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Energy Systems and Data Analytics (ESDA) MSc

London, Bloomsbury

The Energy Systems and Data Analytics MSc equips you with advanced data science, artificial intelligence and energy modelling skills to address the complex challenges in the energy transition. The course prepares you for a career in energy analytics, policy, consulting, or smart technology development, where data-driven solutions and artificial intelligence are transforming energy systems.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£21,500
£10,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£39,200
£19,600
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this course 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


Designed in collaboration with industry, the Energy Systems and Data Analytics MSc equips you with the advanced skills needed to support net zero goals, combining technical knowledge of energy systems with expertise in data science and artificial intelligence (AI).

During your degree you develop the expertise to:

  • Use data science, machine learning and AI to extract insights from large and diverse datasets
  • Analyse complex energy systems, including supply, demand, sector interdependencies, and infrastructure planning
  • Apply modelling tools to support decarbonisation, smart grid optimisation and low-carbon transitions
  • Evaluate and deploy methods in supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning and predictive analytics
  • Work with spatial data to understand the geographic and place-based dimensions of energy systems

This multidisciplinary course responds to the growing need for energy professionals who can turn complex data into insight and action. Throughout the degree you gain hands-on experience working with real-world datasets and industry standard tools, preparing you for a career leading innovation in decarbonisation and smart energy systems.

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for:

  • Those with a quantitative background who have an interest in energy and are motivated by using data science to solve sustainability problems.
  • Those with an energy background who are interested in data science.
  • Early and mid-career energy professionals looking to expand their data skills and domain knowledge.
Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

You will study at UCL, ranked among the world’s top 10 universities (QS World University Rankings 2026). Your learning will take place at the UCL Energy Institute, part of The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, where experts shape policy, drive innovation and collaborate with industry across the energy sector.

You will benefit from:

  • A learning environment grounded in real-world challenges and live research
  • Guest lectures and input from practitioners working across government, industry, consultancy, and the non-profit sector
  • Close links to London’s fast-moving energy, climate and data sectors
  • Opportunities to collaborate on applied projects and build a professional network

Our faculty, The Bartlett, is a dynamic, interdisciplinary space that brings together built environment disciplines together with sustainability, development, innovation and more. The Bartlett is #1 in the world for built environment studies (QS World University Rankings by subject 2025) and #1 for Research Power in the built environment in the UK, with 91% of the faculty’s research deemed ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ (REF 2021).

This environment gives you access to expert teaching, real-world experience and a network that supports your development as an energy and data professional.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme
Making an impact
Photo on a cement lorry in front of a plant

Using AI to cut industrial carbon emissions

Read how Dr Aidan O’Sullivan's start up is using AI to save millions of tonnes of carbon from the single largest industrial emitter.

The foundation of your career

100% of Energy Systems and Data Analytics MSc graduates were in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-23). Graduates from the Energy Systems and Data Analytics MSc have gone on to careers in government, consultancy, energy utilities, data and AI start-ups, and global NGOs. Typical roles include energy analysts, data scientists, sustainability consultants, and climate policy advisors.

Notable employers include Octopus Energy, Deloitte, Shell, China Huadian, and Atkins, showcasing the programme’s strong interdisciplinary and industry alignment. Graduates often contribute directly to Net Zero strategies, work internationally across energy transitions, and secure roles in influential organisations shaping the future of sustainable energy.

Alongside strong employability outcomes, many graduates pursue advanced research opportunities and PhD study at world-leading institutions, including UCL, often continuing to work on sustainability and energy systems innovation. Their progression reflects the course’s academic rigour and research-led approach, preparing graduates for leadership in research and policy.

The course is one of a kind in terms of teaching the core components of data analysis, statistics and energy modelling, but more importantly this is framed within a whole systems approach for the energy sector. I’d recommend it for anyone interested in turning industry’s large volumes of under-utilised data into models and insights that can help further the energy transition.

Photo of Ayrton Bourn

Ayrton Bourn

Energy systems and Data Analytics MSc graduate

Read more Energy Systems and Data Analytics MSc alumni stories

Employability

You will graduate with the technical and analytical skills most sought-after in the Net Zero workforce. These include:

  • Hands-on experience in data science, machine learning, and energy systems modelling using real-world energy datasets.  
  • Expertise in Python, data visualisation, and statistical analysis tailored to energy applications.
  • The ability to interpret and communicate technical insights to inform energy policy and business decisions.
  • Critical problem-solving skills through interdisciplinary, research-led teaching and group project work.

To enhance your employability, the course includes opportunities to engage with industry experts and guest lecturers, helping you deepen your understanding of the sector and build your professional network. You receive support for career pathways into consultancy, government, utilities, tech startups, or PhD study. You also have access to tailored support from UCL Careers to explore your options, develop key skills, showcase your practical experience and navigate the job application process. This includes industry-focused events and training such as alumni and employer insight panels, career taster sessions, masterclasses, careers fairs and more.

The Energy Systems and Data Analytics MSc is affiliated with the Energy Institute (EI) through its Learning Affiliate (LA) scheme. This provides students with free EI membership during their studies, offering access to professional development resources, industry networks, and sector events. The LA status strengthens the course’s engagement with the energy profession and supports its current pursuit of full professional accreditation by the EI.

