Aberdeen Centre for Research in Energy Economics and Finance (ACREEF)
ACREEF provides a focus for the identification and implementation of high quality research in the areas of energy economics and finance.
Find out moreIntroduction
MSc Energy Politics and Law provides you with the skills to analyse the relationship between energy needs, politics, law and economics.
This programme is studied on campus.
As a society, we face challenges in the future concerning our energy reserves, storing energy for future generations, monitoring energy usage, providing it across nations and how governments should regulate it. Energy politics and law brings a multidisciplinary subject together to allow you to develop an advanced knowledge in energy management, regulatory agencies, stakeholder engagement, and NGO/policy advisory roles.
This programme will provide you with the skills to analyse energy, political, economic and legal issues. You will study the politics of energy and of electricity market reform; how economics and legal issues affect political and commercial decisions in energy; how the law affects the oil and gas industry; commercial domestic and international political regulation of energy markets; the politics and law of renewable energy; international energy security issues such as oil crises and the law and politics of climate change. Being based in Aberdeen, Europe's energy capital, there are greater possibilities for opportunities for direct engagement through work experience or collaboration in writing dissertation projects with the energy industry. This will enable you to more easily to find employment in an energy-related activity.
You may study this subject as a stand-alone programme to enhance your knowledge of this area at advanced level, or you may wish to provide the necessary foundations for a PhD in social sciences.
Key Programme Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
What You'll Study
- Semester 1
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Semester 1
Students must undertake PI5025 and BU5053 and either LS501H or LS501E.
Compulsory Courses
- Energy Politics (PI5025) - 15 Credit Points
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History and politics of energy since WW2. Nuclear Power politics – rise, fall and non-rise?. Renewable energy politics, rise and stagnation or triumph? EU politics of liberalisation and interventions such as the EU ETS. Environmental politics and oil; conserving nature and extracting oil Arguments about regulations on oil and gas, planning arguments, arguments about oil spills, protests (eg Brent Spar). The politics of natural gas. The case of ‘fracking’. The course will discuss how economics and politics interact. No prior technical or econometric knowledge is required for this course.
- Introduction to Energy Economics (BU5053) - 15 Credit Points
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This course introduces key techniques from economics and finance to allowing understanding of the basics of business decision making within the energy industries and the economic implications of key energy policies. We consider basic financial concepts such as: present value, the opportunity cost of capital and their role in business decision making in energy industries. We also consider key economic elements of markets and how the economic environment structures the way in which businesses make decisions and energy market outcomes.
Optional Courses
Students may choose between one of the following:
- Low Carbon Energy Transition: Renewable Energy Law (LS501H) - 30 Credit Points
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A transition from reliance on fossil fuels to low-carbon renewable energy is essential for mitigating climate change and for making energy supplies more sustainable. The course considers the challenges and concerns that this fundamental change in the nature of energy supplies gives rise to, and explores laws role in addressing them. The course examines the legal regimes for promoting renewable energy at international, EU and UK levels, and considers how law can be used to address significant constraints on the growth of renewable energy including difficulties with grid access and public opposition to wind energy development.
- State Control of Hydrocarbons (LS501E) - 30 Credit Points
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With only limited exceptions hydrocarbons lie in the ownership or control of states, but are frequently explored for and produced by commercial actors. This course considers the means by which the state controls exploitation of its oil and gas reserves. Following a number of introductory lectures, students will participate in interactive seminars considering topics such as: energy security; licensing; upstream taxation; health, safety ,and environmental regulation;. This course is available to students registering for the LLM Oil and Gas Law programmes (Dissertation or Professional Skills).
- Semester 2
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Semester 2
Students must undertake PI5518 and either LS551J or LS5594.
Compulsory Courses
- International Energy Security (PI5518) - 30 Credit Points
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Topics:
Oil and Security – how oil crises have occurred since 1973, with a focus on the energy demand and supply pressures and the political factors triggering the 1973 and 1979 oil crises. OPEC and IEA. The factors underpinning the oil crisis of 2008 and its relationships to world economic crisis. The role of China in oil politics.
Natural Gas, the EU and Russia. How conceptions of (natural gas) energy security are constructed and implemented in the EU and Russia –Nuclear Power and energy security;– eg Iran .
