Energy studies focuses on the extraction, manufacture, distillation, and sale of resources used to create power for maintaining societies. This ranges from traditional materials such as firewood and dung to modern sources including fossil fuels and nuclear power as well as alternative energy sources and future models.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.