Environmental and Energy Law (Online)LLM

By linking the contemporary issues of environmental protection and energy management, this 100% online programme is in a unique position to meet these challenges and unlock legal careers in both sectors.

Delivered by internationally-renowned lecturers from Birmingham Law School, this programme will arm you with skills you need to respond to energy and environmental crises anywhere in the world.

• Apply legal arguments to support a fair distribution of natural resources.
• Examine the need for regulation and how it's assessed against operational conditions.
• Explore patterns of energy production, supply, consumption, and security in geopolitical contexts.

All assignments are case-study led, requiring hands-on legal research, providing practical skills you can implement in your current career from day one.

• Receive tailored guidance and feedback in tutorials, enabling you to tackle specific challenges.
• Foster independence through project work, preparing you for professional environments and ongoing personal development.
• Gain valuable experience by taking part in practical assignments that simulate real-world tasks and cultivate job-ready skills.
• Enjoy the flexibility and accessibility of online on-demand classes, allowing you to access lectures and course materials at your convenience, accommodating various schedules and preferences.

Covering topics such as energy regulation, production and the law relating to nuclear energy, this programme is designed to enhance your understanding of law in an evolving field.

You'll take three 20 credit modules in your first year, followed by three 20 credit modules in your second year, with each module lasting approximately 16 weeks in total. You'll enrol onto these modules one at a time, in sequence.

You'll complete all taught studies before you begin your dissertation. This is a 60 credit research project that will take approximately 6 months to complete.

Relevant equivalent study and professional experience can also be considered for entry.

If you don't meet our standard entry criteria, we also accept applications in an allied degree with relevant work experience in the sector.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

The programme fee includes any online resources, including full access to the online learning platform, course materials and required digital reading materials. The fee does not include any personal expenses for new technical equipment or office supplies.

What are my funding options?

Online postgraduate study is a significant financial commitment, and we want you to be completely aware of the associated costs – and all the support available – before becoming a student with us. There are a number of funding options available to help you, including loans, scholarships and employer reimbursement.

How to apply

If you have a question about your application or the application process, including whether your current degree qualifies you for the programme, contact us using the details below, and we will be happy to help. We’re ready to answer any questions and are available to provide guidance, advice and honest feedback.

You'll also have opportunities to increase your knowledge of law in action through our Centre for Employability, Professional Legal Education and Research (CEPLER). Previous LLM graduates from Birmingham Law School have gone on to become successful high court judges, prosecutors and law firm partners.

Career roles

• Environmental lawyer
• Legal counsel
• Legal consultant
• In-house counsel
• Specialist lawyer
• Policymaker
• Legal advisor

Career support

Your relationship with the University of Birmingham will continue long after your graduation. To make the most of your future career prospects, we will help you gain the skills, knowledge and attributes that employers are looking for.

Your online student experience

As one of the largest providers of distance learning in the UK, we offer you a prestigious online education that matches the on-campus experience, taught by our same expert professors and lecturers. You have the flexibility to study from wherever you are in the world, control your daily schedule, and still benefit from the academic, wellbeing, and career support as part of our global postgraduate community.

Your support team

From the moment you enrol to the time you graduate, we will give you all the support you need to succeed. Whether you have questions about your application, assignment deadlines, technical issues or careers opportunities, we’re here to help.