Program Overview

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Introduction to the MSc in Energy Systems

The MSc in Energy Systems is a taught course that explores energy production, infrastructure, and societal impact through interdisciplinary modules, case studies, and a dissertation. This program prepares students for leadership in the global energy sector.

About the Course

The course is designed to be accessible to those with a highly numerate first degree and will be taught using a modular framework. The program uses a combination of teaching methods, including taught modules, small group case study projects, whole cohort exercises, industrial and relevant stakeholder visits, and a dissertation.

Course Structure

The course structure includes:

• Taught modules divided into three core themes: Resources, Systems, and Services
• A small group case study project
• A whole cohort exercise
• A final year dissertation

Attendance

The course can be studied full-time or part-time, with both modes requiring attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements, while part-time students are required to attend course-related activities in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year.

Resources to Support Your Study

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department of Engineering Science. A supervisor may be found outside the Department of Engineering Science.

Assessment

There are three extended assessed activities: a group-based case study, a whole cohort output based on a specific energy-relevant visit, and an individual dissertation. Each taught module is assessed by an assignment.

Graduate Destinations

Graduates from this program are expected to be equipped with skills for leadership positions where complex decision-making is required, such as strategic and advisory roles in government or industry.

Changes to the Course

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision.

Course Components

The course has three foundation modules and seven further one-week modules, including:

• Energy Fundamentals and Thermodynamics
• Energy Infrastructure: Power Systems
• Energy Demand
• Energy Conversion 1: Large Fixed Generation
• Energy Conversion 2: Distributed and Renewable Generation and Storage Systems
• Energy for Development
• Energy and Society
• Digitization, Smart Energy and Communication
• Energy Policy and Governance
• Energy Systems: Economics and Markets Services

Entry Requirements

The requirements for this course include:

• A first-class undergraduate degree with honors in a relevant subject area
• English language proficiency at the University's higher level
• GRE General Test scores are not required
• Other qualifications, evidence of excellence, and relevant experience may be considered

Degree-Level Qualifications

Applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve a first-class undergraduate degree with honors in one of the following subject areas:

• Engineering
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Mathematics
• Economics
• Geography
• Related numerate disciplines

English Language Proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are:

• IELTS Academic: 7.5 overall, with at least 7.0 in each component
• TOEFL iBT: 110 overall, with at least 22 in Listening, 24 in Reading, 25 in Speaking, and 24 in Writing
• C1 Advanced: 191 overall, with at least 185 in each component
• C2 Proficiency: 191 overall, with at least 185 in each component
• Oxford Test of English Advanced: 165 overall, with at least 155 in each component

Funding

The collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.

Costs

The annual course fees for the academic year are:

• Full-time study: ú28,170 (Home), ú40,710 (Overseas)
• Part-time study (2 years): ú14,085 (Home), ú20,355 (Overseas)
• Part-time study (3 years): ú9,825 (Home), ú12,745 (Overseas)

Additional Costs

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees and living costs. However, students may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips.

Living Costs

The range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student is between ú1,405 and ú2,105 per month. Part-time students will need to calculate travel and accommodation costs carefully.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students for this course:

• Brasenose College
• Green Templeton College
• Harris Manchester College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• New College
• Oriel College
• Pembroke College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Hilda's College
• St Hugh's College
• Somerville College
• Wolfson College
• Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

The application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/rÚsumÚ. Students should not upload a separate document.

Referees

Three referees are required, with at least two references submitted by the course deadline. For the full-time route, all three references should be academic. For the part-time route, one reference should be an academic reference, one should be a professional reference, and the third may be either an academic or a professional reference.

Official Transcript(s)

Transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in university-level qualifications to date. Any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

Statement of Purpose

The statement should explain the motivation for applying for the course, relevant experience and education, and the specific areas that interest the student. The statement should focus on academic achievements and interests rather than personal achievements, interests, and aspirations.

Deadlines

The latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships is 12:00 midday UK time on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. The final deadline for full-time applications is also 12:00 midday UK time on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. Applications for part-time study may remain open after this deadline if places are still available.