Overview

With innovation at its core, our Energy Policy MSc (online) explores contemporary issues impacting energy policy at local to global scales.

It equips you with a toolkit of frameworks, practical skills and analytical techniques to apply in the real world. You will learn to challenge convention to create practical solutions by looking through an interdisciplinary lens and beyond standard approaches to policy making.

Furthermore, you will be studying at the institution ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies seven years in a row (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2017-2023).

Delivered 100% online, this course draws on expertise from globally renowned academics from our Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) and the Sussex Energy Group, one of the largest energy policy research groups in the world. You will have the opportunity to engage in rich debates with other professionals and gain a global perspective by exploring policy across organisations, governments and countries. By the end of the course, you will graduate with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in government, NGOs, and private companies.

A version of this course is also available to study on campus → 

What our students say

Read the transcript

Why did I choose the University of Sussex? I think because they offered a programme that was number one, part-time, and number two, online. And it was just easy to balance with my job and other commitments I have.

The faculty have been extremely accommodating given the way the course is structured on a very flexible basis. People are not necessarily flowing from one module automatically to the next.

What I’ve really felt on this online course is that the learning materials are such a high quality. They prepare, kind of, really consumable content for us on what we should be learning.

The course is flexible in the way it allows you to study. So, I have control of when I can do certain things. If, for example, at work I have lots of deadlines coming up, I could block out a module and then re-join it in the next module.

A couple of the anxieties I had before I started the course was: how does it all work? But it was all very simple. Within the first week, you go on there, it’s all very easy to use and navigate. Any questions I had I was able to ask the Student Success Team and they get back to you very promptly.

The flexibility of having an app, having a website, having all the materials you need, just makes life a lot easier.

Different methods of learning definitely helped. I found that podcasts for me were really helpful to get the information in.

I found it great if I’m watching videos and lectures to be able to fast forward them, pause them, rewind them.

The reading list has actually been something that I’ve really enjoyed because I was a bit, kind of, worried about not being not having access to the library, but the reading list has been carefully, like, selected and it’s so easy to get onto the books, and also for me it’s been great because you can download them as PDFs.

So, people connected really well. We did lots of sharing online and actually we feel really connected so there’s lots of people that I met on the course that I’ll now stay in touch with.

I think it’s really great that the cohort is international for the online course. So I’ve made amazing professional connections with people working in Canada, Asia, all over Europe, as well as all over the UK.

I’d like to end up working in the field. I’m going to take my time now I’ve finished the course and again make sure I end up somewhere I really want to. I think the most important thing for me would be somewhere I feel like I’m actually making a difference for the future

Modules

Become an innovative policymaker

Each module lasts seven weeks and is delivered via Canvas, a state-of-the-art online learning platform, which can be accessed by a computer, tablet or smartphone alike so you can truly study whenever and wherever you like. You can take control of your schedule by fitting the recommended 20 hours study time per week around your existing commitments and lifestyle.

In order to graduate the course, all of the below modules must be successfully completed.

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.

To learn more about each module, please click on the title to read the module description and the types of assessments.

Entry requirements

A lower second-class (2.2) undergraduate honours degree or above from any UK university or international equivalent.

English language requirements

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).

Fees and funding

Course fee: £12,660
Cost per module: £1,055

Flexibility is at the heart of our online courses: fees can be paid on a module-by-module basis, or as a single fee at the start of the course. You are required to pay the first module fee of £1,055 to secure your place on the course. You may also consider corporate sponsorship and employer funding. Our Admissions Team will be able to assist you with next steps. 

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).

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.

Please visit our Fees and Funding page for more information.

Careers

Where could our Energy Policy course take you?

This online course is designed for professionals looking to launch or progress their career in energy policy. This could include work in government, NGOs, and private companies with a focus on the transition to clean energy through regulation. The tools learnt on the course to develop, implement and analyse policies are transferable across organisations, institutions and markets. Learning these transferable skills will broaden your career opportunities.

Throughout your studies, there will be a wide range of opportunities to develop your career. Through live group seminars and exclusive networking events, you will meet some of the world’s leading experts in energy policy and connect with fellow classmates from around the world. Furthermore, you will have the ability to shape your assessments according to your interests and current topics, by selecting case studies relevant to your current workplace, or future career goals.

On completion of the course, you’ll join an ambitious community of Energy Policy alumni who have gone on to work in a variety of roles, including Public Policy and Governance Specialist, Freelance Consultant, Climate Finance and Policy Specialist, Renewables Energy Consultant, Research Manager and Modelling Analyst – to name just a few.

Why choose this course?

Be a catalyst for change

Policy is at the heart of the energy transition. Without it, change does not happen.

By choosing to study this course, you’ll learn the theory and develop practical skills, enabling you to influence, inspire, and educate more effectively to aid the development of sustainable energy policies. You will also:

  • study a course that is centred around innovation, meaning you will look beyond standard approaches to policy and will challenge convention to create practical solutions to modern day issues
  • network with professionals from around the globe, including the opportunity to join informal monthly social e-events to meet more SPRU academics outside of your online teaching circle
  • have a high degree of flexibility when studying the course as assessments can be shaped according to your interest by choosing real-world case studies, which could include those from your workplace
  • have the option to complete the course in two years or a maximum of four years should you wish to take a break in studying (maximum break time applies)
  • study anywhere and at any time, allowing you to gain a Masters degree alongside your professional and personal commitments by studying 100% online and part time.

How can we drive positive change in the global energy sector?

Watch this one-minute summary video.

Read the transcript

Nothing works without energy.

It drives modern society.

But the impact of burning fossil fuels is increasingly visible.

The Paris Agreement in 2015 set out an action plan to combat climate change.

Committing to decarbonise the global energy system within 50 years.

Renewable sources are growing rapidly.

But it’s not just about finding cleaner energy sources.

Equally important is how we store and use energy.

And renewable energy brings economic, political and social challenges.

The climate challenge is multi-dimensional and we believe innovation is central in tackling the problem.

Our MSc in Energy Policy is interdisciplinary and focuses on innovation.

Become an agent for change, join the energy revolution.

University of Sussex. Business School.

Academics

Professor Gordon MacKerron

Course Director and Professor of Science and Technology Policy

University of Sussex Business School

Dr Sung Kyu Kim

Course Director and Lecturer in Energy Policy and Sustainability
University of Sussex Business School

Professor Tim Foxon

Professor of Sustainability Transitions
University of Sussex Business School

Dr Marie Claire Brisbois

Senior Lecturer in Energy Policy
University of Sussex Business School

Professor Mari Martiskainen

Professor of Energy and Society
University of Sussex Business School

Professor Steve Sorrell

Professor of Energy Policy
University of Sussex Business School

“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, Canada) and Energy Policy MSc (online) student

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Blogs

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Policy makers need to create and amend rules and regulations around energy production, distribution, and consumption.

Student stories: Susan Jemmott, Energy Policy MSc (online)

Energy Policy MSc (online) student Susan Jemmott tells us about her decision to study online with Sussex from her home in Trinidad and Tobago.

Student stories: Suman Basnet, Energy Policy MSc (online)

Nepal-based Energy Policy MSc (online) student Suman Basnet tells us about his decision to study with the University of Sussex.