Program Overview

Planetary Economics and the Political Economy of Energy and Climate Change

The module covers international energy issues and challenges, spanning the main energy resources and systems, with emphasis on the interplay of technology, economics, and political economy.

Key Information

• Faculty: UCL Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment
• Teaching department: Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources
• Credit value: 15
• Restrictions: This compulsory module is for MSc Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment students.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

The module provides an indicative outline of the course as follows:

• Lectures 1-2: Provide basic empirical foundations, in terms of the structure and evolution of the global energy system, demand, and resources.
• Lectures 3-5: Look at the global challenges particularly posed by climate change, the economic perspectives on it, and potential and emerging solutions, through the lens of the intellectual framework developed in 'Planetary Economics'.
• Lectures 6-9: Analyse the policy choices at national and regional levels, including established issues in energy markets and market design, and the theory and practice of the 'Three Pillars' of energy-climate policy.
• Final Lecture: Outline different scenarios for future development of the global energy system, potential costs and benefits, consequences for key resources, and the inherent uncertainty such projections entail.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

• Intended teaching term: Terms 1 and 2
• Postgraduate (FHEQ Level 7)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment: 100% Viva or oral presentation
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 83
• Module leader: Professor Michael Grubb

Last Updated

This module description was last updated on 10th March 2026.