Energy and Climate Policy
| Module title | Energy and Climate Policy |
|---|---|
| Module code | GEOM189 |
| Academic year | 2026/7 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Femke Nijsse (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 10 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 50 |
|---|
Module description
This module introduces energy and climate policy, exploring how evidence-based policymaking works and the role of science in supporting policymakers. You will examine both successful and less effective policies from around the world. The module covers the basics of two economic approaches: the classical environmental economics school, and the ecological and innovation economics school, which emphasises systems thinking and concepts like ‘positive tipping points’. You will discover ways to engage in evidence-based policymaking, such as through consultancy or international organisations like the World Bank. Additionally, you will explore innovation policy and its connection to climate change solutions.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module aims to cover how environmental policy is made. At the end of the module, you will understand classical decision-making tools such as cost-benefit analysis, and how they may delay ambitious climate policy at times. This is contrasted with systems thinking methods, which can accelerate innovation and climate policy. You will learn about the effectiveness of different policies, depending on the maturity of green tech, for instance the role of government procurement. Leading academics and practitioners involved in environmental policy and innovation research will provide knowledge and experience in current environmental policymaking. There will be opportunities to interact with real-world policy actors, participate in interactive sessions, engage in debates, and gain practical experience.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Gain a critical understanding of evidence-based environmental policymaking
- 2. Evaluate energy, climate and innovation policies and their effect on the wider economy
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Formulate credible strategies to implement energy and climate solutions
- 4. Critically evaluate environmental governance policies, their implementation, and evaluation
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Effectively communicate ideas on environmental governance orally and in writing for a non-science audience
- 6. Work effectively in groups
Syllabus plan
Led by experts in the field the module will be delivered through seminars and lectures with sessions structured around debate over a key reading (e.g. a policy document); session delivered by a policy or other practitioner and lectures with key basic material. The specific theories covered will vary according to availability of teaching staff and invited external speakers, but are likely to include:
• The policy cycle
• Methods for policy appraisal (that is, assessing policies before they are implemented) basic environmental or ecological economics
• Key concepts in innovation and innovation policy
• Examples of energy and climate policy throughout the world
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 24 | 126 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 10 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 10 | Seminars |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 2 | Guest lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 2 | Summative group presentation |
| Guided independent study | 126 | Reading and research for tutorials and assessment |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group presentation | 3 minutes | 2-6 | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group policy presentation | 25 | 15 minutes | 1-6 | Written |
| Policy analysis report | 75 | 2500 words | 1-5 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group policy presentation | Individual policy presentation (15 minutes, 25%) | 1-6 | Referral/deferral period |
| Policy analysis report | Policy analysis report (2500 words, 75%) | 1-5 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to redo the relevant assessment. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 50%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Specific readings will be provided for the module consistent with the taught areas of theory for that year but in general you will be expected to read original theory articles or book chapters. A couple of examples are given below but these may not be included in the year’s syllabus. You can contact the module lead in the Autumn semester for details of the theory that will be covered in the upcoming year.
• Crabbe, N., and Leroy, N., 2008. The Handbook of Environmental Policy Evaluation. Earthscan
• Stern, N., 2007 The Economics of Climate Change. Cambridge University Press.
Various reports from the UK government and European Commission
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- ELE
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 05/08/2025 |
| Last revision date | 05/08/2025 |