PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
MSc in Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
MSc/PGDip/PGCert
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
N/A
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
From 2013
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Parent Department:
Bartlett
UCL Energy Institute
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
http://www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/energy/programmes/postgraduate/msceconomics-policy-energy-environment
Method of study:
Full-time/Modular/flexible
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
A second class 2.1 degree in economics or an economics-plus,
science or engineering subject is desirable, or another degree
provided that some aptitude (e.g. at A-level) has been demonstrated
for quantitative analysis. These requirements may be relaxed for
mature students with a demonstrated aptitude and appropriate track
record in business, government etc. A TOEFL English language
proficiency score of 600 or above is required.
One year full time
Two years up to five years for modular/flexible
Level 7
N/A
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme
and
its
assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
Board of Examiners:
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
This programme focusses on the needs of early career researchers.
Should ideally be as a taken full-time course, this is a one year
programme based on eight taught units and a research project
(dissertation) and assessed by a mixture of unseen examination and
coursework, and by dissertation
Name of Board of Examiners:
MSc Built Environment
N/A at this stage
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The aim is to give its students the essential knowledge that they need to understand, analyse and manage
environment-resource-economy interactions. This is now a global agenda of increasing importance to business,
policy makers and civil society in all countries.
Graduates of this course will be equipped by it to become leaders and entrepreneurs in their chosen area of
specialisation, whether in terms of policy making, the business management of sustainability issues, energy system
modelling or their understanding and application of the innovation system.
The skills that they will acquire will make them strong applicants for employment in a range of sectors in which
sustainability has become an important consideration, including business, central and local government, think tanks
and NGOs, and universities and research institutes.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
 How to commission and critique
research.
 Economic theories in relation to the
environment and natural resources.
 The role of the environment and
resources in the economy, from an
economics perspective.
 The main theoretical approaches in
environmental, ecological and
resource economics.
 The energy - economic modelling
process.
 The main contemporary issues
related to the energy sector.
 UK environmental policy and law
 The basics of economics of technical
change and innovation with special
reference to energy and environment.
 Social science theories used to
understand energy related behaviors
and lifestyles
 How sustainability can create value
for businesses.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
The basic teaching/learning tool is the 2 to 3 hour lecture
or seminar, together with personal reading of set texts
and background material. These lectures and seminars
are supported by guest lectures and group tutorials, and
practical hands on modelling workshops.
Assessment: Taught modules are assessed
continuously through coursework, which varies in type
from exercise to exercise to suit the learning outcomes,
and a 10,000 word report. In addition, two compulsory
and several optional modules have a 2 hour, unseen
written examination.
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
In completing the course, the student
should
 have begun to take an
analytical/synthetic approach to
problem solving
 have developed analytical techniques
for the interpretation of experimental,
monitored and simulated data
 be able critically to review material,
such as texts, research papers,
experimental and other data.
 Critically evaluate and compare
theories.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Students are expected to discuss course material in
seminars and tutorials critically, and to analyse and
interpret collected and/or simulated data in coursework
and the dissertation. Feedback is given on coursework,
and individual and group tutorials are used to develop
intellectual skills
Assessment: Through coursework assignments and the
dissertation
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
On completing the course, the student
should be able to
 Carry out a literature review.
 Develop a clear research question.
 Critically use energy-economic
models.
 use libraries, data bases and the
internet to find relevant material
 work effectively with other
professionals in the field
 analyse the results of a study and
synthesise them into a convincing
conclusion
 structure and write up short reports
and longer pieces of work such as the
dissertation
 work to deadlines
Students develop their practical skills through carrying
out the coursework and in producing the dissertation.
The range of coursework is wide to ensure students
learn the practical skills listed opposite. Coursework
involves
 extended essay and report writing where the
material has to be found and reviewed critically
 the submission of work within the specified
timescale
Assessment: Through coursework assignments and the
dissertation
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
On completing the course, the student
should be able to
 listen, learn and contribute to
seminars
 write clear, concise, structured
essays, research papers and reports
 use a range of computer and
information technology resources
 present material orally and visually
using aids such as PowerPoint
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Through the coursework assignments and dissertation,
contributions to seminars and the presentation of
coursework to their peers, UCL staff and invited guests
Assessment: Through coursework assignments and the
dissertation
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Professor Paul Ekins
Name(s):
Mr Will McDowall
Date of Production:
October 2015
Date of Review:
October 2015
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
October 2015
October 2015