2025-108 Accredited MSc Programme in Energy Regulation

Title: Market Engagement Notice for 2025-108 Accredited MSc Programme in Energy Regulation 1. Background Ofgem regulates a complex and fast changing energy system. Decarbonisation, infrastructure delivery, system security, digitisation, changing market economics, evolving consumer behaviour, and rapid technology change all require adaptive regulatory frameworks and deep sector expertise. The recent Ofgem Review highlights the need for Ofgem’s capabilities to keep pace with the changing energy system. There is no current learning framework or training provision that is specific to upskilling staff in the specialist knowledge, skills and expertise to fully meet Ofgem’s complex and evolving regulatory, technical and policy responsibilities. As part of a wider capability plan, Ofgem intends to explore sponsoring a subset of staff for accredited higher education in energy system regulation. There is a strong preference that this should be accessible through a modular structure that allows colleagues to take standalone modules, potentially (but not necessarily) leading to certification alongside PGDip and MSc pathways. Desk-top research indicates that whilst some higher education institutions offer modules as part of current MSc programmes that provide elements of the learning Ofgem requires, such modules are not individually accessible and no single programme provides the sector-specific blend of regulatory finance, policy, systems understanding, analytical skills, and practical capability required to deepen technical and regulatory expertise across Ofgem’s full remit. 2. Indicative outline requirement Ofgem is, therefore, seeking market input on the feasibility of an accredited programme that can be delivered as a modular pathway (enrolment on individual or multiple modules) that can lead to: •no award (learning only) and/or •credit bearing awards (e.g., PGCert / PGDip) and/or •a full MSc (or stackable credits towards MSc) for a smaller number of staff. Ofgem would like to explore options relating to a cohort taking the full MSc as well as access to individual modules. Ofgem is open to the modules being open to other students or a blend of open and closed modules if there are learning benefits of specific modules being restricted. To guide respondents, Ofgem has identified the following themes: i. Low carbon market design ii. Regulatory finance and economics iii. Power system dynamics and operation (no engineering prerequisite) iv. Regulatory policy and systems thinking v. Secure and intelligent energy systems (cyber/data/AI) vi. Consumer protection in complexity and crisis An outline of the proposed learning requirements has been included under each of these six thematic areas at Annex A. Ofgem is open to input on how each theme can be delivered, combined, adapted, or improved. 3. Target audience / learner profiles The target audience is mid-career professionals, particularly those within Ofgem’s strategy, policy, analysis, and engineering professions. Ofgem intends the MSc programme and its modules to be accessible across all its directorates. It expects some business areas to have interest across all modules, while some will have narrower interest in one or more modules, depending on their remit and responsibilities. Ofgem is prepared to sponsor a cohort for the full MSc (or PGCert / PGDip) should cohort/learner volume commitments improve value for money above ‘pay as you go’ options. Ideally, Ofgem may also fund learners for individual modules according to demand. The intention is that other public bodies, in particular Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), will also be able to access modules and the full MSc (if applicable). However, while these bodies will have access, Ofgem will be the primary contract holder. 4. Cohort commitments and costing Ofgem’s preference is for flexibility in how such a course and / or modules might be delivered. For example, a blend of ‘pay-as-you-go’ costing per student per module as well as costings for a full MSc. However, it is understood that a minimum cohort and/or design fees may be necessary to ensure viability. Therefore, Ofgem is seeking a better understanding of the delivery models and commitments required to develop a modular and full MSc offering that meets requirements. If a cohort minimum is required for either specific module(s) and/or the full MSc to ensure viability, Ofgem anticipates that the contract value will reflect the numbers required and whether modules need bespoke design or adaptation from existing materials. Respondents are asked to estimate costings in in the relevant section of the preliminary market engagement questionnaire. Annex A: Six indicative thematic areas These are indicative thematic areas that could inform module development and give an initial outline of Ofgem’s areas of interest. It should be considered as a starting point to guide respondents on Ofgem’s thinking on the learning requirements. Ofgem is open to