rules and Regulations.

Article 9.19 - Invalid examination

In case of irregularities with regard to an examination that are so serious that an accurate assessment of the examinee’s knowledge, understanding and skills cannot be made, the Board of Examiners may declare the examination invalid for either an individual examinee or a group of examinees.

Article 9.20 – Termination of enrolment

1. In extraordinary cases of reprehensible behaviour or statements made by a student, the Board of the University may, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners or the Faculty Board, terminate that student’s registration.

2. The Board of the University will not make a decision as referred to in the first paragraph until after the student in question has been given an opportunity to put their case forward, any interests of the student and of the institution have been carefully assessed and it has been proven reasonable to assume that the student’s behaviour and/or statements prove that they are unsuitable for one or more of the professions for which they are being trained in their degree programme, or for the practical preparation for the profession. In such cases the Faculty Board, the Board of Examiners and the Board of the University will follow the Protocol Iudicium Abeundi [protocol for refusal of registration] as approved by the Nederlandse Federatie van Universitaire Medische Centra [Netherlands Federation of University Medical Centres] on 1 November 2010.

3. The stipulations in the University of Groningen Regulations for Registration and Tuition Fees apply.

Article 10.1 - Final assessment

1. The degree programme is concluded with a final assessment. 

2. On condition that the student’s study programme has been approved, the Board of Examiners will determine the result of the final assessment as soon as the student has passed all the required examinations. The Board of Examiners may define terms to this end. By determining the results of the final assessment, the student has proven to have acquired the necessary academic training. The Board of Examiners will issue a degree certificate indicating this.

3. If a student fails to meet the relevant deadlines for approval of the study programme, referred to in Article 10.1.2, the Board of Examiners may postpone the graduation date. This date may then be in the academic year following the year in which the last examination was passed.

4. Before the result of the final assessment can be determined, the Board of Examiners may decide to test the student’s knowledge of one or more course units or components of the degree programme, if and inasmuch as the marks for these course units provide a reason for doing so.

5. By determining the result of the final assessment, the Board of Examiners also commits itself to a speedy processing of the degree certificate ceremony. 

6. If a student wishes to postpone the date of graduation due to extra examinations they still need to sit, the student must submit this request to the Board of Examiners within two weeks after the date on which the graduation date was determined to be taken.

7. The graduation date is the date on which the final assessment is passed, as determined by the Board of Examiners in accordance with the provisions of Article 10.1.2, and not the date on which the degree certificate is presented to the student.

Article 10.2 – Course units completed elsewhere 

1. The award of the certificate for the Bachelor’s examination of the degree programme is conditional on the completion of at least half of the degree programme by means of course units provided by the University of Groningen for that degree programme.

2. For Double Degree Bachelor’s degree programmes offered together with an institution abroad, at least one quarter of the programme must have been followed and successfully finished at the University of Groningen during the period of registration as a Bachelor’s student at the University of Groningen.

Article 10.3 - Degree certificate

1. Students will receive a certificate issued by the Board of Examiners as proof that they have passed the final assessment. Even if a student successfully completes more than one specialization within a degree programme, he or she will receive only one degree certificate. Article 10.2 applies.

2. The Board of Examiners will issue an International Diploma Supplement with each degree certificate. 

3. If relevant, the results achieved in the Bachelor’s Honours Programme will also be listed on the Diploma Supplement that accompanies the Bachelor’s degree certificate.

Article 10.4 - Degree

1. Students who have successfully passed the final assessment are awarded the degree of ‘Bachelor of Science’. 

2. Details of the degree conferred are indicated on the degree certificate

Article 10.5 - Honours (‘Cum Laude’/’Summa Cum Laude’)

1. The Board of Examiners will determine whether or not the Bachelor’s degree certificate will be awarded an honours predicate. 

2. The following conditions apply:
   a. The mark for the thesis must satisfy the following minimum conditions: 
   - ‘Cum laude’: the mark for the thesis must be at least 8.
   - ‘Summa cum laude’: the mark for the thesis must be at least 9.0.
   b. The weighted average (not rounded off) for all course units, including the thesis, within the examination programme approved by the Board of Examiners must be 
   - Greater than or equal to 8.0 for ‘Cum laude’,
   - Greater than or equal to 9.0 for ‘Summa cum laude’.

3. No honours are awarded if the student workload of the exemptions in ECTS credit points is more than half the total number of ECTS for the degree programme. This stipulation does not apply to Double Degree programmes.

4. Honours may only be awarded if the examinations for the course units were taken only once.

5. Honours may only be awarded if no single course unit was awarded a mark less than 7.0.

6. No honours will be awarded if a decision by the Board of Examiners has been taken to the effect that a student is no longer eligible for an honours predicate because cheating or plagiarism has been detected.

7. The Board of Examiners may deviate part from the provisions set out in Articles 10.5.2-6.

Article 10.6 - Assessment Programme

An Assessment Programme has been approved by the Faculty Board and covers the following subjects:
- The programme learning outcomes;
- The course units and the learning outcomes of each course unit;
- The relationship between course units and programme learning outcomes: how are the programme learning outcomes attained; 
- The mode of assessment and test moments for each course unit

Article 11.1 - Study progress administration

The Faculty Board registers the individual study results of all students, and at least twice a year and on request provides students with an overview of their study results.

Article 11.2 - Study progress supervision 

The Faculty Board will organize the introduction and the study progress supervision for students enrolled in the degree programme, partly to promote their progress and partly with a view to potential study options within and outside the degree programme.

Article 12.1 - Amendments

1. Any amendments to these Regulations will, following a recommendation by and/or upon the approval of the Programme Committee and in consultation with – and where necessary upon the approval of – the Faculty Council, be confirmed by the Faculty Board in a separate decree.

2. Any amendments to these Regulations will not apply to the current academic year, unless it may reasonably be assumed that the amendment in question will not harm the interests of students.

3. In addition, an amendment may not influence any other decision concerning a student taken by the Board of Examiners under these Regulations to the disadvantage of that student.

Article 12.2 - Publication

1. The Faculty Board will duly publish these Regulations as well as any amendments to them.

2. Copies of these Teaching and Examination Regulations are available from the Faculty Office. These documents can also be found on the Faculty website via the Student Portal.

Article 12.3 - Evaluation

1. The Faculty Board will ensure that the TER is regularly evaluated, assessing at least – for monitoring and if necessary adapting the student workload – the amount of time students need to complete their duties as set out therein. 

2. The Faculty Board evaluates the teaching in the Bachelor’s degree programmes with the help of course evaluations and curriculum evaluations.

Article 12.4 - Date of commencement

These regulations will take effect on 1 September 2023.

Appendix 1.1: Admission to the programme

Article 2.1 - Admission to the programme

1. a pre-university education diploma (including Mathematics (Wiskunde) with any profile) grants admission to the degree programme.

2. In addition to the certificates that grant admission to the degree programme according to the Act, holders of an equivalent certificate (including an equivalent to Mathematics (Wiskunde), will also be granted admission to the degree programme.

3. Article 2.3. applies to holders of a certificate as referred to in Article 2.1.2.

Article 2.2 - Admission to the programme based on a University of Applied Sciences (Dutch: HBO), University or Open University propaedeutic certificate 

1. Holders of a propaedeutic certificate from a degree programme and who do not have  a pre-university education diploma  (VWO diploma) or equivalent degree may submit a request to the Admissions Board for admission to the degree programme. Such students will have to demonstrate that they have sufficient knowledge at a pre-university education diploma  (VWO) final examination level of the following subjects, in accordance with the entry requirements for a pre-university education diploma  (VWO) graduates:
   - Mathematics (Wiskunde)
   - English

Article 2.7. Matching

1. Before prospective students enrol for a degree programme, they will be given the opportunity to take part in activities to help them to decide on their degree programme. The prospective students who choose to take part in these activities will receive degree programme advice.  

Appendix 1.2: Aims and learning outcomes of the degree programme

Article 3.1 - Aims and learning outcomes of the degree programme

The degree programme is designed to:

• Impart knowledge, skills and understanding in the field of human geography and planning, and to enable the learning outcomes listed in Article 3.1.2 to be achieved.

• Promote academic development. This is defined as the development of competences (knowledge, skills and attitudes) concerning:
  - Independent academic thought, action and communication,
  - The use of the relevant academic instruments,
  - Academic communication, 
  - The use of specific knowledge of a field in a wider academic, philosophical and social/cultural context,
  - Behavioural norms that apply during the degree programme and in the academic world.

• Prepare students for further studies. Students become familiar with the theory and practice of academic research from the very start of their Bachelor’s degree programme.

1. Knowledge and understanding
Graduates have demonstrated a proficiency in knowledge and understanding in a field of study that builds upon their general secondary education, and is typically at a level that graduates are able to, whilst supported by academic literature, study the frontiers of their field of study.

• Graduates have basic knowledge, and are able to produce an overview of the world’s past and recent insights into human geography, spatial planning and demography.

• Graduates are familiar with the main current social themes, (sub)cultures, research topics and policy aims relating to the fields of human geography, spatial planning and demography.

• Graduates are familiar with the principal theoretical, methodological and ethical foundations of human geography, spatial planning and demography.

• Graduates have basic knowledge of standard research methods and techniques (both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including GIS) available for problem analysis.

• Graduates understand the diversity and complexity of social and physical structures and processes, and their interactions with environmental structures and processes in an international context.

• Graduates are aware of the relevant national and international career prospects for human geographers, spatial planners and demographers, both on the job market and in advanced studies.

2. Applying knowledge and insights
Graduates are able to apply their knowledge and insights in a manner that indicates a professional academic approach to their work or vocation, and they have competences typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments and solving problems within their field of study.

• Graduates are able to design and conduct supervised research using standard research methods and techniques (both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including GIS) in the fields of human geography, spatial planning and demography.

• Graduates are able to independently contribute to formulating, analysing and solving problems in the fields of human geography, spatial planning and demography. This implies that graduates are aware of the time-space context in which problems occur.

• Graduates are able to make informed decisions about the theoretical positioning, the use of previous international empirical research, and which academic research methods to apply.

• Graduates are able to position important research topics, such as those described in the faculty research programme tWIST, within the context of social and policy-related developments in the world.

3. Making evaluations
Graduates have the skills to gather and interpret relevant data to reach an informed conclusion, goal, or judgement – including a reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues – on frontier topics within the fields of human geography, spatial planning and demography.

• Graduates are able to gather data effectively – while considering all possible ethical issues involved – using primary (fieldwork, observation, interviews, surveys) and secondary (quantitative and qualitative data) sources.

