LLM/MA in Environmental Justice in South Asia

Program Overview

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Key Information

Duration

1 year

Start of Programme

September

Attendance Mode

Full-time

Location

SOAS University of London / National Law University Delhi

Fees

For all students: £12,848

Course Code

LLM PGTF0287 / MA PGTF0288

Entry Requirements

• MA: A 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a relevant Social Sciences subject for students other than from India. For students applying from India and holding a BA/BSc/BCom from India, students need to have completed an integrated four-year degree programme to be eligible for the course.
• LLM: A 2:2 LLB (or international equivalent). Students wishing to apply for the LLM Programme must have successfully completed an LLB. If you have a lower degree classification, your application may be considered if you can present a strong case, either through relevant work experience, other legal qualifications, or a strong supporting statement. References are not required but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.
• Indian degree equivalent: 3 or 4 year BA degree, minimum overall 55% or 5.5/10

Course Overview

The Joint LLM/MA in Environmental Justice offered by SOAS University of London and National Law University Delhi (NLUD) is an unparalleled opportunity to develop critical expertise in environmental law and policy with a focus on South Asia. This programme is designed for students passionate about making a real-world difference and gaining the skills necessary to address urgent global challenges.

Structure

To be awarded the LLM/MA, students must take modules to a total value of 180 SOAS credits / 120 NLUD credits. This will include a mix of compulsory courses, electives courses and a dissertation.

SOAS (September to January)

Students take the following three compulsory modules delivered by SOAS (15 SOAS credits is equivalent to 10 NLUD credits):

• Foundations of Environmental Justice with reference to South Asia - 15 credits
• International environmental law and policy with reference to South Asia - 15 credits
• Research Methods - 15 credits

AND one of the guided optional modules below delivered by SOAS (15 SOAS credits is equivalent to 10 NLUD credits):

• Water Justice: Rights, Access and Movements - 15 credits
• Civil society, social movements and the development process - 15 credits
• Law and the biodiversity crisis - 15 credits

NLUD (February to June)

Students take the following four compulsory modules delivered by NLUD (10 NLUD credits is equivalent to 15 SOAS credits):

• Environmental Law and Policy in India - 15 credits
• Natural Resources Law and Policy in South Asia - 15 credits
• Quantitative Research Methods & Environmental Justice Clinic - 15 credits
• Climate Justice and Climate Law: South-North Perspectives - 15 credits

Dissertation

Dissertation (12,000 words), on a topic related to environmental justice. The module can be undertaken at SOAS or NLUD or remotely (60 SOAS credits is equivalent to 40 NLUD credits):

• LLM Dissertation in Environmental Justice - 60 credits
• MA Dissertation in Environmental Justice - 60 credits

Teaching and Learning

The language of instruction of the programme will be English.

Contact Hours

The Masters in Environmental Justice in South Asia consist of 180 SOAS credits/120 NLUD credits, made up of taught modules of 15/10 credits taught over one term, and a dissertation of 60/40 credits.

What to Expect

• Term 1 (September to January): Study in London at SOAS, where you'll gain foundational knowledge of international environmental law, with an emphasis on South Asia.
• Term 2 (February to June): Move to New Delhi, where your education will be grounded in the South Asian region, developing a good understanding of region specific regulatory models and working with communities as part of the clinical courses.
• Thesis Project (June to September): Complete an original research project or practical report based on your fieldwork and research, supported by faculty from both universities.

Scholarships

• NLUD-SOAS Joint LLM/MA Bursary Award: Deadline date - 31 July 2025

Employment

Graduates of this programme will leave with a solid grounding in environmental law and justice as civic minded and critically engaged individuals who can effectively contribute to making their communities and societies more sustainable.

Potential employers of graduates of this programme include:

• Advocates for International Development (A4ID)
• Environmental Investigation Agency UK (EIA)
• Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)
• World Resources Institute (WRI)
• Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED)
• World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF-India)
• UN Agencies: UNDP, UNEP
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• Consultancies: EY, PWC, Dalberg
• Sustainable Futures Collaborative
• South Asia Peoples Action for Climate Action
• Kalpavriksh
• Foundation for Ecological Security
• Council on Energy, Environment and Water
• Enviro Legal Defence Firm
• Toxic Links
• Centre for Policy Research
• Friends of the Earth
• ClientEarth
• Globalfields
• Legal Resources Initiative
• Milieu Law & Policy Consulting
• Simply Sustainable

Key Staff

• Professor Philippe Cullet: Law and policy concerning the environment and natural resources (in particular water, sanitation, biodiversity, climate crisis); rights of nature; social rights; sustainable development; international law; international inequality; India.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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The LLM/MA in Environmental Justice in South Asia

is an innovative 1-year, full-time course offered jointly by SOAS University of London and the National Law University Delhi, India. This unique program provides students with a deep understanding of environmental issues from a global South perspective. It focuses on South Asia, offering students an in-depth exploration of environmental law and its application to various areas, particularly within the South Asian context.

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Objectives:

• Equip graduates with specialized knowledge in environmental law, specifically in relation to South Asia.
• Offer an opportunity to study environmental law and its application across a range of fields with specific reference to South Asia.
• Develop research skills in environmental law.
• Enhance exposure to legal and environmental issues in both the Global North and Global South.
• Provide graduates with the necessary skills for successful career progression.

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Outline

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Structure:

• The LLM/MA Environmental Justice in South Asia program consists of 180 SOAS credits/120 NLUD credits.
• It comprises taught modules, a clinical component, and a dissertation.
• Students can opt for either an LLM or an MA degree.
• Students take modules from SOAS during the Fall semester (September to January) and modules from NLUD during the Spring semester (February to June)

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Taught modules:

• The program offers a mix of compulsory and optional elective modules.
• SOAS offers three compulsory modules:
• Foundations of Environmental Justice with reference to South Asia
• International environmental law and policy with reference to South Asia
• Research Methods
• NLUD offers four compulsory modules:
• Environmental Law and Policy in India
• Natural Resources Law and Policy in South Asia
• Quantitative Research Methods & Environmental Justice Clinic
• Climate Justice and Climate Law: South-North Perspectives

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Dissertation:

• Students complete a 60-credit dissertation, which can be undertaken at either SOAS, NLUD, or remotely.
• The dissertation is a supervised piece of independent research on a topic chosen by the student and their supervisor.

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Assessment

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Assessment methods:

• The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods including:
• Essays
• Presentations
• Exams
• Research reports
• Clinic assignments
• Criteria may include:
• Knowledge and understanding of the subject matter
• Critical analysis and evaluation skills
• Research skills
• Writing and presentation skills
• Originality of thought
• Engagement with relevant literature
• Adherence to ethical research standards

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Teaching

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Teaching methods:

• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Guest lectures
• Field visits
• Clinical practice

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Faculty:

• The program boasts experienced and internationally recognized faculty in environmental law, specializing in the South Asian context.
• Faculty members come from both SOAS and NLUD, offering diverse perspectives and expertise.

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Other

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Living in London:

Due to the short-term stay in London for the course, students will not be able to use SOAS Halls of residence. Instead, accommodation is arranged in partnership with agencies.

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Field visits:

The program offers optional field visits to relevant organizations and sites, providing students with firsthand exposure to environmental justice issues in South Asia.

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Careers

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Career opportunities:

• The program equips graduates with a range of skills and knowledge, making them highly employable in diverse sectors including:
• International organizations
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Government agencies
• Law firms and legal research institutes
• Academia

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Career resources:

SOAS provides career support to its students, including career counseling, workshops, and job fairs.