In this study programme, you will be learning about sustainability. Climate change and biodiversity loss represent two of the greatest challenges of our time. They involve political, economic, developmental, security, social and ethical challenges, especially for the most vulnerable societies.
2 years (4 semesters)
120
English
August every year
About the study programme: learning for sustainability
This master's programme takes the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as its point of departure. The program focuses on the challenges and opportunities associated with the realization of these goals, with a special emphasis on energy. Energy and its associated environmental impacts present tremendous challenges for both nations and the international community. Energy systems across the globe are transitioning - or about to transition - towards lower carbon and more sustainable energy configurations. At the same time, debates about what constitutes sustainable energy policy have intensified in most countries, with political conflicts over the meaning of concepts such as sustainable energy, low carbon transition, and with different and competing visions about the future energy mix and future energy system.
These political controversies constitute the core of this master's program. It raises fundamental questions of what sustainable energy might be, and what a low-carbon transition might look like, from different perspectives. The program gives students an overview into energy-specific challenges, and social and environmental challenges associated with energy (e.g. climate change, water resources deterioration, competition for land, etc.). We also explore the different actors, interests, perceptions, and drivers of a possible transition towards a low carbon society, in diverse contexts. It encompasses the environmental, social, political, and economic dimensions of sustainable development.
The program educates social scientists with basic insights into energy systems. We need to understand how societal changes can be managed and directed towards specific goals such as sustainable development. What are the specific contextual configurations of politics and policy that will enable a transition to a sustainable society?
While the master's programme is multidisciplinary in its approach, it provides room for students to specialize through elective courses and by studying abroad at one of our partner institutions. Students may choose their own track of specialisation or a minor from other programs at UiS.
Please note that changes in the elective courses offered each year might vary.
This study programme was previously called Energy, Environment and Society. From the study year starting 2025, it will be called Master in Sustainability Studies.
In my professional life, I have benefited significantly from the understanding of the interaction between social science and technical perspectives on sustainability
Work placement
In the third semester, you can apply for the elective course «Work Placement».
The internship course is worth 30 credits and gives you the opportunity to go on an internship at one of the companies UiS has an agreement with.
The course offers students work placements in businesses. The work placement contributes to increase the student's awareness of his/her role in relation to others in specific work related development and change tasks. Furthermore, the student gains insight in how to analyse situations and make use of different methods and theories to enhance wanted changes.
See more information under "Study plan and courses".
Career prospects
Demand for knowledge about the nexus between energy, environment, and society is increasing. Employers such as public sector ventures and institutions, think tanks and interest groups, consultancies, the energy industry, and start-ups all explore new ways of thinking and acting to enable social change.
This Master’s social science graduates are therefore an asset for the public and private sector. 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 complete an internship in a company or organization related to sustainable development and/or the energy transition. Each year, we offer work places in businesses and organizations the department has an agreement with. Students can also propose work placements that may be evaluated by the department. See more information about work placements under "Study plan and courses".
Graduates from the master programme in Energy, Environment, and Society qualify for PhD studies.
Learning outcomes
All study programmes at the UiS have a set of defined learning targets. Read more about the learning outcome for this study programme.
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 master have acquired the following learning outcomes, in terms of knowledge, skills and general competences:
Knowledge
Upon completing the programme, the student 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 a energy transitions, and how it affects and is affected by societal and political systems and structures, institutions, geographies, as well as individual lives and beliefs.
- Advanced knowledge of theoretical and methodological approaches to politics and policy change, related to energy, environment, and society.
Skills
Students will be able to:
- Apply and assess theoretical and methodological approaches and analyses related to the field of energy, environment, and society.
- Apply theoretical and methodological perspectives to interpret, asses, and analyse complex systems across different subject areas related to sustainability (e.g. regulation, economics, environment, society, policies, and politics).
- Conduct and present research projects, independently and in teams.
- Communicate and advance understandings of issues related to sustainable energy, environments, and societies.
- Apply knowledges in various energy and sustainability related fields, to identify, asses, and propose measures to solve problems related to sustainability in terms of energy systems, environmental impact, and societal factors.
General competencies
Students will be able to:
- Analyse and assess various sources of relevance in new settings to conduct advanced projects and tasks in various sectors, for instance related to sustainability challenges and goals affecting societies and industries, such as the SDGs, ESG, and more.
- Contribute to innovation, critical thinking, and reflection in research, policy, practices, and strategies for transitions to a low-carbon society.
- Work independently and cooperate in projects to conduct and communicate rigorous research, analyses and conclusions, in accordance with scientific values.
- Contribute to the strategies and solutions for a sustainable society, in developing, designing, and implementing solutions to challenges around sustainability.
- Facilitate cooperation towards sustainable solutions by communicating across divides between e.g., technical specialists, engineers, policy makers, the general public, and various interest groups.
