LLM International Energy and Environmental Law
Our LLM International Energy and Environmental Law enables you to apply the law to the significant international energy and environmental challenges of the 21st Century.
Key facts
- Award LLM, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma
- Start date September 2023, September 2024
- Application notes For students who need a visa: we are closed for September 2023 entry. Applications for 2024-25 entry will open in September 2023.
- Duration LLM full-time: 12 months, LLM part-time: 24 months
- Mode of study full time, part time
- Delivery on campus
Overview
The main focus of this course is how the growing pressure on natural resources has prompted a re-evaluation of traditional forms of energy, as well as a search for new and renewable ones. As intersections with the environment are increasingly visible, energy production, distribution and use have become a priority area for governments, businesses and non-governmental organisations across the world.
The course provides both breadth and depth of analysis into these issues, being focused on the transition to renewables from fossil fuels. While specialist it is accessible to those without a background in either energy or environmental issues or law and policy. It is therefore aimed at both law graduates and also those with experience in related disciplines in social and environmental sciences, as well as in the arts and humanities.
What makes Stirling’s Masters different is that it is focused on the international dimension of energy and environmental law, both globally and regionally and specifically in terms of international law. Furthermore, it is focused on interdisciplinary perspectives, which for example link international law with international relations, and it emphasises and provides considerable opportunity to engage with and develop core and specific research skills.
Top reasons to study with us
Course objectives
By the end of the course, you’ll have:
- knowledge, understanding and skills at the Masters level that are appropriate for careers in law offices, government, international organisations, NGOs and business
- in-depth insights into relevant legal, political and economic issues related to energy and environmental law at the national, regional and international level
- an understanding of the dynamics of the past and current energy and environmental law, policy-making and governance, as well as likely future developments in the area
- the academic foundation for progression to PhD-level study
Work placements
Collaborative Projects with Business
We know enhancing your employability to help you stand out to international businesses and organisations is a key driver in deciding to pursue a Masters degree. Collaborative Projects with Business is based on the award-winning Making the Most of Masters programme, which enables you to kick-start your career with a work-based project with energy companies and law firms for your dissertation. The project will be solution-focused and address real research needs within an organisation.
This opportunity may or may not be financially supported by the relevant employer, this is to be discussed with them. Employers may work in either the public or private sector – regulators, energy companies, and law firms are all examples. The projects take place during the 4-month summer term and are credited in the same way as the Dissertation. It is available to all students but entirely subject to opportunity. Some employers approach the University directly, some students approach an employer. The primary restraint on a work-based project is ensuring that the academic standards of a dissertation are possible and that the project takes place at the time of the dissertation module.
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore INTO University of Stirling to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
- IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition Test 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
- Trinity ISE II Pass overall with a Pass in each sub-skill, ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
- Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
- LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator - High Pass overall with minimum 25 in each sub-skill
Last updated: 23 August 2022
For more information on ways that you can meet our English language requirements, including options to waive the requirement, please read our information on English language requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
Energy and environmental issues are among the most pressing across the globe. Whether in relation to climate change, biodiversity loss or environmental harm, solutions are urgently needed in law to mitigate, adapt, reduce or prevent significant impacts. This Masters degree addresses these concerns and canvasses potential solutions, enabling you to develop the skills and expertise you need to make a lasting and positive impact on the planet.
On this course, you’ll gain an excellent understanding of local, national and international energy and environmental law. It addresses the legal, economic, scientific and political challenges facing society, giving you an integrated understanding of the relevant issues that will significantly enhance your employability.
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2022). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course Details
Teaching
All modules are delivered through small group learning and teaching, which provides an opportunity for interaction between students and staff. This supports the development of communication skills through the discussion and presentation of key issues.
Students are taught via a mix of lectures and seminars depending on the preference of the instructor. Most classes are via small group seminars with a mix of home and international students. Guest lectures are often arranged for some modules.
