Cultural Geography and Tourism

Cultural Geography and Tourism at Radboud University offers students a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between cultures, environments, and travel practices around the world. This program explores how cultural identities shape places, landscapes, and tourism phenomena, providing insights into the social, economic, and environmental impacts of tourism. Students will examine diverse cultural contexts, develop critical skills to analyze the dynamics of cultural heritage and local communities, and gain practical knowledge applicable to sustainable tourism development. The curriculum combines theoretical perspectives from human geography, cultural studies, and tourism studies with practical methodologies, including fieldwork, spatial analysis, and policy analysis. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to think critically about current issues such as climate change, mass tourism, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. The program prepares graduates for careers in tourism management, cultural consultancy, policy development, and sustainable development organizations. Students benefit from the university’s extensive network of partnerships with industry stakeholders, cultural institutions, and local communities, providing opportunities for internships, research projects, and international exchanges. The interdisciplinary approach aims to foster a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of culture and tourism, equipping students with the analytical tools necessary to address contemporary challenges in the field. With a focus on sustainability and cultural sensitivity, the program emphasizes responsible tourism practices that respect local traditions and promote social cohesion. Graduates emerge with a broad perspective on cultural geography and the role of tourism in shaping societal change, ready to contribute positively to global and local developments in this dynamic sector.

The Master’s specialisation in Cultural Geography and Tourism is taught the Nijmegen School of Management. It has a course load of 60 EC* (one-year). All the courses are 6 EC and the Master’s thesis is 24 EC. The structure is as follows:

Semester 1

• Urban and Cultural Geography (6 EC)
• Preparing the Master’s Thesis (6 EC)
• Leisure, Tourism and Environment: Sustainable Development (6 EC) N.B.: This course takes place in Wageningen
• Elective course(s) (12 EC)

Semester 2

• Leisure, Tourism and Environment: Experience and Environment (6 EC) N.B.: This course takes place in Wageningen
• Master's Thesis and Internship (24 EC)

Elective courses

You’re free to choose courses that add up to at least 12 EC and meet your interests as long as they, in some way, can be linked to this specialisation and are taught at Master’s level. You can choose courses within Human Geography that are compulsory for other specialisations or from other related Master’s programmes, for example:

• Multiculturalism, Diversity and Space (Radboud University) (6 EC)
• Leisure, Tourism and Globalisation (Wageningen University) (6 EC)
• City and Region Marketing (course in Dutch) (6 EC)
• Tourism (Radboud University) (5 EC)
• Things: Material Culture and the Politics of Identity (Radboud University) (5 EC)
• New Media and Social Media in Functional Context (Radboud University) (5 EC)
• Event and Tourism Marketing (Erasmus University) (5 EC)
• Brand Management (Erasmus University) (6 EC)
• Leisure and Creativity in the Information Society (Breda University) (6 EC)
• Understanding Leisure Attractions and Events (Breda University) (6 EC)
• Imagineering as Strategic Design in Leisure Organisations (Breda University) (6 EC)
• Experience Marketing (Breda University) (6 EC)
• Analysing Leisure Interactions (Breda University) (6 EC)

1. A completed Bachelor's degree from a geography-related discipline
   In order to get admission to this Master's you will need a completed Bachelor’s degree from a geography-related discipline, such as Urban/Spatial Planning, Environmental Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, History, Philosophy, Religion Studies, European Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Language Studies, Architecture, (Urban) Design Studies, Leisure and Tourism, Conflict Studies and Management Sciences. Your prior education needs to be approved by the Examination Board.
2. Proficiency in English
   In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:
   • A TOEFL minimum overall score of 90, with subscores no lower than 18
   • An IELTS of minimum overall score of 6.5, with subscores no lower than 6.0
   • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

The Master's programme in Cultural Geography and Tourism at Radboud University is an interdisciplinary programme that explores the complex relationships between culture, geography, and tourism. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the spatial and cultural aspects of tourism development and management, along with the broader cultural processes that influence regional and global landscapes. Throughout the programme, students examine how cultural identities and practices shape tourism activities and destinations, and how tourism, in turn, impacts local communities and environments.

The programme covers a range of topics including cultural landscapes, heritage management, sustainable tourism, and the social and economic impacts of tourism. It aims to equip students with analytical skills to assess tourism development strategies as well as practical skills for tourism planning and policy-making. The curriculum incorporates both theoretical frameworks and empirical research methods, enabling students to conduct independent research projects.

Radboud University emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from geography, anthropology, sociology, and environmental studies. This allows students to develop a multifaceted perspective on cultural and tourism phenomena. The programme offers opportunities for fieldwork, case studies, and collaborations with industry partners, which enhance practical understanding and employability.

Graduates are prepared for careers in tourism development agencies, cultural heritage management, environmental consulting, urban planning, and international development organizations. The programme also provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing doctoral research. Students benefit from the university’s research-led teaching, international outlook, and strong network of professionals in the field.

Overall, the Master's in Cultural Geography and Tourism offers an enriching academic experience that combines critical analysis with practical application, fostering the skills necessary to address contemporary challenges in tourism and cultural landscapes. The programme is suited for students who are passionate about understanding cultural dynamics within geographic spaces and who aim to contribute to sustainable and culturally sensitive tourism practices worldwide.