• Graduates are able to interpret research findings in an academic manner and they are aware of possible alternative interpretations.

• Graduates are able to evaluate the (spatial) consequences of spatial (policy) interventions.

• Graduates are aware of the interdisciplinary and international character of spatial research and they are able to integrate and analyse information from various themes (including social, cultural, economic, spatial planning, demographic and physical geographic themes).

• Graduates are able to reflect on and criticise their own academic actions, including in terms of the methods used and the ethical implications of a research project.

4. Communication
Graduates are able to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, whilst taken into account the possible intercultural differences.

• Graduates are able to convey knowledge and research outcomes to an intercultural audience of specialists or non-specialists, both verbally and in writing.

• Graduates are able to present and visualise scientific (spatial) information clearly, for example, by using geographical information systems.

• Graduates are able to work constructively as part of a team, whilst taken into account the possible intercultural differences.

• Graduates are open and aware to others’ perspectives on their work and are open to receive constructive feedback on their work.

• Graduates are able to incorporate comments and other types of constructive feedback from peers, either obtained in writing and/or during debate, in their own work.

5. Learning skills
Graduates have developed those learning skills that are necessary for them to continue to undertake further study in their relevant field with a high degree of autonomy.

• Graduates have developed academic skills – such as comprehending theories, gathering and analysing academic literature and data – and more general skills – such as computer, reporting and presentation skills –that are necessary for them to continue to undertake further study in their relevant field in a national or international university.

• Graduates have obtained academic skills needed to independently gather information relevant to solving a research problem within the fields of human geography, spatial planning and demography.

• Graduates have obtained academic and other skills needed to perform effectively in national and international jobs related to the fields of human geography, spatial planning and demography.

The learning outcomes of the various individual course units can be found in Ocasys.

Appendix 1.3: Structure of the propaedeutic phase

Article 4.1 - Structure of the propaedeutic phase

1. The propaedeutic phase comprises the following course units and student workloads:

2. All course units and their modes of instruction are listed in the digital University course catalogue Ocasys.

3. In situations of force majeure, when it is not reasonably possible to provide teaching and examinations in the manner stated in Ocasys, alternative modes of instruction and assessment may temporarily be used. This is on condition that the prescribed learning outcomes are still achieved upon completion of the degree.

Appendix 1.4: Structure of the post-propaedeutic phase

Article 7.1 - Structure of the post-propaedeutic phase

1. The post-propaedeutic phase comprises the following course units and student workloads:

2. Students can choose the following components as electives in their third year:
- A FSS supervised internship 
- A study period at a university abroad 
- A broadening or deepening Minor, comprising course units from outside their own Major (further details to be provided by the degree programme)
- Electives

3. Students may choose electives, subject to approval by the Board of Examiners. No more than 10 ECTS of the electives can be course units from the propaedeutic phase. 

4.All course units and their modes of instruction are listed in the digital University course catalogue OCASYS.

5. In situations of force majeure, when it is not reasonably possible to provide teaching and examinations in the manner stated in Ocasys, alternative modes of instruction and assessment may temporarily be used. This is on condition that the prescribed learning outcomes are still achieved upon completion of the degree programme. 

6. Fieldwork in the course International Fieldwork and the course Landscapes is essential for the aims and learning outcomes of the degree programme (see article 3.1).

Appendix 1.5: Compulsory order

Article 9.3 - Compulsory order

The examinations for the course units listed below cannot be taken before the examinations for the associated course units have been passed:

• Propaedeutic phase: 
  -No compulsory order.

• Post-propaedeutic phase:
  - Methods of Academic Research HGP after Introduction of Academic Research and Statistics 1 has been passed
  - Statistics 2 after Statistics 1 has been passed
  - Bachelor’s Project after Statistics 2, MAR HGP and GIS have been passed
  - To participate in the course Fieldwork Abroad, the student needs to have at least 90 ECTS out of the possible 120 ECTS on September 1st of the academic year in which the student participates in the course.

Appendix 2.1 : Admission to the programme

Article 2.1 - Admission to the programme

1.  A pre-university education diploma (including Wiskunde (Mathematics) A or B with any profile) grants admission to the degree programme.

2. In addition to the certificates that grant admission to the degree programme according to the Act, holders of an equivalent certificate (including an equivalent to Mathematics (Wiskunde), A or B) will also be granted admission to the degree programme.

3. Article 2.3. applies to holders of a certificate as referred to in Article 2.1.2.

Article 2.2 - Admission to the programme based on a University of Applied Sciences (Dutch: HBO) , University or Open University propaedeutic certificate 

1. Holders of a propaedeutic certificate from a degree programme and who do not have  a pre-university education diploma (VWO) diploma or equivalent degree may submit a request to the Admissions Board for admission to the degree programme. Such students will have to demonstrate that they have sufficient knowledge at a pre-university education diploma (VWO) final examination level of the following subjects, in accordance with the entry requirements for a pre-university education diploma (VWO) graduates: 
   - Mathematics (Wiskunde), A or B
   - English

Article 2.7 - Matching 

1. Prior to the first registration for the degree programme, prospective students are required to participate in the matching activities offered by the programme. Following their participation in matching, prospective students will receive a programme recommendation.

Appendix 2.2: Aims and learning outcomes of the degree programme

Article 3.1 - Aims and learning outcomes of the degree programme

The degree programme is designed to:

• Impart knowledge, skills, and understanding in the field of Spatial Planning and Design, and to enable the learning outcomes listed in Article 3.1.2 to be achieved.

• Promote academic development. This is defined as the development of competences (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) concerning:
  - independent academic thought, action, and communication
  - the use of the relevant academic instruments
  - academic communication
  - the use of specific knowledge of a field in a wider academic, philosophical, and social/cultural context
  - behavioural norms that apply during the degree programme and in the academic world

• Prepare students for further studies. Students become familiar with the theory and practice of academic research from the very start of their Bachelor’s degree programme.

1. Knowledge and understanding

Graduates have demonstrated a proficiency in knowledge and understanding in a field of study that builds upon their general secondary education, and is typically at a level that graduates are able to, whilst supported by academic literature, study the frontiers of their field of study.

• Graduates can reproduce an overview of past and present developments in the field of spatial planning and human geography. 

• Graduates can explain the complexities of spatial planning and design while paying attention to the relationships between planning and the dynamic social, physical and institutional context. 

• Graduates are able to distinguish the different spatial planning cultures present in the national and international contexts.

• Graduates know the theoretical, methodological and ethical foundations of spatial planning and design. 

• Graduates can describe the main physical variables and natural laws relevant to planning interventions in physical space, and apply the associated basic formulas and models, with a particular focus on the subsoil, building, water, infrastructure and the environment. 

• Graduates are aware of the relevant Dutch and international career prospects for spatial planners, both in practice and research.

2. Applying knowledge and insights

Graduates are able to apply their knowledge and insights in a manner that indicates a professional academic approach to their work or vocation, and they have competences typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments and solving problems within their field of study.

• Graduates can utilise contemporary experiences from Dutch planning practice as a starting-point for applying knowledge in an international context. 

• Graduates can design and develop innovative strategies and solutions for spatial planning challenges with the aid of design techniques in a creative and substantiated manner. 

• Graduates can devise and design a realistic decision-making and implementation trajectory for institutional planning challenges in a substantiated manner.

• Graduates can explain and apply mainstream methods and policies used within the fields of environment, water, infrastructure and spatial planning. 

• Graduates can independently formulate, analyse and solve problems in the field of spatial planning and human geography. 

• Graduates are able to make informed decisions about the theoretical positioning of planning questions.  

• Graduates are able to relate important, globally relevant research topics to the faculty research programme and the research program of the spatial planning department. 

• Graduates are able to design and conduct supervised research using standard research methods and techniques (both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including GIS) in the field of spatial planning.

3. Making Judgements 

Graduates have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their field of study) to inform judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues.

• Graduates can develop a clear vision regarding spatial planning challenges motivated from their own research. 

• Graduates are aware of the interdisciplinary and international character of spatial research and they are able to integrate, analyse and reflect upon information from various perspectives (including social, cultural, economic, planning, demographic and physical geographic themes).

• Graduates are able to give substantiated and critical feedback on analyses, designs and solutions for spatial problems. 

• Graduates have the ability to reflect on relevant social, scientific, intercultural or ethical issues related to spatial planning.

4. Communication

Graduates can communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

• 1. Graduates are able to present theoretical concepts, proposals, research outcomes, designs and spatial strategies by means of visualization, written texts and verbal presentations in a convincing and informed way to a diverse audience of specialists or non-specialists. 

  2. Graduates can work as part of an interdisciplinary and international team and are able to interact with a range of other professionals (e.g. experts, administrators stakeholders) 

  3. Graduates are able to contribute to thematic discussions and debates in academia and planning practice.

5. Learning skills

Graduates have developed an academic attitude and the learning skills that are necessary for them to continue to undertake further study, with a high degree of autonomy.

• Graduates have developed academic skills (e.g. comprehending theories, gathering and analysing academic literature and data) and general skills (e.g. computer, reporting and presentation skills) – that are necessary to perform effectively in planning related jobs and to undertake further study.

• Graduates are able to deduce relevant information from a large number of sources with a high variety of purposes.

• Graduates keep up-to-date on contemporary planning developments and are able to integrate this information in spatial planning processes. 

The learning outcomes of the various individual course units can be found in Ocasys.

Appendix 2.3: Structure of the propaedeutic phase

Article 4.1 - Structure of the propaedeutic phase

1. The propaedeutic phase comprises the following course units and student workloads:

2. All course units and their modes of instruction are listed in the digital University course catalogue Ocasys. 

3. In situations of force majeure, when it is not reasonably possible to provide teaching and examinations in the manner stated in Ocasys, alternative modes of instruction and assessment may temporarily be used. This is on condition that the prescribed learning outcomes are still achieved upon completion of the degree.

Appendix 2.4: Structure of the post-propaedeutic phase

Article 7.1 - Structure of the post-propaedeutic phase

1. The post-propaedeutic phase comprises the following course units and student workloads:

*) for a limited number of students, there is the possibility of taking the course unit “Global Course on Institutional Design and Spatial Planning” instead of the course unit Comparative Urbanism Course.

2. Students can choose the following components as electives in their third year:
- A FSS supervised internship 
- A study period at a university abroad 
- A broadening or deepening Minor, comprising course units from outside their own Major (further details to be provided by the degree programme)
- Electives

3. Students may choose electives, subject to approval by the Board of Examiners. No more than 10 ECTS of the electives can be course units from the propaedeutic phase.

