MSc in Energy Policy and Finance

The challenge of creating a better energy future for us all is both urgent and complex. It is much more than a technical challenge – it is also a societal, policy, and financial challenge.

The MSc in Energy Policy and Finance has been specifically designed to match and address this complexity. This one-year programme will equip students with the knowledge, critical insights, and practical skills necessary for understanding and helping to shape, manage and evaluate energy policy, and interpret and operate within energy markets and finance.

Emphasising the development of practical skills, and involving external partners from the realms of policy, industry, and finance, the MSc in Energy Policy and Finance offers more than an academic qualification. It equips students with the knowledge and competencies that will enable them to define and pursue new and diverse career trajectories in the field of energy – both within and outside of academia.

Course details

The MSc in Energy Policy and Finance provides students with the knowledge, skills, and ways of thinking necessary to help shape better energy futures.

Throughout this one-year master's programme, guided by world-class research leaders from the University of St Andrews, students will:

• Investigate energy circumstances and inequalities, particularly in the context of energy transitions and climate responsibilities
• Explore energy and climate change policy in historical and socio-political contexts, and develop skills in engaging with the policy realm and conducting policy evaluation.
• Develop a critical understanding of energy finance, and practical skills in financial analysis as it applies to energy markets and energy policy
• Design and deliver an independent research project.

The course will be of particular value if you are looking to follow a career in energy policy, energy governance, energy industries and energy finance, or if you are planning to go into further energy-related research.

Highlights

• Equips students with knowledge, and understanding, but also a range of practical skills in energy policy and finance
• A comprehensive and integrated interdisciplinary character gives this programme a remarkable richness and depth compared with conventional energy degrees
• The course is specifically designed to connect academic learning with the development of personal and professional competencies and career trajectories
• Teaching is delivered by leading experts from across the University of St Andrews and its Centre for Energy Ethics, with input from external partners representing the realms of industry, policy, and finance
• The MSc in Energy Policy and Finance is a flagship course for the Centre for Energy Ethics. The Centre is truly interdisciplinary in its ethos, vision, and scope, bringing together researchers across the Arts, Humanities, Social and Natural Sciences to create an inspiring dynamic and inclusive research environment in which to pursue issues of energy ethics.

Teaching

Teaching format

The taught modules are taken over two semesters – September to December (Semester 1) and January to May (Semester 2). The period from June to August is used to complete the end-of-degree project.

Each taught module will use teaching and learning methods appropriate to its aims. These may include seminars, workshops, lectures, tutorials, group work and independent study.

Assessment

Assessment methods used may include essays, presentations, reports, posters, quantitative data analysis, group assignments, practical exercises, policy briefs, and blog entries.

The University of St Andrews has a world-class reputation and offers a wider student experience with a diverse range of social activities, including over 150 student societies and 50 sports clubs. Historic buildings are juxtaposed against the modern facilities, and the many student traditions truly make studying at St Andrews an unforgettable experience.

St Andrews is a unique and captivating place, and the University is a key part of its charm. Seven centuries of history link the students with the town, leading to the ancient and yet modern institution apparent today.

Why St Andrews

St Andrews is a unique place to study and live. Nestled on the east coast of Scotland, students may find themselves crossing golf courses on their way to class, or jogging along the beach after dinner. Not only does the University have a world-class reputation, but it also offers a diverse range of social activities, including over 140 student societies and 50 sports clubs. Historic buildings are juxtaposed against the modern facilities, and the many student traditions truly make studying at St Andrews an unforgettable experience.