Overview
The main focus of this course is how the growing pressure on natural resources has prompted a re-evaluation of traditional approaches to addressing the challenges and seeking opportunities, including mitigating climate change, halting and restoring biodiversity and habitat loss, sustainable development and replacing conventional forms of energy (oil, gas, coal), as well as a search for new and renewable ones via energy transition.
The course provides both breadth and depth of analysis into these issues through an integrated approach to environmental law that weaves in concepts and theories about sustainability, justice and human rights. While specialist, the LLM Environmental Law and Climate Justice course 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. This is enhanced by the cross-faculty provision of modules comprising the LLM course.
What makes Stirling’s Masters different is that it is focused on the international and comparative dimensions of environmental law, both globally and regionally and specifically in terms of climate justice. 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.
By the end of the course, you’ll have:
- knowledge, understanding and skills at the Masters level that are appropriate for careers in government, international organisations, NGOs and business;
- in-depth insights into relevant legal, political, social and economic issues related to environmental law at the national, regional and international level (multi-level governance);
- an understanding of the dynamics of the past and current environmental law, policy-making and governance, as well as likely future developments in the area;
- the academic foundation for progression to PhD-level study.
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
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.
International entry 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.
- 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.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
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
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 LLM 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 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 academic year that starts in September 2024. Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course Details
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 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 (with the guidance of your supervisor) 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, and Environmental Law. Most students choose to study full time but it is also possible to study part time.
Attendance at academic and/or practitioner conferences is encouraged. LLM Environmental Law and Climate Justice candidates will be signposted to such events throughout the course.
Examples of previous conferences that students have attended are:
- Connecting with a low-carbon future
- Renewables after Brexit
Modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and examination, with the weighting varying dependent on the nature of the material taught.
Professor Annalisa Savaresi, Course Director
Dr Geoffrey Wood
geoffrey.wood1@stir.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1786 467287
Fees and funding
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
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.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
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.
Funding
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.
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 £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
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.
International (including EU) 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.
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 environmental law and climate justice are amongst the most topical societal issues at the moment. As a result, there’s a great demand for employees who have specialised legal knowledge in environmental law.
Our graduates are also well-placed to pursue careers in:
- government and regulatory authorities;
- international bodies;
- non-governmental organisations and charities;
- pressure groups, including those from the energy and environmental sectors.
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