Many past students who have successfully completed their MSc and/or PhD in energy economics have gone on to very interesting and rewarding careers, both in academia and energy industries across the world.
Elisabetta Pellini
MSc in Energy Economics and Policy 2010
PhD in Energy Economics 2014
I came to the University of Surrey in 2009 to undertake an MSc in Energy Economics and Policy because of the reputation of the Surrey Energy Economics Centre (SEEC) in high quality teaching and excellent research. I arrived with some prior work experience on energy markets and I wanted to deepen my knowledge and to acquire new analytical skills to enhance my career. Since the very beginning, I found the programme challenging but very rewarding. I immediately understood that it could have provided me with the opportunity to strengthen my quantitative and analytical skills and to improve my ability in analysing the energy markets and policies. I really enjoyed all the modules, the mix of theoretical lectures and practical classes and the possibility to write essays was very helpful to develop a good knowledge for the several topics. An important part of the MSc programme was the time I spent writing the final dissertation. This was a task I found extremely useful and rewarding as it allowed me to get an immediate feedback on all the new skills and knowledge I had acquired through the modules. During that period I discovered a genuine passion for energy research and I matured the idea of pursuing a career in such a field. Thus, in October 2010, I embarked on a new challenge enrolling to the PhD in Energy Economics, for which I received a three-year scholarship from the School of Economics. I chose to focus my research interests on the topic of the integration of the electricity markets of Europe. I worked under the supervision of Joanne Evans and Lester Hunt, two very supporting researchers who guided me throughout the PhD programme. During these three years, I understood the meaning of producing research at the highest international standard level, and I gradually developed the ability to carry out my own research project independently. In December 2013, I successfully defended my thesis and soon after I started to collaborate with the School of Economics for teaching two modules relating to energy and environmental topics. The four years I spent at Surrey University were extraordinary from many points of view and I am grateful to all the staff and to my PhD fellows for sharing with me this inestimable experience. My career goal is to continue working in the area of energy research and in particular to develop policy analysis for assessing the impact of energy and environmental policies on European countries’ well-being.
Paraskevas Kipouros
MSc in Energy Economics and Policy 2012
I completed my MSc in Energy Economics and Policy at the Surrey Energy Economics Centre (SEEC) in 2012. Coming from Greece, SEEC in the School of Economics at the University of Surrey was the best choice to continue my studies, combining a highly attractive and well-organised academic program in the extraordinary location, such as Surrey. The most significant thing for me was that I was given a constant access to excellent facilities, including an outstanding library and a fully equipped Sports Park. Additionally, I was very impressed by the support of the academic staff as well as the acquaintance with distinguish professionals in the energy field who visited us as guest lecturers. During the year, I really enjoyed the feeling of being a piece of a multicultural mosaic. Students come from different countries from all over the world, which certainly broadens your horizons and exposes you to a new way of thinking. These reasons drive me to pursue my further education in economics at the SEEC at the PhD level and it is a great honour for me to be a member of a high-qualified research team. Studying at SEEC and discovering all the wonderful things that really do happen here is an unforgettable memory.
Yaw Adofo Osei
MSc in Energy Economics and Policy 2009
I came to the University of Surrey not knowing exactly how the future would look like but I must admit that I met a very friendly environment created by both staff and Students. The training at the Economics Department, specifically in SEEC, really broadened my view of the energy sector. Coupled with my background as an electrical engineer with five years working experience in electricity distribution; the training has provided me the opportunity to analyze issues related to the energy sector not only technically but also from the economic point of view. The mode of teaching whereby topical issues were discussed made the course interesting, giving me the opportunity to do independent research, listen to different views, and make critical analysis of issues. The training I believe has enhanced my managerial skill, which was the major reason for which the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) sponsored me to pursue this course. This training will not only help my company as an electricity distribution company, but also benefit the bigger energy industry as a whole. I am now in a better position to contribute my quota to the socio-economic development of Ghana, which has recently discovered oil and gas in commercial quantities. I am glad to have been tutored by experienced researchers and proud to be associated with the Surrey Energy Economics Centre (SEEC) of the University of Surrey.
Oona Nanka-Bruce
MSc in Energy Economics and Policy 2009
I took the major step of starting the 2-year part-time MSc course in Energy Economics and Policy at the Surrey Energy Economics Centre (SEEC) in 2007 whilst still working as a power systems engineer for engineering consultants Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB). At the time, I had 16 years experience in the power industry with expertise in distribution and transmission network planning. However, I had a desire to extend my capabilities on economic issues relating to the energy sector, another area of business offered by PB.
I chose SEEC because it was internationally renowned in energy economics and felt it would provide the required exposure for furthering my career. PB sponsored me on the course as they saw the benefits that the additional experience would bring to the group.
