Study in Norway in English
Have you considered studying in Norway but you’re afraid that Norwegians don’t understand English? Two international students tell you why you don't have to worry.
Joint European Master's Programme in System Dynamics (EMSD) (Master's)
The Joint European Master’s Programme in System Dynamics provides students with the opportunity to solve real-world problems, while studying abroad and broadening their horizons.
- Duration
- 2 years
- Study places
- 25
- ECTS credits
- 120
- Start of study
- Autumn
- Teaching language
- English
What will you learn?
With a Joint European Master’s degree in System Dynamics, you will:
- Master the endogenous (closed loop) conceptualization and explanation of the root causes of undesirable change over time.
- Understand the structural elements of dynamic complexity that drive change in dynamic systems.
- Tackle the inherent difficulties in understanding the structure and behavior of dynamic social systems.
- Excel in the development, simulation, validation and analysis of computer models for policy design.
- Make use of various forms of qualitative empirical research (e.g. interviews).
- Conduct group model building sessions.
- Apply system dynamics in communities, as well as public and private sectors.
Student life
As this degree is offered by four institutions, you will get to spend time at several universities in different countries during your time in the Master’s programme.
The study programme focuses on the students’ own activities, such as modelling, analysis, writing and presentations. Simulation results provide instantaneous feedback to reinforce learning. Assignments, electronic case studies and project-based learning are used extensively. Performing model-based knowledge elicitation in vivo trains the students in targeted information collection and analysis processes.
Other teaching forms we use are lectures, labs, computer exercises, weekly assignments, interactive learning environments (ILEs), literature studies and presentations. The study programme is taught in English.
The distribution between reading and practical work is about 35/65.
Career
Our students go on to work in academia and research organisations, international organisations and agencies, NGOs and consulting companies, and larger private and public enterprises. These are typically organisations facing complex, dynamic sustainability challenges.
With this degree, you will have a remarkably wide set of skills, in methods, techniques and tools that reach across disciplines and sectors. You will be able to apply these skills to enhance communication through knowledge elicitation and dissemination, and knowledge organisation and storage, as well as analysis.
Read interviews with former studentsAdmission requirements and how to apply
Grade requirements: C (2.5)
Requires a minimum average grade of Norwegian grade C (2,5) or the equivalent, to be eligible for admission.
Students with citizenship from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland must pay tuition fees. Some applicants may be exempted from this rule.
Follow these links to find the general entry requirements and guidelines on how to apply:
Citizens from outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA (1 December)
Application procedurefor students from outside EU
Citizens from within the European Union/EEA/EFTA (1 March)
Application procedure for students from EU
Nordic citizens and applicants residing in Norway (15 April)
Application procedure for students residing in Norway
All applicants with citizenship from outside the EU/EEA must pay tuition fees.
Submission deadline for autumn semester: 15 April
Teaching language
Teaching language: English
Study structure
This is a full-time, two-year Master’s programme which starts in August. The programme has two components: a course part (90 ECTS), and a Master’s thesis (30 ECTS). The total workload is 120 ECTS.
Semester 1: Bergen
GEO-SD302 Fundamentals of Dynamic Social Systems (10 ECTS)
GEO-SD303 Model-based Analysis and Policy Design (10 ECTS)
GEO-SD304 System Dynamics Modelling Process (10 ECTS)
Semester 2: Spring 2022 and spring 2024 Palermo
Dynamic Performance Management for Public Sector Organizations (8 ECTS)
Dynamic Performance Management (10 ECTS)
Dynamic Performance Governance (12 ECTS)
Semester 2: Spring 2023 and spring 2025 Lisboa
Sustainability Science (10 ECTS)
Integrative Modelling (10 ECTS)
Sustainability Strategies (10 ECTS)
Semester 3: Nijmegen
You spend your third semester at Radboud University.
Computer simulation models and organizational decision-making (6 ECTS)
Group Model Building I (6 ECTS)
Decision making and knowledge (6 ECTS)
Group Model Building II (6 ECTS)
Dynamics of business strategy (6 ECTS)
Semester 4
You spend the last semester writing your Master’s thesis at one of the three universities at which you studied in semesters 1-3.
Master’s thesis in System Dynamics (30 ECTS)
Study abroad
Further studies
The Joint European Master’s Programme in System Dynamics qualifies for PhD studies.
Questions about the study?
Phone number: +47 55 58 98 50
E-mail: advice.systdyn@uib.no
Study plan
A study plan is a formal document between you as a student and the University of Bergen. The study plan must provide a clear framework for the study, describe the learning goals you will achieve and how the study is structured.
Study plan for Joint European Master's Programme in System Dynamics (EMSD)
