Master's degree (2 years)

Full time

Sustainable Food Systems

Sustainable Food Systems – education for the present to shape the future of food 

Food systems are central to global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, urbanisation and social inequality. Addressing these challenges requires more than technical solutions. They call for professionals with the ability to analyse complex systems, integrate knowledge across disciplines, and translate insights into practical action in collaboration with stakeholders in the field. The Master’s programme Sustainable Food Systems at NMBU equips you with exactly that competence. This two-year, English-taught programme brings together three strong academic traditions – agroecology, urban agriculture and food systems analysis – into one integrated master’s degree with three specializations. You gain a shared foundation in systems thinking and sustainability, while specialising in the area that best matches your interests and career ambitions. 
 

Learn by doing – not just by listening 

In this programme at NMBU, sustainability is not just something you only read about – it is something you practice. 

The programme is built around action-oriented and experience-based learning, informed by the NMBU Action Education Model. You will work in interdisciplinary teams on real-world cases, often in collaboration with farmers, municipalities, companies, NGOs and international partners. Through projects, fieldwork, reflection and dialogue with stakeholders, you learn how change actually happens in complex food systems. 

This approach attracts students from diverse academic backgrounds and creates a dynamic learning environment where different perspectives are valued – whether you come from natural sciences, social sciences, technology or the humanities. 
 

Three specialization – one common purpose 

All students start with a shared core that builds competence in systems thinking, transdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainability analysis. From there, you specialise in one of three specializations: 

• Agroecological Transformation in Farming and Food Systems 
  Focus on farming and food systems as socioecological systems, case-based participatory change processes, training of competences and agroecological principles. 
• Circular Urban Agriculture 
  Explore urban food systems, circular resource flows and the role of food production in sustainable cities. 
• Food Systems Analysis and Transformation 
  Develop advanced skills in analysing food systems across scales, from local value chains to national and global food security. 

Each specialization combines theory, methods and hands-on projects, and all culminate in an independent master’s thesis (30 or 60 ECTS), often linked to real societal challenges. 
 

European Master of Agroecology- double degree option in collaboration with France Agro 

The programme has a double degree option which starts with the first semester at NMBU. For the second semester, the double degree students can stay for one more semester at NMBU or they can go on an exchange through ISARAs student exchange agreements. For the third semester double degree student are at ISARA taking classes. And in their final semester they complete a 30 ECTS master thesis. 

Please see the website for more information on the double degree programme, structure and application process. 
 

Is this programme for you? 

This programme is for you if you: 

• care deeply about sustainability, food and societal change 
• want to work across disciplines and cultures 
• are motivated by real-world problem solving 
• seek a master’s degree that combines academic depth with practical relevance 

Whether you are coming directly from a bachelor’s degree or returning to university after time in working life, Sustainable Food Systems offers a unique opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to help shape the future of food. 

An international programme – rooted in real-world challenges 

The programme is taught in English and attracts students from Norway and around the world. You can spend a semester abroad through NMBU’s extensive exchange agreements or choose an internship to strengthen your link to working life or research. 

Graduates go on to careers in: 

• advisory services and development initiatives
• education, research and PhD studies 
• entrepreneurship and innovation 
• environmental conservation 
• food and sustainability-related businesses
• international organisations and NGOs
• policy development and public administration