MSc in Energy and Economics

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

Heriot Watt University Edinburgh

Program Overview

This career-focused MSc blends energy systems and economic analysis to prepare you for leadership roles in industry, policy, and consultancy. It’s ideal for students with backgrounds in economics, engineering, or mathematics who want to tackle global energy challenges using analytical and strategic tools.

Curriculum Structure

Autumn Semester (Core Foundations):
You’ll begin with Foundations of Energy and Principles of Environmental and Energy Economics, gaining a solid grounding in energy conversion, environmental impact, and economic modelling. Optional modules such as Electrical Power Systems, Renewable Energy Technologies, and International Finance allow you to tailor your learning to technical or financial interests.

Spring Semester (Advanced Applications):
This term deepens your expertise with options like Sustainable Processing, Demand Management and Energy Storage, Development Economics, and Big Data Analytics. You’ll explore energy policy, systems thinking, and econometric methods — all while sharpening your ability to evaluate and design energy solutions.

Summer Semester (Research Project):
You’ll complete an original Energy and Economics Dissertation, applying your skills to a real-world challenge. This capstone project is informed by Heriot-Watt’s cutting-edge research and industry partnerships, giving you a chance to contribute to the field.

Focus areas

Energy systems, environmental economics, energy policy, financial modelling, big data analytics, sustainable technologies.

Learning outcomes

Analyse energy conversion systems, apply economic tools to energy markets, evaluate environmental impact, design policy solutions, conduct independent research.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Delivered by Heriot-Watt’s Centre for Energy Economics Research and Policy (CEERP) and supported by the Energy Academy, ensuring industry relevance and research depth.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Ranked #1 in Scotland for graduate outcomes and #5 in the UK
More graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other UK university
Strong industry links with BP, World Bank, London Stock Exchange, and Bloomberg

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This program is designed to help you apply economic analysis to real-world energy systems through hands-on research, technical modelling, and policy evaluation. You’ll work with industry-relevant tools, explore sustainable technologies, and complete a dissertation aligned with global energy challenges. The curriculum is shaped by Heriot-Watt’s cutting-edge research and strong ties to the energy sector.

Here’s how experiential learning is built into the program:

Original Energy and Economics Dissertation, allowing you to investigate a real-world energy issue using economic tools and systems thinking
Access to specialist modules such as Big Data Analytics, Demand Management and Energy Storage, and Sustainable Processing, which involve applied projects and technical modelling
Delivered by the Centre for Energy Economics Research and Policy (CEERP) and supported by the Energy Academy, connecting you to active research and industry networks
Opportunities to engage with industry-informed teaching, shaped by Heriot-Watt’s economic research for the energy sector
Located in Edinburgh, offering proximity to major energy firms and policy organisations
Full access to Heriot-Watt’s digital library, research databases, and postgraduate study spaces

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this interdisciplinary program are equipped to lead in energy policy, consultancy, and economic analysis across global sectors. Many go on to work as energy economists, sustainability consultants, policy analysts, or data specialists in government, international organisations, and energy firms. The program’s blend of technical and economic training makes you highly adaptable in a fast-evolving industry.

Here’s how Heriot-Watt supports your next steps:

Delivered by the Centre for Energy Economics Research and Policy (CEERP) and supported by the Energy Academy, connecting students to active research and industry networks
Located in Edinburgh, offering proximity to major energy firms, consultancies, and policy organisations
Access to professional and employability development throughout the program, including reflective learning and scholarship skills
Ranked #1 in Scotland for graduate outcomes and #5 in the UK, with more graduates going on to become CEOs or MDs than any other UK university
Over £6 million in scholarships and bursaries awarded annually to support ambitious students

Further Academic Progression:
This MSc provides a strong foundation for doctoral study in energy economics, environmental policy, or interdisciplinary research. You’ll be well-prepared to pursue a PhD at Heriot-Watt or other leading institutions, especially if your dissertation aligns with global energy transitions or sustainable development.