System Dynamics (Master's)
In our complex world, facing numerous sustainability, resilience and security challenges, appropriate theories, methods and tools are essential. System dynamics explores the dynamics of complex systems, enabling us to understand change, and identify leverage points for solutions.
- Duration
- 2 year
- Study places
- 25
- ECTS credits
- 120
- Start of study
- Autumn
- Teaching language
- English
What will you learn?
With a Master’s degree in System Dynamics, you will:
- Master the endogenous (closed loop) conceptualisation 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 behaviour of dynamic social systems.
- Excel in the development, simulation, validation and analysis of computer models for policy design.
- Engage clients and communities in problem identification and policy design.
- Lead the building and implementation of interactive simulators as learning and experimentation platforms.
- Apply system dynamics in communities, as well as public and priv
Student life
This is a full-time study that will require dedication and focus, with quantitative, as well as qualitative skills, but it also offers a vibrant student community with informal gatherings and new friends.
In a typical week, both online and on campus, you will be busy discussing and interacting with your fellow students and professors in classes and outside of class. There are lectures, labs and assignments throughout the week. We use client-based case studies and state-of-the-art learning technology.
As a campus student you will spend most of your time at or in the vicinity of the Department of Geography, which is situated in the city centre of Bergen. There are reading rooms dedicated to Master’s students.
As an online learning student you will be offered online collaboration forums. The syllabus literature will be available digitally through UiB’s library agreements.
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.
Admission 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.
In order to apply for the Master's Programme in System Dynamics you need a bachelor's degree of 3-4 years' duration, or an equivalent educational background. The degree must include 1,5 years (80-90 ECTS) of full-time studies in relevant courses in either social sciences, including management, or natural sciences, including engineering.
You also need to document proficiency in English
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 procedure for 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
Semester 1
GEO-SD302 – Fundamentals of System Dynamics (10 ECTS)
GEO-SD303 – System Dynamics Modeling and Analysis (10 ECTS)
GEO-SD304 – System Dynamics Modelling Process (10 ECTS)
Semester 2
GEO-SD308 – Model-based Policy Design and Analysis (10 ECTS)
GEO-SD311 – Analytical methods and advanced modelling (10 ECTS)
GEO-SD325 – Client Based Modelling (10 ECTS)
The following courses may substitute a second and third semester course, with the permission of the Department:
GEO-SD322 – Special Topics in System Dynamics, Policy (10 ECTS)
GEO-SD323 – Special Topics in System Dynamics, Applications (10 ECTS)
GEO-SD324 – Special Topics in System Dynamics, Methodology (10 ECTS)
Semester 3
GEO-SD306 – Dynamic Complexity and Decision Experiments (10 ECTS)
GEO-SD309 – Model Based Interactive Learning Environments (10 ECTS)
GEO-SD310 – Writing course and project description (10 ECTS)
Semester 4
In your final semester, you will write your Master’s thesis (GEO-SD351, 30 ECTS). You are assigned a supervisor to guide you through the writing process. You are also included in the activities of the System Dynamics research group.
In your thesis. you get the chance to specialise even further in your chosen field.
See our list of previous Master’s topics to get an idea of the variations and possibilities.
If your Master’s project requires substantial, time-consuming empirical work, you may apply for the 60 ECTS Master’s thesis. The coursework in semester 3 will then be replaced by a Master’s Thesis in System Dynamics (GEO-SD350, 60 ECTS) in semesters 3 and 4.
Study abroad
In the second or third semester you can go on an exchange to Palermo, Lisbon or Nijmegen.
Further studies
A Master’s degree 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.
