System Dynamics, Master's, 2 years

How do we develop a well-balanced set of policies to guide decision making that altogether contributes a successful strategy causing a favorable development over time. 

• Which policies cause the most favourable development over time?

• How do we avoid shaping strategies, policies and decisions based on misperceptions? And how do we assess their consequences effectively before implementing them in our social context?

• What is the wider impact of our decisions over a longer time span? 

To answer questions such as these, you are trained to develop simulation models that represent the cause-and-effect structure of the systems studied, to derive their dynamics by way of simulation, and to investigate the relationship between the two. 

We offer a vibrant, international student life focusing on the study of System Dynamics - a study available to very few students across the world. We use state-of-the-art learning technology and client-based case studies.

Currently System Dynamics is sought after for research and education in many separate fields as well as analysis by large companies, governments, international agencies, and consulting companies. 

See more examples of System Dynamics - what is it and how can it be used? 

More information below

Foto/ill.:

Janne F Lønne, UiB

Career 

Our students typically go on to work in academia and research organizations, international organizations and agencies, NGOs and consulting companies and larger private and public enterprises. In short, all organisations facing complex, dynamic challenges.  

With this degree, you will have a remarkably wide set of skills in methods, techniques and tools that reach across disciplines and sectors. You will be able to apply these skills to enhance communication through knowledge elicitation and dissemination; knowledge organization and storage, as well as analysis. 

More information below

It is an effective cross disciplinary approach to better understand complex problems in any field of study

Muhammad Azeem Qureshi

Associate Professor of Finance

Student life 

This is a fulltime study that will require dedication and focus, but it also offers a vibrant student community with informal gatherings and new friends. 

In a typical week, both online and on campus, you will be busy discussing and interacting with your fellow students and professors in and out of class. There are lectures, labs and assignments throughout the week. We use client-based case studies and state-of-the-art learning technology. 

You are expected to work in collaboration with your fellow students, but in many cases, assignments are written on an individual basis. The distribution between reading and practical work is about 35/65. 

As a campus student you will spend most of your time at the Department of Geography, which is in the city center of Bergen. There are reading rooms and computer labs dedicated to master's students. 

As an online learning student you will be offered online collaboration forums. The syllabus literature will be available digitally through UiB,s library agreements.

Master’s thesis 

Your final semester is spent writing your master’s thesis. The thesis is an independent scientific work that you write with the guidance and support of a supervisor. When you choose a topic for your thesis, you can develop one yourself or choose among available master’s thesis topics. 

Structure

Semester 1

• GEO-SD302 Fundamentals of Dynamic Social Systems (10 ECTS)
• GEO-SD303 Model-based Analysis and Policy Design (10 ECTS)
• GEO-SD304 System Dynamics Modelling Process (10 ECTS)

Semester 2

• GEO-SD308 Policy Design and Implementation (10 ECTS)
• GEO-SD321 Model-based Socioeconomic Planning (10 ECTS)
• GEO-SD325 Client Based Modelling (10 ECTS)

The following courses may substitute for a second semester course, with permission of the Department:

• GEO-SD322 Special Topics in System Dynamics, Policy (10 ECTS)
• GEO-SD323 Special Topics in System Dynamics, Applications (10 ECTS)
• GEO-SD324 Special Topics in System Dynamics, Methodology (10 ECTS)

Semester 3

• GEO-SD309 Model Based Interactive Learning Environments (10 ECTS)
• GEO-SD310 Writing course and project description (10 ECTS)
• GEO-SD330 Natural Resource Management (10 ECTS)

Semester 4

In your final semester, you write your master’s thesis (GEO-SD351, 30 ECTS). You are assigned a supervisor to guide you through the writing process. You are also included in the activities of the System Dynamics research group. 

In your thesis you get the chance to specialise even further in your chosen field. 

See our list of previous master’s topics to get an idea of the variations and possibilities.  

If your master project requires substantial, time-consuming empirical work you may apply for the 60 ECTS master’s thesis. The coursework in semester 3 will then be replaced by GEO-SD350 Master's Thesis in System Dynamics (60 ECTS) in semester 3 and 4. 

See full list of courses

What you will learn

With a master's degree in System Dynamics, you will know 

• inherent challenges in understanding the dynamics of social systems 
• the system dynamics paradigm and alternative methods of analysis 
• system dynamics applications to problems in public and private sectors 

See full list of learning outcomes

Admission Requirements

In order to apply for the Master's Programme in System Dynamics you need a bachelor's degree of 3-4 years' duration, or an equivalent educational background. The degree must include 1,5 years (80-90 ECTS) of full-time studies in relevant courses in either social sciences, including management, or natural sciences, including engineering.

You also need to document:

• Average grade of minimum C (equivalent to Norwegian grade C)
• Proficiency in English

How to apply as a campus student

Follow these links to find the general entry requirements and guidelines on how to apply:

• Citizens from outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA (1 December)
• Citizens from within the European Union/EEA/EFTA (1 March)
• Nordic citizens and applicants residing in Norway (15 April)

How to apply as distance learning student

Follow the same links as above, but please note that application for student housing and residence permit for studies are not applicable for distance learning students. Students who only apply as distance learning students will not be required to document sufficient funds to cover living expenses in Norway.