Program Overview

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Environmental, Social and Governance Law, and Policy LLM

The climate crisis, social inequalities, and armed conflict affect all our lives. Develop your understanding of how the law responds to these issues. Discover how Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) law and policies are created and applied in these complex situations. You’ll become aware of the possibilities and limits of the law to resolve national and global challenges.

Course Structure

The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.

• Autumn term: September - December (11 weeks)
  • Full-time students normally take two 30-credit modules in term one.
  • One-third of your degree is your dissertation. You begin planning and submit a proposal for your dissertation during term one.
• Spring term
• Summer term

Course Highlights

As a Top 10 UK Law School, you'll learn from experts at the forefront of the environmental and social law sector. This course mixes the latest academic theory with real-world relevance and professional opportunities.

• Study the topics that interest you with our diverse range of modules. Specialise in areas such as environmental energy law, ethnicity and criminal justice, and public international law.
• Get ready for your future career through research internships, pro bono activities, mooting, and work experience.
• Join our diverse community of staff and students from around the world, and broaden your perspective.
• One of the top 25 Law Schools in the UK (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).
• Birmingham Law School is 9th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on research rated 4*.

Prepare for Your Future Career

Stand out from the crowd by undertaking research internships, pro bono activities, and work experience opportunities through our Centre for Employability, Professional Legal Education and Research (CEPLER).

Course Delivery

At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Law.

• Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework, and assignment preparation.
• Seminars and lectures – modules are mainly taught in small groups with some lectures.
• Dissertation – you'll undertake a 15,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.

Module Information

The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation. Modules run for one term.

• The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change.
• Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

2026/27 Session

The following must be taken: | Module title | Credits | | --- | --- | | Dissertation on a Legal Topic | 60 | | Introduction to Legal Research | 30 | | Law, Society and Governance | 30 |

Students choose one module from the list of optional Environmental, Social and Governance Law, and Policy modules that has typically included: | Module Title | Credits | | --- | --- | | Financing of International Trade | 20 | | International Human Rights Law | 20 | | Assessment and financing of energy projects | 20 | | Environmental Protection and Pollution Control | 20 | | International Corporate Governance | 20 | | Law, Society and Governance | 20 | | Race, Ethnicity and Criminal Justice | 20 |

Students choose their remaining two modules from the full list of LLM modules.

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham, you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.

• 2:1 Honours Degree in Law
• Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry.

English Language Requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band
• 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

The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment, and includes membership to the Guild of Students.

• £11,250 (full-time)
• £5,625 (part-time)

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance, or other costs at your own discretion.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Application Process

To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.

• Application deadline for UK and non-visa requiring applicants: 28 August 2026

Career Opportunities

By studying a postgraduate degree in Law at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include the ability to present a strong argument, research and analytical skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work independently.

Our LLM postgraduate students have gone on to work in careers such as 'Solicitor', 'Paralegal', and 'Policy Advisor' in organisations such as Eversheds Sutherland, House of Commons, and Crown Prosecution Service.

Student Experience

At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life.

• Accommodation: We offer a range of accommodation options in the UK’s second city.
• Living in Birmingham: As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry.
• Student support: Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
• Campus life: Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax, and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.

Student Stories

• Careers and alumni: Our students have gone on to achieve great things in their careers.
• University life: Our students share their experiences of studying at the University of Birmingham.