4. All course units and their modes of instruction are listed in the digital University course catalogue OCASYS.

5. In situations of force majeure, when it is not reasonably possible to provide teaching and examinations in the manner stated in Ocasys, alternative modes of instruction and assessment may temporarily be used. This is on condition that the prescribed learning outcomes are still achieved upon completion of the degree programme. 

6. Fieldwork in the course Landscapes is essential for the aims and learning outcomes of the degree programme (see article 3.1).

Appendix 2.5: Compulsory order

Article 9.3 - Compulsory order

The examinations for the course units listed below cannot be taken before the examinations for the associated course units have been passed:
a) Propaedeutic phase: 
- No compulsory order.
b) Post-propaedeutic phase: 
- Methods of Academic Research SPD after Introduction of Academic Research has been passed
- Statistics 2 after Statistics 1 has been passed
- Bachelor’s Project after Statistics 2, MAR SPD and GIS have been passed

Appendix 3.1 : Admission to the programme

Article 8.6 - Pre-master’s programmes

4. Entry to the Pre-masterPre-master programme of the MSc Economic Geography is granted if graduated bachelor students are able to reach a similar level on the following aspects (after completing the Pre-master programme) as graduates from the Human Geography and Planning bachelor programme through a programme of no more than 60 ECTS:
- Thematic: field of study Economic Geography
- Methods of data collection and analysis for academic research.
The Admissions Board of the desired Master’s degree programme will assess the study load of the Pre-master programme to which they will be admitted.

Appendix 3.2: Structure of Pre-master’s programme

Article 8.6 - Pre-master’s programmes

3. The content and the student workload of the Pre-master’s programmes are determined by the Admissions Board on a case-by-case basis. The Pre-master’s programme can comprises the following course units and student workloads:

Appendix 4.1 : Admission to the programme

Article 8.6 - Pre-master’s programmes

4. Entry to the programme of the MSc. Real Estate Studies is granted if graduated bachelor students are able to reach a similar level on the following aspects (after completing the Pre-master programme) as graduates from the Human Geography and Planning bachelor programme through a Pre-master programme of no more than 60 ECTS.:

The Admission Board of the desired Master’s degree programme will decide whether students are admitted to the Pre-master programme. Potential Pre-master students need to meet the following additional admission requirements – besides the general admission requirements stated in Article 2.8.5 and Article 2.8.6 – to be admitted to the Pre-master programme Real Estate Studies:

• The applicant needs to be graduated from a University of Applied Sciences or any related higher educational organization in the field of Real Estate. 

• The applicant needs to proof that their mathematical skills is at least on the Dutch ‘HAVO’ level. 

• The applicant is obliged to write a motivation letter. 

If admitted, each Pre-master student is obliged to follow a 60 ECTS Pre-master programme – in English – including thematical, statistical and writing courses. The student can only start the MSc. Real Estate Studies programme if the student obtained the full 60 ECTS Pre-master programme.

Appendix 4.2: Structure of Pre-master’s programme

Article 8.6 - Pre-master’s programmes

3. The content and the student workload of the Pre-master’s programmes are determined by the Admissions Board on a case-by-case basis. The Pre-master’s programme can comprises the following course units and student workloads:

Appendix 5.1 : Admission to the programme

Article 8.6 - Pre-master’s programmes

5. Entry to the Pre-master programme of the MSc Population Studies is granted if graduated bachelor students are able to reach a similar level on the following aspects (after completing the Pre-master programme) as graduates from the Human Geography and Planning bachelor programme through a programme of no more than 60 ECTS: 

• Thematic: field of study Population Studies. 

• Methods of data collection and analysis for academic research. 

The Admissions Board of the desired Master’s degree programme will assess the study load of the Pre-master programme to which they will be admitted.

Appendix 5.2: Structure of Pre-master’s programme

Article 8.6 - Pre-master’s programmes

3. The content and the student workload of the Pre-master’s programmes are determined by the Admissions Board on a case-by-case basis. 

Appendix 6.1 : Admission to the programme

Article 8.6 - Pre-master’s programmes

4. Entry to the Pre-master programme of the MSc Cultural Geography is granted if graduated bachelor students are able to reach a similar level on the following aspects (after completing the Pre-master programme) as graduates from the Human Geography and Planning bachelor programme through a programme of no more than 60 ECTS:

• Thematic: field of study Cultural Geography. 

• Methods of data collection and analysis for academic research.

The Admissions Board of the desired Master’s degree programme will assess the study load of the Pre-master programme to which they will be admitted

Appendix 6.2: Structure of Pre-master’s programme

Article 8.6 - Pre-master’s programmes

3. The content and the student workload of the Pre-master’s programmes are determined by the Admissions Board on a case-by-case basis. The Pre-master’s programme can comprises the following course units and student workloads:

Appendix 7.1 : Admission to the programme

Article 8.6 - Pre-master’s programmes

4. Direct access is given to the Pre-master programme preparing students for the master programme for students who fulfil the requirements of 8.6.4.a and 8.6.4.b

Appendix 7.2: Structure of Pre-master’s programme

Article 8.6 - Pre-master’s programmes

3. The content and the student workload of the Pre-master’s programmes are determined by the Admissions Board on a case-by-case basis. The Pre-master’s programme can comprises the following course units and student workloads:

Appendix 8.1 : Admission to the programme

Article 8.6 - Pre-master’s programmes

4. Direct access is given to the Pre-master programme preparing students for the master programme for students who fulfil the requirements of 8.6.4.a and 8.6.4.b

Appendix 8.2: Structure of Pre-master’s programme

Article 8.6 - Pre-master’s programmes

3. The content and the student workload of the Pre-master’s programmes are determined by the Admissions Board on a case-by-case basis. The Pre-master’s programme can comprises the following course units and student workloads:

Appendix 9.1 : Admission to the programme

Article 8.6 - Pre-master’s programmes

4. The Admissions Board of the desired Master’s degree programme will decide whether a student is admitted to a Pre-master’s programme

Appendix 9.2: Structure of Pre-master’s programme

Article 8.6 - Pre-master’s programmes

3. The content and the student workload of the Pre-master’s programmes are determined by the Admissions Board on a case-by-case basis.

Article 1.1 - Applicability

1. These Regulations for academic year 2023-2024 apply to the teaching, examinations and final assessment of the following Master’s degree programmes: 
   a) MSc Economic Geography, this includes the track Economic Geography: Regional Competitiveness and Trade.
   b) MSc Environmental and Infrastructure Planning
   c) MSc Population Studies
   d) MSc Real Estate Studies
   e) MSc Research Master: Spatial Sciences, this includes the track Spatial Sciences: Islands and Sustainability
   f) MSc Society, Sustainability and Planning  

   hereinafter referred to as the degree programme, and to all students enrolled in this degree programme.

2. The degree programmes are provided by the Faculty of Spatial Sciences of the University of Groningen, hereinafter referred to as the Faculty.

3. These Teaching and Examination Regulations also apply to students of other degree programmes, faculties or institutes of higher education, insofar as they follow course units in the degree programme to which these Regulations apply.

4. Course units that students of the degree programmes as referred to in Article 1.1.1 follow in other degree programmes or at other faculties or institutes of higher education are subject to the Teaching and Examination Regulations of that programme, faculty or institute.

5. These Regulations also apply to the admission of students to the Pre-Master’s programmes referred to in Article 2.3 with a view to following the degree programme. In all other respects, the relevant Bachelor’s TER will apply to students who are enrolled in a Pre-Master’s programme.

Article 1.2 – Definitions

The following definitions apply to these Regulations:

• a. academic integrity: information about scientific integrity and the associated procedures can be found on the University of Groningen website: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/organization/rules-and-regulations/general/gedragscodes-nederlandse-universiteiten/wetenschappelijke-integriteit;

• b. academic year: the time period that starts on 1 September and ends on 31 August of the following year;

• c. Admissions Board: the board that has decision-making powers in matters concerning admission to the degree programme on behalf of the Faculty Board;

• d. Board of Examiners: an independent body charged with the duties and powers as stated in Articles 7.11, 7.12, and 7.12b and 7.12c of the Act, including assessing whether the requirements of the final examination have been met;

• e. course unit: a syllabus unit or other part of the degree programme within the meaning of Article 7.3 of the Act, included in OCASYS;

• f. degree programme: the Master’s degree programme referred to in Article 1.1 of these Regulations, comprising a coherent set of course units;

• g. ECTS credit points: credit points as referred to in Article 7.4 of the Act, which specify the scope of the degree programme’s course unit, whereby 1 ECTS credit point is equivalent to a student workload of 28 hours;

• h. examiner: a person appointed by the Board of Examiners to set examinations and determine their results;

• i. extraordinary circumstances: circumstances as referred to in Article 7.51 of the Higher Education and Research Act, which must be taken into account when reaching a decision as referred to in Article 5.4. Within the University of Groningen, the implementation of Article 7.51 of the Higher Education and Research Act is stipulated in the University of Groningen’s Graduation Fund Regulations. In these Regulations, extraordinary circumstances include, in any case, a disability or chronic illness, illness, pregnancy and delivery, extraordinary family circumstances, a degree programme which is not feasible, students with an elite sports status (issued by the elite sports coordinator), students with a ‘student entrepreneur status’ (issued by the UGCE), membership of a consultative participation body;

• j. final assessment: the final assessment for the Master’s degree which is considered to be passed once all the requirements of the entire Master’s degree programme have been satisfied;

Master’s programmes;

• k. OCASYS: the University of Groningen’s online Course Catalogue;

• l. practical: a practical exercise, as referred to in Art. 7.13 of the Act, in one of the following forms:
  - a thesis
  - a written assignment, paper or draft
  - a research assignment
  - participation in fieldwork or an excursion
  - completion of a placement
  - participation in another educational activity designed to teach certain skills;

• m. Pre-Master’s programme: a bridging programme that enables students to be admitted to the master degree programme;

• n. Programme Committee: the consultative participation body and advisory body that performs the tasks as described in Article 9.18 of the Act;

• o. semester: part of the academic year, either starting on 1 September and ending on a date to be determined by the Board of the University, or starting on a date to be determined by the Board of the University and ending on 31 August;

• p. student: a person registered at the University for the purpose of taking course units and/or examinations leading to the conferral of a university degree;

• q. test or examination: an assessment of the knowledge, understanding, and skills of the student, as well as the review of the results of that assessment;

• r. the Act: the Higher Education and Research Act (WHW: Wet op het Hoger Onderwijs en Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek);

• s. track: a graduation specialization as approved by the Board of the University.

