Curriculum

Description and aims

The Master’s profile Complex Systems is an interdisciplinary profile for students who are interested to broaden their knowledge and expertise within the field of Complex Systems. In this research field societal issues, such as a financial crisis, a sudden epidemic or climate change are studied from a quantitative modelling perspective. Students will get an understanding of the various models used in the complexity field and the behaviour (i.e. transitions, predictability) of these models. 

The aim of the Complex Systems Profile is for students to develop or improve their:

• affinity for quantitative approaches in order to address societal issues;
• ability to build models that are amenable to quantitative approaches;
• familiarity with standard (quantitative) methods in the toolbox for analysing complex systems;
• ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the Master’s profile the student:

• is able to recognise the complex systems aspects when confronted with a societal problem;
• is able to develop models of complex systems and/o has a good overview of model-building for complex systems;
• has a good overview of the methods in the complex systems toolbox, can apply them to models and extract quantitative results;
• communicate/explain complex-systems models and methods to (interdisciplinary) teammates.

Programme

The Master’s profile comprises 30 EC. Details of the courses that comprise the programme are provided in the EER, and additional information can be found on the education website of the Center for Complex Systems Studies.

Entry requirements

• The student belongs to one of the participating master programmes
• Upon consultation with the coordinator for the profile, it is also possible for students from outside Utrecht University to participate in the profile, when their master programme has an affinity to complex systems

Participating Master’s programmes

• Artificial Intelligence
• Climate Physics
• Computing Science
• Energy Science
• Experimental Physics
• Game and Media Technology
• Mathematical Sciences
• Nanomaterials Science
• Sociology and Social Research
• Sustainable Development
• Theoretical Physics
• Multidisciplinary Economics

Contact

If you have questions about the profile, then please contact coordinator Robbin Bastiaansen.

Please note: the information below only applies when you want to combine two masters that are similar in terms of both subject matter and learning outcomes. It is possible to combine two totally different programmes, without overlap (Double Degree). Unlike the TWIN programme, a Double Degree is 240 EC minus standard possible exemptions. The double degree programme amounts to at least 210 EC.

The combined programme (TWIN) typically requires a minimum of 180 EC based on the combination of the chosen Master’s and can be completed in three years or less, depending on how well you are able to structure your studies. The Board of Examiners of both Master's programmes have to approve the proposed programme.

Requirements:

To be eligible for a Double Master's programme you must:

• Be among the top academic performers, typically in the top 10% of your class
• Have completed your bachelor's degree without delay
• Meet the admission requirements for both Master's programmes you wish to combine
• Demonstrate excellent academic records and strong motivation
• Be able to handle the increased workload and academic demands of pursuing two degrees simultaneously

How to apply:

1. Contact the programme coordinator of the programme to express your interest in pursuing a Double Master's degree
2. Your application will be considered by the programme leaders of both Master's programmes involved
3. You must be enrolled in both participating Master's programmes
4. Together with the programme coordinators, complete and sign the Double Degree Master's Programme form
5. Include a motivation letter explaining why you want to pursue a Double Master's programme
6. Upload the completed form along with your application in Osiris Case

For more information, please consult the Education and Examinations Regulations (EER/OER) or contact one the Master’s programme coordinators.

Important considerations:

• Approval: The Board of Examiners of both Master's programmes must approve your proposed Double Master's programme
• Tuition fees: For Dutch or EU/EER students, there is no additional tuition fee for pursuing a Double Master's programme
• Time management: The programme requires excellent time management skills and academic discipline
• Course selection: Your course selection must meet the minimum requirements for both Master's programme
• Research Integration: Consider how to effectively integrate your research interests across both programmes

Students who finish the programme obtain two separate degrees, i.e. one diploma for each Master’s programme.