Energy, Society and Sustainability MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Sustainability

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

School of GeoSciences

College

College of Science and Engineering

Study location

Central Area

Accreditation

Not available

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About the degree programme

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.

Visit the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute website

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.

Video: Study an MSc in Energy, Society and Sustainability

Study an MSc in Energy, Society and Sustainability.

Programme benefits

  • 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.
  • The affliation with ECCI also offers you the opportunity to work and network alongside professionals and potential employers within this high-demand field.
  • This programme has something to offer to everyone, irrespective of academic background. 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.
  • Field work plays a key role in this programme, allowing you to apply the knowledge and skills you have learnt in the field, whilst working alongside organisations linked to energy and sustainability.
  • 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.

What makes this course truly exceptional is its diversity. It combines technical modules on energy systems with courses on policymaking, global energy imbalances between the Global North and Global South, and the broader role of energy in society. The programme brings together participants from a wide range of professional backgrounds - engineers, policymakers, financial investors, and more - and from diverse geographies across Asia, Europe, the UK, Central Asia and Latin America. This breadth not only enriches the learning experience but also makes the course suitable for people from all walks of life.

Trishaa Bhattacharya MSc Energy, Society and Sustainability, graduated 2025
Trishaa Bhattacharya, MSc Energy, Society and Sustainability graduate

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

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

Costs

Additional programme costs

Field trips and field courses

Your programme fees will cover the costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence on compulsory field trips or field courses. However, you must pay for incidental or personal expenses. You may wish to budget approximately £100 to £150 for suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for compulsory field work.

Depending on the location of the fieldwork, you may need to pay for any visa costs. However, this cost will be reimbursed.

Dissertation costs

The School of GeoSciences operates a fund to support you with activity related to your dissertation project, such as specialist software licenses or travel expenses for site visits. 

On the rare occasion that costs exceed the funding amount, you may be required to cover additional costs. This is not common, and the University is typically able to provide any resources required to undertake your dissertation project.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

Funding opportunities

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

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

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.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • 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.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We 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

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

This MSc programme (total 180 credits) comprises:

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

Compulsory courses

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

The four compulsory courses provide the intellectual backbone of the MSc in Energy, Society and Sustainability by introducing you to the key debates, theories, and empirical contexts of energy transitions. They establish the foundational concepts and methodologies that allow for exploring how energy systems are shaped by and give shape to social, political, and economic life.

Through critical engagement with case studies across the world, these courses capture the diverse experiences and complexities of energy access, just transitions, development, and justice rooted in contexts of the Global South and the Global North. 

The courses will equip you with the conceptual, critical, and applied tools to understand and interrogate how institutions, actors, and power dynamics shape energy futures.

Dissertation

You will also complete an independent research project called a dissertation. This is your opportunity to explore, in-depth, a topic of your choice in relation to the programme. You can use the dissertation to demonstrate your work to potential employers.

This is worth 60 credits and typically consists of producing a written paper of 10,000 to 15,000 words. 

Your project is mostly completed over a period of several months between April and August. However, the teaching team will work with you throughout the programme to help you prepare for the dissertation project.

Dissertations with external partners

You may also have the option to complete a dissertation project in partnership with an external organisation. We work with our wide network to find opportunities for these projects, enhancing the real-world relevance of your degree and your impact outside of academia.

This option is not guaranteed and may require an interview, depending on the popularity and competitiveness of the project offered by the external organisation.

Option courses

You will take 40 credits of option courses. You can use these to specialise in particular areas of interest, such as policy or energy technologies, and really explore the interdisciplinary nature of the programme. 

You will be able to choose from a wide selection of courses from across the School of GeoScience, School of Social and Political Science, and Business School.

Although we try to provide a wide range of option courses to choose from, these can be subject to change or cancellation at short notice. Places on option 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 option courses.

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Disclaimer

Future programme changes

This programme is undergoing changes which will impact this MSc programme from September 2027 onwards. Details of new programmes can be expected in Autumn 2026. 

These upcoming changes are not expected to impact you if you are applying for entry in September 2026.

Fieldwork course review

The School of GeoSciences is undergoing a review of its fieldwork courses. This review focuses on improving the inclusivity and accessibility of fieldwork, whilst delivering sustainable and low-carbon experiences, and maintaining pedagogical excellence.

As a result, field course locations may vary year to year, but will always align with course learning outcomes.

Field trips

Our compulsory field trips or field courses are free, including travel and accommodation. 

Field trips are focused on real-life examples and applications of sociotechnical energy systems. We strive to deliver a low-carbon experience that also supports the local economy.

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. 

Previous field trips

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.

Our students have previously had the opportunity to collaborate with 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.

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.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will experience a range of learning styles, depending on the subject matter and courses you are taking. 