All other definitions will have the meaning that the Act ascribes to them.

Article 2.1 - Admission to the programme

1. The admission to the MSc Economic Geography and the track ‘Regional Competitiveness and Trade’ can be found in Appendix 1.1

2. The admission to the MSc Environmental & Infrastructure Planning can be found in appendix 2.1

3. The admission to the MSc Population Studies can be found in appendix 3.1

4. The admission to the MSc Real Estate Studies can be found in appendix 4.1

5. The admission to the MSc Research Master: Spatial Sciences and the track ‘Islands and Sustainability’ can be found in appendix 5.1

6. The admission to the MSc Society, Sustainability and Planning can be found in appendix 6.1

Article 2.2 - Language requirement for foreign certificates

1. Students who have been admitted to a degree programme on the basis of a foreign certificate or degree may be required by the Admissions Board – before registration – to pass an English language test to be administered by an agency stipulated by the Board. 

2. English language proficiency requirements, one of the following conditions must be met:

• English at VWO level.

• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (A, B or C).

• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (A, B or C).

• A score of 6.5 or higher in the complete International English Language Testing System (Academic version) (IELTS) with minimum scores of 6.0 for all four sections (reading, listening, writing and speaking) for all MSc programs, except for the Research Master. For this programme, a score of 6.5 or higher is required on all four sections.

• A score of at least 90 on the internet version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Reading 18, Listening 18, Speaking 20, Writing 21 for all MSc programmes, except for the Research Master: Reading 21, Listening 21, Speaking 21, Writing 24.

• A level equivalent to those mentioned above, at the discretion of the Admissions Board

• Exemptions: Native English speakers or diploma holders from United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland.

Article 2.3 - Pre-Master’s programme 

1. The faculty offers a pre-master’s programme to facilitate entry into the faculty master’s degree programme. 

2. For more information about the Pre-master programmes of MSc Economic Geography, MSc Real Estate Studies and MSc Population Studies, the Teaching and Exam Regulations of BSc Human Geography and Planning applies. 

3. For more information about the Pre-master programmes of Environmental and Infrastructure Planning and Society, Sustainability and Planning, the Teaching and Exam Regulations of BSc Spatial Planning and Design applies. 

4. The Research Master Spatial Sciences does not offer a Pre-master programme.

5. The scope and content of the pre-Master’s programme is individually determined by the Admissions Board. 

6.   The Admissions Board of the intended Master’s degree programme rules on admission to the associated Pre-master’s programme.

Article 2.4 - Admissions Board

1. The Admissions Board has the power to take decisions on behalf of the Faculty Board in matters concerning admission to the degree programme and the pre-master’s programme.

2.  The Admissions Board consists of:
   - A member who acts as the Chair, selected from the professors who teach in the degree programme
   - One other member selected from the other academic staff who teach as part of the degree programme.

3. The study advisor for the degree programme (or an equivalent member of faculty staff) will be an advisory member.

4.  The selection will be made by the Faculty Board, which will also set out the admissions requirements.

Article 2.5 - Entrance examination for the Master’s Honours programme: criteria

1. With a view to the admissions procedure for the Master’s Honours programme, the Admissions Board will investigate whether the candidate satisfies the conditions concerning knowledge, expertise and skills

2. When conducting its investigation, the Admissions Board will also consider the motivation and ambitions of the candidate concerning the degree programme in question, as well as the candidate’s proficiency in the language in which the programme will be taught.

Article 2.6 - Entrance examination: times

1. The entrance examination will be held twice a year, with the exception of MSc Real Estate Studies and the Research Master Spatial Sciences.

2. Applications for admission to the degree programme must be submitted to the Admissions Board. Students with a Dutch degree who want to start in September have to submit their application before August 15, students with a non-Dutch degree before May 1. Students with a Dutch degree who want to start in February have to submit their application before January 15, non-Dutch students before November 1.

3. Only in exceptional cases will the Admissions Board consider an application submitted after the date stated in Article 2.6.2.

4. The Admissions Board will make a decision about the admission of students with a non-Dutch diploma before 1 June or 15 November, respectively. For students with a Dutch diploma, the decision about the admission should be made before August 31 or January 31. Admission is granted on condition that on the starting date concerned, the candidate satisfies the requirements of Article 2.1 regarding knowledge and skills, as evident from documentary proof of the programmes they have followed.  The written admission statement will include information for the student about the possibility of an appeal to the Board of Appeal for Examinations.

2.7 Registration (or re-registration) for a Master’s degree programme

1. There are two intake dates for the admission process per academic year, namely 1 September and 1 February of each year for the following programmes

• MSc Economic Geography

• MSc Environmental and Infrastructure Planning 

• MSc Population Studies

• MSc Sustainability, Society and Planning

 2. There is one intake date for admission, namely 1 September for the following programmes:

• MSc Economic Geography: Regional Competitiveness and Trade

• MSc Real Estate Studies (selective master)

• MSc Spatial Sciences (Research  Master), including the Erasmus Mundus track Islands and Sustainability 

Article 3.1 - Aim and intended learning outcomes of the degree programme

1. Aims and intended learning outcomes of the MSc Economic Geography and the track Economic Geography: ‘Regional Competitiveness and Trade’ can be found in Appendix 1.2

2. Aims and learning outcomes of the MSc Environmental and Infrastructure Planning can be found in Appendix 2.2.

3. Aims and intended learning outcomes of the MSc Population Studies can be found in Appendix 3.2.

4. Aims and intended learning outcomes of the MSc Real Estate Studies can be found in Appendix 4.2.

5. Aims and intended learning outcomes of the MSc Research Master Spatial Sciences and the track Research Master Spatial Sciences: Islands and Sustainability can be found in Appendix 5.2

6. Aims and intended learning outcomes of the MSc Society, Sustainability and Planning can be found in Appendix 6.2.

Article 3.2 –Conducting research

1. Students who conduct research in the context of the master thesis do so in accordance with relevant legislation, the Dutch code of conduct for academic integrity, and the requirements of ethically sound research.

2. Throughout the entire research process, the student will adhere to the applicable policies and procedures, which are based on the faculty’s data management policy. 

3. In general, the student holds the copyright on any theses or other independently written assignments that are intended to test their knowledge, understanding, and skills. If anyone else wishes to use the student’s thesis or written work, the student must first give permission for them to do so. The University must be free to perform these procedures unconditionally if it is to archive theses and written assignments (whether or not these are under embargo) and to process them in accordance with the rules of the Dutch Inspectorate of Education and the Higher Education and Research Act. All students are obliged to give their unconditional consent to the aforementioned procedures.

Article 3.3 - Type of degree programme

The degree programme is full time.

Article 3.4 - Language

1. The degree programme is taught in English. Exceptions may apply for electives.

2. The thesis/final assignment shall be written in English unless the  examiner, second examiner and the student jointly agree to use a different language that all involved understand and are proficient in.

Article 3.5 - Student workload

1. The following degree programmes have a student workload of 60 ECTS credit points:
   a. MSc Economic Geography
   b. MSc Environmental and Infrastructure Planning
   c. MSc Population Studies
   d. MSc Real Estate Studies
   e. MSc Society, Sustainability and Planning
   
   The following degree programmes has a student workload of 120
   ECTS credit points:
   a. MSc Research Master Spatial Sciences

2. The student workload is expressed in whole ECTS credit points.

Article 3.6 - Tracks and Specializations

1. The degree programme Economic Geography has the following track: ‘Regional Competitiveness and Trade.’ See Appendix 1.2 for more information

2. The Research Master Spatial Sciences has the following track: ‘Erasmus Mundus Islands and Sustainability.’ See Appendix 5.2 for more information.

Article 3.7 - Content of the programme

1. The content of the MSc Economic Geography and the track Economic Geography: ‘Regional Competitiveness and Trade’ can be found in Appendix 1.2

2. The content of the MSc Environmental & Infrastructure Planning can be found in Appendix 2.2.

3. The content of the MSc Population Studies can be found in Appendix 3.2.

4. The content of the MSc Real Estate Studies can be found in Appendix 4.2.

5. The content of the MSc Research Master Spatial Sciences and the track Research Master Spatial Sciences: ‘Erasmus Mundus Islands and Sustainability’ can be found in Appendix 5.2

6. The content of the MSc Society, Sustainability and Planning can be found in Appendix 6.2.

Article 3.8 – Electives

1. On the basis of a well-founded request by a student, the Board of Examiners may grant permission in advance to:
   a. substitute a course unit in the examination programme with another course unit offered by the University of Groningen or another university in the Netherlands or abroad that dovetails well with the degree programme, or
   b. use one or more course units followed at the University of Groningen or another university in the Netherlands or abroad as electives in the degree programme.

2. When assessing such a request, the Board of Examiners will in any case evaluate the coherence of the set of course units (or part thereof) and the level of the course units followed.

Article 3.9 Open Degree Programme

1. Students can choose one of the degree programme’s Open Degree Programmes that deviates from the adopted degree programme (or degree programmes). An Open Degree Programme must always be approved in advance by the Board of Examiners of the degree programme for which the student is registered.

2. The following additional requirements apply to Open Degree Programmes:
   - An application for the approval of an Open Degree Programme must be accompanied by a letter of motivation by the student, explaining, for instance, how this programme satisfies the learning outcomes of the degree programme
   - A request for approval of an Open Degree programme should be sent to the Board of Examiners at least three months before the student  wishes to start such programme.

Article 3.10 Participation in course units

1. Students may participate in course units of the degree programme if they register in good time via https://progresswww.nl/rug.

2. The maximum number of students for each course unit is listed in OCASYS.

3. Admission to course units with limited capacity is arranged according to predefined and published admission criteria and priority regulations. Students who are registered for the degree programme will be given priority for the compulsory course units in their Major. 

4. Students who are registered for the Bachelor’s degree programme cannot access the course units of a Master’s degree programme.

Article 4.1 – Examinations in general

1. Each course unit of the degree programme concludes with an examination. 

2. An examination can comprise a number of partial exams. The results of these partial exams together determine the examination result.

3. The examination assesses students’ academic development and mastery of the learning outcomes of the course unit.

4. The results of an examination are given as pass or fail, in numbers on a scale of 1.0 to 10.0, expressed as 5.5 or more for a pass and 5.4 or lower for a fail.

Article 4.2 – Participation in examinations

1. Registration for a course unit of the degree programme also means registration for the examination for that course unit

2. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 4.2.1, there are specific periods (which have yet to be determined) during which students can register and deregister for examinations.

