Presentation

Semester

August

The Degree

Successful completion of the master´s programme leads to a Master of Philosophy in System Dynamics. The programme lasts four semesters (120 ECTS).

Objectives and content

The aim of the Joint European Master´s Programme in System Dynamics is to train students in model-based knowledge acquisition, analysis and policy design in complex, dynamic domains that cut across disciplines and sectors. The students will learn theory, methods, techniques and tools of relevance to this kind of work. The programme will prepare them for a professional career in societies where such competence is needed. The programme is a two-year, full-time master´s study (120 ECTS) offered jointly by Radboud University in the Netherlands (co-ordinator), the New University of Lisbon in Portugal, the University of Palermo in Italy, and the University of Bergen. Successful completion of the programme leads to a joint degree which is fully recognized at all the partner universities. The degree is certified by one diploma issued jointly by all the partners.

Programme profile

The European Master´s Programme in System Dynamics trains students in model-based knowledge acquisition, analysis and policy design in complex, dynamic domains that cut across disciplines and sectors. The students will learn theory, methods, techniques and tools of relevance to this kind of work. The programme will prepare them for a professional career in societies where such competence is needed.

Master thesis

Students write a thesis during the fourth semester. The thesis is a research project where system dynamics modelling and simulation are applied as a basis for systems analysis (identification of the origin of a dynamic problem) and policy design (including impact and feasibility analysis) aiming at a sustainable problem solution. The work will typically be comprehensive, interdisciplinary and / or intersectorial. Before choosing thesis topics, students are expected to consult with and gain approval from supervisors. Joint supervision (minimum of two supervisors from partner institutions) will ensure the disciplinary and interdisciplinary support and follow-up to the project.

Method

The system dynamics method is the subject of study and is also used as a vehicle for teaching throughput this programme. Its theoretical foundation is being presented as well as techniques and software tools. Students learn to apply the principles of system dynamics modelling and to use computer-based tools for simulation and interactive learning environments.

Click the links to Program Description and Construction for more details.

Admission

Semester

August

Admission Requirements

Admission to the European Master of Science in System Dynamics requires students to have at least a bachelor´s degree in the social sciences, management sciences, natural sciences, or engineering sciences; average grades between A and B, and documented proficiency in English. The language requirements for admission to the programme are: TOEFL > 575 (paper-based), > 233 (computer-based), IELTS > 6,5 or previous degree in English (copy of degree required). If the student´s first language is English, he/she will not be required to provide an English language test score. The student is considered to be a native speaker of English if he/she is from Australia, Canada, Ireland,New Zealand,Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa, and if English was the language in which the student gained all his/her qualifications.

Application procedure

Application to the programme takes place through the admission board of the consortium, and is executed by Radbout University. The successful applicants are selected by the admission board, based on the relevance of their academic background for the programme, previous study results and a letter of intent / motivation.

Application procedure: http://www.europeansystemdynamics.eu/

Study Period Abroad

Study period abroad

Mobility between the partner universities is an essential part of the master´s programme and integrated in the curriculum. 60 ECTS total from the partner institutions other than the University of Bergen is in general required. The first semester is spent in Bergen, the second and third at either of the partner universities. The fourth semester (master´s thesis) is spent at any of the four partner institutions. The one semester of the master´s thesis work takes place at one of the partner institutes

Further studies

Further studies

The degree provides competence for further studies on a Ph D level in system dynamics or in social sciences (incl. management)

Contact

More information

The Management School, Radbout University, Nijmegen, Netherlands, is the coordinating institute for the programme. The programme activities in Bergen take place at the Department of Geogrphy, System Dynamics Group. .

Administrative coordinator in Bergen and contact person: Student advisor, Department of Geography, Contact: studieveileder@geog.uib.no