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Foundations of Environmental Law Micro-credential

Overview

The Foundations of Environmental Law micro-credential is a 12-week online course that provides a practical, in-depth examination of the foundations of environmental law, with a focus on European and international perspectives. This micro-credential traces the development of EU and international environmental law to date and analyses the legal principles applied to environmental protection.

Subject Area and Credits

• Subject Area: Law
• Credits: 10 NFQ, 9 EFQ
• Start Date: September 2025
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Time: Friday 09:00 - 10:50 (subject to change)
• Mode of Delivery: Online
• Course Leader: Dr. Andrew Jackson
• Fee: Full Fee: 1614

Course Description

This micro-credential comprises a practical, in-depth examination of the foundations of environmental law. Learners will gain foundational knowledge relating to environmental law and policy, including key institutions, principles of environmental law, regulatory techniques, legal enforcement, human rights and the environment, and sustainable development. The course is taught by leading experts in environmental law, with extensive experience in academia and in practice.

Who Should Apply

This micro-credential has been designed for anyone working, or interested in, the fields of environmental law, policy, or science. For example, those working in the legal sector; environmental consultants (including ecologists); environmental policy-makers and regulators at an EU level, and in central and local government; natural resource managers (e.g., Natura 2000 or national park managers/rangers); planners, and those working for environmental NGOs.

What Will I Learn

On completion of this micro-credential, learners will:

• Have a good overview of the principles, techniques, and regulatory framework of environmental law at national, European, and international levels.
• Have an in-depth knowledge of current challenges in environmental law and be able to engage in a high level of debate on these challenges.
• Be able to critically assess potential ways in which environmental law might be changed to improve environmental protection.
• Have a good understanding of environmental law in practice.

Syllabus

Due to the breadth of the environmental law field, several key substantive areas will be selected for particular focus. Topics vary from year to year but may include:

• Who governs the environment? International and European institutions.
• Principles of environmental law.
• Techniques of governing the environment.
• Enforcing environmental law at international and EU levels.
• Human rights and the environment.
• Sustainable development.

How Will I Benefit

Individuals and their employers will benefit by way of the foundational knowledge and skills gained, allowing environmental law to be better applied and enforced in practice via those working in (or hoping to work in) the public, private, and NGO sectors.

How Will I Learn

This micro-credential is delivered through the UCD online learning platform and will consist of lectures/seminars, critical writing, and learner presentations. Students are encouraged to attend the lectures during the class times stated above. However, classes will be recorded for occasions where attending live is not possible.

Am I Eligible to Take This Micro-credential

Applicants must hold a degree in law or another relevant discipline, including the social and natural sciences. An upper second-class honours Level 8 degree (GPA 3.08), or international equivalent, is required. Applications will also be accepted from those with significant, relevant, practical experience or those with a graduate qualification relevant to the micro-credential.

How Will I Be Assessed

• 3000 word essay 70%
• Presentation 30%

Assessment Feedback

Written feedback will be provided for essays. Group/class feedback will be provided for presentations.

Related Micro-credentials and Awards

Learners seeking to deepen their knowledge gained via this micro-credential may be interested in taking LAW42230 Natural Resources Law. This micro-credential, and LAW42230 Natural Resources Law, are also modules on the UCD Sutherland School of Law's MSc Environmental & Climate Law programme.

Course Outcomes

On successful completion of this micro-credential, learners will receive credits as per the European Credit and Transfer System. These credits are recognised by the awarding institution as credits aligned to learning completed at postgraduate level.