Energy Policy Studies

The program is open to students holding a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in the social sciences (political science, International Relations, European studies, and related disciplines, including history, law, economics, etc.) or the humanities from a recognized institution of higher education. Applicants must have a good command of the English language. Students are evaluated and admitted on the basis of the documents they submit and entrance video-interviews - see: https://eps.fss.muni.cz/prospective-students/how-to-apply

Students are evaluated and admitted on the basis of the documents they submit and the entrance interviews; the evaluation scale is 0 - 100 points with 60 as the passing level.

The program offers either a single-degree track (two years of studies in the Czech Republic) or a double-degree track in cooperation with the School of International Studies at the University of Trento, Italy (one year in Italy, one year in the Czech Republic).

The program targets the intersection between society, energy and the environment. Combating climate change, ensuring economic development, fighting inequality, managing the rapid transition to renewable energy and electric mobility, or enhancing national security in the ongoing geopolitical struggle between world powers. These are just a few examples of global challenges associated with climate and energy politics.

This program answers the ever-increasing demand in the job market for graduates with knowledge, skills and competences necessary for navigating the complex framework of national and international climate and energy policies. It uniquely combines political science with elements of environmental science, law, economics and science and technology studies, providing the students with a comprehensive set of skills and ensuring their ability to make a difference in their future careers.

During the studies, students will be introduced to a large variety of intriguing topics such as energy & sustainability, environment & climate change, economic development & energy poverty, geopolitics of energy supply & energy security, innovation & technological development, or energy markets & trading. Students can choose to specialize in a few or just one topic. For example by selecting specific internships or in-class projects on specific topics, or build up a comprehensive knowledge of the whole field.

The single-degree programme requires no specific previous knowledge. Our students include graduates from not only social sciences fields such as politics, economics, geography, environmental studies, but also from law, engineering, and natural sciences. The only prerequisites are critical thinking, an active approach to studies, and the ability to work in a team. Everything else you will learn with us.

The double-degree program requires previous experience with social science or humanities. See Admission requirements for more information.

The program offers high-quality, practical and applicable degree at affordable tuition fees that can be further reduced by various scholarships.

After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• Navigate the complex interactions between politics, the economy, and the environment
• Command the energy-relevant basics of political science, economics, environmental studies, law, and science and technology studies
• Analyze socio-technical trends such as electrical mobility or transition to renewable energy
• Interpret geopolitical and power moves by major international players
• Understand the feedback loops between energy and the environment
• Critically analyze ideas, narratives, discourses, and social practices associated with energy supply or use
• Understand how energy markets work and how they are regulated
• Interpret corporate strategies of energy companies

Our graduates work for government institutions, energy regulatory authorities, energy corporations, consultancy companies, non-profit organizations & special interest groups, or in research & academia.

Practical training takes place both on and off campus. On campus, practical courses are an integral part of the curriculum often including discussions and workshops with experts in the field – among whom are our graduates and also through interactive course design – such as building up cash flow models for investment projects.

Off the campus, the students are encouraged to find internships in institutions and fields of their interest either by themselves or through an established network of graduates and cooperating institutions.

The faculty recognizes study credits for internships and supports the outgoing students through scholarships. Internships can also serve as the basis for students’ final theses.

Master's thesis follows the form factor of academic article (9,000 words +/-10%). It is written under individual supervision of a Faculty member and will be evaluated by the supervisor as well as independently by another Faculty member. Students should demonstrate the ability to work critically with data and relevant literature, processing them using advanced theories and methods. Instructions for Final State Examinations and elaboration of the Bachelor's/Diploma thesis are regulated by FSS Directive No. 5/2024 State Final Examinations, Final Theses and their Defences.

We offer PhD studies at the International Relations and European Politics PhD program. The program features an energy politics specialization.

https://www.muni.cz/en/admissions/phd-studies/choose-programme/23283-international-relations-and-european-politics