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Course overview
The MSc Global Energy and Climate Policy degree programme addresses important issues of our time.
The use of energy – electricity generation, transportation, heating/cooling and industrial consumption – is the most important driver of climate change by far. Effectively addressing this urgent global challenge therefore requires transformational changes in the ways we produce, consume and govern energy. More than two decades of political contestation have shown that a supportive policy environment – meaningful and consistent domestic laws and regulation underpinned by ambitious international treaties – is the only way to affect these changes, develop alternatives to emissions-intensive fossil fuels and transition economies around the world onto a secure, low-carbon and climate-friendly footing.
The MSc Global Energy and Climate Policy addresses precisely these issues, treating climate and energy policy as inextricably linked. Cases drawn from both the Global North and South will form the basis of your studies as you examine how policy is made, advocated and implemented – or sometimes prevented – around the world. You will acquire theoretical knowledge of climate and energy policies as well as practical skills in risk analysis, policy analysis and strategic advocacy. The MSc is rounded out by negotiation and media training and a week-long study tour to key institutions in the energy and climate policy space in Brussels and Paris, such as the European Commission, various energy lobby groups, and the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The MSc programme draws on the teaching and research strengths of Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD) and of the SOAS departments of International Politics, Law, Economics and area studies (especially of Asia, Africa and the Middle East) as well as a wide range of languages . In particular, students will be able to benefit from the expertise located at the Centre for Environment, Development and Policy (CeDEP) , the Law School's Law, Environment and Development Centre (LEDC), the Centre on the Politics of Energy Security (CEPES), the Centre for Water and Development, and the SOAS Food Studies Centre .
Students on the MSc GECP may have the opportunity to participate in CISD's Study Tour of energy and climate-related organisations in Paris and Brussels, although this is in addition to the programme of study and cannot be guaranteed.
The MSc is designed for those engaged with or planning a career in professional contexts relating to energy and/or climate policy.
Why study MSc Global Energy and Climate Policy at SOAS?
By studying MSc Global Energy and Climate Policy at SOAS you will:
- gain an in-depth understanding of the nature and development of global energy and climate policy, drawing on a variety of contributing disciplines
- be eligible to apply for internships, such as the two paid internships at Amnesty International and Chatham House available to SOAS Politics students this year
- gain an excellent knowledge of regulatory challenges and their impact on public and private stakeholders in both the Global South and North
- be able to critically contribute to contemporary policy debates about reforms of international energy and climate governance architectures and their interaction with national and sub-national policy and regulatory frameworks
- develop practical skills including policy analysis and policy advocacy, risk analysis, strategic communication and media
Who should apply?
We welcome applications from a wide variety of fields and backgrounds. It is not necessary to have a degree in a discipline directly related to global energy and climate policy.
Each application is assessed on its individual merits and entry requirements may be modified in light of relevant professional experience and where the applicant can demonstrate a sustained practical interest in the international field.
Global Partnerships
This programme can be offered as part of a dual masters degree with Johns Hopkins SAIS.
Through the dual masters, students can spend the first year studying at SAIS and second year at SOAS or vice versa and gain a Masters award from each institution. For more information and eligible programmes included in the dual masters, please see the SOAS-SAIS partnership on the Global Partnerships website.