Master
Master of System oriented Design
| Emne | 2025 Vår | 2025 Høst | 2026 vår | 2026 Høst | 2027 Vår | 2027 Høst |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5 | ||||||
| 7.5 | ||||||
| 7.5 | ||||||
| 7.5 | ||||||
| 7.5 | ||||||
| 7.5 | ||||||
| 7.5 | ||||||
| 7.5 | ||||||
| 30 | ||||||
| Sum | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 0 | 30 |
The master’s programme pursues the following aims:
- To strengthen students’ academic competence
- To improves students’ formal competence
- To introduce students to the forefront of research in systems-oriented design
- To enhances students’ competence in research and development work
- To equip students to participate in professional and public debatebirger
Contents
The objective of the Master’s Programme in Systems Oriented Design is to develop designers who use systems-oriented thinking in combination with design thinking and practice to understand and visualise systems and complex contexts.
Systems-oriented design is a strong basis for all types of design, and we have witnessed an increasing demand for SOD from design agencies, the public sector in Norway and abroad, major companies and everyone tasked with handling complex issues. Graduates can work in the fields of product development, service development, interaction design, architecture, business development, software development and management in general. Since the programme cultivates the competence and skills to identify connections and improve systems, many graduates may desire to or already work in the consultancy industry.
The content of the programme reflects a broad interdisciplinary approach to systemic thinking and provides insight into systems-oriented design as a field of knowledge that is rooted in AHO’s academic traditions. Teaching is evidence-based and delivers relevant, up-to-date knowledge, as reflected in the following ambitions:
- To actively overcome contemporary complex challenges and identify problems and solutions within given systems
- To introduce relevant theories, concrete experience and critical reflections that will prepare students to navigate challenges and complicated issues in their daily practice
- To create a strong professional arena for discussions that draw from students’ competence and build professional networks
Throughout the programme, students will be introduced to and supervised in academic text production and academic and theoretical discussions.
The Executive Master's Programme in Systems Oriented Design imparts knowledge about interdisciplinary theories, practices and projects related to the field of systems-oriented design, as described in the above paragraphs and explained in more detail under each module.
The Executive Master’s Programme fosters competence in research and development work in students and the ability to understand and develop their own practice in a significant theoretical and practical field. Students will increase their competence in analytical thinking, theoretical reflection and professional criticism.
In addition, students will develop skills in interdisciplinary work in systems-oriented design with respect to the academic exchange and dissemination of ideas both orally and in writing. Students will enhance their capability for writing academic texts and be equipped to participate in professional and public debates.
The programme includes seminars, study trip(s), literature studies, oral presentations and home exams as well as a master’s thesis.
Teaching in the master’s program takes place in sessions that consist of:
- Lectures and presentations to add knowledge. This will include very high-level key-note speakers.
- Workshops, conversations, group discussions and plenary discussions to foster reflections and develop ways of thinking.
- Reading lists, self-study, real life laboratory designs and home exams are additional elements to develop deeper understanding.
- The students will be organized in learning groups that should actively reinforce studying between seminars.
- The student will apply SOD on a project of their own choice – might be one project that developes over the entire course, or a few different projects that are relevant for the student. It is recommended to find project linked to work situation as this makes it easier to find time and develop relevant exercises.
The programme literature includes a compulsory syllabus as well as recommended specialist literature and texts selected by the student. Presentation of the literature, written assignments and academic discussions are integrated parts of the programme. Students will receive individual feedback on each home exam. They are encouraged to participate actively in academic conversations and discussions in groups and plenary sessions, and we will engage with topical issues from discourse in the field and the media. The students’ own work experience is an important point of reference in discussions amongst them. Through discussions and writing assignments, students will be trained to express themselves orally and in writing. All of these elements create an ideal environment for academic development and exchange of ideas.
The Executive Master's Programme in Systems Oriented Design consists of intensive seminars with lectures and discussions. Attendance is necessary and compulsory. Each module has a syllabus and a list of recommended reading. The student is expected to read the module’s literature prior to the start of teaching in the seminar. The seminars will not be used to review the syllabus but should be regarded as part of the syllabus. The teaching activities are extensive and require a high degree of self-study as well as considerable personal effort.
Learning groups (self-steered student groups) will be established. The group of students with the teachers is a social system in itself and we want everybody to participate to ensure that this system develops into a flourishing and inspiring system with positive feedback loops.
The series of seminars in the programme is divided into eight independent modules that are taken over the course of two years. The third year is dedicated to the master’s thesis (Module 9). The modules are comprised of two three-day seminars, one of which will be digital to reduce the need to travel. One of the modules includes of a one-week study trip to the year’s Relating Systems Thinking & Design (RSD) Symposium. Some of the seminars might be held outside of campus and combine lectures and discussions with visits and interviews with representatives of environments to increase our understanding of systems and complexity.
Passed/Failed