Specializations master in Sustainable Food Systems

Master's in Sustainable Food Systems consists of three specializations. Below you will find more information about these three specializations.

Agroecological Transformation in Farming and Food System
Are you concerned with the sustainability of farming and food systems?
Then the Agroecological Transformation in Farming and Food Systems specialization is something for you!
This specialization focus on farming and food systems as socio-ecological systems, case-based participatory change processes, training of competences and agroecological principles.
Agroecology is the study of whole farms and food systems and how to make them more sustainable.
The specialization in Agroecological Transformation in Farming and Food Systems has a holistic, transdisciplinary and action-oriented approach to current challenges in farming and food systems.
Learning
Students’ learning and personal growth are grounded in the exploration of real-life farm and food system cases, supported by lectures, seminars and personalised supervision.
The programme’s aim is to foster competences for responsible action through real-world involvement and reflection.
Learning and personal development most effectively occur in surroundings relevant to the subject matter. This is why we actively work with farmers and other stakeholders in the food system, integrating theory to inform and reflect on this work.
Become an agroecologist through action education!
The first semester (5+10+15 ECTS) has an action learning approach. This means that:
- learning starts from participating in (relevant) activities/work
- field experiences are linked to relevant theory introduced as needed
- the acquisition of knowledge and the personal development towards a competent agroecologist take place through systematic reflection on experiences and theory.
The action takes place in a transdisciplinary, participatory, project work in real-life farming and food systems cases. In groups of 4–6, the students work with various stakeholders to observe, describe, analyse and redesign the cases, and plan informed action with the aim of improving overall sustainability.
The learning is supported by systematic reflection in class, in student groups and individually on:
- the contents of the case (structure, function, sustainability),
- the methodology for dealing with it,
- one’s own learning, competence development and transformation to an agroecologist
Career opportunities
This specialization prepares students for a wide range of positions and diverse roles in conventional and organic agriculture and food systems, including advisory services and extension, development initiatives, management of agricultural and natural resources, environmental conservation and protection, as well as careers in education and research.
Double or Single degree option
The programme has a double degree option in collaboration with France.
MSc Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems - double degree option
Both the single degree option and the double degree option start with the first semester at NMBU where all students take the courses SFS300 (5 ECTS), SFS301 (15 ECTS) and SFS302 Agroecology: The ecology of the Food System (10 ECTS). 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 MSc Agroecology website for more information on the double degree programme, structure and application process.
NMBU - single degree option
In the second semester, the single degree students have the obligatory course PAE306 - Agroecology: Action oriented research (new course code from Spring 2027: SFS305) and 20 ECTS of elective courses, which may include an BINT306 - Internship of 5, 10 or 15 ECTS. The third semester entirely consists of electives. It is also possible to go on student exchange in the second and/or the third semester.
More information about NMBU’s exchange agreements can be found at NMBU exchange
With the NMBU single degree, students may do a 30, 45 or 60 credit master’s thesis. More information about the thesis will be given in the course PAE306 (SFS305) in the second semester, when you develop your master’s thesis proposal.
Mandatory components for the specialization
The following requirements are mandatory:
- Total 120 credits
- Obligatory courses for all specializations in the master program: SFS300 (5 credits, August block) and SFS301 (15 credits, autumn parallel)
- Obligatory course SFS302 Agroecology: The Ecology of the Food System (10 credits, autumn parallel)
- Obligatory course PAE306 Agroecology: Action Oriented Research (10 credits, spring parallel) (new course code SFS305 from spring 2027)
- Elective courses at 200 or 300 level
- Master’s thesis of 30 or 60 credits is mandatory. The thesis research can be through participation in ongoing research among the faculty or other areas of research chosen by the student in collaboration with the teachers.
A list of suggested elective courses for the specialization Agroecological Transformation in Farming and Food Systems can be found in the study plan. It is also possible to choose other elective courses at 200 and 300 levels than those suggested. Study plan Agroecological Transformation in Farming and Food Systems

Circular Urban Agriculture

Are you driven to create solutions that make cities better places to live—for both people and nature? Circular Urban Agriculture is designed for students who want to make cities greener, smarter, and more sustainable. The specialization places you at the crossroads of environment, society, technology, and food production. This is far more than growing plants in urban spaces—it is an education designed for the green innovators and problem‑solvers of the future.

