MSc in Energy Policy
MSc in Energy Policy
Our current energy systems face mounting economic,
social and environmental pressures and must change
radically and quickly if the world is to avoid dangerous
climate change.
Creating sustainable energy systems will be a
defining challenge for humanity in the 21st century
and one that requires professionals who fully
appreciate the technological, economic and political
dimensions of this challenge.
This course provides a broad-based, social scientific
training in energy and climate policy, focusing in
particular on the role of technological innovation.
Our approach is interdisciplinary, practical and
applied, providing you with the skills to analyse
policy problems and to propose and evaluate viable
policy solutions.
This MSc is unique in combining ideas from
economics, innovation studies and policy studies
while requiring no prior training in these fields.
The course will allow you explore the opportunities,
challenges and constraints in creating sustainable
and low-carbon energy systems. You will investigate
real-world policy problems in a range of countries,
engage with concepts and debates from a number
of disciplines, and draw on the latest research and
practice.
WHY STUDY ENERGY POLICY
AT S U S S E X ?
Sussex is renowned for its agenda setting,
interdisciplinary teaching and research in science,
technology and development studies. You will
be taught by leading researchers in the field
who regularly advise public, private and nongovernmental organisations.
EXPERTISE OF COURSE CONVENORS
Benjamin Sovacool – energy security,
energy justice, renewable energy, energy policy
Steven Sorrell – energy economics, energy
efficiency, climate policy
Florian Kern – governing energy transitions,
low carbon innovation policy
Robert Byrne – low carbon development,
renewable energy, energy transitions
Karoline Rogge – climate policy, eco-innovation,
ecological economics, energy transitions
COURSE CONTENT
Autumn term
• Introduction to Energy Policy
• Policy Making and Policy Analysis
• Science, Technology and Innovation:
Markets, Firms and Policies
Spring term
• Perspectives, Methods and Skills
And one of the following:
• Introduction to Statistical Research Methods
• Multivariate Analysis
You also chose two modules from:
• Energy and Development • Energy Policy and
Sustainability • Governing Energy Transitions
• Innovation for Sustainability • Management
of Risk • Governing and Using Technology for
Development • Network Analysis and Infographics
Summer Term
• Supervised work on a 20,000 word
research-based dissertation
Studying at SPRU
With students from all over the world, our courses provide aspiring
professionals with the knowledge and skills to analyse and guide
policy, and to manage scientific change and technological innovation.
Our courses put graduates in a strong position
to shape future developments in their field.
Teaching is via small, highly interactive lectures and
seminars that foster a culture of knowledge sharing,
ideas generation, critical thinking and enthusiastic
debate. Discussion often continues long after
teaching has finished.
SPRU students come from a range of academic
backgrounds and are ambitious to achieve in their
chosen specialisms. What makes them special is
their open-mindedness, curiosity and desire for
knowledge – and their interest in tackling some
of the major challenges facing the world.
SPRU HISTORY
Founded in 1966 by Christopher Freeman,
SPRU was one of the first interdisciplinary
research centres in the field of science and
technology policy and management, and
continues to be internationally recognised
as a leading centre in this field.
Today, with over 50 faculty members, SPRU
is at the forefront of new ideas, problemoriented research, inspiring teaching,
and creative, high impact engagement
with decision makers across government,
business and civil society.
WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES
As part of their dissertation research, students may
have the opportunity to gain work experience in
policy institutions, firms, government departments,
not-for-profit and non-governmental organisations.
A V A R I E T Y O F W AY S T O L E A R N
AND ENGAGE
We encourage interaction, collaboration and
creativity. You are invited to participate in SPRU’s
extensive and wide-ranging programme of research
seminars as well as a variety of conferences and
workshops. Working closely with our academics, you
will also have the opportunity to learn and contribute
directly to SPRU research as part
of your training.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
UK
A first or second class (2.1 or 2.2)
undergraduate honours degree in either
a social or natural science. Applicants with
relevant professional experience will also
be considered.
Overseas
Please refer to www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/eps
for a list of entry requirements by country.
Fees and funding
Please refer to www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/eps
CAREERS
SPRU graduates have been successful in
obtaining employment in a variety of roles
within the public, private and not-for-profit
sectors. For example, recent MSc graduates
have gained employment in international
organisations, government departments,
local authorities, the private sector and
NGOs, while others have gone on to study
for PhDs in this area.
CONNECT WITH US
Our alumni say
We would be interested to hear from academics
and non-academic organisations interested
in finding out more about our work. We can
to and
study
in Energy Policy for Sustainability
collaborate“Ionchose
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learn howasthe
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We can providepolicies
evidence- can promote long-term sustainability,
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meeting
needs
oftothe present. The faculty at SPRU are
based expertise
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related
infrastructure
governance andwith
policy.other universities, government agencies and
well-connected
think tanks providing me with a number of avenues through which
my dissertation. With this MSc I am better equipped to
Let’s connect!
influence, inspire, educate and negotiate more effectively in order
to address the need to transition to sustainable energy systems.”
E Ralitsa Hiteva: R.Hiteva@sussex.ac.uk
C O N TA
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toCpursue
T +44 (0)1273 877201
CAMERON JONES 2013
S U S TA I N A B L E E L E C T R I C I T Y A N A LY S T, D E PA R T M E N T O F E N E R G Y, A L B E R TA , C A N A D A
@SPRU
V I S I T www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/infrastructure
“I chose the MSc in Energy Policy for Sustainability at Sussex
because I wanted to deepen my knowledge of renewable energies
and the energy system in general. In addition, I also obtained
new insights into different fields of studies related to economics
and innovation. The inter-disciplinarity of the course and the
international background of the students make it a great and
fruitful experience.”
PA U L A R O L F F S 2 0 1 3
R E S E A R C H E R W I T H I N T E R N AT I O N A L C L I M AT E F I N A N C E P R O G R A M M E ,
E 3 G C O N S U LTA N C Y, U K
“Not only have I gained tremendous knowledge but I understand
how to operationalize energy policy instruments and strategies to
effectively achieve the desired outcomes. Taking the Energy Policy
course at SPRU is something I strongly recommend to anyone;
you only have to be passionate about understanding our energy
systems, making energy services more accessible and efficient,
and keeping our environment and world, safe from climate
change impacts.”
AKACHUKWU OKAFOR 2015
E N E R G Y P O L I C Y A N A LY S T & F O U N D E R , F LO R E O E N E R G Y, N I G E R I A
www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/eps