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Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment MSc

London, Bloomsbury

As the environment, climate and energy rapidly rise up the public agenda, there is a growing need for highly qualified practitioners to analyse these complex issues and relate them to policy implications. UCL's Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment MSc trains you in the economics, policy and modelling skills needed to tackle global environmental challenges.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2023/24)
£18,000
£9,000
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2023/24)
£32,100
£16,050
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2023
Applications accepted
All applicants: 17 Oct 2022 – 31 Mar 2023

Applications closed

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 some aptitude, e.g. at A level, has been demonstrated for quantitative analysis. 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. International Preparation Courses

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

There is a global need for quantitative, practical environment and resource economists with a sound understanding of policy. Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment MSc is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to become a sustainability leader and innovator in business, policy-making and research. 

You will gain a deep understanding of different economic and policy approaches to the urgent environmental and resource problems that face our global community, especially in respect to energy and climate change. You will learn how to apply a variety of analytical methods to resolve these problems, applied to a broad range of practical contexts.

This advanced degree programme will give you an in-depth understanding of:

  • Environmental and resource economics
  • Modelling, methods and scenarios
  • Environmental measurement, assessment and law
  • Planetary economics and the political economy of energy and climate change
  • Research concepts and methods

Who this course is for

This course is best suited for: • Those with a background in economics looking to develop policy expertise in the areas of energy and the environment • Science and engineering graduates wanting to begin an interdisciplinary career in this expanding field • Those with largely non-quantitative degrees who can demonstrate an aptitude for quantitative analysis and want to develop quantitative skills and work in a more policy-related way
Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

This Master's offers you the opportunity to acquire high-level, energy-environment-economy modelling skills, whilst also focussing on conceptual as well as mathematical aspects, appealing to students with both quantitative and non-quantitative first degrees.

All modules are taught by our world-class faculty at The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources – home to four specialist sustainability-focussed institute in The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment. The Bartlett's research received the UK's most world-leading ratings for Built Environment research in the most recent Research Excellence Framework.

As a student you will benefit from:

  • A world leading, multidisciplinary learning environment
  • Education from leading academics who boast a long-standing track-record of excellence in energy and environmental research
  • Our well-established relationships with key figures in industry, policy and academia, who often give guest lectures at our Institute
  • Access to our extensive alumni network, now within many influential international organisations concerned with energy and the environment
  • An inclusive environment that promotes global citizenship, and an ethos of equality and diversity
  • Studying in London, a city of culture at the heart of UK's seat of government and finance
Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Our alumni have gone on to work at numerous influential organisations such as International Energy Agency, FAO, OECD, Ofgem, CBRE, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, McKinsey, Bloomberg, KPMG and more. We also have alumni with successful careers in government, or who go on to further graduate study and research. We host networking events, careers workshops and exclusive seminars that put our students in close contact with leaders in environmental economics and policy.

Alumni stories

"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

"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

Read more alumni and student stories.

Employability

Graduates will be equipped to become leaders and entrepreneurs in their chosen area of specialisation, whether in terms of policy-making, economics consultancy, the business management of sustainability issues, energy system modelling or their understanding and application of innovative systems.

Sustainability has become an important consideration across all sectors. The uniquely interdisciplinary nature of this Master's provides students with practical skills that are in demand by employers from a variety of sectors including business, consulting, government, think tanks, NGOs, universities and research institutes. 

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and project work. Assessment is through written and oral examination, essay, and presentation coursework and by dissertation.

In terms 1 and 2 full-time students can typically expect between 8 and 15 contact hours per teaching week through lectures, 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 lectures and other contact time, students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using this remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.

Modules

You will take eight taught modules and a research project leading to a dissertation.

The taught modules are delivered in Term 1 and Term 2. These comprise five compulsory modules providing core knowledge, understanding and skills. You will also take three optional modules which will be drawn from a range of available modules, allowing you to pursue specialist interests. Please note that the optional modules listed below are indicative of what will be offered in the coming year. If you have a strong specific optional module that you are interested in, then you are strongly advised to contact the programme administrator prior to applying to avoid disappointment and ensure it will run next academic year.

Some taught modules are assessed using a written examination. These will take place during Term 3.

You will complete a research project leading to a dissertation throughout Term 3 and the summer.

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 second half on taught modules in Term 1 and Term 2, plus the dissertation module in Term 3. 

The flexible option allows your to complete your studies within five years (minimum three).

Compulsory modules








Optional modules













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 accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment MSc Open Day 2022

A virtual open day for the Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment MSc with Programme Director Lorenzo Lotti, Deputy-Programme Director Catherine Willan and Teaching administrator Pui Shi Tsang. A slideshow about the programme then a live Q&A session with the audience.

Watch on demand event

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment MSc

Are you ready to help tackle urgent sustainability challenges and transform how we use energy and resources globally? Join a virtual open day and discover our specialist Energy and Sustainable Resources Master’s degrees in; Business and Sustainability MSc, Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment MSc, Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc, Energy Systems and Data Analytics MSc, Sustainable Resources: Economics, Policy and Transitions MSc.

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2023/24) £18,000 £9,000
Tuition fees (2023/24) £32,100 £16,050

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

If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc. on this programme, please get in touch with the programme administration team by e-mailing bseer-studentqueries@ucl.ac.uk.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

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

Additional funding available from our Faculty is advertised on The Bartlett's scholarships page.

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

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Bartlett Promise Scholarship - Master's

Deadline: 31 May 2023
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,364 maintenance/yr (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Masters Scholarship

Deadline: 31 March 2023
Value: Fees, stipend and other allowances (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Ecclesiastical Insurance Bursary

Deadline: 1 May 2023
Value: Up to £25,360 (to cover the cost of fees and a stipend) (1yr)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: UK

Rising Leader in Sustainable Business Scholarship

Deadline: 14 July 2023
Value: £6,000 towards fees (1yr)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

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 and £115 for paper 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 programme at the UCL Energy Institute
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree and how this programme meets these needs

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

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.

Got questions? Get in touch

Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources
Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources

bseer-studentqueries@ucl.ac.uk

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