Article 4.3 – Compulsory order of examinations

1. The compulsory order of examinations of MSc Economic Geography and the track Economic Geography: ‘Regional Competitiveness and Trade’ can be found in Appendix 1.2

2. The compulsory order of examinations of MSc Environmental & Infrastructure Planning can be found in Appendix 2.2.

3. The compulsory order of examinations of MSc Population Studies can be found in Appendix 3.2.

4. The compulsory order of examinations of MSc Real Estate Studies can be found in Appendix 4.2.

5. The compulsory order of examinations of MSc Research Master Spatial Sciences and the track Research Master Spatial Sciences: ‘Islands and Sustainability’ can be found in Appendix 5.2

6. The compulsory order of examinations of the MSc Society, Sustainability and Planning can be found in Appendix 6.2.

Article 4.4 – Examination frequency and periods

1. There will be at least two opportunities a year to sit examinations. 

2. The periods in which examinations can be sat are listed in OCASYS. Partial exams can also be taken outside the period indicated.

Article 4.5 – Assessment of placement or research assignment

The assessment of a placement or research assignment will be conducted by an examiner.

Article 4.6 – Thesis

1. A thesis can in principle only be used for one University of Groningen degree programme. 

2. Theses are archived by the Faculty Board for a period of at least 7 years.

3. Students will be given the opportunity to start writing a master’s thesis twice per academic year, with the exception of Real Estate Studies. 

4.  The period(s) during which students can write theses will be explained during the introduction of the programme and be published in the course outline on the Student Portal.

5.  The Board of Examiners is the only body that can deviate from the provisions of this Article at the written request of a student.

Article 4.7 – Mode of assessment

1. Examinations will be taken in the manner stated in Ocasys. 

2. At the student’s request, the Board of Examiners may allow an examination to be taken in a form different from that stated in Article 4.7.1.

3. Mock versions or examples of each examination will be made available to practise.

4. In situations of force majeure, when it is not reasonably possible to provide examinations in the manner stated in OCASYS, alternative modes of assessment may temporarily be used. This is on condition that the prescribed learning outcomes are still achieved upon completion of the degree programme.

Article 4.8 – Oral examinations

1. Unless the Board of Examiners decides otherwise, an oral examination may only be taken by one student at a time. A second examiner must be present during an oral examination. 

2. Oral examinations are public, unless the Board of Examiners or the relevant examiner stipulate otherwise due to extraordinary circumstances or the student objects to the public nature of the examination.

Article 4.9 – Request for an extracurricular examination

1. Students can ask the Board of Examiners to grant them an extracurricular examination.

2. Requests of this kind can be granted if, due to extraordinary circumstances, the student has failed the examination concerned and the failure to grant an extracurricular examination would result in an unacceptable study delay.

Article 4.10 – Competent Board of Examiners for the electives of another degree programme

1. A request to take an elective at another degree programme must be approved by the Board of Examiners of the student’s own degree programme.

2. The Board of Examiners of the other degree programme is authorized to set and assess the examinations for an optional module of that degree programme and decide upon requests for alternative exam regulations. Article 5.2 Course units obtained elsewhere apply. 

Article 4.11 – Exemptions

1. 1. At a student’s request, the Board of Examiners, having discussed the matter with the examiner in question, may grant exemption from an examination (or part thereof) on the basis of results obtained earlier (elsewhere), if the student:
   a. has completed part of a university or higher vocational degree in the Netherlands or abroad that is equivalent in content and level OR
   b. can demonstrate by work experience that they have sufficient knowledge and skills in respect of the course unit in question.

2. 2. Article 5.2 Course units obtained elsewhere apply to the granting of exemptions.

3. 3. The same period of validity applies to exemptions for examinations (or parts thereof) as to examination results.

Article 4.12 – Examinations and performance disabilities

1. Students with a performance disability will be given the opportunity to take examinations in a form that will compensate as far as possible for their individual disability. If necessary, the Board of Examiners will seek expert advice from a student counsellor of the Student Service Centre (SSC) before making a decision.

2. With regard to examinations for electives taken at other degree programmes by students with a performance disability, the Board of Examiners of the degree programme that sets the examination will comply with the facilities permitted by the Board of Examiners of the degree programme for which the student is registered.

Article 4.13 – Examination provision 

If not providing an individual examination were to lead to a ‘special case of an unfairness of overriding nature’, the Board of Examiners may decide to grant such a provision, contrary to the provisions of Article 4.4 (Examination frequency and periods). Requests for an individual examination facility must be submitted to the Board of Examiners as soon as possible, including supporting documents.

Article 4.14 – Determining the examination results and publication of marks

1. After an oral examination, the examiner will assess the examination immediately and provide the student with a statement upon request.

2. The examiner will mark a written examination within ten working days of the day on which it was taken, and will provide the Faculty’s administration department with the necessary details for registration of the result in ProgRESS.

3. If an examination is taken in a form other than oral or in writing, the examiner will determine in advance how and when students will receive written confirmation of the result.

4. Students can lodge an appeal against the results of an examination with the Central Portal for the Legal Protection of Student Rights (CLRS) within 6 weeks of the date on which the result was announced

Article 4.15 – Validity of course units

1. Completed course units remain valid indefinitely.

2. a. Contrary to the provisions of Article 4.15.1, the Board of Examiners may decide that the validity of a course unit is limited. The Board of Examiners can only decide that a course unit is no longer valid if a student’s skills and knowledge are demonstrably outdated. In such cases, the Board of Examiners may decide to require that student to take a supplementary or substitute examination before allowing them to progress to the final assessment. Contrary to the provisions of the Article 4.15.1, the Board of Examiners may decide to require a student to take a supplementary or substitute examination for a course unit that was taken more than 5 years previously before allowing that student to progress to the final assessment. This only applies if the student’s knowledge, insight, or skills that are being assessed in this way are demonstrably outdated.
   b. In the event of extraordinary personal circumstances, the term of validity will be extended to include the period during which the student in question receives support from the Graduation Fund.

3. Partial examinations and assignments passed within a course unit that has not been successfully completed will lapse at the end of the academic year in which they were passed unless the examiner decides differently.

Article 4.16 – Right of inspection

1. On request, students have the right to inspect their marked work during a period of at least 14 days after the results of a written examination have been made known. Students who make use of this opportunity can be provided with a copy of their work at cost price at their request.

2. Within the time frame stipulated in Article 4.16.1, any interested person may request that they be allowed to peruse the examination paper and, if possible, the assessment criteria. 

3. The Board of Examiners can determine that this inspection will take place at a certain place and set at least two dates and/or times. If the person concerned can show that they were prevented by force majeure from attending at the indicated places and times, they will be offered another opportunity, if possible within the period stated in Article 4.16.1.

Article 4.17 – Board of Examiners and examiners

1. The Board of Examiners is the independent body that determines whether individual students have the knowledge, understanding and skills required to be awarded a degree.

2. The Faculty Board appoints the members of the Board of Examiners on the basis of their expertise in the field of the degree programme (or cluster of degree programmes) in question.

3. The Board of Examiners must comprise at least:
   a. one member who is a lecturer affiliated with the degree programme (or to one of the degree programmes that belong to the group of degree programmes); and
   b. one member from outside the degree programme (or one of the degree programmes that belong to the cluster of degree programmes).

4. Members of the Faculty Board or other people who have financial responsibilities within the      institution may not be appointed as members of the Board of Examiners.

5. The Board of Examiners appoints examiners to conduct examinations and determine the results obtained.

6. The Board of Examiners adopts the Board of Examiners’ ‘Rules and Regulations’.

Article 4.18 – Cheating and plagiarism 

1. Cheating is an act or omission by a student that partly or wholly hinders the forming of a correct assessment of their – or another’s – knowledge, understanding, and skills.

2. Cheating also includes committing plagiarism, copying someone else’s or one’s own knowledge, insight, and skills without correctly acknowledging the source.

3. The assessment of theses and written assignments requires a plagiarism check to be performed, by means of a plagiarism scanner accessed by the University. Students are individually responsible for maintaining academic integrity.

4. If a student cheats, the Board of Examiners may exclude that student from participation in one or more examinations or final assessments for a maximum of one year.

5. In the event of serious cheating, the Board of Examiners can advise the Board of the University to permanently terminate a student’s registration in the degree programme.

6. The Board of Examiners sets out its course of action in the event of cheating in its Rules and Regulations.

Article 4.19 – Invalid examinations

In the event of irregularities with regard to an examination that are so serious that an accurate assessment of the examinee’s knowledge, understanding and skills cannot be made, the Board of Examiners may declare the examination invalid for either an individual examinee or a group of examinees. 

Article 4.20 – Termination of registration

1. In extraordinary cases of reprehensible behaviour or statements made by a student, the Board of the University may, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners or the Faculty Board, terminate that student’s registration. 

2. The Board of the University will not make a decision as referred to in Article 4.20.1 until after the student in question has been given an opportunity to put their case forward, any interests of the student and of the institution have been carefully assessed and it has been proven reasonable to assume that the student’s behaviour and/or statements prove that they are unsuitable for one or more of the professions for which they are being trained in their degree programme, or for the practical preparation for the profession. 

3. In such cases, the Faculty Board, the Board of Examiners and the Board of the University will follow the Protocol Judicium Abeundi [protocol for termination of registration] as approved by the Dutch Federation of University Medical Centers on 1 November 2010.

4. The stipulations in the University of Groningen Regulations for Registration and Tuition Fees apply.

Article 5.1 – Marking examinations

1. The degree programme is concluded with a final assessment.

2. a. The Board of Examiners determines the result of the examination, provided that the examination subjects have been approved, as soon as the student has passed all the required examinations. The Board of Examiners may define terms to this end.
   The determination of the result means that the student has achieved the requisite academic development. The Board of Examiners will issue a degree certificate indicating this.
   b. If a student fails to meet the relevant deadlines for approval of the study programme, referred to under a, the Board of Examiners may postpone the graduation date. This date may then be in the academic year following the year in which the last examination was passed.

3. Before the final assessment can be determined, the Board of Examiners may itself decide to test the student’s knowledge of one or more course units or aspects of the programme, if and in as much as the marks for these course units provide a reason for doing so.

4. By determining the result of the final assessment, the Board of Examiners also commits itself to a speedy processing of the degree certificate ceremony.

5. If the student wishes to postpone their date of graduation in connection with additional examinations that they still need to sit, the student must submit this request to the Board of Examiners within two weeks of the moment at which the examination date was set.

6. The graduation date is the date on which the final assessment is passed, as determined by the Board of Examiners in accordance with the provisions of Article 5.1.2, and not the date on which the degree certificate is presented to the student.

