Module manager: Paul Glover
Email: p.w.j.glover@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is approved as a discovery module
The world is transitioning to an energy system that relies more on renewable sources of energy, and less on fossil fuels. This transition brings many opportunities and challenges to reshape the way that we supply and use energy to meet the needs of our economies and societies. The module will explore a series of topics that are central to the energy transition, weighing up information and opinions from a variety of sources. It will require students to draw both on their own degree background and to engage with new disciplines and perspectives to explore how we can create a secure, sustainable and just energy future for all people across the globe. A key feature of the teaching is that students will work together in small groups to prepare an in-depth presentation on one of the topics and then answer questions on it as part of a seminar debate.
The module will give students a wide strategic overview of issues relating to the global energy transition, utilising the breadth of expertise available across the University. There will be a particular focus on the major energy supply and demand sectors, and key technologies.
Engaging with perspectives from earth and environmental sciences and environmental social sciences, students will critically explore the technical, economic, environmental and social issues related to current energy debates.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
SSLO1: Explain current and potential future patterns of energy supply and use.
SSLO2: Apply their subject-specific skills to help understand major energy issues.
SSLO3: Evaluate how scientific, technical, economic, environmental and social considerations are all relevant to energy decision-making.
SSLO4: Describe the conflicting factors that influence decisions regarding the development and use of different energy resources.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SKLO1: Work collaboratively to produce joint outputs. [Work Ready, Sustainability]
SKLO2: Communicate effectively in written and oral modes. [Work Ready, Academic]
SKLO3: Undertake independent and applied research and demonstrate critical thinking. [Academic, Work Ready]
In addition to developing skills in planning, organisation, teamwork and presentation, students will be expected to learn how to weigh up different arguments and make reasoned judgements.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Lecture | 15 | 1 | 15 |
| Seminar | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 73 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 27 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Students will receive formative feedback in each of their supervisions as they develop their ideas for the presentations.
A drop-in session will be organised for students to get feedback on their poster ideas.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | Presentation | 35 |
| Group Project | Group Video Project | 65 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 01/05/2026
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