The use of energy – electricity generation, transportation, heating/cooling and industrial consumption – is the most important driver of climate change by far. Effectively addressing this urgent global challenge therefore requires transformational changes in the ways we produce, consume and govern energy. More than two decades of political contestation have shown that a supportive policy environment – meaningful and consistent domestic laws and regulation underpinned by ambitious international treaties – is the only way to affect these changes, develop alternatives to emissions-intensive fossil fuels and transition economies around the world onto a secure, low-carbon and climate-friendly footing.
The MSc addresses precisely these issues, treating climate and energy policy as inextricably linked. Cases drawn from both the Global North and South will form the basis of your studies as you examine how policy is made, advocated and implemented – or sometimes prevented – around the world. You will acquire theoretical knowledge of climate and energy policies as well as practical skills in risk analysis, policy analysis and strategic advocacy. The MSc is rounded out by negotiation and media training and a week-long study tour to key institutions in the energy and climate policy space in Brussels and Paris, such as the European Commission, various energy lobby groups, and the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The knowledge you gain on the MSc could lead you to high level academic or professional engagement in the public, private or non-profit sectors, including in public administration, international organisations, corporations, think tanks, public affairs & advocacy or any number of other arenas where climate and energy policies are shaped.
The programme draws on the teaching and research strengths of CISD and of the SOAS departments of International Politics, Law, Economics and area studies (especially of Asia, Africa and the Middle East) as well as a wide range of languages. In particular, students will be able to benefit from the expertise located at the Centre for Environment, Development and Policy (CEDEP), the Law School's Law, Environment and Development Centre (LEDC), the Centre on the Politics of Energy Security (CEPES), the Centre for Water and Development, and the SOAS Food Studies Centre.
The MSc is designed for those engaged with or planning a career in professional contexts relating to energy and/or climate policy.
Students take taught modules to the value of 120 credits plus a 60 credit 15,000 word dissertation.
Students on this programme have the opportunity to participate in the GECP Study Tour of energy and climate-related organizations in Paris and Brussels.
Programme objectives
- Excellent understanding of the nature and development of global energy and climate policy, drawing on a variety of contributing disciplines
- Excellent knowledge of regulatory challenges and their impact on public and private stakeholders in both the Global South and North
- Ability to critically contribute to contemporary policy debates about reforms of international energy and climate governance architectures and their interaction with national and sub-national policy and regulatory frameworks
- Development of practical skills including policy analysis and policy advocacy, risk analysis, strategic communication and media
We welcome applications from a wide variety of fields and backgrounds. It is not necessary to have a degree in a discipline directly related to global energy and climate policy.
Each application is assessed on its individual merits and entry requirements may be modified in light of relevant professional experience and where the applicant can demonstrate a sustained practical interest in the international field.
Listen to the MSc Global Energy and Climate Policy and CISD's 1st Annual Energy and Climate Change Conference (May 2011) podcast, organised by students.
Venue: Russell Square: College Buildings
Start of programme: September intake only
Mode of Attendance: Full-time or Part-time
Email: cisd@soas.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)20 7898 4840
Entry requirements
- We will consider all applications with 2:ii (or international equivalent) or higher. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application including supporting statement and references.
- duration:
- One calendar year (full time). Two or three years (part time).
Fees 2021/22
- UK fees:
- £16,400
- Overseas fees:
- £23,680
Fees for 2021/22 entrants. This is a Band 7 fee. The fees are per academic year. Please note that fees go up each year. Further details can be found in the Fees and Funding tab on this page or in the Registry Postgraduate Tuition Fees page
Convenors
Dr Harald Heubaum Convenor