Article 5.2 – Course units completed elsewhere

1. A Master’s degree can only be awarded if at least half of the course units of the degree programme were offered by the degree programme during the student’s period of registration as a student at the University of Groningen.

2. For Double Degree Master’s degree programmes offered together with an institution abroad, at least one quarter of the programme must have been followed at the degree programme during the student’s period of registration as a Masters’s student at the University of Groningen for that degree programme. 

Article 5.3 – Degree certificate

1. The student shall receive a certificate issued by the Board of Examiners as proof that they have passed the final examination. Even if a student successfully completes more than one specialization within a degree programme, they will receive only one degree certificate. Article 5.2 applies.

2. The Board of Examiners will issue an International Diploma Supplement with each degree certificate. 

3. If applicable, the results of the Master’s Honours Programme are listed in the Diploma Supplement accompanying the Master’s degree certificate.

Article 5.4 – Degree

A student who has satisfied all the requirements of the final assessment will be awarded the degree of ‘Master of Science’. The degree awarded will be indicated on the degree certificate.

Article 5.5 – Honours (‘Cum Laude’/’Summa Cum Laude’)

1. The Board of Examiners will determine whether or not the Master’s degree certificate will be awarded an honours predicate.

2. The following conditions apply:
   a) The mark for the thesis must satisfy the following minimum conditions:
   - ‘Cum laude’: the mark for the thesis must be at least 8.0 
   - ‘Summa cum laude’: the mark for the thesis must be at least 9.0
   b) The weighted average grade (not rounded off) for all course units (determined by the amount of ECTS credit points), including the thesis, within the examination programme approved by the Board of Examiners must be
   - Greater than or equal to 8.0 for ‘Cum laude’
   - Greater than or equal to 9.0 for ‘Summa cum laude’.

3. No honours are awarded if the student workload of the exemptions in ECTS credit points is more than half the total number of ECTS for the degree programme. This stipulation does not apply to Double Degree programmes.

4. Honours may only be awarded if the examinations for the course units were taken only once.

5. Honours may only be awarded if no single course unit was awarded a mark less than 7.0.

6. No honours will be awarded if a decision by the Board of Examiners has been taken to the effect that a student is no longer eligible for an honours predicate because cheating/plagiarism has been detected.

7. The Board of Examiners may depart from the provisions set out in Articles 5.5.2 to 5.5.5.

Article 5.6 – Assessment Programme

An Assessment Programme has been approved by the Faculty Board and covers the following subjects:     

• The programme learning outcomes;
• The course units and the learning outcomes of each course unit;
• The relationship between course units and programme learning outcomes: how are the programme learning outcomes attained;
• The mode of assessment and test moments for each course unit.
  

Article 6.1 – Study progress administration

The Faculty Board registers the individual results achieved by the students and provides each student with a summary of their results at least once a year.

Article 6.2 - Study progress supervision

The Faculty Board will organize the introduction and the study progress supervision of students enrolled in the degree programme, partly to facilitate their progress and also with a view to identifying potential study options within and outside the degree programme.

Article 7.1 – Amendments

1. Any amendments to these Regulations will, following a recommendation by and/or upon the approval of the Programme Committee, and in consultation with – and where necessary upon the approval of- the Faculty Council, be confirmed by the Faculty Board in a separate decree.

2. Any amendments to these Regulations will not apply to the current academic year, unless it is reasonably assumed that the amendment in question will not harm the interests of students.

3. In addition, an amendment may not influence any other decision concerning a student taken by the Board of Examiners under these Regulations to the disadvantage of students.

Article 7.2 – Publication

1. The Faculty Board will duly publish these Regulations as well as any amendments to them. 

2. Copies of these Teaching and Examination Regulations are available from the Faculty Office. These documents can also be found on the Faculty website via the Student Portal.

Article 7.3 – Evaluation

1. The Faculty Board will ensure that the TER is regularly evaluated, assessing at least – for the purpose of monitoring and if necessary adapting the student workload – the amount of time students need to complete their duties as set out therein.

2. The Faculty Board evaluates the teaching in the master degree programmes with the help of course evaluations and curriculum evaluations.

Article 7.4 – Date of commencement

These regulations shall take effect on 1 September 2023.

Appendix 1.1: Admission to the programme

Article 2.1 - Entry requirements MSc Economic Geography

1. Students with the following bachelor programmes from a research university are eligible to the programme:

- Faculty of Economics and Business (UoG):
● Economics and Business Economics
● International Business

Or comparable programmes from another research university.

- Faculty of Spatial Sciences (UoG):
● Human Geography and Planning
● Spatial Planning and Design

Or comparable programmes from another research university.

More information about admission can be found on http://www.rug.nl/masters/economic-geography/#!requirements 

2.  Students with a Dutch or foreign certificate of higher education that, according to the Admissions Board, indicates that they have the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills at the level of a university Bachelor’s degree will also be admitted to the degree programme on that basis.

3. If a candidate does not have a Bachelor’s degree certificate, the Admissions Board must assess whether they can be admitted based on the possession of knowledge, understanding and skills at Bachelor’s level.

Appendix 1.2: Aims and intended learning outcomes of the degree programme

Article 3.1 - Aim and learning outcomes of the degree programme

The learning outcomes of the individual course units can be found in Ocasys.

Article 3.5 - Tracks and Specializations

1. The degree programme has the following track: ‘‘Regional Competitiveness and Trade.’

Article 3.6 - Content of the programme

1. All course units and their modes of instruction are listed in the digital University course catalogue OCASYS.

2. In situations of force majeure, when it is not reasonably possible to provide teaching in the manner stated in OCASYS, alternative modes of instruction and assessment may temporarily be used. This is on condition that the prescribed learning outcomes are still achieved upon completion of the degree programme

Article 4.4 - Compulsory order of examinations

The MSc programme does not have a compulsory order of examination.

Appendix 2.1: Admission to the programme

Article 2.1 - Entry requirements

1. Holders of a certificate from the Bachelor’s degree programme in ‘Spatial Planning and Design (Technische Planologie)’ of the University of Groningen will be admitted to the degree programme. Holders of a certificate from the Bachelor’s degree programme in Human Geography & Planning (Sociale Geografie & Planologie) from a Dutch university are assumed to have sufficient knowledge and skills and will also be admitted to the degree programme on that basis. Admission is also possible for students that have completed the 1st year of a related Double Degree-programme at the partner university.  More information about admission can be found on https://www.rug.nl/masters/environmental-and-infrastructure-planning/#requirements
2. Students with a Dutch or foreign certificate of higher education that, according to the Admissions Board, indicates that they have the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills at the level of a university Bachelor’s degree will also be admitted to the degree programme on that basis.  
3. If a candidate does not have a Bachelor’s degree certificate, the Admissions Board must assess whether they can be admitted based on the possession of knowledge, understanding and skills at Bachelor’s level.

Article 2.3 - Pre-Master’s programme

1. Admission to the Pre-master of the MSc Environmental and Infrastructure Planning occurs in the bachelor programme. For entry requirements of the Pre-master programme, please see the BSc Teaching and Examination Regulations (TER) of the bachelor’s degree programme in Spatial Planning and Design for academic year 2023-2024. 

Appendix 2.2: Aims and intended learning outcomes of the degree programme

Article 3.1 - Aim and learning outcomes of the degree programme

1. Knowledge and Understanding

• A. Acquire knowledge at the level of international academic debates on the theories, methodologies and techniques that enable the analysis of water, environmental and infrastructure planning problems, their possible solutions and socio-institutional consequences in specific spatial and temporal context. 
• B. Develop advanced understandings of planning institutions, actor-networks and decision-making processes related to water, environmental and infrastructure issues so that they can carry out innovative research and contribute to new ideas in the field. 
• C. Unravel complexity: Recognize that processes underlying challenges in water, environmental and infrastructure planning are diverse, interconnected and changeable, and that understanding these challenges requires contextualizing them in a contemporary, ever-changing and complex reality.
• D. Compare and reflect upon advanced theories, concepts and methods on governance and policy design for spatial change. Discern which to use to conduct research in specific contexts.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding

• A. Analyse water, environmental and infrastructure planning problems, drawing on the latest academic debates on complex planning issues and considering their spatial, social and institutional consequences.
• B. Employ (international) comparative analysis: Compare and reflect upon planning institutions, actor-networks and decision-making processes related to water, environmental and infrastructure issues across cities, regions and nation states.
• C. Propose adaptive and responsive policy solutions that build on acquired knowledge and problem-solving abilities in relation to complex and dynamic planning issues. 
• D. Select appropriate theories and methods to use for policy transfer and the assessment of designed planning policy solutions.
• E. Identify the specific strengths and limitations of different planning approaches. Debate and reflect these aspects both with regard to research and planning practice.

 3. Forming Judgements

• A. Critique how planning interventions and decision-making processes affect the interests, well-being and safety of people. Scrutinize ethical and normative aspects of spatial problems and potential solutions.
• B. Judge and position your own work within the current international planning debate 
• C. Provide constructive and critical feedback on analyses and solutions proposed by others. Perceive different ways of reasoning, arguments and points of view.
  

4. Communication

• A. Show sensitivity and respect for experiences and opinions in working with commissioners, respondents and informants. Handle conflicting statements while withholding personal judgment.
• B. Acquire Intercultural communication skills: Ability to work in diversified teams with different views on water, environment and infrastructure developments and on societal issues.
• C. Convincing and captivating presentation: Present clearly and straightforwardly ideas and findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences, both in oral and written form.

5. Learning Skills

• A. Discern relevant information: Differentiate and classify arguments from both theoretical texts and policy documents within water, environmental and infrastructure planning.
• B. Quickly acquire solid base-knowledge on specific domains of water, environmental and infrastructure planning, following the developments within the field in an independent and critical manner.
• C. Carry out largely self-directed research on global and local water, environmental and infrastructure planning issues, with the aim to formulate potential solutions.
• D. Scrutinize planning problems devising institutional and policy innovation through collaborative reflection.

6. Attitudes

• A. Engage with new ideas and new developments within the field of planning with an open and reflexive attitude.
• B. Work with a scientific attitude: use theoretical knowledge, critical thinking and comparative insight to work professionally in relevant social and academic positions and as a basis for leadership in the field.
• C. Sensitivity for socio-cultural diversity: Handle planning issues and underlying values, interests and opinions with sensitivity to personal and cultural differences.

The learning outcomes of the individual course units can be found in Ocasys.

