With a 2500 word limit for this assignment, it is important that you have a clear and focused study design. What we want you to avoid is providing a summary of all of your module knowledge e.g. listing uncertainty approaches or all of the model linkages that you can think of. Keep the approach focused, and use your word limit to detail the choices made in view of the essay specification, with justification supported by the wider literature.

A useful way to start thinking about your essay is by developing an essay structure, with the different sections you will want to include, and the content in each.

To help you start, here are three ways of structuring the essay based on submitted essays from last year, with some information on what each included. You do not need to follow any of these structures; they are simply provided as examples.

Example 1.

1.    Introduction

•    Provides context on the climate policy regime (global and UK), the UK energy system, and some of key challenges / opportunities to decarbonise.

2.    Modelling approach

•    A simulation modelling approach is proposed, with selection justified based on providing insights relevant to the UK transition, focusing on socio-political factors.

3.    Scenario dimensions and narrative

•    Focuses on a 2x2  matrix of energy  demand and technology diffusion, to generate four scenarios

4.    Integration of stakeholders

•    Focuses on which stakeholders to engage and why

5.   Addressing uncertainties

•    Focuses uncertainty around the rate of diffusion across different technologies, and potential shift in lifestyle choices – and uses the NUSAP approach.

6.    Limitations, additional approaches, and future studies

•    Focuses on the limitations of the approach (in view of the study design objective) and how future studies could address such limitations

7.    References 

Example 2.

1.    Introduction

•    Overview of international and UK policy provided, and an overview of opportunities and challenges of decarbonising UK building stock

2.    Objectives

•    Objectives of the study, and research questions set out

3.    Modelling Approach

•    Selection of specific UK techno-economic model, with choice grounded in broader understanding of alternative modelling approaches. Description of modelling approach provided, with justification of its use for study.

4.    Scenario Development

•    Four scenarios chosen based on different strategies for decarbonising the building stock

5.    Uncertainties and Additional Features

•    Focuses on probabilistic generation of scenarios based on key uncertainties, with model extension proposed related to improved spatial modelling

6.    Stakeholder Engagements

•    Description provided of types of stakeholders engaged – including for what  reason and when engaged in the modelling process

7.    Limitations and Future Research Directions

•    Overview of key limitations in the proposed study design, and options for improvement in the future

8.    References