Challenges in Energy and Climate Policy (118N1)

15 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Autumn teaching

Explore key empirical challenges within energy and climate policy and the synergies and tensions between different goals.

In the first part of the module, we introduce you to:

• the physical foundations of energy systems
• the contribution of energy to economic growth
• the challenge posed by climate change.

In the second part, we will explore the three elements of the so-called ‘energy trilemma’. We’ll look at the challenges they present and the manner in which different governments are responding to those challenges. These are:

• energy security
• energy sustainability
• energy affordability (which relates in particular to the operation of energy markets).

Finally, we discuss the role of energy in economic development, including the importance of energy finance and energy justice.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 30 hours of contact time and about 120 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.