What's your favorite course?

That is a question often being asked by those planning to apply or who have already entered the Energy Policy Studies program. Honestly, I find it extremely difficult to answer. That is because the courses are very different and each of them is useful in its way for a better understanding of the energy sector. Besides, the choice of the course very much depends on the area of interest, be it the economic component of energy, geopolitical technical, social, environmental, or legal aspects. But if you insist, I will try to dwell on one that I enjoyed the most.

It will be the Oil and Gas Industry course, which is actually an elective course. That means, in theory, you don't have to sign up for it. However, it will be such a loss if you don't choose it.

The course consists of two modules. The first part provides an understanding of the general principles of the oil and gas industry. Technologies and economics of oil and gas exploration, production, transportation and refining, pricing systems, market fundamentals, and market participants are being explained. It also covers the driving forces of the global energy market, current trends, and key shifts taking place due to the proliferation of renewable energy sources. The second part of the course dwells in more detail on the geopolitics of energy and the main actors' strategies, presenting both the economic and political rationales behind decision making.

In my opinion, this course is useful not only for those interested in oil and gas but also for green energy devotees. The reason for that is the special status of large oil and gas corporations in the context of the energy transition is significant for the general environment for the development of new technologies and green economies. Since energy transition is my favorite topic, this part of the course was the most attractive to me.

In general, I find this course especially valuable because it combines the geopolitical, economic, and technical aspects of oil and gas, providing a deeper understanding. Also, lectures are given by two great professors, one of whom is the director of the natural gas program at the Oxford Institute for Energy Research. He also has experience in oil and gas companies and is an expert on the Russian oil and gas sector. Thus, you will be able to get insider information from the sphere and learn more about its real functioning. Each lecture is very interactive and full of interesting new data. So, don't lose an opportunity to ask questions on any topic related!

P.S. Even if you are not a student of the Energy Policy Studies Program, but you are intrigued by the topics covered in this course, you can still register for the course!