Sustainability Studies - Master's Degree Programme

In this study programme, you will be learning for sustainability. Climate change and biodiversity loss represent two of the greatest challenges of our time, affecting and being affected by various political, economic, cultural, and social contexts and conditions.

As societies strive for sustainability, the earth's ecosystems face unprecedented pressures, demanding a nuanced understanding of the interconnections between environmental concerns, energy production, and societal values. This master's programme, previously named Master's in Energy, Environment, and Society, explores how contextual configurations of political, social, cultural, and technological conditions can enable a transition to a sustainable society.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes
In the study program, we aspire to promote the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to contribute to the strategies and solutions for a sustainable society. Graduates will after completion of the program have acquired the following learning outcomes, in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competences:

Knowledge
Students will have:

• Knowledge about Norwegian and international policies related to climate change mitigation and sustainability, such as the SDGs, as well as their application.
• Advanced knowledge about challenges, opportunities, and strategies related to energy systems and technologies, and how society can transform energy production and use in a more environmentally friendly direction.
• Advanced knowledge about the strategies and challenges associate with energy transitions, and how this affect and are affected by societal and political systems, structures, institutions, and geographies, as well as individual lives and beliefs.
• Advanced knowledge of theoretical and methodological approaches and traditions within the academic field, and the ability to use these to analyse relevant issues, policies, politics, and strategies related to sustainable energies, environments, and societies.

Skills
Students will be able to:

• Analyse relevant theories, methods, interpretations, and analyses, in an independent manner.
• Analyse and critically assess information from various sources to formulate scientific arguments and perform tasks related to sustainability challenges affecting societies and industries, such as the SDGs or environmental, social and governance principles.
• Apply theoretical and methodological approaches to identify, asses, and work independently and in teams on theoretical and practical problems related to sustainability.
• Work both independently and cooperate in groups to conduct rigorous research in accordance with scientific values, under supervision.
• Integrate different approaches, perceptions, and analyses related to sustainable energies, environments, and societies.

General competencies
Students will be able to:

• Interpret and analyse relevant academic, professional, and ethical issues across different subject areas related to sustainability (e.g. regulation, economics, environment, society, policies, and politics).
• Apply aquired knowledges and skills in new areas to conduct advanced tasks and projects.
• Communicate research problems, analyses, and conclusions, in accordance with scientific terminology.
• Facilitate cooperation towards sustainable solutions by communicating across divides between e.g. technical specialists, engineers, policy makers, the general public, and various interest groups.
• Contribute to advancing processes, strategies, and solutions for a sustainable society, in developing, designing, and implementing solutions to challenges around sustainability.
• Contribute to innovation, critical thinking, and reflection in research, policy, practices, and strategies for transitions to a low-carbon society.

Syllabus

Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Number of study places

35 for local applicants; 10 for international applicants

ECTS credits

120

Study pace

Full time

Application and admission

Deadlines

Contact: admissions@uis.no

Language of instruction

English

Start of studies

August every year

Tuition fees

No tuition fee for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

Tuiton fees for non EU/EAA/Swiss citizens

Career prospects

Career prospects

Graduates will be able to work with complex sustainability issues and the energy transition in different work environments. The master's programme qualifies for work in public administration, the civil society sector, and private industries/corporations.

Demand for knowledge about sustainability and the nexus between energy, environment, and society is increasing. Roles, employers, and workplaces include:

• Consultancy related to sustainability, energy, environment and ESG criteria, for private and public sector companies and organisations
• Environmental policy analysis for government agencies, NGOs, think tanks, interest groups, etc.
• Sustainability management, implementing and overseeing sustainability initiatives within organisations
• Digitalisation processes and projects for sustainability
• Analysing, evaluating, and promoting projects, technologies, and initiatives related to sustainability and renewable energy
• Research in the university sector or research divisions in private and public sector organisations
• Project management in sustainable development
• Start-up projects and companies

This Master’s social science graduates are assets for both public and private sector actors that explore new ways of thinking and acting to enable a green shift. We are actively working with an expanding network of private and public companies and institutions, as well as alumni in Rogaland, Norway, and beyond.

Work placement opportunity

In the third semester, students can apply for the elective course “Work placement” (30 credits). This course gives students the opportunity to conduct an internship in a company or organisation approved by the department. See more information about work placements under "Study plan and courses".

Graduates from the Master's programme qualify for PhD studies.

Course assessment

The student evaluation of the program's courses is conducted according to the Faculty of Social Sciences' evaluation system. To ensure the study program’s quality and a good learning environment for student and lecturers, dialogues will be held early in each course all semesters. In addition, standardized course evaluation will be held every year. The evaluation of the study program and its courses is conducted according to UiS’ quality system.