LLM in Natural Resources and Environmental Law and Policy

Natural Resources form the bedrock of global economic development, however, development and use of natural resources have implications for the environment, often leading to other socio-economic and political challenges such as poverty, disease, and conflicts, especially in developing countries. The resulting environmental impacts such as climate change, pollution degradation of habitats and species extinction have also raised serious challenges for governance and diplomacy at the international level, often pitting international economic policies and frameworks with natural resources and environmental governance.

This course will provide you with an excellent understanding of the law and policy issues in this area, and the skills necessary to pursue a career in this exciting field, whether this be in private legal practice, as in-house lawyers in corporations, policy-oriented work in intergovernmental and other international institutions in advocacy in civil society organizations,.

The course offers a wide range of modules that are contemporary, academically rigorous and skills-oriented,. The design ensures you gain core knowledge of the wider context framing law and policy in this field whilst giving you the flexibility to tailor your degree to suit your particular interests by choosing from a range of specialist modules. You will explore emerging issues such as a low carbon economy, unconventional and alternative energy, the regulation and governance of multinational corporations and the responsibility of states in addressing these concerns.

What you will study

All module information is for 2023 entry and is subject to change.

First-year

Core

• Foundations of Law and Skills
• Sustainable Development Law in Contemporary Business and Society
• Regulatory Theory and Practice
• Dissertation

Option

• International Energy Law and Just Transition
• International Environmental Law
• Law and Ethics of Technology and Artificial Intelligence
• Policy Analysis of Governance and Development
• Climate Change Law and Policy
• Business Human Rights and Environment
• Natural Resource Governance
• International Waste Law and Circular Economy
• Waste Management Law and the Circular Economy
• Mining and Critical Minerals Law and Policy
• Emerging Issues in Law
• International Water Resources Law
• Elective

Learning and assessment

You will be taught in small groups in an interactive and engaging learning environment.

The course is also enhanced by visiting guest speakers from all walks of life, including the legal professions, academia, and businesses.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programs. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work, and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

Career prospects

Our courses are shaped by the School of Law International Advisory Board, made up of leading figures in the judiciary and legal practice, academia, and wider industry and society who advise us on the skills and competencies needed in the current and future workplace. This feeds into the design and delivery of our courses, ensuring our students gain knowledge and experience that is not only academically rigorous but valued by employers.