Taught 100% online, this flexible course offers you the opportunity to study Sussex’s internationally renowned Energy Policy Masters from wherever you are in the world.
A version of this course is also available to be studied on campus.
Course start dates:
There are six start dates every academic year, providing maximum flexibility for our students;
January | March | May | July | September | October
Fees
Course fee: £12,240
More information on fees, scholarships and funding can be found below.
Course overview
This course will help you develop the critical and systemic thinking needed to steer the shift towards sustainable energy in the public, private and third sectors. Building on the influential research of the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU), you’ll be taught by leading academics who are developing new interdisciplinary thinking in energy policy and applying this to contemporary challenges around the world.
This MSc offers a broad-based, social science training in energy policy. Incorporating ideas from economics, political science and innovation studies. There is a focus on the role of innovation throughout the course.
Teaching is interdisciplinary, practical and applied. You’ll focus on real-world policy problems and learn the skills required to analyse them, and propose viable policy solutions.
Applicants do not require any prior training or education experience in the subject area, just a passion to drive change.
This Masters is taught 100% online and is part-time. This course is part-time and can be completed in a minimum of two years. You have the opportunity to step on and off the course, pausing your studies if your work or life commitments require, providing you complete the course within four years from enrolment.
A version of our Energy Policy Masters can be studied on campus on a full or part time basis, find out more.
Based in the University of Sussex Business School— internationally recognised amongst the UK’s top schools for energy economics research —this course draws on expertise from world-renowned academics from Sussex’s Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) and the Sussex Energy Group, one of the largest energy policy research groups in the world.
Teaching on the Energy Policy MSc focuses on contemporary challenges and debates within the energy sector. You’ll learn from academics who are actively developing and delivering policy for governments, organisations and NGO’s and driving real change around the world.
This Masters provides the flexibility to explore issues and debates relevant to your own interests and national contexts. You’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge to work in government, NGOs and private companies in whichever country you choose.
- Introduction to Energy Policy
- Policy Analysis
- Understanding the Policy-Making Process
- Science, Technology and Innovation
- Energy and Sustainability
- Energy Justice
- Perspectives, Methods & Skills
- Quantitative Research Methods for Energy Policy
- Governing Energy Transitions
- Energy and Development
- Energy and Economic Growth
- Energy Policy Capstone Project
Each module lasts for 7 weeks with the final module assessment deadline usually on the Monday of Week 8. Students should allow for 20 hours per week study time.
Assessments will take place throughout each module and must be completed within the module teaching period for students to progress through the course/to the next module.
The course uses multiple assessments methods to assess students’ knowledge, competence development and engagement through individual and groupwork exercises, such as written reports, simulations, essays, project reports, MCQs, and portfolios. An indication for the likely assessment methods of this module is given, though this may be subject to change.
A lower second-class (2.2) undergraduate honours degree or above from any UK university or international equivalent.
Course Director: Energy Policy MSc (online)
Professor Of Science and Technology Policy (SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit)
Professor Of Sustainability Transitions (SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit)
Professor Of Energy Policy (SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit)
Course Director: Energy Policy MSc (online)
Lecturer in Energy Policy and Sustainability (SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit)
Senior Lecturer in Energy Policy (SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit)
Senior Research Fellow (SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit)
Applicants whose first language is not English (and whose first degree was not taught in English) need to supply evidence of IELTS (Academic) high level (6.5 overall, including at least 6.0 in each component).
Masters course fee: £12,240
Cost per module: £1,020
Fees can be paid at the start of the course or on a module-by-module basis, with students required to pay the first module fee of £1,020 to secure their place on the course.
Course fees will remain fixed for 24 months from your initial course start date. Thereafter, the course fee will rise at a rate of 2.5% per calendar year (subject to rounding for administration purposes).
Please visit our fees and funding page for more information on funding for your studies.
20% Alumni discount
If you have previously graduated from an undergraduate, postgraduate or PhD course with the University of Sussex you will be eligible* for a 20% discount on this online course.
Find out more about the alumni discount and eligibility criteria.
*T&Cs apply.
Science, Policy and Research Unit (SPRU)
University of Sussex, Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) – Masters courses
"With this MSc I am better equipped to influence, inspire, educate and negotiate more effectively in order to address the need to transition to sustainable energy systems."
Cameron Jones Sustainable Electricity Analyst, Department of Energy, Alberta, Canada