Energy, Environment and Society - Master's Degree Programme

This Master programme takes the Paris Agreement (climate change) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the point of departure. The programme focuses on the challenges associated with the realization of these goals, with a special emphasis on energy. Energy and its associated environmental challenges 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 true 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 study. It raises the fundamental question 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, environmental challenges associated with energy (e.g. climate change, water resources deterioration, competition for land, etc.), and explores the different actors, interests, perceptions and drivers of a possible transition towards a low carbon society in diverse contexts. It encompasses the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development.

The Master programme further explores transition theories. How can societal changes be managed and directed towards specific goals such as sustainable development and a low carbon society? What are the specific configurations of politics and policy that will enable a transition to a sustainable society in different contexts?

While the Master program is multidisciplinary in its approach, it provides room to specialize through the selection of electives and by studying abroad at one of our partner institutions.

Please note that changes in the elective courses might occur. The selection of elective courses offered each year might therefore vary.

Learning outcomes

It is expected that the students after completing the master will have/be able to:

Knowledge

•  Knowledge about the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global challenges
• Knowledge of energy carriers, energy technologies, energy challenges, digitalization and ICT related to energy system integration.
• Advanced knowledge of transition theory and other theoretical perspectives on politics and policy changes.
• Advanced knowledge of national and international energy politics and policy.
• Advanced knowledge of the challenges associated with a low carbon transition, and how this affects both societal structures and individual lives in an intersectional perspective.
• Advanced knowledge of strategies and actions necessary for a low carbon transition.
• Knowledge of the relationships between energy, risk, societal safety and sustainable development.
• Advanced knowledge of the geopolitics of energy and environmental policy.
• Knowledge of energy markets, resource economics and innovation.

Skills

• Critically assess different sources of information, and use them to structure and develop an academic argument.
• Apply different theories for analytical purposes.
• Work independently with practical and theoretical problem-solving.
• Conduct an independent research project.
• Be a good team worker.  
• Apply an advanced understanding of political and policy issues related to sustainable energy politics and policy in practice.

General competencies

• Critically apply and evaluate relevant literature, theories, policy proposals, and recommendations.
• Apply knowledge and research skills in various energy and sustainability related fields.
• Communicate research, analysis and conclusions, making effective oral and written presentations.

Contribute to the strategies and solutions for a sustainable society.

Career prospects

This Master's program in social sciences is highly relevant to both the public and the private sector. Demand for knowledge about the nexus between energy, environment and sustainability is expected to increase sharply in the future. Employers like the public sector, think tanks, consultancies and the energy industry explore new ways of thinking and new ways of governance to enable social change together with low-carbon energy transitions. In an area as dynamically changing, this Master’s social science graduates are an asset for the public and private sector.  

Course assessment

The student evaluation in 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, standardised course evaluation will be held every third year.  The evaluation of the study program and its courses is conducted according to UiS’ quality system.