Sustainability Studies - Master's Degree Programme

Energy and its associated environmental challenges represent tremendous challenges for both nations and the international community. Energy systems across the globe are transitioning - or about to transition - toward lower carbon and more sustainable energy configurations. At the same time, debates about what constitutes sustainable energy policy have become increasingly common and 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 questions of what sustainable energy might be and what a low carbon transition might look like from different perspectives. This study will give students an overall insight into energy specific challenges, environmental challenges associated with energy (climate change, loss of biodiversity, environmental migration etc.), and explore different actors, interests, perceptions and drivers of a possible transition towards a low carbon society in diverse contexts taking into account the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development.

The Master looks specifically on transition theories. How can societal changes be managed and directed toward 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?

Due to possible rotations, please note that the elective courses offered may differ from year to year.

Learning outcome

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

Knowledge

• 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.
• 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. Knowledge about sustainable development, energy and environmental challenges is expected to increase sharply in the future. Such social change also requires new ways of thinking. In-depth knowledge in these areas will therefore be on high demand. The multidisciplinary approach of this master will undoubtedly strengthen the relevance of social science graduates for both public and private sectors.

Course assessment

The student evaluation in the program's courses is conducted according to the Faculty of Social Sciences' evaluation system.