Networking

The course offers a wide range of networking opportunities that are designed to enrich your learning experience and connect you with industry professionals. We organise a dedicated programme of networking events that allow you to interact with fellow students, alumni, faculty, and industry experts. These events foster a sense of community and provide a platform for you to exchange ideas and insights. Moreover, you will have the chance to engage with industry leaders through guest lectures and seminars, gaining valuable perspectives from those at the forefront of your field.

Our London location offers unparalleled access to industry events, exhibitions, and conferences. These events provide an avenue for you to expand your network and stay updated on the latest industry trends. We believe that these networking opportunities play a pivotal role in enhancing your educational journey and preparing you for a successful career in the field.

Teaching and learning

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, workshops, hands-on practical sessions, collaborative projects, and self-directed study. By engaging in these diverse learning approaches, you gain a deep understanding of complex concepts, enhance problem-solving skills, and cultivate the ability to apply analytical techniques to real-world energy challenges.

Assessment is through a combination of methods including problem sets, individual assignments and coursework, group-based data analysis assignments with a report and presentation, unseen examinations and a dissertation.

Full-time students study the equivalent of a full-time job. In Terms 1 and 2, full-time students typically engage in 8 to 15 contact hours per week, delivered through a mix of lectures, interactive workshops, lab sessions, and tutorials. Students then use the remainder of their time (approximately 22 to 29 hours per week) for self-directed learning, collaborative group work, and coursework. Term 3 is dedicated to independent dissertation research, with ongoing supervision and academic support.

For those enrolled in alternative awards:

  • The Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) includes seven core modules (105 credits) and one optional module (15 credits). This can be completed full-time in nine months.
  • The Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) comprises three core modules (45 credits) and one optional module (15 credits), typically delivered over nine months part-time.

Modules

You take eight taught modules across Term 1 and Term 2. You complete the dissertation during Term 3 and the summer, having had preparatory tutorials during the previous terms.  

You take seven compulsory modules which will provide compulsory skills and knowledge in Energy Systems, different energy domains, machine learning and data analysis.

You choose one optional module. Optional modules allow you to explore more advanced methods of data analysis, such as Bayesian inference or econometric techniques, or gain a more rounded understanding of different aspects affecting energy systems, including law, policy, innovation, systems thinking, and electricity market design. These modules support your ability to tailor the course to your career interests, whether that’s modelling and analytics, sustainability policy, or global energy trade.

You take eight taught modules across Term 1 and Term 2 over two years. You complete the dissertation during Term 3 of your final year having had preparatory tutorials during the previous terms.

You take seven compulsory modules which will provide compulsory skills and knowledge in energy systems, different energy domains, machine learning and data analysis.

You choose one optional module. Optional modules allow you to explore more advanced methods of data analysis, such as Bayesian inference or econometric techniques, or gain a more rounded understanding of different aspects affecting energy systems, including law, policy, innovation, systems thinking, and electricity market design. These modules support your ability to tailor the course to your career interests, whether that’s modelling and analytics, sustainability policy, or global energy trade.

As a flexible student you have up to five years to complete eight taught modules.

You take seven compulsory modules which will provide compulsory skills and knowledge in energy systems, different energy domains, machine learning and data analysis.

Also choose one optional module. Optional modules allow you to explore more advanced methods of data analysis or gain a more rounded understanding of different aspects affecting energy systems (such as law and policy).

Compulsory modules










Optional modules

UK Energy and Environment Policy and Law








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 Energy Systems and Data Analytics (ESDA). Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Energy Systems and Data Analytics (ESDA). Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PG Cert in Energy Systems and Data Analytics (ESDA).

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Where you'll study

Students sitting and talking together on the UCL quad

The UCL Energy Institute is part of The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, home to specialist sustainability-focused institutes. We deliver world-leading teaching, research and policy support on the challenges of climate change and energy security. Our undergraduate, Master’s and PhD degrees empower you to shape the future of sustainable energy systems.

Find out more

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All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Bartlett Promise UK Scholarship

Join our virtual event to explore our postgraduate courses, hear from academic staff and current students, and learn about the application process, scholarships, and career support. A live Q&A will give you the chance to get your questions answered. Take the next step toward shaping a more sustainable built environment with us.

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Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £21,500 £10,750
Tuition fees (2026/27) £39,200 £19,600

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course 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 with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a £350 deposit will be charged.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a £500 deposit will be charged.

There is no fee deposit required for PG Dip and PG Cert applicants.

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

Beyond owning your own laptop (with a RAM size of 8 GB or more and a 5th or 7th generation processor, costing between £500 to £1200), there is no requirement to purchase specific books or equipment for this course unless you choose to do so.

The optional field trip typically takes place within the London area. Students should expect to budget £15 to £20 for travel and subsistence.

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

For in-person teaching, 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 £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. 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

In our faculty, The Bartlett Promise Scholarship aims to enable students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue master's studies. Please see the 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.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Masters Scholarship

Deadline: 29 March 2026
Value: Fees, stipend and other allowances (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: Overseas

Bartlett Promise UK Master's Scholarship

Deadline: 31 May 2026
Value: Full tuition fees and an annual stipend of £17,096 for a 12 month master's or £15,864 for a 9 month (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Sparck AI Scholarship

Deadline: 1 May 2026
Value: Full tuition fees plus £22,780 stipend (1 year)
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 course 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 this course
  • Why you want to study this programme at graduate level
  • What particularly attracts you to this course
  • Where you would like to go professionally with your degree and how this course might meet your goals.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (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: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

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

bartlett.pg-bseer@ucl.ac.uk

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