Article 3.6 - Content of the programme

1. All course units and their modes of instruction are listed in the digital University course catalogue OCASYS.
2. In situations of force majeure, when it is not reasonably possible to provide teaching in the manner stated in OCASYS, alternative modes of instruction and assessment may temporarily be used. This is on condition that the prescribed learning outcomes are still achieved upon completion of the degree programme

Article 4.4 - Compulsory order of examinations

The MSc programme does not have a compulsory order of examination.

Appendix 3.1: Admission to the programme

Article 2.1 – Entry requirements

1. Holders of a certificate from the Bachelor’s degree programme in ‘Human Geography and Planning (Sociale Geografie & Planologie)’ of the University of Groningen will be admitted to the degree programme. Holders of a certificate from the Bachelor’s degree programme in ‘Spatial Planning and Design (Technische Planologie)’ of the University of Groningen or a certificate from the Bachelor’s degree programme in Human Geography and Planning (Sociale Geografie & Planologie) from a Dutch university are assumed to have sufficient knowledge and skills and will also be admitted to the degree programme on that basis. Admission is also possible for students that have completed the 1st year of a related Double Degree-programme at the partner university. More information about admission can be found on http://www.rug.nl/masters/population-studies/#populationstudies 

2. Students with a Dutch or foreign certificate of higher education that indicates that they have knowledge, understanding and skills at the level of a university Bachelor’s degree and who can demonstrate the following specific knowledge, understanding and skills will be admitted to the degree programme:
   - Knowledge of the subject of Population Studies at the level of holders of a certificate from the Bachelor’s degree programme in ‘Human Geography and Planning’
   - Knowledge representing 10 ECTS in statistics courses or the student's statistical knowledge should be equivalent to that, shown by active knowledge of at least variance, association and correlation measures, chi-square tests, univariate and multivariate linear regression, the basics of matrix algebra and the basics of integration & differentiation. We assume that this includes some experience with Excel and with using statistical software programmes, such as SPSS, STATA or R.
   - knowledge of research methods, such as designing instruments for collecting and analysing primary data representing 5 ECTS

3. Students with a Dutch or foreign certificate of higher education that, according to the Admissions Board, indicates that they have the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills at the level of a university Bachelor’s degree will also be admitted to the degree programme on that basis.  

4. If a candidate does not have a Bachelor’s degree certificate, the Admissions Board must assess whether they can be admitted based on the possession of knowledge, understanding and skills at Bachelor’s level. 

Article 2.3 - Pre-Master’s programme

2. Admission to the Pre-master of the MSc Population Studies occurs in the bachelor programme. For entry requirements of the Pre-master programme, please see the BSc Teaching and Examination Regulations (TER) of the bachelor’s degree programme in Human Geography and Planning for the academic year 2023-2024.

Appendix 3.2: Aims and intended learning outcomes of the degree programme

1. Knowledge and Understanding

Graduates know of and understand

• Important population issues that societies are facing nowadays, like ageing, integration of migrants, health inequalities and population decline, using a life-course approach;
• How migration is related to changes in: family situation, household composition, labour markets and broader welfare regimes;
• The interactions between population, health and place at both the macro (=population) and the micro (=individual) level;
• How demographic behaviour is influenced by the different societal, geographical, economic, and institutional contexts, and how it impacts societies and their wellbeing across the globe;
• Important demographic theories, approaches, concepts and measures of population distribution, population growth, fertility, mortality, and migration;
• The ways of obtaining and appraising demographic data, either through existing demographic data sources or through own data collection;
• Important qualitative research methods;
• The most important analytical demographic methods and techniques for analysing quantitative demographic data at the macro and micro level, including life table analysis, population projections and advanced survey/register data analysis;
• The research process in all its facets;
• How research is embedded in policy and can be used to design, monitor and evaluate (intervention) programmes.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Graduates are able to

• Design a suitable and relevant research proposal or plan for a complex societal demographic issue, in an independent manner;
• Perform independent research within the field, involving formulating the research proposal, formulating theoretical frameworks, obtaining data, applying relevant methods to the analysis of the data, interpreting the results, and formulating recommendations for further research and/or action, while being aware of ethical considerations.

3. Forming judgements

Graduates are able to 

• Judge the quality of research being undertaken in the field of demography and population studies;
• Take into account the ethical aspects of the conduct of social science research
• Judge quality issues when collecting and/or using demographic data;
• Reflect on how (their) research results can be used for policy making and/or interventions.

4. Communication

Graduates are able to 

• Provide constructive feedback on research and analyses produced by their fellow students and others in the field;
• Present and write papers and thesis on topics and research in Population Studies and Demography in a clear, convincing and scientific manner;
• Reflect on and argue about their research in a scientific manner;
• Discuss and debate ideas and developments within the field;
• Communicate about topics and research in Population Studies and Demography to various audiences, including policymakers and/or practitioners.

5. Learning Skills

Graduates are able to

• Assess which literature, theory, research questions and research methodology to use for societal demographic issues;
• Independently position their own work and work by others within the ongoing scientific debates and changing policy context;
• Independently and critically evaluate new developments in the field of Population Studies.

6. Attitudes

Graduates

• Develop a critical, independent, creative, pro-active and resourceful attitude;
• Develop a scientific and methodological rigour of doing research;
• Are able to work together in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural settings;
• Are able to work with deadlines and with feedback.

In doing so, the graduates of the Master Population Studies will be prepared for 

• The profession of researcher in Population Studies and in Demography

• Participation in the international field of Population Studies and Demography

• The contribution to capacity building in Population Studies and Demography, nationally and/or internationally.

The learning outcomes of the individual course units can be found in Ocasys.

Article 3.6 - Content of the programme

The degree programme has one programme.

1. All course units and their modes of instruction are listed in the digital University course catalogue OCASYS.

2. In situations of force majeure, when it is not reasonably possible to provide teaching in the manner stated in OCASYS, alternative modes of instruction and assessment may temporarily be used. This is on condition that the prescribed learning outcomes are still achieved upon completion of the degree programme

Article 4.4 - Compulsory order of examinations

The MSc programme does not have a compulsory order of examination.

Appendix 4.1: Admission to the programme

Article 2.1 - Entry requirements

1. Students with the following bachelor programmes from a research university are eligible to the programme:

- Faculty of Economics and Business (UoG):

• Business Administration (Bedrijfskunde)
• Econometrics and Operations Research
• Economics and Business Economics
• International Business

Or comparable programmes from another research university.

- Faculty of Spatial Sciences (UoG):

• Human Geography and Planning

• Spatial Planning and Design

Or comparable programmes from another research university.

More information about admission can be found on http://www.rug.nl/masters/real-estate-studies/#!requirements

2. A request for admission has to be submitted to the Admissions Board before May 1st. A decision regarding this application will be taken between May 1st and June 1st. Early bird applications need to be submitted to the Admission Board before December 1st. A decision regarding this application will be taken between February 1st and March 1st.

3. Students with a Dutch or foreign certificate of higher education that indicates that they have knowledge, understanding and skills at the level of a university Bachelor's degree and who can demonstrate the following specific knowledge, understanding and skills will be admitted to the degree programme:

• To the extent that courses of prior education (including the results) are in line with the MSc. Real Estate Studies
• To the extent that the applicant has the expected knowledge and experience in the field of Real Estate on basis of prior education and the motivation letter

4. If a candidate does not have a Bachelor’s degree certificate, the Admissions Board must assess whether he/she can be admitted based on the possession of knowledge, understanding and skills at Bachelor’s level. The Admission Board can also indirectly admit a candidate by offering a 60 ECTS Pre-master programme which needs to be completed before a candidate can start with the Master’s degree.

5. Students who satisfy the requirements listed in Articles 2.1.1 and 2.1.4 will be selected on the basis of an assessment of the following additional requirements:

• The content and grades of Real Estate- and Urban Economics-related courses from previous education
• The content and grades of Economics- and Finance-related courses from previous education
• The content and grades of Human Geography- and Spatial Planning-related courses from previous education
• Level of relevant knowledge of and skills in the methods and techniques used in the relevant field from previous education
• Motivation and experience in the field of Real Estate
• Proficiency in the language(s) used in the programme.

6. Selection within the meaning of Article 2.1.6 entitles students to register for the degree programme unless this registration causes the maximum number of students enrolled (45) to be exceeded.

Article 2.3 - Pre-Master’s programme

2.   Admission to the Pre-master of the MSc Real Estate Studies occurs in the bachelor programme. For entry requirements of the Pre-master programme, please see the BSc Teaching and Examination Regulations (TER) of the bachelor’s degree programme in Human Geography and Planning for the academic year 2023-2024.

Appendix 4.2: Aims and intended learning outcomes of the degree programme

1. Knowledge and understanding:
Have demonstrated knowledge and understanding that is founded upon and extends and/or enhances that typically associated with Bachelor’s level, and that provides a basis or opportunity for originality in developing and/or applying ideas, often within a research context;

• A. Are able to summarize and explain, using international academic literature, the historical development as well as current insights and societal challenges in fields that impact the real estate industry where special attention is paid to economic, financial, geographical, and planning perspectives.
• B. Are able to describe the theoretical foundations of real estate finance, economics and geography in general and in particular where it concerns the link of micro-level behavior by firms, people and policy, and its implications for (international) real estate markets.
• C. Are able to explain and compare the state-of-the-art methods and techniques used in social sciences where special attention is paid to real estate finance, economics and geography.
• D. Are able to describe the local context and spatial processes relating to land and real estate markets. This includes knowledge and understanding about institutions and its spatial planning, land use and governance structures at various regional levels, property rights, regulations and sustainability goals.
• E. Are able to describe the professional and ethical standards that are relevant in the globalized real estate industry and in its research.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding:
Can apply their knowledge and understanding, and problem solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study;

• A. Are able to develop new insights and solutions for complex societal challenges in fields that impact the real estate industry, both individually and in a team of professionals with different expertise.
• B. Are able to apply the state-of-the-art methods and techniques used in social sciences where special attention is paid to real estate finance, economics and geography.
• C. Are able to individually design an original research proposal for a complex societal challenge where they combine the knowledge and skills learnt during their bachelor and master programmes.
• D. Are able to conduct a research project with a minimum of supervision. This includes integrating theoretical knowledge, reviewing international academic literature, collecting and processing data, explaining the choice for and applying academic research methods and techniques, analyzing and interpreting data, discussing its implications and limitations, and formulating conclusions.

