Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Global economies and energy systems must transform to meet challenges of climate change, energy resources, and environmental damage. These challenges demand transformations in our economies and energy systems and, in response, this sustainability master’s degree offers you rigorous training in energy and environmental economics, policy, and modelling, combined with a wide range of specialist options to deepen your expertise. You will gain skills to analyse complex issues in energy and sustainability essential to your career finding and evaluating solutions for a sustainable future.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£20,500
£10,250
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£36,500
£18,250
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 30 May 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Entry requirements

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (economics, economics-plus, a science or engineering subject) or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. A non-quantitative degree may, however, be considered, provided that aptitude is demonstrated for quantitative analysis, e.g. through some undergraduate modules, and/or through A levels or overseas equivalents. These requirements may be relaxed for students who can demonstrate considerable and relevant aptitude and experience, for example, in business or government. Please clearly state in your personal statement how your educational or employment background (including any internships or projects) relates to the programme and what you aim to achieve through your studies.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment MSc is designed to deliver a broad and deep understanding of energy, climate, and environmental issues to prepare you for a future career as a sustainability leader in business, finance, policymaking or research. This degree expands your skillset beyond traditional boundaries, combining quantitative economics with policy expertise to tackle critical energy and climate change challenges around the world. Our diverse faculty of experts means that you can choose to specialise in the way that suits your goals best through your optional modules and your dissertation. You will learn how to apply a variety of interdisciplinary analytical approaches — from energy scenarios, microeconomics, political economy, or innovation theory — to the challenges of energy, climate, and the environment, and to a variety of practical contexts in business, finance, and policy.

During your studies you will:

  • Learn about energy-environment models and their applications in both public and private sectors to model scenarios and handle uncertainties.
  • Gain an understanding of environmental policy and law’s foundational concepts and key debates, learning key methods to assess and evaluate both environmental impacts, and the effects of environmental policy.
  • Investigate approaches to environmental and resource economics, learning both about the theory and practical calculations.
  • Explore “planetary economics”, addressing the geopolitical context of energy and climate, and the political economy of potential solutions.  
  • Pursue your interests with optional modules that leverage our multidisciplinary expertise in global energy and environmental issues, allowing you to enhance your quantitative economics and modelling skills, or expand further into innovation, energy markets, development, behaviour, and business or finance perspectives
  • Apply your knowledge to case studies and scenarios to understand real world implications of classroom learning.
  • Meet influential sustainability professionals from public and private sectors in your seminars.
  • Enhance your critical thinking, analysis and communication skills that are vital to highly skilled employment.

Who this course is for

This course is best suited for:

  • Graduates with a background in economics looking to develop policy expertise in the areas of energy and the environment and acquire policy knowledge.
  • Science and engineering graduates who want to diversify skills into energy and environment.
  • Graduates with largely non-quantitative degrees, such as geography, politics or international relations, who can demonstrate an aptitude for quantitative analysis, and who wish to develop quantitative skills in economics.
  • Professionals with experience working in industry, consultancy, finance or public and third sectors looking to expand their skillset and learn the latest in energy and environmental economics and policy. 

What this course will give you

Research-led world-class education
You will connect with world-renowned academics whose research is shaping policy, debates and industry across energy and the environment. Our faculty is a multidisciplinary hub for education and research, uniquely positioned to tackle some of the most crucial issues facing society and our planet. Our faculty, The Bartlett, has been ranked #1 for Built Environment studies in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024). The Bartlett is also where the UK’s most ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ built environment research is undertaken (REF 2021).

Kick-start your career tackling global environmental challenges 
The unique blend of applied skills and knowledge you gain during your studies will prepare you to launch a successful career in sustainability-focused business, finance, policymaking, or research wherever you wish to work in the world. During your degree, you'll have opportunities to network with our accomplished alumni, who have established influential and international careers in the field.

Study in London – the heart of UK government and global business 
London is a dynamic hub for policymaking and business, home to influential organisations creating global sustainability impact. As a student, you'll benefit from our strong connections with industry leaders, policymakers, and academics, who frequently deliver guest lectures at our Institute. London is also the best city for students in the world (QS Best Student Cities 2025). 

The foundation of your career

96.1% of Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment MSc students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-21).

Our alumni have gone on to work at numerous influential organisations such as the International Energy Agency, United Nations, McKinsey & Company, Orsted, European Commission, National Grid, OECD, Ofgem, Forum for the Future, McKinsey, Bloomberg, Baringa, KPMG, Deloitte, BlackRock, CDP, Aurora Energy Research, Climate Bonds Initiative, Bank of China and more. We also have alumni with successful careers in national government, or who go on to further graduate study and research.


