Master, Policy Stream: Energy, Environment and Sustainability

Description and objectives of the programme

The policy-stream "Energy, Environment and Sustainability" is designed to train professionals capable of addressing the complex challenges of energy and socio-environmental transitions. This course encourages students to adopt a pluridisciplinary approach in order to lead these transitions at various administrative and geographical levels by designing policy solutions tailored to current challenges. Upon completing this program, students should be able to analyze and make use of various public policy regulation tools, as well as develop strategies for successful energy and environmental transitions. They will also be prepared to make decisions under uncertainty, anticipate rebound effects, identify key actors from both the public and private sectors, and create new tools for the public good. Energy issues, central to this program, are closely explored in close connection with socio-environmental transition challenges.

This program is taught in English, with some courses in French, and is delivered by professors from Sciences Po and other institutions, as well as practitioners from relevant sectors. No technical prerequisites are required to apply to this program.
All courses and learning activities within the program contribute to the acquisition of six competencies by the end of the course:

1. Analyze the interconnections (economic, political, social, environmental) of sustainability issues using a systemic approach in a global context through policy briefs, presentations, and debates.
2. Evaluate the economic, social, and environmental impacts of energy and environmental transition policies at various geographical and administrative levels, using both quantitative and qualitative tools with a comparative approach.
3. Leverage public policy instruments to promote and regulate energy and environmental transitions at the national and European levels through case studies, policy briefs, and simulations.
4. Identify expertise and engage stakeholders in a dialogue to develop original policy instruments through simulations of real-world situations.
5. Prepare financing proposals for energy projects and evaluate their economic and environmental sustainability.
6. Develop and implement energy transition strategies, including the integration of renewable energy and the management of decarbonization projects through case studies.

The Policy Stream on Video

Curriculum programme 

First year of the Master's

At the beginning of the year, students must attempt several catch-up or refresher seminars. This mandatory pre-semester week aims to cover some fundamental concepts useful for approaching the topics addressed in the program: the energy/climate link, planetary boundaries and limits to growth, an introduction to environmental policy-making, and a systemic approach.

The first semester lays the groundwork for both core and policy-stream courses, focusing on energy/climate, environment and associated policies. A mandatory course introduces essential aspects of the energy transition from technical, social, and political perspectives. Students choose between two courses : one explores ecosystem management issues (water, agriculture, fishing, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles), and the other addresses the building sector’s contribution to environmental issues (energy renovation, land artificialization, pollution), both through the lens of public policies.

The second semester focuses on public policy regulation tools to drive socio-environmental transitions, mainly focusing on energy. A mandatory course presents the tools and challenges of energy sector economic regulation and renewable energy support policies. Two elective courses cover the history of regulatory tools for energy transport and distribution, energy supply security, and financing tools from either a national or European perspective. Elective courses from the policy-stream are covering other sectors of activity and regulatory instruments. Core courses explore major public policy issues, alongside more practical exercises such as the "Policy Lab" modules, which include l’Incubateur de Politiques Publiques and European negotiations simulation (MEA).

Second year of the Master's

The third semester aims to apply first-year knowledge of transition challenges and public policy instruments in professional contexts. Students are also expected to challenge established models, propose alternatives, and plan forward on these challenges. Students choose two out of three courses: one on transition scenario development, planning, and organizational transformation strategies, one on energy project financing and one on electricity market regulation.

During the fourth semester, students apply their skills and gain professional experience through an internship, a thesis, a personal project (entrepreneurial, associative, etc.) or study abroad program at a partner university.
This two-year master program is completed by common academic courses, core courses specific to the chosen Master's (Public Policy or European Affairs), elective courses, language classes, and optional courses.

In addition, throughout their studies, students have access to conferences and meetings with professionals from the energy and environment sector, as well as the Policy Lab, where they develop complementary skills (innovation, design, project management, negotiation, etc.) through modules such as the public policy incubator, case studies, or thematic programs (on gender equality and sustainability challenges).

Topics covered in the courses

In a multidisciplinary context, the courses related to this program include:

• Economics and geopolitics of energy, resources, and infrastructure
• Environmental and energy policies
• Sustainability of societal models
• European energy regulation tools
• Energy project and resource financing management
• Environmental economics
• Europe and climate change
• Ecological planification and strategies

Course of the programme 

Career opportunities after completing the policy-stream

Graduates from this policy stream pursue careers in a variety of key regulatory bodies within the energy sector (government, independent administrative authorities, international and governmental organizations, public agencies). As a result of their deep understanding of public policies, energy, and the environment, others go on to important strategic positions requiring a deep understanding of public policies, energy, and the environment in major companies, consulting firms, think tanks, NGOs, national or international public administrations, and or other professional organizations.

Student profiles

Each year, the program welcomes approximately 45 students in their first year, with 40% enrolled in the Master's in European Affairs and 60% in Public Policy. Students come from diverse geographical and academic backgrounds, with dozens of nationalities represented and a variety of undergraduate degrees (SciencesPo's undergraduate programme, engineering schools, environmental science programs, humanities, international affairs, etc.).

Testimonials

Students' works 

• Environmental law: As part of their coursework, students were invited to step outside the classroom and engage directly with professionals shaping environmental policy and regulation today. From environmental lawyers and NGO advocates to public policy experts, these interviews offered a unique glimpse into the real-world challenges and innovations at the heart of the field. Teachers : Gaspard LEMAIRE & Gabrièle GIEN
  • Interview 1 : conducted by Adèle GRIMAULT
  • Interview 2 : conducted by Pablo DANGLES
• Policy briefs produced in the Policy-Making Initiative for Sustainability

Policy Stream events

• 27/11/24: Using Social Sciences to Think the Ecological Transition, Masterclass by Sophie Dubuisson-Quellier
• 02/04/25: From a linear to a circular economy : let's rethink (and criticize) EU materials and waste policy, Masterclass by Axel Darut
• 19/02/25: The Cost of Climate Inaction: Are Insurers Fueling an Uninsurable Future? Masterclass by Ariel Le Bourdonnec

Scientific advisors of the energy, environment and sustainability stream

Contacts

• Academic advisor: Léo Houdebine
• Academic assistant: Camille Gouiffes