3. Making judgements:
Have the ability to integrate knowledge and handle complexity, and formulate judgements with incomplete or limited information, but that include reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgements;

• A. Are able to draw practical implications from their research, after selecting and applying relevant methods and techniques, and reflect on those implications.
• B. Are able to formulate a critical assessment of the interrelationships between real estate practice, theoretical foundations, methods and techniques, and empirical findings.
• C. Are able to critically reflect on real estate practice in terms of corporate responsibility, transparency, the functioning of (international) market institutions and real estate fundamentals.

4. Communication:
Can communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously;

• A. Are able to communicate in written and spoken language the motivation, theoretical considerations, methods and techniques, results and discussion of their research projects with groups in society for which their research has implications or is relevant.
• B. Are able to participate in academic and societal debates and dialogues on the basis of critical arguments and communicate their analysis convincingly.
• C. Have a professional attitude and are able to listen, use, integrate, and reproduce complex and unfamiliar arguments given by any relevant person or group in society.
• D. Are able to integrate the communicative actions by different stakeholders in complex societal challenges, and play a role in linking these to each other. They are able to play a mediating role between actors with competing goals by stimulating the exchange of ideas.
• E. Are aware of cultural differences in communication, norms and values, and co-operation in a (interdisciplinary and international) team and they can adapt accordingly to effectively work together and communicate research findings.

Learning Skills:
Have the learning skills to allow them to continue to study in a manner that maybe largely self-directed or autonomous;

• A. Are able to independently keep up with developments and societal challenges in fields that impact the real estate industry, and they are able to analyze, debate and reflect on those developments and societal challenges using international (academic) literature.
• B. Are able to continue and reflect on their learning process, professional skills and attitude in a self-directed or autonomous and ethical manner. This includes that they qualify for a third cycle (PhD) project and for entry to RICS membership.
• C. Are able to continue to deliver original contributions in fields that impact the real estate industry in an academic as well as a professional environment.
• D. Are able to continue to independently collect, process, analyze, and report on real estate data using computer skills (e.g searching and finding relevant literature, Excel, GIS, Powerpoint, STATA, and Word).

The learning outcomes of the individual course units can be found in Ocasys.

Article 3.6 - Content of the programme

1. In situations of force majeure, when it is not reasonably possible to provide teaching in the manner stated in OCASYS, alternative modes of instruction and assessment may temporarily be used. This is on condition that the prescribed learning outcomes are still achieved upon completion of the degree programme

Article 4.4 - Compulsory order of examinations

The MSc programme does not have a compulsory order of examination.

Appendix 5.1: Admission to the programme

Article 2.1 - Entry requirements

1. Admission to the Research Master in Spatial Sciences requires either:

• An academic Bachelor’s degree in ‘Human Geography and Planning or ‘Spatial Planning and Design’
• An academic Bachelor’s degree in another spatial, social or economic science discipline with substantial socio-spatial and research content. Substantial socio-spatial content is 30 ECTS in human geography and/or urban and regional planning and/or demography and/ or development studies. For those with a different Bachelor degree, the possibilities for admission are discussed with the coordinator.
• A Master’s degree in human geography or planning. 
• A Master’s degree in another social or economic science field with substantial social-spatial and spatial and research content.

2. In addition, the entrance requirements are as follows:

• Students must have completed their Bachelor or Master’s degrees with an average grade of at least 7.0 (on a 10 point scale) and
•  with a grade for their Bachelor research work of at least 7.5 or an equivalent grade based on other international grading systems;

3. Basic knowledge of statistical methods equivalent to the programme requirements mentioned in our bachelor programmes.
The decision for admission will be based on:

• The overall CV of the candidate
• A clearly motivated request for admission, including some ideas for research
• proof of compliance with the requirements regarding previous education
• research output produced so far by the applicant
  - proficiency in English
• at least one letter of reference from an experienced researcher who knows the candidate well,   
•  expressing the suitability & relevant qualities of the candidate
  - if deemed necessary by the admission board an interview with the applicant is scheduled in which attitude, motivation, orientation and competence for a training in scientific research are evaluated. 

4. Students with a Dutch or foreign certificate of higher education that, according to the Admissions Board, indicates that they have the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills at the level of a university Bachelor’s degree.  

5. If a candidate does not have a Bachelor’s degree certificate, the Admissions Board must assess whether they can be admitted based on the possession of knowledge, understanding and skills at Bachelor’s level.

Appendix 5.2: Aims and intended learning outcomes of the degree programme

Article 3.1 - Aim and learning outcomes of the degree programme

The learning outcomes of the individual course units can be found in Ocasys. For Master level courses outside the faculty or university the ReMa Master coordinator needs to grant permission and will for that aim assess the learning objectives of those courses

Article 3.5 - Tracks and Specializations

1. The degree programme has the following track: Erasmus Mundus Islands and Sustainability 
2. The degree programme has the following specializations:

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

Note: the track does not know specializations.

3. Awarding a formal specialization within the programme is a joint responsibility of the Research Master coordinator and the other relevant Master’s programme coordinator.

Article 3.6 - Content of the programme

1. The planning of the courses needs to be approved by the programme coordinator.

2. Please note the order of the Advanced and Specialized Research Methods and Thematic Theoretical Specialization is free for the student to decide. 

* in case Research at a renowned research institute is for only 10 ECTS, a student needs to choose a Thematic Theoretical Specialization course (5 ECTS).

Erasmus Mundus Islands and Sustainability 

3. For the theoretical/thematic specialization any course of the master programmes of the Faculty of Spatial Sciences can be chosen. It is also allowed, in agreement with the master coordinator, to take relevant courses from other Faculties and Universities.  For the advanced and specialized research methods course the students have to choose not only quantitative or only qualitative courses of methodological courses Within every theoretical/thematic and methodological course unit that is offered as part of a ‘regular’ one-year Master-programme, the student will have to complete and pass a so-called Deepening Module, to demonstrate that they have achieved the required depth at Research Master level. All course units and their modes of instruction are listed in the digital University course catalogue OCASYS.

4. In situations of force majeure, when it is not reasonably possible to provide teaching in the manner stated in OCASYS, alternative modes of instruction and assessment may temporarily be used. This is on condition that the prescribed learning outcomes are still achieved upon completion of the degree programme 

Appendix 6.1: Admission to the programme 

Article 2.1 - Entry requirements

1. Holders of a certificate from the Bachelor’s degree programme in ‘Human Geography Planning’ of the University of Groningen will be admitted to the degree programme. Holders of a certificate from the Bachelor’s degree programme in ‘Spatial Planning and Design’ of the University of Groningen or a certificate from the Bachelor’s degree programme in Human Geography and Planning (Sociale Geografie & Planologie) from a Dutch university are assumed to have sufficient knowledge and skills and will also be admitted to the degree programme on that basis. Admission is also possible for students that have completed the 1st year of a to this programme related Double Degree-programme at the partner university.

More information about admission can be found on https://www.rug.nl/masters/society-sustainability-and-planning/#requirements

2. Students with a Dutch or foreign certificate of higher education that, according to the Admissions Board, indicates that they have the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills at the level of a university Bachelor’s degree.  

3. If a candidate does not have a Bachelor’s degree certificate, the Admissions Board must assess whether they can be admitted based on the possession of knowledge, understanding and skills at Bachelor’s level will also be admitted to the degree programme on that basis.

Article 2.3 - Pre-Master’s programme

Admission to the Pre-master of the MSc Society, Sustainability and Planning occurs in the bachelor programme. For entry requirements of the Pre-master programme, please see the BSc Teaching and Examination Regulations (TER) of the bachelor’s degree programme in Spatial Planning and Design for academic year 2023-2024. 

Appendix 6.2: Aims and intended learning outcomes of the degree programme

Article 3.1 - Aim and learning outcomes of the degree programme

1. Knowledge and Understanding

• A. Explain issues in specific administrative and social contexts by acquiring knowledge on the spatial changes in neighbourhoods, cities and regions and their significance for society and sustainability (place analysis).
• B. Examine planning institutions, actor-networks and power relations within dynamic contexts, in order to develop effective coalitions and institutional arrangements (actor and institutional analysis).
• C. Identify conflicting visions and interests in the nexus between economy, environment and equity.
• D. Contribute actively to knowledge development (theories, concepts and methods) from a societal and planning perspective focusing on the human factor.
  

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding

• A. Examine the impact of socio-spatial planning problems and interventions on particular places while drawing on the latest international academic debates on sustainability and society.
• B. Critically and constructively engage with (new) ideas and developments within the international field of spatial planning.
• C. Develop and conduct theory-informed empirical research using appropriate research methodology, methods and techniques, and critically evaluate the results.
• D. Apply own academic research designs in specific cases and stakeholder settings by employing gained knowledge on the forces that shape places.
• E. Propose well-argued and realistic policy solutions for livable, sustainable, just and inclusive places, that build on acquired knowledge and problem-solving abilities. 

3. Forming Judgements

• Examine the (inter)subjective nature of spatial planning in potential solutions, especially by using power, justice, diversity and human capacity perspectives.
• Critically assess analyses, spatial representations and visualizations, research strategies and planning interventions proposed by others.
• Reflect on how future spatial interventions and decision-making processes might affect people’s interests, equality, social and environmental justice. 
• Formulate ethical judgements by reflecting on normative underlying assumptions and values within the current international planning debate.
• Discuss and develop context-specific judgments and policy solutions for responsible and active agents in spatial transformation as a basis for leadership in the field of planning in a globalizing world.

4. Communication

• Present ideas and findings both in oral and written form and through different means of digital and face-to face communication, adjusted to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. 
• Collaborate in diverse student teams to analyze complex spatial and sustainability problems. 
• Engage with differences in experiences, arguments and opinions in multi-stakeholder settings. 
• Show sensitivity in communication with fellow students and in local communities, especially regarding diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
  

5. Learning Skills

• Differentiate and classify information and arguments from different sources, such as academic texts, policy documents and popular media.
• Carry out largely self-directed research on socio-spatial issues in new contexts, aiming to formulate sustainable solutions and address potential actors and means of implementation.
• Debate and reflect on a repertoire of planning roles to facilitate multi-stakeholder settings, mediating between various opinions, interests and values.

The learning outcomes of the individual course units can be found in Ocasys.

Article 3.6 - Content of the programme

1. All course units and their modes of instruction are listed in the digital University course catalogue OCASYS.

2. In situations of force majeure, when it is not reasonably possible to provide teaching in the manner stated in OCASYS, alternative modes of instruction and assessment may temporarily be used. This is on condition that the prescribed learning outcomes are still achieved upon completion of the degree programme

Article 4.4 - Compulsory order of examinations

The MSc programme does not have a compulsory order of examination.