MSc Energy Policy

Location

Cornwall Campus, near Falmouth

Programme overview

• You’ll study in a unique multi-disciplinary College with internationally-renowned experts in Energy Policy.
• Visiting lecturers provide world-class industrial and governmental expertise across the breadth of energy policy issues including security, sustainability and climate change.
• We offer an informal teaching environment with a close-knit community of students and staff.
• Our students have a wide-range of degree backgrounds which creates an exciting dynamic for seminars and group discussions.
• The programme takes an applied approach which develops your employment prospects in this rapidly developing sector.

The MSc in Energy Policy is the only Masters programme in the UK with a specific focus on energy policy. It aims to provide cutting edge, policy relevant, evidence based knowledge across the spectrum of energy policy issues. The programme teaches energy policy through a 'whole' system perspective: that is, while energy technologies and their economics are important, so are other factors such as human consumption and behaviour as well as institutional, innovation, social, political and cultural issues.

Since 85 per cent of the UK’s emissions are from carbon dioxide, most of which come from energy production and use, energy policy is very closely linked to climate change policy. This Masters provides an understanding of the energy system transformation in response to security, sustainability and climate issues. It’s ideal if you have an interest in general energy policy issues or climate change mitigation strategies.

The programme is directed by Dr Bridget Woodman. Dr Woodman is involved in research into energy policy and regulation, particularly electricity networks, renewables and nuclear power, and the development of sustainable energy systems. Key staff also involved in the programme include Professor Catherine Mitchell, who has worked on energy policy issues for over 25 issues. Professor Mitchell's main interest is how to undertake the transition from the current 'dirty' energy system to a sustainable energy system at a rate which is quick enough to make a difference to the planetary imperative of climate change and which maintains energy security. Read an interview with Professor Catherine Mitchell.

The MSc Energy Policy is based on the Cornwall Campus, home to the University's Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) – an interdisciplinary centre leading cutting-edge research into impacts of environmental change and the mitigation and management of its effects.