Strategic Studies and Energy Security

Program Overview

The MSc Strategic Studies and Energy Security program at the University of Aberdeen combines the study of national and internal security with courses in energy politics, economics, and law. It equips students with the skills to understand the character of international security as it relates to energy security. The program offers a strong methodology and knowledge to interpret situations that present in a wide range of areas of work globally. Graduates are prepared for careers in government, the private sector, and non-profit organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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.

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.

Outline:

Program Content:

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

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

Course Schedule:

The program is offered with January and September start dates.

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.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

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

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.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Group projects
• Lectures
• Seminars

Faculty:

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

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.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

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

Career Opportunities:

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

Other:

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.

Student Body:

• The student body is international with many countries represented.

Alumni Network:

• The program has a network of alumni internationally.

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.

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