Energy, Technology and Public Policy (MPA)

This degree prepares future energy technology leaders and decision makers to tackle complex challenges, from governing energy systems to developing sustainable and renewable energy policy.

To find out core information about this degree, such as entry requirements, programme length and cost, visit the UCL prospectus site.

Course information

Candidates undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The degree is a collaboration between UCL STEaPP and the UCL Energy Institute.

The programme consists of seven core modules (105 credits), an elective module (15 credits), and a Final project module (60 credits) with a real-world partner. 

If you would like to find out more about any of the modules or course structure, please contact our admissions team: steapp.admissions@ucl.ac.uk

Compulsory modules

Students undertake six core modules through UCL STEaPP (including either the MPA Group Project or the MPA Individual Project) and can choose to follow either the environmental economics pathway or the energy modelling and innovation pathway with the UCL Energy Institute.

STEaPP modules

• Public Administration (STEP0029)
• Evidence for Decision Making (STEP0027)
• Policy Making (STEP0028)
• Knowledge and Governance (STEP0026)
• Analytical Methods for Policy (STEP0020)
• MPA Group Project (STEP0035) or
• MPA Individual Project (STEP0036)

Environmental economics pathway

• Environmental and Resource Economics
• Advanced Environmental Economics

Energy modelling and innovation pathway

• Introduction to Modelling Methods and Scenarios
• Energy Technology and Innovation

Optional modules

Students must select one STEaPP module as an additional module, in 2021-22 these will likely be as follows:

• Risk Assessment and Governance (STEP0021)
• Clean Energy and Development (STEP0004)
• Urban Innovation and Policy (STEP0009)
• Development, Technology and Innovation Policy (STEP0006)
• Emerging Dilemmas in Digital Technology Policy (STEP0012)
• Sustainable Infrastructure and Public Policy (STEP0025)
• Gender and Technology (STEP0037)
• Science Funding and Governance (STEP0024)

Subject to availability and dependent on pathway from UCL Energy Institute:

• Energy, People and Behaviour
• UK Energy and Environment Policy and Law
• Business and Sustainability

Energy Modelling and Innovation pathway:

• Advanced energy-environment-economy modelling

Environmental Economics pathway:

• Econometrics for energy and the environment
• Behavioural Economics and Game Theory for the Environment
• Energy, Environment and Resources in Developing Countries

MPA Group Project and Individual Project

In the MPA Group and Individual Projects candidates work with an external client on a relevant policy challenge.

The Group Project gives candidates the chance to apply their learnt skills and knowledge to a real-world policy challenge, while working constructively in an interdisciplinary team with the support of UCL STEaPP faculty. The Group Project is the default major component of UCL STEaPP’s MPA programme and offers candidates the full MPA experience. Candidates can submit their preferences for which group project they would like to work on depending on their specific areas of interest. Previous Group Project examples and organisations can be viewed here.

The Individual Project can be selected as an option with prior project approval from the department. Similar to the Group Project, the Individual Project is a major component of UCL STEaPP’s MPA programme, enabling students to work individually on a real-world policy challenge with the support of UCL STEaPP faculty. This option may specifically suit candidates who already have a partner organisation to work with, do not need a project partner for their project or are working towards doctoral studies.

• For more information on the MPA Group Project
• For more information on the MPA Individual Project

Find out more and apply