The Energy Policy specialist option aims to produce graduates capable of combining the technical, environmental, economic, legal and policy aspects of energy use and supply in tackling energy-related problems. Students from a wide range of backgrounds are given a broad understanding of the role of energy in the global and local economy, and the range of human and environmental impacts associated with energy systems.
The course aims to foster a range of skills, incorporating an in depth appreciation of technical subjects and quantitative methods with a balanced approach to policy analysis and communication. The ability to produce clear, critical and authoritative analysis of technical, economic and policy issues is the key aim, making graduates sought-after energy analysts, consultants and campaigners in the private and public sectors.
Energy Policy
Course details
Energy plays a key role in most of the world’s environmental problems, from the global issue of climate change, through regional damage caused by acid rain, to poor local air quality. Energy markets throughout the world are evolving rapidly, with privatisation, competition, market structure and regulation all prominent issues in the UK, Europe and overseas. Resource depletion of fossil fuels, the role of renewable energy and social inequities such as fuel poverty are central issues for sustainable development. The influence of energy issues on international politics and security has come into sharp focus with conflicts affecting the Middle East and the former Soviet Union. The range of challenges for energy policy is diverse and exciting.
Option Aims
- To build on the foundations of the core course, by developing specialist knowledge of the energy field within a more general environmental framework
- To inform and guide the choice of project for the third term
- To provide students from natural science, engineering, social science and other backgrounds with a broad understanding of the role of energy in the global and local economy, and of the range of economic, human and environmental impacts associated with energy systems.
- To develop a broad range of skills, incorporating an in depth appreciation of technical subjects and quantitative methods with a balanced approach to policy analysis and communication.
- To produce graduates capable of combining the technical, economic and policy aspects of energy, so that they can draw conclusions of strategic significance in energy areas relating to corporate, government or non-government activity.
Option Objectives
At the conclusion of the course, students should be:
- capable of developing policy analyses and recommendations in a broad range of areas across the energy sector
- able to understand the legislative and regulatory frameworks which surround energy markets
- able to apply their knowledge appropriately to energy issues in both developed and developing countries
- able to conduct cost-benefit analyses of energy projects at different scales, and from different perspectives
- capable of constructing simple energy models, and able to appreciate the possibilities and limitations of the modelling process
- able to write clear, critical and authoritative reports, both on technical subjects and on policy issues
- able confidently to present results orally, at a level appropriate to their audience