Climate Security
Optional Courses
- Low Carbon Energy Transition: Nuclear Energy and Carbon Capture and Storage (LS551J) - 30 Credit Points
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Nuclear energy and carbon capture and storage are seen by some governments as key contributors alongside renewable energy to the decarbonisation of energy supplies. However, significant risks of harm to the environment and human health and challenges with securing investment and overcoming public concerns are associated with the use of both technologies. The seven seminar course examines legal responses to these risks and challenges at international, European Union and national levels, critically considering their adequacy for tackling the difficulties with employing nuclear energy and carbon capture and storage as part of a low carbon energy transition.
- Downstream Energy Law (LS5594) - 30 Credit Points
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The transport and supply of hydrocarbons (oil and gas) and electricity is essential for modern civilisation. If energy cannot get to the consumer, then energy security is threatened and economic development may be restricted.
These challenges are important in the context of the liberalisation of these sectors, especially the restructuring of these industries from monopolies to competitive markets. This course explores the law and policy framework governing the movement and distribution of energy, particularly within a liberalised market, in an era of climate change. Topics covered include market liberalisation, energy security, gas sales and transport, and market regulation.
- Semester 3
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Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
- Energy Politics and Law Project (PI5907) - 60 Credit Points
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The project will take the form of a traditional dissertation in that a research question will be set, theory that is relevant to the empirical topic under consideration will be selected and utilised to answer the research question, and an appropriate methodology will be used to answer the research question. There will be a discussion of the evidence and theory discussed and a cogent conclusion reached on the basis of the argument that is developed.
Course Availability
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
Teaching includes a range of interactive methods and approaches to learning in order to enhance students’ critical thinking, presentation and interpersonal skills.
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Courses are assessed through essays, presentations, group and project work and exams. The variety of assessment in the programme ensures that students apply theory to practice and become expert communicators and team players.
The degree of MSc shall not be awarded to a candidate who fails to achieve a CAS mark of 9 in the relevant dissertation course, irrespective of their performance in other courses.
Why Study Energy Politics and Law?
- Msc Energy Politics and Law provides you with advanced knowledge in energy management advisory roles.
- University of Aberdeen is situated in the oil and gas capital of Europe with a global oil and gas industry hub in the city to draw upon.
- Our MSc Energy Politics and Law is taught by published experts with professional experience.
- Our academics have a strong heritage of oil, gas, electricity and renewable energy policy research, consultancy and knowledge across all related disciplines to offer several subjects within oil and gas law, economy, energy politics and policy, engineering and business.
- You are taught in Europe's energy capital. We are surrounded by FTS 100 oil and gas companies and other energy innovation companies, and our city is a global hub of energy professionals.
- You are taught from the School of Social Science based in the College of Arts and Social Sciences, human environment relations are at the heart of much innovative research, access and environmental contestations at Aberdeen.
- The School of Social Science has developed an international reputation as a centre of academic excellence for political research over five decades (2014) with staff publishing internationally.
- As a School we provide you with a core curriculum with unique options that represent research including: international political economy, globalisation, democracy and democratisation, public policy and opinion, power and security, interest groups, political and social movements, institutions and more.
- We offer expertise in the Middle East, Latin America, North and South Asia, Nordic countries, Europe and the UK.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants for admission are expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with at least 2:1 standard from a recognised educational body. In exceptional circumstances applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience, appropriate to the field of study.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 51; Reading - 54; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Home / EU / RUK Students | £6,700 |
| Tuition Fees for 2019/20 Academic Year | |
| International Students | £15,900 |
| Tuition Fees for 2019/20 Academic Year |
International non-EU Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The SFC Postgraduate tuition fee scholarship may be available for those classified as Home/EU fee status students for this programme. Visit the scholarship page for more information.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
This programme will give you the skills and experience to apply in various aspects of the energy industry, planning, legal aspects of energy, involvement in organisation of projects, project evaluation, policy research and guidance, provision of energy services and administration. You can apply your knowledge to different types of energy organisation ranging from the major utilities and energy companies through to independent companies, local government and national government and pressure groups and policy foundations interested in energy issues.
Career Opportunities
- Energy and Business Consultant
- Energy and Sustainability Adviser
- Lawyer
- Politician Advisor
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr David Toke
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Facilities
Centre for Global Security and Governance
The Centre for Global Security and Governance brings together academic experts, policy makers, and students to define, analyse, and propose remedies to the most pressing security and governance challenges the world faces in the 21st century.
Aberdeen University Centre for Energy Law
This research centre promotes the research activities of the many members of the School having an interest in Energy Law matters, as well as fostering an environment for collaborative work.
Find out moreGet in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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School of Social Science
University of Aberdeen
Edward Wright Building
Dunbar Street
Aberdeen
AB24 3QY