Professor Catherine Mitchell has worked on energy policy issues for over 25 years.An interview with Professor Catherine Mitchell
What’s the aim of this Masters programme?
The aim is to provide an understanding of the key issues of global energy policy; and to place energy policy in the context of climate change and sustainable development concerns.
What sort of students are you looking for?
Policy development occurs as a result of wide variety of factors. Very rarely does a 'perfect' policy get put in place. More often it is the 'least worst'. We are looking for students who wish to work from evidence; who are able to confront what that evidence means; and who are able to think creatively, laterally and flexibly in terms of policy creation.
Should I have studied a specific subject for my undergrad degree?
We do not mind what background students come from.
What sort of careers can this Masters lead to?
The Masters provides a good grounding in global energy policies and policy development. This demands a clear-headed ability to analyse evidence; to develop critical analytical capabilities; and to think creatively. All of these are very useful skills, not necessarily related to energy.
Energy is the cause of 95 per cent of climate change emissions in the UK and about 60 per cent across the globe. As a result of this, energy and climate change are very closely related. Graduates will be suitable for careers directly related to these areas, for example as civil servants (local, regional and national); in energy companies; by setting up their own companies; in consultancies, as teachers and in NGOs.
Do you have contacts with business, industry and government?
Yes, we are very linked into the policy development and decision-making world of energy policy. We are able to link students with people in their interested area across the spectrum of energy policy.
Will this programme add value to my CV?
Yes. It focusses on how energy policy should develop to meet both sustainability and energy security concerns. It brings together cutting-edge ideas with policies in such a way that successful students will have tangible new 'knowledge' under their belts.
