In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in Semester 1, 2021.
This course will be available to study remotely for students commencing in Semester 1, 2021. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
Note: The University intends to offer as many units of study as possible in a remote as well as face-to-face learning method of delivery in Semester 1, 2021 and subject to ongoing border closures and public health orders impacting attendance on campus, in Semester 2, 2021. However, some units of study and courses require students to study in-person at the relevant University of Sydney campus/es and host locations for placements and will not be available remotely.
About this course
Our Master of Complex Systems degree will provide you with the expertise to model, analyse and design resilient technological, socioeconomic and socioecological systems, as well as develop strategies for crisis forecasting and management.
Smart cities, megaprojects, power and data grids, ecosystems, communication and transport networks are all complex systems that generate rich interactions among components with interdependencies across systems.
This interdependent behaviour creates challenges for designing and managing complex systems.
Complex systems are composed of numerous diverse interacting parts, making them susceptible to unexpected, large-scale, and apparently uncontrollable behaviours. Small changes can generate large, amplified effects.
For example, a single malfunction in a local substation can lead to cascading state-wide electricity grid failures; and the emergence of a new pathogen in a remote village can give rise to a devastating global epidemic.
Our Master of Complex Systems will develop your skills in quantitative modelling and computational simulation of system dynamics, complementing your existing skills in engineering, computer science, information technology, physics, mathematics, health, biology or business.
These unique skills will enable you to operate across discipline boundaries, providing key input and insights to help solve complex global challenges.
As an expert in complex systems, you could pursue a career in major multinational research and development companies, government and crisis management agencies, health, construction or transport organisations.
You will undertake an industry-based capstone project and have the flexibility to tailor your learning to your professional interests with the choice of four specialisations:
Commonwealth Supported Places
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for postgraduate study for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSPs are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
Important information for students commencing in 2021
Taking effect Semester 1, 2021, our Master of Complex Systems will be a 1.5 year degree.
Why are we changing?
These change has been made in response to feedback from industry and students, and to also align with the majority of our other Masters-level courses that have a duration of 1–1.5 years.
We have changed the course’s composition to improve the foundational units and allow for faster delivery of knowledge. This will ensure our students graduate sooner and are better positioned to be at the forefront of engineering innovation.