Natural Resources Law, LLM

Program Overview

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Natural Resources Law, LLM

Introduction

Our innovative Masters programme allows students the opportunity to develop the relevant skills and knowledge in managing natural energy resources for future generations. This programme will equip students with the knowledge, and skills, to develop sound governance regimes within areas that raise the most fundamental issues for humanity.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: LLM
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September or January
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

Programme Fees

Fee category	Cost
EU / International students	£23,000
UK	£11,900

Semester 1

Compulsory Courses

• Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS501T)
• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)

Optional Courses

• International Energy and Environmental Law (LS501C)
• State Control of Hydrocarbons (LS501E)
• Renewable Energy Law (LS504L)

Semester 2

Optional Courses

• International Investment Law and Energy Arbitration (LS555L)
• Principles of Environmental Regulation (LS551A)

Semester 3

Compulsory Courses

• Master of Laws Dissertation (LS5904)

Available Programmes of Study

Students will gain an in-depth understanding of extracting natural resources, ocean law, food law, and water law. Students must complete the Introduction to Natural Resources Law and Policy and Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship. Students must then choose an additional 4 courses, taking 2 in semester 1 and 2 in semester 3.

Programme Structure

• Duration: 12 months full-time, 24 months part-time
• LLM: Natural Resources Law

Programme Fees

Fee category	Cost
EU / International students	£23,000
UK	£11,900

Scholarships

All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Related Programmes

• Business Law and Sustainable Development
• Energy Transition Law with Dissertation
• Energy Transition Law with Professional Skills
• Oil and Gas Law with Dissertation
• Oil and Gas Law with Professional Skills

How You'll Study

Teaching is organised on a modular basis. There are two eleven-week semesters. Examinations are held at the end of each semester in December and May. The dissertation is submitted in August.

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Peer Learning
• Seminars
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Assessment is a combination of coursework during the semester and an examination at the end of the relevant semester. In addition, students must complete research skills course and a dissertation on a topic within the specialism.

Why Study Natural Resources Law?

• Law was one of the University of Aberdeen's foundation discipline in 1495. Today our School of Law is considered to be one of the UK’s elite training ground for lawyers.
• You will achieve an internationally recognised and respected postgraduate degree in one of the fastest growing and most dynamic areas of law.
• Learn from top academics, responsible for shaping energy policy and providing thought leadership to governments on key pervasive and emerging issues.

Careers

As the Law has an impact on many parts of public life and, thus, is beneficial should you wish to enter politics, business, international finance or banking. More and more non-legal employers are valuing the eminently transferable skills law graduates can bring to industry and other international business organisations.

Accreditation

This degree holds accreditation from Top 10 LLM Programs for Energy Law 2021.

Our Experts

• Programme Coordinator: Daria Shapovalova
• Other Experts: Dr Titilayo Adebola, Prof Zeray Yihdego

Entry Requirements

• Normally, a 2.2 honours degree (or equivalent) in Law will be required to be accepted onto this programme.
• Relevant practical experience in a related field will also be beneficial.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: 6.5 with Listening - 5.5, Reading - 5.5, Speaking - 5.5, Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: 90 with Listening - 17, Reading - 18, Speaking - 20, Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: 62 with Listening - 59, Reading - 59, Speaking - 59, Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: 176 with Listening - 162, Reading - 162, Speaking - 162, Writing - 169

Document Requirements

• Degree Transcript
• Personal Statement
• Reference

International Applicants

Additional details for international applicants, including information specific to your country or territory, are available.

Program Outline

The University of Aberdeen's innovative Masters in Natural Resources Law equips students with the skills and knowledge to manage and govern natural resources sustainably for future generations. This program prepares students to be effective legal professionals within this rapidly developing field and provides them with the tools to address the fundamental legal issues associated with energy security and development.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with a thorough understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing natural resources, including:
• International energy and environmental law
• State control of hydrocarbons
• International investment law and energy arbitration
• Law of the sea
• Food law
• Water law
• Develop critical legal thinking and research skills
• Hone oral and written communication skills

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Program Description:

• Students are required to complete 180 credits through a combination of coursework and dissertation.
• The program can be completed in 12 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time).
• Courses are offered on-campus and online.

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Outline

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Structure:

• Students complete two semesters of coursework followed by a dissertation in the third semester.
• Students choose 140 credits from a range of elective courses in their chosen area of specialization.

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Course Schedule:

• Semester 1: Compulsory courses:
• Introduction to Natural Resources Law and Policy
• Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship
• Two electives
• Semester 2: Compulsory course:
• Master of Laws Dissertation
• Two electives
• Semester 3 (optional):
• Two electives

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Individual Modules:

• International Energy and Environmental Law: Examines the international legal framework for energy resources, including treaties, conventions, and customary international law.
It also covers the regulation of environmental issues related to energy production and use.
• State Control of Hydrocarbons: Investigates the legal framework surrounding state control of oil and gas resources, including exploration, production, and decommissioning.
• Oil and Mining Resources for Good and Development: Analyzes the legal and regulatory framework governing the exploitation of oil and mineral resources in developing countries.
It also explores the relationship between resource management and sustainable development.
• International Investment Law and Energy Arbitration: Addresses the complex interaction between investment protection and state sovereignty in the energy sector.
• Law of the Sea: Covers the legal framework surrounding the use of the oceans, including maritime boundaries, fisheries management, and marine pollution.
• Food Law: Examines the legal framework for food production, processing, and distribution.
• Water Law: Covers the legal framework for water management, including water allocation, water quality, and international water law.

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Assessment

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Assessment Methods:

• Coursework (essay, presentation, case study, etc.)
• Final examination
• Dissertation

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Assessment Criteria:

• Understanding of relevant legal principles and concepts
• Research and writing skills
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Communication skills

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Teaching

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Group projects
• Research skills workshops

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Faculty:

• The program is taught by experienced and qualified legal academics with expertise in natural resources law.
• The faculty includes visiting professors, practitioners, and industry experts.

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Unique Teaching Approach:

• The program emphasizes a problem-solving approach to learning, encouraging students to apply legal principles to real-world scenarios.
• Students participate in interactive seminars and workshops that enhance their research, writing, and presentation skills.
• The program offers an international perspective, drawing on expertise from around the world.

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Careers

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Potential Career Paths:

• Lawyer specializing in natural resources law
• Legal counsel for energy companies
• Researcher or academic in natural resources law
• Non-governmental organization (NGO) working on environmental and development issues

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Career Opportunities:

• Graduates are well-positioned for careers in a variety of sectors, including:
• Energy industry
• Mining industry
• Government and regulatory agencies
• International organizations
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Consultancies
• Academia

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Career Outcomes:

• The program is offered in partnership with the University of Aberdeen's Centre for Energy Law and Policy.
• The program provides students with access to a network of experts and practitioners in natural resources law.
• The program is designed to meet the needs of both domestic and international students.
• The University of Aberdeen is ranked in the Top 100 Law Schools in the World (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022).

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EU / International students: £23,800 UK: £11,900