Alumni testimonials

"My MSc was pivotal in forging my current career path. It had been a long-standing dream of mine to become an environmental economist – the technical specialisation provided by this MSc, together with the calibre of education provided at UCL, made it possible for me to realise that dream. In particular, I believe the interesting selection of optional units on offer allowed me to gain a competitive edge." - Shanali Pethiyagoda, Environmental Economist Consultant to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations after graduating

"The benefits of having a specialised MSc from a world-class university has given me a competitive edge when applying for jobs related to my area of expertise. My degree, combined with a few years of work experience, has given me the credentials needed to successfully apply for intermediate-level jobs rather than starting in an entry-level position.” - Shaun James Micallef, Senior Economist - Cambridge Econometrics after graduating

Read more about careers in sustainability in our alumni and student stories ▶

Employability

Sustainability has become an important consideration across all sectors. The uniquely interdisciplinary nature of this master's will provide you with transferable skills that are in demand by employers from a variety of sectors including business, finance, consulting, government, think tanks, NGOs, universities and research institutes. Graduates of the Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment MSc are equipped to become leaders and entrepreneurs in their chosen area of specialisation, whether in terms of policymaking, finance, economics consultancy, the business management of sustainability issues, energy systems and markets or their understanding and application of innovative systems.

In addition to the core UCL Careers provision, as a student at The Bartlett you will have access to a mix of faculty-wide and department-specific support and activities to bolster your career development. Open across the Faculty, this includes a programme of lively industry panel discussions and interactive workshops, spotlighting the key sectors graduates typically venture into such as construction, consultancy, commercial property and urban planning and development.

Additionally, The Bartlett’s Building a Better Future Consultancy Project will give you a unique opportunity to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team to tackle a real world challenge the built environment is grappling with, equipping you with the in-demand skills sought after by employers. Featured organisations in this programme include global consultancies such as BuroHappold, Hoare Lea, AtkinsRealis to burgeoning start-ups and SMEs as well as local councils and not-for-profit organisations such as C40 Cities, Greater London Authority and London authorities.

On a departmental level, you will receive a bespoke provision of practical workshops led by experienced Career Consultants that cover crucial topics of your career planning such as developing your networking skills and how to successfully navigate the job search. 

Networking

You will become part of a diverse and international cohort of future sustainability professionals. Throughout your degree, you will also have opportunities to network with our accomplished alumni, who have established influential careers in the field, and with guest speakers from private and public sectors in class seminars, events and networking sessions. 

Teaching and learning

The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and project work.

Assessments are tailored to the learning outcomes of each module, and collectively promote a diversity of skills across the course as a whole. Assessments comprise written and oral examinations (including presentations), essays and other coursework, and an in-depth research dissertation. You may be required to work individually or as a team to complete assessments. The balance of an individual’s assessment types and timing will depend on the optional modules selected. 

In Terms 1 and 2, full-time students can typically expect between eight and 15 in-person contact hours per teaching week through lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. The balance depends on the subject-specific requirements, and occasionally we may run additional events or tutorials. In Term 3, students will be completing their own dissertation research, keeping regular contact with their dissertation supervisors.

Outside of on campus lectures and other contact time, full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using this remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.

Modules

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. This comprises core modules (75 credits), optional modules (45 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits).

Our term 1 core modules provide essential knowledge in energy and environmental economics, policy, and modelling. They also interlink, reinforcing key concepts whilst allowing you to view problems through different lenses, stimulating you to think creatively.  

The four core modules introduce:

  • Environmental and resource economics, including theory and practical calculations.
  • Environmental policy and law, introducing foundational concepts and key debates.
  • Energy modelling and scenarios, introducing approaches and types of energy-environment models and their applications.
  • “Planetary economics” which addresses the geopolitical context of energy and climate, and the political economy of potential solutions.

These modules build the foundations of your knowledge in this complex area of energy and environment, and of your economics and policy analysis skills.

You select three optional modules in term 2, allowing you to refine your knowledge of energy and the environment. You may choose to dive deeper into quantitative economic and modelling approaches to energy and environment, growing your knowledge from term 1. You can also choose to diversify your knowledge by selecting modules with different disciplinary perspectives or specialised topic areas, such as innovation, behaviour, development or business. Our selection of optional modules enables you to find your own path, shaped by your interests and career aspirations.

Our ‘Research Concepts and Methods’ module is a vital element of the course, facilitating your critical analysis skills in term 1 and which you can apply across the whole course. In term 2, this module prepares you to develop practical research skills and a proposal that lays the groundwork for your dissertation.

In term 3 and the summer, you will complete assessments for term 2 modules and those modules with unseen written examinations. You will also work on your dissertation. This is an opportunity to pursue in-depth, innovative research on a topic of your choice within the field of energy and environment, with guidance of your supervisor.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits over the full duration of their course. This comprises core modules (75 credits), optional modules (45 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits).  

