Master of Complex Systems

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 PlacesCommonwealth 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 2021Taking 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.

Admission requirement

To be eligible for admission, an applicant is required to have:

• a pass in bachelor's degree with a credit average (65 percent) in a quantitative discipline*; or
• an honours bachelor’s degree, from the University of Sydney, or qualifications deemed by the faculty to be equivalent; or
• a University of Sydney Graduate Diploma in Complex Systems with a credit average (65 percent), or equivalent qualification. Units completed in the graduate diploma can be credited to the master's program.

*A quantitative discipline includes data science, computer science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, physics, economics, finance or other disciplines that are deemed equivalent. As a guideline, the curriculum of a quantitative discipline should include some study of mathematics or statistics at the tertiary level.

For qualifications awarded outside Australia, equivalencies and entry requirements are determined based on the country, institution and qualification.

Reduced Volume Learning The course is designed to complement the candidates' background, proficiencies and aims. A matching equivalent volume of learning is specified throughout the four foundational units, which can be waived for The University of Sydney's undergraduates with relevant qualifications (AQF Level 8 in a quantitative discipline or AQF Level 7 in cognate disciplines which incorporate computational or complex systems modelling at a senior level, such as Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics or Physics) or equivalent qualifications, resulting in the Reduced Volume of Learning (RVL).

What you'll study

Units of Study