You have significant freedom to tailor your studies and dive deeper into the topics you care most about. The program brings together a broad range of subject areas, including:

Green urban development
Social inclusion and public health
Food production and plant based systems
Water, wastewater, biowaste and pollution
Ecology, economics, and sustainability
Entrepreneurship and the circular economy

Many students also use the opportunity to do an internship during their studies. In an internship, you as a student work on a relevant problem in a company or at a research facility. You gain work experience, contacts in the job market, practical learning and an important experience outside the university.

Here we have collected some interviews with students who have done an internship during their studies: Internship student interviews

What will you learn

In this specialization, you will:

Learn to understand and tackle complex, real world challenges such as sustainability, climate change, food security, and social inclusion.
Work hands on and across disciplines with fellow students—closely connected to municipalities, businesses, and community partners.
Develop strong skills in teamwork, communication, and problem solving—competencies that are in high demand across sectors.

Career opportunities

This specialization prepares you for roles in:

Municipalities and government agencies
Environmental and urban development projects
Organizations and NGOs
Green business development and circular economy initiatives
Private companies working with sustainability, planning, and innovation

In short: You gain the expertise needed to understand nature, cities, and the people who live in them - and how these systems interact.

Mandatory components for the specialization

The following requirements are mandatory:

Total 120 credits
Obligatory courses for all specializations in the master program: SFS300 (5 credits, August block) and SFS301 (15 credits, autumn parallel)
Obligatory course MUA301 - Urban Agriculture - Strategy and Action Plans - Transdisciplinary Collaboration groups (10 credits, spring parallel)
Obligatory course MUA310- Urban Pollutants and Chemical Food Safety (5 credits, spring parallel from 2027)
Minimum one course within economy/leadership, selected from an approved list
Minimum one course within methodology, selected from an approved list
Elective courses at 200 or 300 level
Master’s thesis of 30, 45 or 60 credits is mandatory

One of the following economics/leadership courses during the 1. year

Semester	Courses	Credits
Spring parallel	AOS236 - Sustainability Leadership	10
Spring parallel	BUS311 - Environmental Management and Sustainability Reporting	5

One of the following methodology courses during 1. or 2. year

Semester	Courses	Credits
Spring parallel	PAE306 - Agroecology: Action Oriented Research	10
Spring parallel	MINA310 - Methods in Natural Sciences	5
Autumn parallel	MTH300 - E-learning Course: Planning and Scientific Writing of a Master's Thesis in Natural Sciences	5

A list of suggested elective courses for the specialization Circular Urban Agriculture can be found in the study plan. It is also possible to choose other elective courses at 200 and 300 levels than those suggested. Study plan Circular Urban Agriculture

Food systems analysis and Transformation

(Specialization within the MSc in Sustainable Food Systems)

The Food Systems Analysis and Transformation specialization is designed for students who want to understand how food systems function across scales, from local value chains to national and global systems, and how they can be transformed to meet sustainability goals.

This specialization focuses on system-level analysis, governance, policy, resource flows and decision-making in complex food systems. You will develop advanced analytical skills to assess interactions and trade-offs between environmental, economic and social dimensions, and learn how policies, markets, institutions and technologies shape food system outcomes.

A key emphasis is on transformation: how change happens in practice, how competing goals and interests are negotiated, and how evidence-based analysis can support more sustainable food systems. Students work with real-world cases and apply both qualitative and quantitative methods, including system analysis, life cycle perspectives, scenario analysis, and sustainability assessment.

The specialization is well suited for students interested in careers in policy, public administration, research, consultancy, NGOs, international organizations, or further academic studies (PhD). It also appeals to students who enjoy working analytically with complex problems while remaining closely connected to real societal challenges.

What you will learn

In this specialization, you will:

analyse food systems as interconnected socio-ecological systems
assess sustainability trade-offs and synergies across scales
apply analytical tools for food system redesign and transformation
understand the role of governance, policy and markets in shaping food systems
communicate analytical insights to diverse audiences and decision-makers

The specialization combines a shared programme core with targeted analytical and methodological training and a high degree of flexibility through elective courses and internships.