As a part-time student, you will take half of the taught modules in the first year. In your second year you will take the remaining taught modules in term 1 and term 2, plus the dissertation module in term 3.

Our core modules provide essential knowledge in energy and environmental economics, policy, and modelling. They also interlink, reinforcing key concepts whilst allowing you to view problems through different lenses, stimulating you to think creatively.

The four core modules introduce:  

  • Environmental and resource economics, including theory and practical calculations
  • Environmental policy and law, introducing foundational concepts and key debates
  • Energy modelling and scenarios, introducing approaches and types of energy-environment models and their applications
  • “Planetary economics” which addresses the geopolitical context of energy and climate, and the political economy of potential solutions.  

These modules build the foundations of your knowledge in this complex area of energy and environment, and of your economics and policy analysis skills.

You select three optional modules, allowing you to refine your knowledge of energy and the environment. You may choose to dive deeper into quantitative economic and modelling approaches to energy and environment. You can also choose to diversify your knowledge by selecting modules with different disciplinary perspectives or specialised topic areas, such as innovation, behaviour, development or business. Our selection of optional modules enables you to find your own path, shaped by your interests and career aspirations.

Our ‘Research Concepts and Methods’ module is a vital element of the course, facilitating your critical analysis skills in and which you can apply across the whole course. This module also prepares you to develop practical research skills and a proposal that lays the groundwork for your dissertation.

Your dissertation is an opportunity to pursue in-depth, innovative research on a topic of your choice within the field of energy and environment, with guidance of your supervisor.

The flexible option allows you to complete your studies within five years. Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits over the full duration of their course. This comprises core modules (75 credits), optional modules (45 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits).

Our core modules provide essential knowledge in energy and environmental economics, policy, and modelling. They also interlink, reinforcing key concepts whilst allowing you to view problems through different lenses, stimulating you to think creatively.  

The four core modules introduce:  

  • Environmental and resource economics, including theory and practical calculations
  • Environmental policy and law, introducing foundational concepts and key debates
  • Energy modelling and scenarios, introducing approaches and types of energy-environment models and their applications
  • “Planetary economics” which addresses the geopolitical context of energy and climate, and the political economy of potential solutions.  

These modules build the foundations of your knowledge in this complex area of energy and environment, and of your economics and policy analysis skills.

You select three optional modules, allowing you to refine your knowledge of energy and the environment. You may choose to dive deeper into quantitative economic and modelling approaches to energy and environment. You can also choose to diversify your knowledge by selecting modules with different disciplinary perspectives or specialised topic areas, such as innovation, behaviour, development or business. Our selection of optional modules enables you to find your own path, shaped by your interests and career aspirations.

Our research concepts module is a vital element of the course, facilitating your critical analysis skills in and which you can apply across the whole course. This module also prepares you to develop practical research skills and a proposal that lays the groundwork for your dissertation.

Your dissertation is an opportunity to pursue in-depth, innovative research on a topic of your choice within the field of energy and environment, with guidance of your supervisor.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Master's Degrees at the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources

Join us to find out more about the Business and Sustainability MSc, Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment MSc and Sustainable Resources: Economics, Policy and Transitions MSc at UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources. You will have the chance to meet our expert teaching staff, and ask any questions about the curriculum, student experience, and career prospects.

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Master's Degrees at the UCL Energy Institute

Join us to find out more about the Master's Degrees at the UCL Energy Institute. You will have the chance to meet our expert teaching staff, and ask any questions about the curriculum, student experience, and career prospects.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £20,500 £10,250
Tuition fees (2025/26) £36,500 £18,250

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For flexible/modular offer holders a £500 fee deposit will be charged.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Beyond owning your own laptop, there is no requirement to purchase specific books or equipment for this course. In some cases, certain books or reading resources may be recommended, but not required.

If you are concerned by potential costs, please get in touch with the programme administration team by e-mailing bseer-studentqueries@ucl.ac.uk.

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

UCL offers a range of financial awards aimed at assisting both prospective and current students with their studies.

In our faculty, The Bartlett Promise Scholarship aims to enable students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue master's studies. Please see the UK Master's scholarship and Sub-Saharan Africa Master's scholarship pages for more information on eligibility criteria, selection process and FAQs.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Masters Scholarship

Deadline: 28 March 2025
Value: Fees, stipend and other allowances (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Bartlett Promise UK Master's Scholarship

Deadline: 31 May 2025
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,864 maintenance/yr (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application, we would like to learn:

  • How your academic and professional background meets the demands of Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment
  • Why you want to study Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment at graduate level
  • What particularly attracts you to this course at The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources
  • Where you would like to go professionally with your degree and how this course meets these needs

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate why you are suited to this course.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.