Energy, Society and Sustainability MSc

This MSc programme (total 180 credits) comprises:

• compulsory courses (80 credits)
• option courses (40 credits)
• dissertation (60 credits)

Topics

Our compulsory courses include:

• Energy & Society I; Key Themes and Issues
• Energy & Society II; Methods and Applications
• Energy in the Global South
• Energy Policy and Politics

Dissertation

Throughout your studies, we will work with you to prepare you for the dissertation project. This will be your opportunity to explore a topic of your choice in relation to the programme and prepare a dissertation that you can use to demonstrate your work to potential employers.

We also work with our wide network to find opportunities for dissertation projects with external organisations, enhancing the real-world relevance of your degree.

How will I learn?

You will be taught by experts and researchers, many of whom are leaders in their field.

You will experience a range of learning styles while studying, depending on the subject matter and courses you are taking. Course delivery styles include a combination of:

• lectures
• tutorials
• seminars
• online asynchronous learning materials and activities

You will also be assessed using a range of methods such as group projects, individual academic essays and presentations.

We are also committed to helping you benefit from our excellent relationships. We engage with government departments, energy-relevant NGOs, and key industry players, from community energy organisations to start-up renewable energy companies.

These networks provide opportunities for you to meet potential employers and for dissertations conducted in partnership with external organisations, helping you gain valuable real-world experience.

You can view each relevant course for teaching and assessment methods through the ‘Programme Structure’ link under compulsory and option courses below.

Changes to teaching and learning

We are committed to offering high-quality education to all our students. However, please be advised that there may be changes to course options and delivery. All decisions are made to ensure we can provide the highest standards for your educational experience.

Although we endeavour to provide a wide range of optional courses to choose from, these can be subject to change or cancellation at short notice. Places on optional courses can be limited due to course capacity and timetabling constraints. It may not be possible to guarantee every offer holder their top choice of optional courses.

Part-time study

You may study this programme part-time as we are committed to helping people into education while continuing to work or managing family and personal commitments. A two-year part-time option is available. We recommend living within a commutable distance from Edinburgh in order to undertake part-time study, and we encourage you to contact us to discuss part-time study in more detail.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

On completing the MSc Energy, Society and Sustainability, you will:

• Possess in-depth knowledge and understanding of the inseparable social, technical and environmental dimensions of whole energy systems and energy transitions.
• Have a critical awareness of related local, regional and global debates and challenges, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the role of energy in development.
• Be familiar with key theories and analytical approaches that underpin the energy social sciences in order to evaluate the advantages and implications of these for current and future energy challenges.
• Develop and demonstrate evidence-informed analysis and argumentation related to individual, institutional and systemic challenges of energy sustainability, including diverse and conflicting claims.
• Be able to gather and analyse appropriate qualitative data using a variety of interdisciplinary methods in order to answer the latest questions around energy, society and sustainability, from energy justice to global energy futures.
• Gain experience in collaborating and communicating effectively with key stakeholders on energy and sustainability issues.
• Gain experience in the application of energy social science theories and methods in practice.

Demand has never been higher for sound evidence on behavioural change, public engagement with energy issues and public support for community and commercial investments in low-carbon energy generation.

The MSc will enable you to translate complex social and technical issues into effective arguments, policies and innovative business opportunities, strengthening your ability to follow a career path of your choice across different sectors.

Our graduates

The expertise gained in this programme will enable you to pursue a career in many fields. Our graduates have been very successful in securing employment in the energy sector worldwide.

Types of roles include:

• consultancy
• higher education
• civil service
• environmental and data analysis
• project management
• communications
• stakeholder engagement
• business development
• commercial operations management
• policy advice, leadership and management

Examples of organisations our graduates have gone on to include:

• Octopus
• Scottish Government
• Ocean Winds
• Centre for Energy Policy at Strathclyde University
• South Pole

Networks

We are committed to helping you meet prospective employers and network with those active in the field. Our network comprises many organisations seeking graduates with the skills gained in our MSc programme. We have links with government departments, energy-relevant NGOs, and key industry players, from community energy organisations to start-up renewable energy companies. We have previously worked with organisations such as:

• The Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel
• European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC)
• LCP Delta

We also organise career events and encourage dissertations in partnership with external organisations.

Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience at the University, providing:

• tailored advice
• individual guidance and personal assistance
• internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
• access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network

We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.

