Challenges in Energy and Climate Policy (118N1)
Challenges in Energy and Climate Policy
Module 118N1
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
This module will introduce students to key empirical challenges within energy and climate policy and the synergies and tensions between different goals.
Part 1 of the module will introduce students to the physical foundations of energy systems, together with the contribution of energy to economic growth and the challenge posed by climate change. Part 2 will explore the three elements of the so-called ‘energy trilemma’ - namely energy security, energy sustainability, and energy affordability (which relates in particular to the operation of energy markets) - including both the challenges they present and the manner in which different governments are responding to those challenges. Part 3 will discuss the role of energy in economic development, including the importance of energy finance and energy justice. The seminar activities in each module will involve a mix of group presentations, group discussions, debates, numerical exercises and the use of an online energy model.
Assessment will be will be through a multiple-choice exam (30%), a group presentation (20%) and a 3000-word group report (50%). The group presentation will be on the same topic as the group report. The group project will test students’ ability to analyse a specific energy policy challenge. It will be developed in stages and completed before the end of Semester 1. The report will summarise the energy profile of the chosen country, provide a critical overview of the key issues and debates within that country’s energy policy, analyse a specific energy policy challenge within that country, and provide policy recommendations.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate an understanding of the physical basis of energy systems, the impact of energy use on the environment, the contribution of energy to economic growth and the causes and implications of climate change
Evaluate  key issues and debates within contemporary energy and climate policy in developed and developing countries
Analyse a specific energy and climate policy challenge, identify the tensions between policy goals and propose potential policy solutions
Communicate ideas and analyses clearly and succinctly in written form
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (2500 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Thu 16:00 | 70.00% |
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Test | T1 Week 8 (1 hour) | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 1 hour | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Robert Byrne
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/157680
Prof Steven Sorrell
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/2497
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