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Energy, Society and Sustainability at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS

Course options

2026 - 2027
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Open days

19Nov
The University of Edinburgh - Postgraduate Virtual Open Days
Virtual and digital

Course summary

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 by asking the following questions:

  • How do we achieve environmental sustainability, energy security and energy justice across different contexts, timescales, places and people?
  • How are societies affected by the energy transition?
  • How do people, policy, and society enable or hinder the energy transition?
Our 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, facilitating the exploration of the above challenges affecting our world today and in the future. You will benefit from our access to insightful case studies, as well as the organisations and communities our lecturers work closely with. These range from local Scottish islands to international corporations. The cases demonstrate global best practices and identify paths to sustainable energy management. Scotland and Edinburgh are prime contexts in which to investigate the interplay between energy and society. Scotland is a world leader in renewable electricity generation. It has a history of hydroelectricity, North Sea oil, and a future in tide and wave energy. However, it also suffers from high levels of energy poverty, a challenge many people face. Sustainable Development Goals The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action to address the significant global challenges of our generation. 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 the energy transition and climate change mitigation sectors. Edinburgh Climate Change Institute The MSc Energy, Society and Sustainability is associated with the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI). ECCI brings together the following domains to help develop a low-carbon society:
  • law
  • business
  • social science
  • technology
  • policy experts
Through ECCI, you will have the opportunity to work and network alongside professionals and potential employers within this high-demand field. School of Social and Political Science This MSc is delivered in collaboration with the School of Social and Political Sciences, giving you access to a wide range of academic expertise across the institution.

Modules

See the University of Edinburgh website for detailed programme information.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for individual programmes vary, so please check the details for the specific programme you wish to apply for on the University of Edinburgh website. You will also need to meet the University’s language requirements.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Tuition fees vary between degree programmes. Find the specific fees for your chosen programme on our website.
Energy, Society and Sustainability at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS