Energy, Society and Sustainability MSc

The University of Edinburgh

How do we achieve energy security, energy justice and environmental sustainability across different contexts, timescales, places and people?

This question we all face is the ‘energy trilemma’.

With the MSc Energy, Society and Sustainability, you can explore these challenges affecting our world today and in the future.

Energy - at the heart of sustainability

Energy comes in many forms. First, its availability in the landscape, such as coal, wind or the sun, must be transformed into electricity. It is then carried in pipes and grids to where it is needed to power our everyday lives.

All this takes materials and has an economic, environmental and human cost. Yet, energy is essential to everyday human life and at the heart of sustainability. To address global climate change, the world needs a fast but fair transition to a low-carbon society.

Scotland and Edinburgh are prime contexts in which to investigate such dynamics. Scotland is a world leader in renewable electricity generation. It has a history of hydroelectricity and North Sea oil and a future in tide and wave energy. However, it also has high levels of energy poverty, a challenge faced by many.

What will I learn?

The MSc in Energy, Society and Sustainability equips you with an understanding of how different societies can address the challenge of balancing energy with sustainability. It brings together a social, political, economic, and environmental understanding of low-carbon technologies.

You will explore the risks, costs, and benefits of transitioning to low-carbon energy in a globalised world.

The programme will equip you with 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.

You will benefit from our access to insightful case studies, as well as the organisations and communities our lecturers work closely with, from local Scottish islands to international corporations. These cases demonstrate global best practices and identify paths to sustainable energy management.

Reputation, relevance and employability

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

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.

Is the MSc for me?

We welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds, creating a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary shared learning.

Students with a natural science background might seek to understand the social factors associated with a lower carbon economy. Social science students might expand their skills and knowledge for a career in low-carbon energy.

Edinburgh Climate Change Institute

The MSc Carbon Management is associated with the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI). ECCI brings together law, business, social science, technology, and policy experts to help develop a low-carbon society.

Through ECCI, you will have the opportunity to work and network alongside professionals and potential employers within this high-demand field.

Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.

Accredited by the Association of International Accountants (AIA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Accredited by the EFMD Quality Improvement System.

Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.