Academic requirements
A bachelor's degree with a specialization of at least 80 ECTS credits in one or more of the following subject areas or equivalent is required: Social sciences, History, Hotel management, Tourism management, Sociology, Psychology, Pedagogy, Social anthropology, Law, Geography, Political science, Management, Economics
Professional bachelor degrees in the following areas qualify for admission: police, teacher education, social care and journalism.
Admission to this master's programme requires a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (according to ECTS Standards) in your bachelor's degree.
Application and admission
Contact
For inquiries regarding admission to international Master's programmes, send an email to: admissions@uis.no.
Find more information here: When to apply.
Study plan and courses
Enrolment year: 2024
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Compulsary courses
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Societal Transition and Transformation - Energy and Climate Change
Year 1, semester 1
Societal Transition and Transformation - Energy and Climate Change (MEE100)
Study points: 10
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Philosophy of Science and Research Methods
Year 1, semester 1
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Energy, Energy Technologies, and Energy System Integration
Year 1, semester 1
Energy, Energy Technologies, and Energy System Integration (PET515)
Study points: 10
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Geopolitics of the Energy Transition
Year 1, semester 2
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Governing Energy Transitions
Year 1, semester 2
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Applied Social Science Research Methods
Year 1, semester 2
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Master Thesis
Year 2, semester 3
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3 term at UiS or exchange studies
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Exchange studies
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Term 3 at UiS - Choose 30 ECTS
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New Technologies and Ideas for Sustainable City Development
Year 2, semester 3
New Technologies and Ideas for Sustainable City Development (BYG655)
Study points: 10
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Global Sexualities:Theories, Methodologies, Practices
Year 2, semester 3
Global Sexualities:Theories, Methodologies, Practices (GEN570)
Study points: 10
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Digitalisation for Sustainability
Year 2, semester 3
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Work Placement
Year 2, semester 3
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Energy, Societal Safety and Sustainable Development
Year 2, semester 3
Energy, Societal Safety and Sustainable Development (SAM550)
Study points: 10
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Questions and answers about the study
Can I study part-time or combine my studies with work? Is it possible to take an internship during the study?
Can I study part-time or combine my studies with work?
The Master in Sustainablity Studies is a full-time program with many lectures and some group work. In addition, the study requires a good dose of self-study to acquire the knowledge you are expected to be left with after completing your studies.
It is not possible to follow an official part-time study program, but as a master's student you have three years' right to study, and you can thus spend three years taking the courses that according to the plan should take you two years. If you do not follow the education plan, we can not guarantee collisions on either teaching or exams.
What jobs can I get when I graduate?
By taking the Master in Sustainablity Studies, you get a social science master's degree. It is not always as easy to say specifically which professions you may end up in, because it is not a vocational degree. The master's will give you general insight into energy and environmental challenges, and it is therefore natural to think that you are relevant for jobs where these issues are relevant. Knowledge of sustainable development, energy and environmental challenges is expected to increase sharply in the time ahead.
The choice of profession and workplace after graduation may depend on your bachelor's degree and interests. In the master's program, you must choose four elective courses yourself, in addition to the compulsory courses. This means that here you have the opportunity to focus on topics and areas you would like to work on in the future. Also which theme you choose for your master's thesis can help to position you towards the jobs you could imagine.
How much compulsory education is there during the study?
Although the best thing for your learning outcome is to attend as many lectures as possible, and this is clearly what we recommend, there are not many compulsory lectures on the energy master. In some of the courses, you must also pass group work and assignments to be allowed to sit for the exam, and this naturally presupposes attendance and collaboration with your group.
I am educated in technical and scientific subjects / I am an engineer. Does this provide a basis for admission to the master?
The Master in Sustainablity Studies is a social science master's, and a bachelor's degree in technical and natural sciences / engineering will consequently not be a sufficient basis for admission.
Is it possible to take an internship during the study?
Yes, in the third semester you can apply for the elective course «Work placement». The internship course is 30 credits and gives you the opportunity to go on an internship at one of the companies UiS has an agreement with (you can not find an internship yourself, it must be one of the companies we collaborate with). Via UiS, you apply to the companies and are called for a job interview, similar to a normal job application process. The companies themselves choose who they want to offer a place, ie that you are not guaranteed an internship even if you apply for it. If you are offered an internship, you work in a 75 percent position for 15 weeks. Companies that have accepted interns are e.g. Stavanger Municipality, the County Governor, Columbus, Lyse, Nordic Edge and Zero.
Here you can read more about the internship topic.
Student exchange
By going on exchange to one of our partner institutions abroad as part of your studies, you will have an opportunity to get a unique education. In addition to improving your career opportunities, you grow as a person and gain the ability to greater reflect on the topics you study as part of your degree. All about exchange
Exchange semester
3rd semester
Students at Energy, Environment, and Society can study a semester abroad at one of our partner universities. Going on exchange is a great opportunity to make the most out of your degree, and to take courses not offered by UiS. Your semester abroad will be integrated into your degree, without your study progression being delayed.
