Master in Sustainable Food Systems

Master in Sustainable Food Systems is one of 10 English-taught Sustainable Development programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 7 institutions. 10 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students.

The Master's in Sustainable Food Systems at NMBU in Ås is a two-year, English-taught degree worth 120 ECTS. It brings together three academic traditions, agroecology, urban agriculture and food systems analysis, into one programme with three specialisations. The programme is built around action-oriented and experience-based learning, informed by the NMBU Action Education Model.

What you study

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

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

Each specialisation combines theory, methods and hands-on projects. All students complete an independent master's thesis (30, 45 or 60 ECTS), often linked to real societal challenges.

There is also a double degree option: European Master of Agroecology, in collaboration with ISARA in Lyon, France. The first semester is at NMBU. For the second semester, double degree students can stay for one more semester at NMBU or go on an exchange through ISARA's student exchange agreements. The third semester is at ISARA taking classes. In the final semester, they complete a 30 ECTS master thesis.

How the programme is organised

The programme consists of 120 credits spread over four semesters (two years). The structure is adapted to the learning outcomes so that students first acquire common foundations and tools, then specialise, and finally apply the knowledge in an independent master's thesis.

Teaching is built around action-oriented and experience-based learning. 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.

The programme is implemented in collaboration between several faculties at NMBU, as well as external partners in business, the public sector and civil society. There is collaboration with international universities through Erasmus and NOVA. Relevant partners include ISARA (double degree cooperation).

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. You can also take on projects with international industry companies.

Who it suits

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 an opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to help shape the future of food.

Admission, language and next steps

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) or equivalent education in a relevant field. Suitable academic backgrounds include agriculture, food science, nutrition, environmental and natural resource management, biology, social sciences, economics, technology or related disciplines. Applicants from other fields may also be considered if they can document relevant competence and strong motivation.

Admission is based on academic performance (minimum average grade C / 2.5), documented background and a motivation letter. Interviews may be used when needed. As the programme is taught in English, applicants must meet NMBU's English language requirements.

The application deadline is 15 April for Norwegian, Nordic, EU/EEA and Swiss citizens, and 1 December for applicants outside the EU/EEA. The programme starts in autumn and admits 45 students. Check the programme page for details on how to apply.

Master’s applications go straight to Norwegian University of Life Sciences, not through the national admission service (NUCAS). Study in Norway states that you need a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), including courses equal to at least one and a half years of full-time study relevant to the programme. The institution lists its deadline as: Applicants outside EU/EEA: 1 December Norwegian, Nordic, EU/EEA and Swiss citizens: 15 April. The register shows 1 December 2026 as a deadline date for this programme. Deadlines are set by each institution for each programme, so confirm yours. Entry requirements and language tests are also set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, study permits and housing.