Teaching for this programme will typically involve a mix of:

  • lectures
  • tutorials
  • seminars
  • videos
  • reading academic papers
  • reading policy reports

Assessment

You will be assessed in a variety of ways, such as:

  • group projects
  • role play or simulation exercises
  • essays
  • presentations
  • blogs
  • photo journals

Learning outcomes

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.

Support for your studies

Student Experience Team

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a Student Adviser within the School's Student Experience Team, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.

How we support you

Cohort activities

You will also have access to a range of cohort activities. These are a mix of social and academic support events. 

Social events are often student-led. Previous programme cohorts have organised activities such as:

  • visits to local wind farms
  • boat tours in South Queensferry
  • potluck dinners
  • local hikes
  • visits to nearby towns, such as Linlithgow

Academic events often include sessions such as:

  • dissertation support workshops
  • keynote talks from external organisations
  • networking with students on other energy-related MSc programmes, or with programme alumni

Our academic staff

Courses are delivered by staff who are active researchers in each field. Their expertise is supplemented by selected guest speakers, generally from industry or other research organisations.

This MSc is delivered in collaboration with the School of Social and Political Sciences, giving you access to a wider range of academic expertise within the institution.

You can also access and benefit from research collaborations spanning the University of Edinburgh:

Where you will study

Study location

The majority of your teaching will take place at the Central campus. Depending on your choice of option courses, you may need to travel to our King's Buildings campus.

Academic facilities

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

For example:

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

You will also have access to the Masters Hub, located in the ECCI building at the Central campus.

Visit the ECCI website

Career opportunities

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.

Graduate destinations

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.

Examples include roles in:

  • 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

Professional links

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.

Alumni network

This programme benefits from an active alumni network. You will be encouraged to join our networking group to allow you to hear about and share opportunities during and after the programme.

Several of our alumni return during Welcome Week to meet with new students and share experiences of the programme. Alumni also contribute to guest lectures as part of the programme, as well as cohort activities.

Further study

During the programme, you will become a part of a wider academic community, both at the University of Edinburgh and beyond. This will help open opportunities for you to continue the research that you may have started as a result of the MSc programme.

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Graduate profiles

Lauren Chin

Lauren speaking into a microphone at a conference

Degree: MSc Energy, Society and Sustainability

Year of graduation: 2022

Current work: Associate Consultant, The Carbon Trust

After graduating, I took some time to research sustainable finance at the University of Edinburgh before looking for jobs in industry. The MSc gave me a great starting point to explore different careers and I was able to find a firm that wholeheartedly has climate as its key focus, which leveraged everything that I learned both in classes and through research.

Lauren's profile

Hear from our alumni about their experiences during, and after, postgraduate study

School of GeoSciences postgraduate alumni profiles

Video: Our student Lauren, on studying the MSc

Our student Lauren on studying an MSc in Energy, Society and Sustainability.

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

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

You should avoid applying to more than one degree within the School of GeoSciences. Applicants who can demonstrate their understanding and commitment to a specific programme are preferred.

If you plan to apply to more than one programme within the School, you should discuss your choices with us before you submit your application.

Where possible, we may make an alternative programme offer if you have been unsuccessful in your chosen programme.

School of GeoSciences deadlines

When to apply

Due to high demand, the school operates a number of selection deadlines.

We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications may close earlier than the published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

We may make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis. However, the majority of applications will be held until the advertised deadline.

We aim to make the majority of decisions within eight weeks of the selection deadline.

If we have not made you an offer by a specific selection deadline this means one of two things:

  • your application has been unsuccessful, in which case we will contact you to let you know
  • your application is still being considered, it will be carried forward for consideration in the next selection deadline, and we will be in touch once a decision is made

The final deadline may be extended if any places remain on the programme.

If the final deadline is extended, we encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

Selection deadlines

RoundApplication deadlineDecisions made or applications rolled to the next deadline
115 December1 March
231 March31 May
331 May31 July

When to submit your supporting documents

You must submit all supporting documents by the application deadline, or we will be unable to consider your application. Regardless of when you apply, you have 28 days from submitting your application to supply any supporting documents through the Application Hub, after which we will automatically reject your application.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

For this programme, you will need to submit a CV/Resume with your application.

Find out more about applications and CVs for further study

References

You must submit one reference with your application.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

No one knows what it is like to study here better than the students themselves. Our students are sharing their experiences - from studying to living in Edinburgh and everything in between.

Get social with us:

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Admissions

Lines open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

College of Science and Engineering Admissions Enquiries
Phone:+44 (0)131 650 5737

Academic contact

For programme-specific enquiries, please get in touch with the Programme Director.

Dr Adolfo Mejia-Montero

Programme Director

Contact details

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