The academics involved in teaching the degree are renowned for international and world-leading research in their subject areas. Their work is well represented in national and international journals, at academic conferences around the world and in the media.
Leading energy and environmental law and policy specialists and other international experts will also provide guest lectures.
You’re expected to carry out independent study and read widely from a variety of sources. Your dissertation gives you the opportunity to produce independent research in your chosen area, and showcase your acquired knowledge and skills.
Hybrid learning
The course is delivered via both face-to-face and virtual learning platforms.
Students will learn via the use of the University Canvas user interface, which encourages a flipped classroom approach of providing materials or links to them in advance to maximise discussion in class. Information on skills to be acquired is given above. Students will take both core and elective modules. Core modules are Training for Masters in the Arts and Humanities (research methods), International Law and Sustainable Development, Energy Law and Policy, and Environmental Law. Elective modules include Low Carbon Energy Law and many others taught across and with other Faculties. Most students choose to study full time but it is also possible to study part-time.
Fieldwork
Attendance at academic and/or practitioner conferences are encouraged.
Examples of previous conferences that students have attended are:
- Connecting with a low-carbon future
- Renewables after Brexit
Assessment
Modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and examination, with the weighting varying dependent on the nature of the material taught.
Classroom hours
The timetable below is a typical example of a related program, although your own timetable may be different.
|
Autumn |
Energy Law and Policy LAWPP13 THURS, 12.30 - 14:30 |
International Organisations ICCPP02 TUE, 16:00 – 18:00 |
Investment Law LAWPP18 TUE, 09:00 – 11:00 |
|
Spring |
Environmental Impact Assessment ENMPG22 FRI, 9:00 – 17:00 |
Low Carbon Energy Law LAWPP14 TUE, 14:00 – 16:00 |
Training for Masters in the Arts and Humanities ARTPL02 TUE, 11:00-13:00 |
Course director
Simon Marsden is the course director and is Chair in Energy Law at The University of Stirling.
Professor Simon Marsden, Course Director
Key staff
Professor Simon Marsden
Chair in Energy Law
Module coordinator, Training for Masters in the Arts and Humanities, Energy Law and Policy, Low Carbon Energy Law
Dr Elizabeth Brandon
Lecturer in Environmental Law
Module coordinator, International Law and Sustainable Development, Environmental Law
Dr Geoff Wood
Lecturer in Energy Law
Module coordinator, Dissertation
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
| 2022/23 | 2023/24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Students from the UK | £8,200 | £8,700 |
| Students from the Republic of Ireland | £8,200 | £8,700 |
| Overseas (non-EU) students | £19,145 | £19,645 |
| European Union students | £19,145 | £19,645 |
Students from the UK
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from the Republic of Ireland
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
European Union students
EU Postgraduate Scholarship
Eligible EU students will automatically receive our EU Postgraduate Scholarship, which provides a 40% fee discount on full-time, on-campus postgraduate degrees at the University of Stirling.
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you will be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Overseas students (non-EU)
We offer a range of funding options for overseas students.
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £5,500 from Student Finance NI.
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
European Union and overseas students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
Climate change is increasingly regarded as the challenge of our generation – which is why international energy and environmental law are amongst the most topical societal issues at the moment. Conscious of these developments, law firms are opening their own specialised energy and environmental law divisions. As a result, there’s a great demand for employees who have a specialised legal knowledge in energy and environmental law.
Our graduates are also well-placed to pursue careers in:
- Law firms
- Government and regulatory authorities
- International bodies
- Non-governmental organisations and charities
- Pressure groups, including those from the energy and environmental sectors
Companies we work with
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency
- Cameron McKenna Lawyers
- Scottish Power
- UK Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning
What our students said
Turkey
LLM International Energy and Environmental Law
Read Sercan's storyThe LLM International Energy and Environmental Law has given me insight into the environmental legislation in the UK, European Union, and internationally. The course has broadened my understanding of complex environmental issues.