Master in Sensor Systems and Innovation

Master in Sensor Systems and Innovation is one of 11 English-taught Science programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 5 institutions. 4 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, from NOK 260,000 to NOK 295,000. 11 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students.

This is the Biosensor Technology specialisation of the Master in Sensor Systems and Innovation at the University of South-Eastern Norway. It is a two year master's degree worth 120 ECTS, taught in English, and it sits inside the technology and engineering field at USN.

What you study

The programme gives you advanced skills in sensor technology aimed at challenges in health, marine and environmental monitoring. You learn to design, develop and implement smart sensors and systems that interact with their surroundings.

In the Biosensor Technology specialisation you focus on biosensors, which detect biological and chemical compounds. In medicine they can analyse a blood sample by detecting biological molecules such as proteins, enzymes or DNA. In environmental monitoring and food safety they can check for environmental toxins, bacteria and viruses. You learn to design and use modern biosensors, and how their signals can be interpreted and used to detect both wanted and unwanted substances in biological samples.

The wider curriculum covers how sensors are integrated with other technologies and systems to solve real world problems. The innovation focus pushes you to develop new solutions and create value from your technical knowledge. In your master's thesis you specialise in an area you choose, for example designing and testing a new sensor, or using software to collect and analyse data from an existing sensor.

How the programme is organised

The programme runs over two years and 120 ECTS. A study plan sets out the content, structure and organisation, and course plans describe each course and its reading list. A study model shows which courses are taught in each term, with links to the course plans. The study plan and study model for the coming intake are not published yet, so the page shows a previous year's version as an indication of the structure.

Teaching is tied closely to industry and research. You may visit local electronics and sensor technology companies, and industry experts give guest lectures on selected subjects. USN works with companies and research institutions regionally, nationally and internationally, and master's theses are often linked to research projects or carried out with a company. The academic environment is active in research. Many students receive offers of part-time work during their studies because of the industry connection and networking.

You can take parts of the programme abroad, whether studying, doing the master project or an internship. USN has agreements with international universities, colleges and internship institutions adapted to your studies. Exchange students coming to USN apply by 1 May for the autumn semester and 1 November for the spring semester.

Who it suits

The programme suits recent graduates and professionals who want to specialise in sensor technology. It fits people who want to work on health, welfare, environmental monitoring, smart cities, communication, energy systems, the maritime industry or autonomous vehicles, all named as application areas.

USN has its own student association, Volt, for engineering and technology students. It runs social activities, seminars and workshops, and builds links to business through company visits and career days.

Admission, language and next steps

You need a completed and passed bachelor's degree in engineering, natural sciences or equivalent. Other natural science or technological bachelor's degrees may qualify if they include at least 20 credits in mathematics and/or statistics or physics. You must also meet the English requirements. At least 5 ECTS in Electrical Circuits is recommended; if you lack it, you can take the Electric Circuits 1 course in your first semester.

USN does not pre-approve courses or previous education. Your qualifications are assessed only after you apply. The programme may be covered by export control regulations, so USN may evaluate some applicants specifically. Non-EU/EEA applicants may apply from 1 October to 15 November. EU/EEA applicants may apply from 1 February to 15 April. Check the programme page for the full admission process before you apply.

Master’s applications go straight to University of South-Eastern Norway, 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: Non-EU/EEA applicants may apply from 1 October to 15 November. EU/EEA applicants may apply from 1 February to 15 April. The register shows 15 November 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.