MSc Corporate Social Responsibility and Energy

Oil and gas companies are increasingly aware of the need to pay attention to concerns about global warming, social development, environmental disasters, human rights and business ethics. Company actions, policies and strategies are referred to under the umbrella concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

You will learn how to:

• Identify problems facing energy companies under the umbrella of social responsibility;
• Draw upon a range of sources to generate solutions to these problems;
• Apply conceptual frameworks in order to enhance understanding about the impacts of corporate policies;
• Recognise and reconcile the competing demands of corporate policies and stakeholder interests;
• Forecast the positive and negative impact of policies and actions in a manner that reduces corporate risk;
• Demonstrate the value of CSR in order to better inform decision-making.

This course aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the influences upon, and impacts of, the energy sector through exposure to a number of different areas associated with CSR. These include architecture, business studies, cultural studies, economics, engineering, gender studies, political science, research methodology, sociology and urban studies.

Stage 1:

• Corporate Social Responsibility in the Energy Sector (Core)
• Risk, Responsibility and Accountability (Core)

Choose two modules from the following:

• Health in the Energy Sector
• Gender and Energy
• Sustainable Development
• Project Fundamentals
• Public Relations Theory and Practice
• Environmental Impact and Energy

Exit Award: PG Cert Corporate Social Responsibility and Energy

Stage 2:

• Research Methods for CSR and Energy (Core)

Choose three modules from the following:

• Community and Cultural Impact
• Urban Environment and Social Regeneration
• Security, Conflict, Oil and Gas
• Economic Contexts and Impact
• People: Environment Studies
• Project Strategy and Leadership
• Critical Approaches to Corporate Communication

Exit Award: Pg Dip Corporate Social Responsibility and Energy

Stage 3:

• Dissertation

Award: MSc Corporate Social Responsibility and Energy

Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to develop and strengthen evaluative and critical analysis of corporate social responsibility to the energy sector.

On campus learning will take place in lecture and seminar rooms, largely in the modern Garthdee complex. The teaching and learning experience will be complemented by the University's virtual learning environment facility (CampusMoodle) and library which includes considerable electronic resources.

The flexible nature of the course means that you will be able to pursue issues relating to CSR that are relevant and appropriate to your interests, experience and future career ambitions.

You should have a university degree at Honours level or equivalent, or at least 2/3 years relevant work experience.

All international applicants for whom English is not their first language must provide evidence of linguistic ability, by either gaining IELTS 6.5 or equivalent in TOEFL prior to receiving an unconditional offer of a place on the course.

English Language Requirements

All course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.

All students can apply online by visiting Apply Online.

If you have any queries, please contact our Admissions Office: 

• Email PGOffice@rgu.ac.uk
• Call +44 (0) 1224 262132

If you are an International Student and would like further information and application advice:

• Complete our International Enquiries form
• Call 0044 1224 262726
• Email international@rgu.ac.uk

There are opportunities for CSR graduates in sectors of the industry whose remit includes social responsibility and/or within other departments of organisations that utilise related ways of analysis.

CSR is being integrated within functions such as accountancy, business development, community planning, corporate communications, engineering, human resources, law, operations management, project management and strategic planning.

The course is designed to prepare you for middle and senior management roles across a range of areas within oil, gas and renewable companies. In addition, there is scope for graduates to pursue research on behalf of funding bodies or energy-related organisations.

Robert Gordon University has one of the best records for graduate employment in the UK. Employment prospects will be further enhanced through the acquisition of applied transferable skills such as critical analysis, decision-making, problem solving and research methods.