Craig Stephen – LLM Oil, Gas & Renewable Energy Law

Already an RGU undergraduate, Craig was seeking a further degree which would complement his existing job in the oil and sector, allowing him to keep working while simultaneously professionally developing.

“Having reviewed the courses available and matching them to my current work position, this course fitted in well.

“I had completed an undergraduate degree at the end of 2017 and then took a year off studying before starting the postgraduate course at the beginning of 2019.

“The legal aspects of business have always interested me which initially brought me to the Oil, Gas & Renewable Energy Law course. It covers the key topics that are faced within the oil industry, along with that of maritime and renewables.”

Key to the success of Craig’s progress was the flexibility of how he could learn and ultimately obtain his LLM degree.

Hailing from Longside in Aberdeenshire and coming through Mintlaw Academy, he was a long way from home while both working and studying with his job taking him as far as West Africa.

“I studied online part-time while working overseas for Baker Hughes in Ghana. This was all done during COVID which meant long trips away and limited family time.

“The highlight for me was the teaching method which allowed me to continue working while studying in the evenings.”

Now an Operations Delivery Manager, Craig, 40, believes the degree has strengthened his knowledge of the industry he works day-to-day in.

“I have further developed my understanding of the main legal principles involved within the oil and gas industry, along with renewable energy and maritime law.

“The course allowed me to increased my broad knowledge of regulatory, contractual, and commercial requirements throughout the project development cycle and how these effect operations along with the pitfalls to be aware of.”

RGU's Law School provides a a range of accredited and professionally recognised law degrees at undergraduate, postgraduate and research level, as well as the recently launched Grampian Community Law Centre.