Strategic Studies and Energy Security

Program Overview

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Strategic Studies and Energy Security, MSc

Introduction

This programme draws in the University of Aberdeen’s expertise in international security and the energy sector to deliver detailed understanding of global energy security, in the context of how different countries and regions operate today.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September or January
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

Programme Fees

Fee Category	Cost
EU / International students	£23,000
UK	£11,100

Stage 1

Compulsory Courses

• PI5541 Political Psychology of Climate Change (30 credit points)
• PI5521 Chinese Security Issues (30 credit points)
• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5506)

Stage 2

Compulsory Courses

• Dissertation in Strategic Studies (PI5901)

Stage 3

Compulsory Courses

• PI5001 Strategic Theory (30 credit points)
• PI5037 Critical Climate Politics & Security (15 credit points)
• BU5053 Introduction to Energy Economics (15 credit points)

Available Programmes of Study

• MSc Strategic Studies and Energy Security

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications: Relevant Honours degree with a 2:2 standard from a recognised university or body in International Relations, Politics, History, Geography, Economics, Law and cognate disciplines such as Business Studies.
• English Language Requirements:
  • IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
  • PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Careers

• Career prospects include public advocacy, research, advisory, and project management work for the energy sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and regional and global institutions such as the European Union or the United Nations.
• Graduates may also forge careers in the international media, the armed forces, international risk management, and international corporations.

Our Experts

• A small and cohesive group of highly skilled academic staff with many years of graduate teaching experience, who are part of a network of high quality academics in strategic studies and international security.
• Programme Coordinators: Dr James Johnson, Dr Dimitrios Anagnostakis

Features

• We provide a wide range of related research centres including the Centre for Global Development; the Centre for Global Security and Governance; the Institute for Conflict, Transition, and Peace Research; and more.
• Politics & International Relations Society
• Regular Seminar Series and Guest Speakers
• Cutting Edge Research-led Teaching

What our Alumni Say

• Lluviely García Quiroz: "I chose the MSc Strategic Studies and Energy Security at the University of Aberdeen due to the diversity of knowledge and experiences on the transition path to guarantee energy security through the strategic theories application during the changing times."
• Steven McColl: "This programme expanded my knowledge of the political dimensions of energy and gained insight into a broader field of geopolitical strategy. It's an excellent balance of theory and practice and I thoroughly enjoyed engaging with diverse students from around the world on highly topical aspects of security and energy."

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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MSc Strategic Studies and Energy Security

This program at the University of Aberdeen combines the study of national and internal security with courses in energy politics, energy economics and energy law to equip students with the practical skills needed to understand the character of international security as it relates to energy security.

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Objectives:

• Understand the costs and benefits of the strategies deployed, often of a military nature, to address energy security issues.
The program provides a strong methodology and knowledge to interpret situations that present in a wide range of areas of work globally.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• International security
• Energy politics
• Energy economics
• Energy law
• Strategic theory
• Chinese security issues
• Introduction to energy economics

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Structure:

The program consists of three stages:

• Stage 1: Students take three core courses:
• Chinese Security Issues
• International Energy Security
• Stage 2: Students take three core courses:
• Strategic Theory
• Energy Politics
• Introduction to Energy Economics
• Dissertation in Strategic Studies
• Stage 3: Students take one core course:
• Dissertation in Strategic Studies

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Course Schedule:

The program is offered with January and September start dates.

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Individual Modules:

• Chinese Security Issues: This module focuses on the key approaches, institutions, and contemporary issues in global security relating to the rise of China.
• International Energy Security: This module covers topics such as oil crises, the role of China in oil politics, natural gas, and climate security.
• Energy Politics: This module explores the history and politics of energy since World War II, including nuclear power, renewable energy, and the politics of natural gas.
• Dissertation in Strategic Studies: This module requires students to conduct research on a topic related to strategic studies and energy security.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Written examination
• Essay work
• Class presentation
• Project work
• Dissertation

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Assessment Criteria:

The degree of MSc shall not be awarded to a candidate who fails to achieve a CGS mark of D3 or above in the Dissertation in Strategic Studies, irrespective of their performance in other courses.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Group projects
• Lectures
• Seminars

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Faculty:

The program is taught by a small and cohesive group of highly skilled academic staff with many years of graduate teaching experience.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program encourages collaboration with course experts who have experience of public policy, government departments, and international organizations.
• The program offers exciting opportunities in a range of internships, fellowships, and other kinds of work experience.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Military Officer
• Intelligence Analyst
• Political Analyst
• University Lecturer
• Journalist
• Law enforcement Officer
• Senior Associate
• Senior Research Officer

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Career Opportunities:

• The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in government, the private sector, and non-profit organizations.

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Other:

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Program Highlights:

• The program has produced graduates of high repute with excellent career prospects for over thirty years.
• The program provides students with a strong methodology and knowledge to interpret situations that present in a wide range of areas of work globally.
• The program arms students with many transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.
• The program offers exciting opportunities in a range of internships, fellowships, and other kinds of work experience.

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Student Body:

• The student body is international with many countries represented.

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Alumni Network:

• The program has a network of alumni internationally.

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Strategic Studies Club:

• The program convenes a Wargaming Club that students can participate in to sharpen their skills in strategic thinking, tactics, diplomacy, communication, and teamwork.
• The program is offered full-time or part-time.
• The program is 12 months or 24 months in duration.

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EU / International students: £23,800 UK: £11,100