Master of Philosophy in Energy Studies

• The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with advanced applied competencies in the mastering, interpretation, analysis and application of research principles relating to the interdisciplinary energy industry.
• The learner should by able to take complex strategic decisions in the context of a focused energy industry, the wider energy industry and to assess public sector policy decisions impacting on the energy sector. The learner should also be able to reflect on his/her managerial decisions and applications to access the effect thereof in the holistic context of the interdisciplinary energy industry.

Learners accessing this qualification should demonstrate their ability to do original scientific work independently. Learners should show advanced insight into subject discipline and the field of research. Learners should be able to apply research methodologies and communicate in writing or orally on the research process and findings. Learners should be able to reflect on research decisions and appreciate and place research in the broader context of the energy field.

Access will be provided to the learner who is in possession of an Honours degree, preferably in energy studies on NQF-level 7, generating a minimum of 160 credits. A graduate learner from another university must comply with the following conditions before being admitted to the M.Phil. (Energy Studies): depending on the pre-study, a supplementary study programme may be required as a condition for admission.

Where a learner has not been formally exempted from a prerequisite course for the Master's study, the Faculty may, on recommendation of the Director of the Institute for Energy Studies, grant exemption for requirements for admission to the Master's study. Applications for admission to Master's studies are finalised by the Director. The proposed topic and study leader for the dissertation must also be approved by the Executive Committee of the Senate on recommendation of the Faculty Board. Rejected applications must be submitted to the Faculty.

Recognition of prior learning

Current competencies in the field of energy studies that have been acquired by experiential learning in this field through related experience or studies, will be assessed. Such competencies may help the learner to gain access to the programme, advanced placement in the programme or recognition of the qualification on condition of continuing education at this institution.

The learners should be able to

1. Evaluate and apply advanced interdisciplinary energy industry concepts and principles correctly; identify and analyse complex issues and problems relating to the energy industry, and propose and implement alternative solutions to reflect on research done in the field of energy.
2. Work in a team effectively with a variety of role players, including political role players, professional and administrative members of the energy sector, as well as people on the grassroots level in the sector and reflect on the implementation of teamwork.
3. Accept responsibility for activities undertaken in the course of his/her evaluation and application of energy sector concepts and principles.
4. Plan and conduct, through advanced and complex independent study, research in the energy field, including gathering, analysing, integrating and interpreting related information correctly and reflect on the research.
5. Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with different role players in the energy sector, applying principles of communication and reflecting on the communication skills applied.
6. Understand the different technologies appropriate to the energy industry correctly and reflect on their impact on the broader environment.
7. Explain at an advanced level the importance and role of the energy industry to the national economy; reflecting on the differences among countries; to reflect on his own macro-vision of the industry.
8. Explore different learning strategies to acquire and improve the various skills and capabilities required of an energy analyst, manager and/or regulator.
9. Make a contribution to the level of professionalism and expertise in, and effectiveness and efficiency of the energy sector, thus positively impacting on the economy and contributing to the redress of poverty in the country.
10. Demonstrate a positive approach to different communities and a sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences and needs, particularly with respect to energy utilisation within these communities
11. Acceptable employment-seeking skills for entry into the energy sector, particularly as a specialised and advanced professional, and thus enabling himself/herself to establish a specialised career in the sector.
12. Organise and co-ordinate, effectively and responsibly, resources and opportunities in the field of energy studies, including own activities, and taking into consideration the financial implications thereof, by applying the relevant theoretical principles and reflect on the applications.

Can the learner

1. Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse and solve complex issues and problems, demonstrating critical and creative thinking about energy issues, concepts and principles correctly?

Evaluate and, where relevant, apply advanced and complex theoretical concepts and approaches correctly to interdisciplinary energy industry challenges, strategies and policies; thus proposing and implementing alternative courses of action and solutions?

Reflect on the application made and access the success, or otherwise, thereof?

1. Display effective team-ship?

Demonstrate an acceptable level of social sensitivity in his/her relationships with others and work effectively in a team by implementing the relevant theory and reflecting on the implementation made?

Display a thorough specialised knowledge and understanding of the various role players involved in, or affected by the energy sector?

1. Display ability to act responsibly and honestly in interactions with other role players in the energy field?

Display ability to accept responsibility for any activities required of him/her in his/her evaluation and application of the various advanced energy sector concepts and principles?

1. Demonstrate the ability to plan and execute advanced and complex research in the field of energy, including the correct gathering, analysing, integrating and interpretation of information on energy issues, by utilising the relevant theoretical research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken?

Plan and undertake advanced research through independent study and teamwork?

1. Effectively communicate, in an oral and written manner, including the usage of visual/graphic aids with the different role players in the energy fields by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflecting on the application made?
2. Demonstrate insight into different energy technologies and demonstrate an advanced awareness of the impact the energy industry has on the environment?
3. Explain, at an advanced level, the importance and role of the energy industry on especially the national economy?

Distinguish between the roles of energy at macro- and micro-levels?

1. Identify and develop the different specialised skills and capabilities necessary in the execution of the activities and responsibilities of an energy analyst, manager and/or regulator, and explore different effective learning strategies to acquire these skills and capabilities?
2. Explain the link between the level of professionalism in the energy sector and the effectiveness and efficiency of the sector and therefore of the economy?

Evaluate at an advanced level the role which a more effective and efficient energy sector will have in the economy and the impact which this will in turn have on the living standards of the population of the country (e.g. the redress of poverty, improved access to affordable energy)?

1. Demonstrate a positive and advanced approach towards the social, economic and cultural differences within communities?

Analyse in detail the particular energy needs of different communities, taking into consideration their various social, economic and cultural differences and therefore their differing energy needs and requirements?

Apply advanced energy industry concepts and principles to make proposals which will improve the circumstances of these communities?

1. Demonstrate acceptable employment-seeking skills for advanced entry into the energy sector by applying theoretical principles of employment seeking and career-pathing and reflecting on the application thereof?

The learner must demonstrate the ability to undertake advanced research or other senior managerial occupations.

1. Effectively and responsibly organise and co-ordinate resources and opportunities, particularly in the field of energy, by applying relevant theoretical aspects and reflecting on the application made?

Demonstrate an advanced level of responsibility and organisational ability with respect to their own activities?

Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the financial implications of all organising and co-ordinating activities undertaken?

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented

The learner will be assessed by means of a written dissertation. The learner will regularly report to the study leader on the progress with the research being conducted. In addition, the learner must also assess himself/herself and reflect on the dynamics of this process.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of an assessment of the learner's dissertation.