Choosing courses
Throughout the recommended exchange semester, you are to take master level electives giving you 30 ECTS. This means you can choose freely which electives to take abroad, as long as the content is relevant for your study program. Some institutions have already made 30 ECTS course packages. At other institutions, you can choose courses freely. The Department of Media and Social Sciences has a list of previously approved courses.
Help to apply for pre-approval of courses
After the application deadline, the department invites you to a workshop, where you will receive guidance in how to apply for pre-approval of the courses you want to take abroad. We recommend you to include courses giving you more than 30 ECTS, so that you have a number of courses to choose from.
Want to know more?
magda.hognestad@uis.nofor more information.
General information about exchange: Exchange guide in Digital student service desk
Student exchange
- All countries
Aalborg Universitet
Aalborg Universitet (AAU) er kjent for å benytte seg av problembasert læring i grupper, noe som kan by på en spennende læringsprosess.
Bond University
Reis på utveksling til Gold Coast og Bond University!
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart ble grunnlagt i 1921. Universitetet har vunnet 5 stjerner av QS stars for deres felt innen ansettbarhet, undervisning, fasiliteter og engasjement.
Delft University of Technology
Delft University of Technology, også kjent som TU Delft, er regnet for å være blant verdens mest prestisjetunge universitet innen ingeniørfag og teknologi. Dette er en unik mulighet for deg som studerer ingeniørfag!
Griffith University
Griffith University er en populær utvekslingsdestinasjon for UiS-studenter. Universitetet er et særlig godt valg for studenter innen musikk/dans, hotell/turisme og business.
Göteborgs universitet
Göteborg er Sveriges nest største by. Her blir man aldri mett på inntrykk med supre shoppingmuligheter, koselige kafeer, flotte museer og ikke minst en skjærgård med mange flotte steder, severdigheter og øyer å besøke.
Københavns Universitet
København er et populært studiested for nordmenn, ikke minst på grunn av den geografiske og språklige nærheten til Norge.
Technical University of Munich
The Technical University of Munich, also known as TUM, accounts for major advancements in the field of natural sciences. TUM is one of the best universities in Germany and has several awarded scientists and Nobel Prize winners. The Technical University of Munich strives for excellent teaching and research quality.
University of Iceland
I hjerte av Islands hovedstad, Reykjavik, ligger University of Iceland omringet av et utrolig landskap. Reis på utveksling til Island og Reykjavik, og få stipend gjennom Nordlys, Nordtek eller Erasmus+.
University of Trento
Bli Erasmus+-student i Italia – Reis på utveksling til Trento!
University of Twente, Enschede
Opplev Europa og det internasjonale studiemiljøet i Nederland. University of Twente er UiS` partneruniversitet i ECIU-nettverket og tilbyr utvekslingsmuligheter for mange studenter ved UiS. Det er et moderne og innovativt campus-universitet som satser stort på entreprenørskap.
- Australia
Bond University
Reis på utveksling til Gold Coast og Bond University!
Griffith University
Griffith University er en populær utvekslingsdestinasjon for UiS-studenter. Universitetet er et særlig godt valg for studenter innen musikk/dans, hotell/turisme og business.
- Danmark
Aalborg Universitet
Aalborg Universitet (AAU) er kjent for å benytte seg av problembasert læring i grupper, noe som kan by på en spennende læringsprosess.
Københavns Universitet
København er et populært studiested for nordmenn, ikke minst på grunn av den geografiske og språklige nærheten til Norge.
- Island
University of Iceland
I hjerte av Islands hovedstad, Reykjavik, ligger University of Iceland omringet av et utrolig landskap. Reis på utveksling til Island og Reykjavik, og få stipend gjennom Nordlys, Nordtek eller Erasmus+.
- Italia
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart ble grunnlagt i 1921. Universitetet har vunnet 5 stjerner av QS stars for deres felt innen ansettbarhet, undervisning, fasiliteter og engasjement.
University of Trento
Bli Erasmus+-student i Italia – Reis på utveksling til Trento!
- Nederland
Delft University of Technology
Delft University of Technology, også kjent som TU Delft, er regnet for å være blant verdens mest prestisjetunge universitet innen ingeniørfag og teknologi. Dette er en unik mulighet for deg som studerer ingeniørfag!
University of Twente, Enschede
Opplev Europa og det internasjonale studiemiljøet i Nederland. University of Twente er UiS` partneruniversitet i ECIU-nettverket og tilbyr utvekslingsmuligheter for mange studenter ved UiS. Det er et moderne og innovativt campus-universitet som satser stort på entreprenørskap.
- Sverige
Göteborgs universitet
Göteborg er Sveriges nest største by. Her blir man aldri mett på inntrykk med supre shoppingmuligheter, koselige kafeer, flotte museer og ikke minst en skjærgård med mange flotte steder, severdigheter og øyer å besøke.
- Tyskland
Technical University of Munich
The Technical University of Munich, also known as TUM, accounts for major advancements in the field of natural sciences. TUM is one of the best universities in Germany and has several awarded scientists and Nobel Prize winners. The Technical University of Munich strives for excellent teaching and research quality.
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