MSc Global Energy and Climate Policy (2018 entry)

Start of programme: September intake only

Mode of Attendance: Full-time or Part-time

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.

Email: cisd@soas.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0)20 7898 4840

Students take taught modules to the value of 120 credits plus a 15,000 word dissertation (15PFFC989, 60 Credits)

Dissertation

Students will take the compulsory 15,000 word dissertation (15PFFC989, 60 Credits)

Guided Options

All students take the following two modules:

AND

All students take modules to the value of 45 credits from List B or List C below:

List of modules (subject to availability)

List B

List C

An elective module can be chosen from a wide variety available at SOAS dependent upon permission being granted by the module convenor and the student’s prior academic qualifications.

Suggested electives for Global Energy and Climate Policy students:

This is the structure for applicants

Programme Specification

• MSc Global Energy and Climate Policy Programme Specification 2018/19 (pdf; 219kb)

Important notice

Teaching & Learning

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

This programme is taught 100% online through our VLE. In the VLE you will have access to learning materials and course resources anytime so you can fit your studies around your existing commitments. For each module, students will be provided with access, through both the SOAS Library and the University of London’s Online Library, to all necessary materials from a range of appropriate sources.
A key component of the student experience will be peer to peer learning, with students enrolled in discussion forums.

Study timetable

In addition to a dedicated Associate Tutor, a Study Timetable is provided for each module and for the overall programme to help you to organise your time.
The programme is broken down into two study sessions per year. Each subject module lasts 16 weeks, followed by a research mini module lasting 8 weeks.

Sample Study Timetable

Research training

Research training is a key feature of this programme and all students must complete a compulsory mini research module following on from each module. Research modules 1 and 3 are formative modules only, and are not assessed.

In addition to the research modules, those going on to do a PGDip or MA must submit a research proposal and MA students must submit a dissertation at the end of their four research modules.

Assessment

Each module is assessed by five written online assessments (‘etivities’) comprising 30% and one 5,000 word essay comprising 70% of the module mark. The etivities provide formative and summative feedback to students as a means of monitoring their progress and encouraging areas in which they can improve.

Dissertation

The Dissertation is assessed by the submission of a written dissertation of no more than 15,000 words, excluding the bibliography and appendices, which will account for 85% of the mark awarded for the module. The remaining 15% of the module mark will be based on the mark obtained for a 1,500 word research proposal.

Tuition Fees

Full details of postgraduate tuition fees can be found on the Registry's Postgraduate Tuition Fees page.

This is a Band 6 tuition fee.

Fees for 2018/19 entrants. The fees below are per academic year. Please note that fees go up each year. 

Scholarships

For further details and information on external scholarships visit the Scholarships section

• How to Apply
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