Energy, Society and Sustainability

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

We may also consider a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with relevant work experience, a strong personal statement and supportive reference.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The MSc in Energy, Society and Sustainability equips you with an understanding of how different societies can address the challenge of balancing energy with sustainability. It brings together a social, political, economic, and environmental understanding of low-carbon technologies.

You will explore the risks, costs, and benefits of transitioning to low-carbon energy in a globalised world by asking the following questions:

• How do we achieve environmental sustainability, energy security and energy justice across different contexts, timescales, places and people?
• How are societies affected by the energy transition?
• How do people, policy, and society enable or hinder the energy transition?

Our programme will equip you with a critical awareness of related local, regional and global debates and challenges, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the role of energy in development, facilitating the exploration of the above challenges affecting our world today and in the future.

You will benefit from our access to insightful case studies, as well as the organisations and communities our lecturers work closely with. These range from local Scottish islands to international corporations. The cases demonstrate global best practices and identify paths to sustainable energy management.

Scotland and Edinburgh are prime contexts in which to investigate the interplay between energy and society. Scotland is a world leader in renewable electricity generation. It has a history of hydroelectricity, North Sea oil, and a future in tide and wave energy. However, it also suffers from high levels of energy poverty, a challenge many people face.

Programme benefits

• Benefit from the significance of fieldwork in this programme, allowing you to apply the knowledge and skills you have learnt in the field, whilst working alongside organisations linked to energy and sustainability
• Learn how to translate complex social and technical issues into effective arguments, policies and innovative business opportunities, strengthening your ability to follow a career path of your choice across different sectors.