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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes DDM Sustainable Urban and Regional Development
Header image DDM Sustainable Urban and Regional Development

DDM Sustainable Urban and Regional Development

Do you want to study topics sustainable urban and regional development in the context of Europe and Southeast Asia? Join our Double Degree Master in Sustainable Urban and Regional Development!

The Faculty of Spatial Sciences at the University of Groningen (UG), the Netherlands, and the Department of Geography at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia have jointly created a Double Degree Master programme. It combines content from the master Geography (track Regional Development) at UGM with content from the master Society, Sustainability and Planning at UG. Students start their two year programme with a year in Indonesia, followed by a year in the Netherlands.

You will learn about geography, planning and sustainable & regional development, taking into consideration the social context and planning politics. You will learn to solve real-world problems by using acquired skills and techniques.

Gadjah Mada University, located in the city of Yogyakarta, is one of the oldest and largest institutions of higher education in Indonesia. The city is home to thousands of students from across the world. Yogyakarta's unique landscape, heritage and culture make it an interesting place for those studying urban planning. In addition, you will enrich your study experience in Groningen, the Netherlands. The University of Groningen is one of the world's leading universities. Learn from the best and take advantage of exciting research opportunities connecting Europe and Southeast Asia.

Master Open Day
I nterested in learning more? The next Master Open Day is on Thursday 21 March. Sign up for the presentation via the Master's Week webpage (sign up opens on 1 March).

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Society, Sustainability and Planning
Course type
Double Degree master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
66653
Language of instruction
English
Start
August, September
Faculty
Spatial Sciences
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Unique focus on designing socially sustainable spatial solutions
  • Numerous 'hands-on' assignments, field-visits and contacts with practitioners
  • An emerging societally relevant field within Spatial Planning research and practice
  • Thinking (policy strategies) and doing (practical work on projects and plans)
  • Compare international theory and practice
Programme
Semesters
Courses1a1b2a2b
Development of Concepts and Theories in Geography (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Population and Development (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Research Design and Methodology (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Smart City, Village and Region (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Space and Place in Globalization (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Spatial Data Representation (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Spatial Development Planning (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Structure and Dynamics of Regional System (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Sustainable Regional Development (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Design of Monitoring and Evaluation (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Fieldwork (3 SKS) (4.5 EC)
Marginal and Border Area Development (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Pre-proposal (1.5 EC)
Regional Development Information System (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Regional Development Studio (3 SKS) (4.5 EC)
Statistic for Geography (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Sustainable Urban Development (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Semesters
Courses1a1b2a2b
City Matters (5 EC)
Interaction, Society and Space (5 EC)
Planning Theory (5 EC)
Engaging Society in Spatial Transformation (5 EC)
Optional courses (10 EC)
Master's Thesis (parts 1-3) (5 EC)
Revitalising Neighbourhoods (5 EC)
Living Lab Sustainable Places (ID) (5 EC)

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is required
Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
All Research universities

Via a pre-master

More information:

See Environmental and Infrastructural Planning & Socio-spatial Planning or contact Paul van Steen iofss rug.nl

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Bachelor's degree in Geography, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Spatial Planning, Environmental Science, Economic Development, Regional Development, Social Science and Politics, Public Administration or any other subject related to the DDM programme. Not sure about your degree? Ask our study advisors via study.advice.fss rug.nl

grade average

Overall weighted average grade of at least 3.25 (Indonesian Grade) for Indonesian students, or at least 6.5 (Dutch grade) for Dutch students, or equivalent for other students.

language test

English certificate according to the requirements of the Common European Framework (CEF): C1 or better

  • IELTS overall band 6.5, no less than 6.0 on each section
  • TOEFL 92 IBT
  • Cambridge English: Cambridge certificate C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (formerly known as CAE/CPE)

The language proficiency requirement can be waived for students that can demonstrate that they are enrolled in or have completed a Bachelor's programme that is fully taught in English.

A prospective student can always apply for an exemption from the English language test. The student needs to explain, and if required show proof of, why an exemption would be justified. It is up to the Admission Board to decide whether an exemption will be granted or not.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 March 202501 August 2025
01 March 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 March 202501 August 2025
01 March 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 March 202501 September 2025
01 April 202501 August 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Bachelor's degree in Geography, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Spatial Planning, Environmental Science, Economic Development, Regional Development, Social Science and Politics, Public Administration or any other subject related to the DDM programme. Not sure about your degree? Ask our study advisors via study.advice.fss rug.nl

grade average

Overall weighted average grade of at least 3.25 (Indonesian Grade) for Indonesian students, or at least 6.5 (Dutch grade) for Dutch students, or equivalent for other students.

language test

English certificate according to the requirements of the Common European Framework (CEF): C1 or better

  • IELTS overall band 6.5, no less than 6.0 on each section
  • TOEFL 92 IBT
  • Cambridge English: Cambridge certificate C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (formerly known as CAE/CPE)

The language proficiency requirement can be waived for students that can demonstrate that they are enrolled in or have completed a Bachelor's programme that is fully taught in English.

A prospective student can always apply for an exemption from the English language test. The student needs to explain, and if required show proof of, why an exemption would be justified. It is up to the Admission Board to decide whether an exemption will be granted or not.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 March 202501 August 2025
01 March 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 March 202501 August 2025
01 March 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 March 202501 September 2025
01 April 202501 August 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time

Scholarships:

Check the Nuffic website for information about scholarships.

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

Our graduates work at:

  • Varuious levels of government
  • Consultancies, housing associations and developers (private sector)
  • NGOs (environmental, social, heritage)
  • Universities and research institutes

We support you in developing a rich set of analytical tools and practical skills that allow you to create sustainable cities. You become a critical professional who knows how to engage citizens in the major spatial transformations of our times.

Research
Apply nowBrochureEventsContact

Contact

  • Dyah Ayu (For admission related questions)
    Email: akademikpasca.geo ugm.ac.id
  • Saskia Enuma, Reinier Schoep, Nienke Harteveld (Study Advisors Faculty of Spatial Sciences)
    Email: study.advice.fss rug.nl

Study associations

Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta is the Faculty Association of Spatial Sciences
Becoming a member of Ibn Battuta means you can join the social drinks, foreign trips, lectures and all other activities organized by the Association. At these events you come into contact with students from all years, which is a great way to make friends that can last a lifetime! Ibn Battuta also organizes informative and career-focused activities. Our informative activities, such as lectures, In-Housedays and the Career Day will help you to orient on your future.
https://www.ibnbattuta.nl/
Read more