Mandatory components for this specialization

Students following Food Systems Analysis and Transformation complete:

in total 120 ECTS
the common programme core in systems thinking and transdisciplinary collaboration: SFS300 (5 ECTS, August block, year 1) and SFS301 (15 ECTS, Autumn parallel, year 1)
SDG300 – Sustainable Development Goals and Redesign of Food Systems (5 ECTS, January block, year 1)
at least 5 ECTS in methods, selected from an approved list
elective courses tailored to analytical depth and thematic focus
a master’s thesis (30, 45 or 60 ECTS), often linked to ongoing research or external partners

Choose one of these methodology courses

PAE306 Action oriented research (10 credits/Spring + June)
MINA310 Methods in Natural Sciences (5 credits/spring)
HET300 Scientific Methods in Ethology (10 credits/autumn)*
MTH300 E-learning Course: Planning and Scientific Writing of a Master's Thesis

in Natural Sciences (5 credits/autumn)

*Recommend only if you choose courses in animal welfare

Examples of course combinations (illustrative study plans)

The tables below show illustrative study profiles within the Food Systems Analysis and Transformation specialization, which can be added to the core components (mandatory). The course combinations may be adjusted to fit individual interests, semester availability and thesis plans, in dialogue with academic advisors.

Mandatory core components year 1 (all profiles)

Semester	Courses	ECTS
August block	SFS300 – Introduction to action learning in farming, urban agriculture and food systems	5
Autumn parallel	SFS301 – Action learning in farming, urban agriculture and food systems	15
January block	SDG300 – Sustainable Development Goals and Redesign of Food Systems	5
…	Method course (from approved list)	5
	SUM:	30

Profile 1: Policy, governance and global food systems

For students interested in policy analysis, governance and international food security.

Possible electives

Year 1:

Semester	Courses	ECTS
August block	Mandatory course (SFS300)	5
Autumn parallel	Mandatory course (SFS301)	15
	EDS285 – Global Food Systems and Food Security	10
January block	Mandatory course (SDG300)	5
Spring parallel	BUS311 – Environmental Management and Sustainability Reporting	5
	Elective courses	15
June block	ECN263 – Food Markets and Policy	5
	SUM:	60

Year 2:

Semester	Courses	ECTS
August block	…
Autumn parallel	Elective courses, internship and/or study abroad	15
	EDS306 – Green Transformations in Theory and Practice	10
January block	MINA321 – Interdisciplinarity and Expert Disagreement on Sustainability	5
Spring parallel	Master Thesis	30
	SUM:	60

Typical focus of the master’s thesis
Food policy analysis, governance of food systems, international organisations, public administration or NGO work.

Profile 2: Sustainability assessment and systems analysis

For students interested in analytical tools, modelling and sustainability assessment.

Possible electives

Year 1:

Semester	Courses	ECTS
August block	Mandatory course (SFS300)	5
Autumn parallel	Mandatory course (SFS301)	15
	Elective courses	10
January block	Mandatory course (SDG300)	5
Spring parallel	FORNY220 – Life Cycle Assessment: Environmental Impacts of Energy and Waste Systems (currently In Norwegian)	10
	BUS311 – Environmental Management and Sustainability Reporting	5
	SDG301 – Climate Calculators for Crop and Livestock Production	5
	Internship and/or other elective courses	5
	SUM:	60

Year 2:

Semester	Courses	ECTS
August block	…
Autumn parallel	Elective courses, internship and/or study abroad	25
January block	BIOEC310 – Innovation in Bio-based Industries (currently in Norwegian)	5
Spring parallel	Master Thesis	30
	SUM:	60

Typical focus of the master’s thesis
Sustainability metrics, system modelling, scenario analysis, life cycle assessment or decision-support tools.

Profile 3: Transformation, innovation and applied change

For students interested in food system transitions, innovation and practice-oriented work.

Possible electives
Year 1:

Semester	Courses	ECTS
August block	Mandatory course (SFS300)	5
Autumn parallel	Mandatory course (SFS301)	15
	EDS306 – Green Transformations in Theory and Practice	10
January block	Mandatory course (SDG300)	5
Spring parallel	BIOEC350 – Biological production, industrial processes and markets (teaching/assessment in spring parallel and June block)	10
	Internship and/or other elective courses	15
	SUM:	60

Year 2:

Semester	Courses	ECTS
August block	…
Autumn parallel	Elective courses, internship and/or study abroad	25
January block	BIOEC310 – Innovation in Bio-based Industries (currently in Norwegian)	5
	INN271 – Sustainable Entrepreneurship (currently in Norwegian)	5
Spring parallel	Master Thesis	30
	SUM:	60

Typical focus of the master’s thesis
Applied transformation processes, innovation projects, transition pathways or collaboration with external partners.

Link back to the study programme page.