Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Birmingham offers a 100% online LLM in Environmental and Energy Law, designed to equip students with the necessary legal frameworks to respond to global energy issues and climate change demands. This program is unique in its transnational, multi-jurisdictional approach, examining varying levels of energy ownership and environmental protection worldwide.

Course Highlights

• 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.
• One of the top 25 Law Schools in the UK (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).
• 100+ years as a leading Law School.
• 100% Online study, providing a flexible learning alternative for working professionals worldwide.
• In the top 25 UK Law schools (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).

Course Delivery

The online LLM features expert lecturers and researchers from a range of disciplines, teaching through a blend of tutorials, projects, and practical assignments to consolidate learning. All assignments are case-study led, requiring hands-on legal research and providing practical skills implementable in current careers.

• Receive tailored guidance and feedback in tutorials, enabling students to tackle specific challenges.
• Foster independence through project work, preparing students 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 access to lectures and course materials at convenience, accommodating various schedules and preferences.

Module Information

The Online LLM in Environmental and Energy Law is a 180 credit full masters programme, taking approximately two and a half years to complete. The programme covers topics such as energy regulation, production, and the law relating to nuclear energy, designed to enhance understanding of law in an evolving field.

• Students take three 20 credit modules in the first year, followed by three 20 credit modules in the second year, with each module lasting approximately 16 weeks.
• Students enrol onto these modules one at a time, in sequence.
• After completing all taught studies, students begin their dissertation, a 60 credit research project taking approximately 6 months to complete.

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham, students must meet general entry requirements, as well as those specific to the course. The application is reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who decides whether the application should receive an offer.

• 2:1 Honours Degree: Students should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in Law.
• Relevant equivalent study and professional experience can also be considered for entry.
• If students don't meet standard entry criteria, applications in an allied degree with relevant work experience in the sector are also accepted.

English Language Requirements

International students must demonstrate a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course. For this course, IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band is required, 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.

Fees and Scholarships

• Total cost for the 2025/26 academic year: £18,270.
• Per module for the 2025/26 academic year: £2,610.
• The programme fee includes online resources, full access to the online learning platform, course materials, and required digital reading materials.
• Scholarship available: The Online Birmingham Masters Scholarship offers £3,000 via a tuition fee discount to support the brightest and best applicants undertaking a postgraduate course via distance learning in 2025.

Application Process

To apply for an online postgraduate programme, students submit their application and supporting documents online. The application process includes submitting required documents and possibly an interview, depending on the course.

Career Opportunities

The programme offers key insights into transnational legal frameworks, making it suitable for lawyers ready for their next challenge or professionals with growing regulatory responsibilities in the energy or environmental sector. Career roles may include:

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

Student Experience

As one of the largest providers of distance learning in the UK, the University of Birmingham offers a prestigious online education that matches the on-campus experience, taught by expert professors and lecturers. Students have the flexibility to study from anywhere, control their daily schedule, and benefit from academic, wellbeing, and career support as part of the global postgraduate community. The university provides a support team to help with questions, assignment deadlines, technical issues, or careers opportunities from enrolment to graduation.