• Careers Service

A sustainable future

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action to address the significant global challenges of our generation.

There are 17 overarching goals with a timeline set to 2030. Nearly all countries in the world have committed to this plan, with societies rapidly adjusting to meet these goals.

They address challenges such as:

• climate change
• environment
• water
• food inequality
• protecting our planet
• sustainable growth and energy
• supplies

With this degree, you can work in fields that directly contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, including in the energy transition and climate change mitigation sectors.

As a world-leading University, we are driving efforts to mitigate climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy. Our research is internationally renowned in the areas of energy transitions. We are working within the UK and worldwide to deliver net-zero emissions targets to meet the UN Paris Agreement.

Join us and play a vital role in the climate crisis.

Field trips

Our MSc field trips are focused on real-life examples and applications of sociotechnical energy systems. Our field work provides the opportunity for you to develop your skills and experience by undertaking energy research in the field, in collaboration with energy communities and organisations. Our compulsory field trips or field courses are free, including travel and accommodation. We strive to deliver a low-carbon experience that also supports the local economy.

Previous fieldwork locations have included Orkney, the islands off the northeast coast of Scotland.

These islands generate 120% of their electricity from renewables, including community-owned wind energy, micro wind turbines, as well as waves and tides. The islands are also the site of a smart grid and have several hydrogen technology projects, from hydrogen storage to the development of a hydrogen aeroplane.

Prior students have had the opportunity to collaborate with the companies and communities in the islands.

Previous projects investigated Orkney's energy and sustainability concerns, all informed by current ideas and concepts. For example, projects examined the islands' early adoption of low-carbon technologies such as hydrogen storage, flexible grid and marine energy.

In addition, they examined how these technologies are helping address Orkney's energy infrastructure fragility and socio-economic challenges such as fuel poverty, low housing standards and an ageing population.

Changes to field trips

Field course locations may change for a variety of reasons, including the health and safety of our students, staff and communities, and to ensure we can maintain the highest standards for your educational experience. Where suitable, fieldwork will be relocated or rescheduled. We will also look at alternative arrangements that will ensure you achieve the quality learning outcomes of your degree. We will announce any changes as soon as possible.

Accessibility on field trips

We are committed to making our degree as accessible and inclusive as possible. In the event that you cannot attend a fieldwork trip, we will provide alternatives with comparable learning outcomes where necessary.

Where you will study

Most of your compulsory courses will be taught on the Central Campus in the city's historical centre. Occasionally, you may also have classes in Kings Buildings.

Depending on the option courses you choose, you may study at various campus locations in Edinburgh.

Students in this MSc will have access to the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI) Masters Hub.

Edinburgh Climate Change Institute Masters Hub

This programme is linked with the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI). You will have access to the shared 'Masters Hub' study space in ECCI as well as the café and shared working spaces on the ground and first floors. Some of your teaching will take place in the ECCI.

ECCI is also close to many teaching spaces and facilities within the Central Area campus. For example, the Main Library and gym.

• Visit the ECCI website

Facilities

You will have access to the University's facilities across all University sites.

For example:

• laboratories
• libraries
• study spaces (some of which are open 24 hours)
• computing facilities
• social spaces
• leisure facilities

Take a virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the School of GeoSciences and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.

Discover our city's landmarks, our campuses, accommodation and get video tours - all in one place.

• Take a virtual tour

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

We may also consider a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with relevant work experience, a strong personal statement and supportive reference.

Students from China

This degree is Band B.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Deposit

If you receive an offer of admission you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place.

• £1,500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)

Find out more about tuition fee deposits:

• Tuition fee deposits

Field trips and field courses

We do not charge extra fees for compulsory field trips or field courses.

The programme fees will cover costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence on compulsory field trips. However, you must pay for incidental or personal expenses. This may include suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.

Living costs

You will be responsible for covering living costs for the duration of your studies.

Tuition fees

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

• borrowing money
  • taking out a loan
  • family support
• personal savings
• income from work
• employer sponsorship
• scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Featured funding

• ScottishPower Master Scholarships

School of GeoSciences scholarships

• See potential funding for GeoSciences students

Scholarships and student funding

You can find funding opportunities, tuition fees and costs of living for prospective UK and international postgraduate students on the University website.

• Postgraduate scholarships and student funding

You are also encouraged to undertake your own research into the range of potential scholarships and other funding outside the University for which you may be eligible.

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding