Study programme description for students

Sustainability Studies - Master

Facts

Studyprogram code M-EES

Credits (ECTS) 120

Level Master's degree (2 years)

Leads to degree Master in Energy, Environment and Society

Full-/Part-time Full-time

Duration 4 semesters

Undergraduate Yes

Language of instruction English

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. The Master's in Sustainability Studies offers an opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies relevant for actively engaging in work environments in these fields.

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 explores how contextual configurations of political, social, cultural, and technological conditions can enable a transition to a sustainable society.

Learning outcome

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:

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 associated with energy transitions, and how these 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 analyze relevant issues, policies, politics, and strategies related to sustainable energies, environments, and societies.

Skills
Students will be able to:

  • Analyze relevant theories, methods, interpretations, and analyses, in an independent manner.
  • Analyze and critically assess information from various sources to formulate scientific arguments
  • 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 analyze relevant academic, professional, and ethical issues across different subject areas related to sustainability (e.g. regulation, economics, environment, society, policies, and politics).
  • Apply acquired knowledge 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

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:

Consulting services: Advice on sustainability, energy, the environment and ESG criteria for companies and organisations in both the private and public sectors.

Environmental policy analysis: Work for public enterprises, private companies, NGOs, think tanks, Start-up projects, and interest groups.

Sustainability management: Implementation, project management and monitoring of sustainability initiatives in various organisations.

Digitalisation projects: Management of processes and projects that promote sustainability through digitalisation.

Analysis and marketing: Evaluation and promotion of projects and technologies related to sustainability and renewable energy.

Research: Work in the university sector or research departments in private and public organisations.

Our alumni are assets for both public and private sector that explore new ways of thinking and acting to enable a transitions. We are actively working with 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.

Studyplan with courses

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Student exchange

Exchange semester
3rd semester

Students can study a semester abroad at one of our partner universities. Going on exchange is a great opportunity to experience a new environment and take courses at a different institution. 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 courses on Master-level equal to 30 ECTS. You have to apply for pre-approval of the courses through the Digital student service desk.
Some institutions have 30 ECTS credit course packages or “minors”.


Want to know more?
magda.hognestad@uis.nofor more information.

General information about exchange.

Admission 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
  • Social science 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.

Contact information

The Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Media and Social Sciences. Email address: post-ims@uis.no.

Please contact Study Programme Director thomas.sattich@uis.no for academic questions.

Please contact Study Advisor magda.hognestad@uis.no for administrative questions.

For admission please contact admissions@uis.no