Right from the start, I enjoyed the friendly and stimulating environment in the Economics Department and SEEC. Although the course was challenging it provided the opportunity for students to exchange ideas and work together. I found the staff and my fellow students very supportive.
The course exceeded my expectations, enabling me to broaden my experience on topical issues impacting the energy sector globally, energy regulation/policy, energy security, climate change, sustainable development to name a few. I received excellent supervision for my dissertation from Professor Hunt, which enabled me to utilise various skills acquired on the course particularly in energy modelling and policy analysis.
One of my career goals is to formulate and implement energy policies for developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to doing this course, it was not clear to me how that goal would be achieved. However, coupled with my engineering background, the course has provided me with the skill set to attain my future goals. It has been a privilege to study at the SEEC and to benefit from the knowledge and experience of the lecturers.
PhD in Economics 2008
I joined the Surrey Energy Economics Centre (SEEC) at the University of Surrey to undertake the research for my PhD in Transport Economics and Planning, which was jointly funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (CASE award) in collaboration with industry co-sponsor JMP, a national transport consultancy. The friendly yet professional/studious environment at SEEC, coupled with the resources and skills held within the department of economics and university, provided me with the perfect platform for my work. In particular the wealth of experience and knowledge within SEEC and the department of economics coupled with active dissemination through internal seminars on wider energy issues significantly complemented my work.
MSc in Energy Economics and Policy 2007
I joined the MSc in Energy Economics and Policy at SEEC in 2006, which was perhaps the most defining decision I ever made as an economist. Never in history has economic growth and development been as energy sensitive as it is now. SEEC has given me the opportunity to acquire and apply the most versatile and specialized skills in the energy economics arena, and I feel extremely fortunate to have been exposed to, and taught by such a great team of economists at Surrey.
MSc in Energy Economics and Policy 2001
PhD in Energy Economics 2005
Having worked as an engineer in a policy unit under the Thai Energy Ministry, I realised that apart from engineering, economics also plays the crucial role in network utilities like gas and electricity, particularly when they face liberalisation. This urged me to pursue my further education in economics at the Surrey Energy Economics Centre (SEEC).
I chose the MSc in Energy Economics and Policy because of its excellent reputation in the quality of teaching and the high standard of its academic staff. The programme proved challenging and consisted of many interesting multidisciplinary subjects, which guided me toward my PhD thesis in liberalisation and efficiency in gas transportation.
As a PhD student, I worked under close and encouraging supervision, albeit that it was hard work. I was impressed by the friendly environment in SEEC and the Department and the support received both from staff and my fellow students.
PhD in Energy Economics 2004
The four years I spent at SEEC studying for my PhD provided the most stimulating moments in my academic endeavours, despite the various challenges that I faced. I really enjoyed the continuous support of both the staff and other PhD students. I now look at my thesis with a great sense of pride and happiness. Moreover, it has provided me with an ideal platform on which to build a career in energy economics research and consultancy.
After completing my PhD, I started working as energy consultant, focusing on issues like world oil and gas market developments, energy policy and security, and international petroleum fiscal regimes. I then became special parliamentary adviser on Energy Issues and Middle Eastern Affairs to The Rt. Hon Lord Howell of Guildford, the former secretary of state for energy. In 2006, I took the position of Energy Research Fellow at SEEC and during my time at SEEC so far I have completed two books. The first,: “Out of the Energy Labyrinth”, co-authored with Lord Howell on meeting the twin goals of energy security and climate security was published in the UK in June 2007 and is due to appear in the USA and Australia as well as being translated into Japanese and Arabic. The second book “Petroleum Taxation: Sharing the Oil Wealth” will be published in early 2008.
I have travelled widely in the major oil-producing countries, and in the big oil consuming nations, such as Japan, and had the opportunity of meeting a number of Ministers and senior policy-makers during my visits. But my most adventurous trip was to the Arctic at the kind invitation of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I am also the director of ‘Women in Energy’, which offers women a peer-group platform to meet with their contemporaries across both the public and private worlds of energy. The idea dates back to 2005, when I published my first article in Arabic, then translated to English, on the role of women in the energy sector. Being at SEEC provides me with the independent platform, from which I can analyse major energy related issues, while maintaining an objective assessment. I am enjoying every moment of it. Although being away from my family is a challenge, but I think I am being compensated by all the excitement and knowledge I am gaining through my experiences. I shall be doing more travelling during the coming year, both to study global energy developments and to speak at international conferences. I hope this will help keep me abreast of all the significant changes going on in the world of energy.
MSc in Energy Economics and Policy 2003