Introduction to the Energy Transition

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

• To provide a basic understanding of the topic of the energy transitionin progress today.
• To provide a basic understanding of the major energy sources used today.
• To provide a basic understanding of the reasons behind the policies of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy, using a cost-and-benefit approach.
• To provide an understanding of Net Zero goals, and strategies to achieve them.

Learning takes place on a weekly schedule. At the start of each weekly unit, students are provided with learning materials on our online platform, including one hour of pre-recorded video, often supplemented by guided readings and educational resources. These learning materials prepare students for a one-hour live webinar with an expert tutor at the end of each weekly unit which they attend in small groups. Webinars are held on Microsoft Teams, and provide the opportunity for students to respond to discussion prompts and ask questions. The blend of weekly learning materials that can be worked through flexibly, together with a live meeting with a tutor and their peers, maximise learning and engagement through interaction in a friendly, supportive environment.

By the end of the course, students will be expected be able to:

• list and describe the main features and components of the global energy system
• describe each of the major energy and fuel types, and understand their relative costs-and-benefits
• demonstrate an understanding of the reasons behind the present-day energy transition goals
• describe strategies for energy storage and distribution
• discuss Net Zero goals and strategies.

You will be set independent formative and summative work for this course. Formative work will be submitted for informal assessment and feedback from your tutor, but has no impact on your final grade. The summative work will be formally assessed as pass or fail.

The course will cover the basic material and references will be provided for further reading. Books and articles are expected to be available at local libraries, at the Dept for Continuing Education Library at Rewley House, or online. Students may also purchase books for self-study at their own discretion.

The Department's short online courses are taught at FHEQ Level 4, i.e. first year undergraduate level. FHEQ level 4 courses require approximately 10 hours study per week, therefore a total of about 100 study hours.

English Language Requirements

We do not insist that applicants hold an English language certification, but warn that they may be at a disadvantage if their language skills are not of a comparable level to those qualifications listed on our website. If you are confident in your proficiency, please feel free to enrol. For more information visit our regarding English language requirements webpage.