This is a specialist environmental law course covering the legal, policy and regulatory challenges of the environment, including climate change, energy transition and renewable energy.
This course from Robert Gordon University examines the roles of key stakeholders including local communities, industry, regulators, national and international organisations. Relevant to both law and non-law students with relevant industry experience.
If you are considering a postgraduate study option starting in January 2025, then please be aware application deadlines are in place which may affect your first choice of start date or course selection.
This course involves the study of eight taught modules plus a dissertation on a degree related subject.
If you do not hold an LLB degree of equivalent, you will be required to study the Legal Framework module.
The choice of modules for any one candidate may be limited by module availability in any particular year, by timetabling factors, by prerequisites that a module may have, by the limit on online modules that may be taken by international students for visa purposes, and for any other reason approved by the Dean of School.
The flexibility of delivery caters for the busy professional who wishes to gain a detailed knowledge of this area while remaining in their home country or whilst remaining in full time employment.
The option to study full time or part time is designed to suit students or part time professionals.
The online student cohort is highly international, and enables a great amount of cross country/legal system exchange of information, experience, and practice, etc. This enhances the overall knowledge and learning experience of our students.
The LLM route provides an opportunity to those that seeks a legal qualification; and the MSc route is opportunity to include students from non-law backgrounds, and from a range of environmental experts working in technical, science, policy, regulator, industry roles, and also from the non-governmental and wider environmental communities in society.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
The course provides students with opportunities to develop a sound knowledge of the main legal issues and challenges pertinent to the environment (UK, and internationally), develop keen legal analytical skills, particularly because of problem-solving activities and develop an understanding of the operation of some key legal principles.
You are able to study entirely online, choose whether to take only modules that are taught on campus in face to face classes or to add to the mix by taking online and on campus modules.
In full-time on campus mode, you will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshop sessions. Access to our virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle, is also provided giving you access from home to learning materials (including videos, e-books and journals).
In Online Learning mode you will study through the CampusMoodle and taught and supported by experienced industry professionals who will recreate the same challenging interactive format of the on-campus courses. You will have the benefit of being part of a group of learners with the invaluable opportunity to participate in active, group-related learning within a supportive online community setting.
Activity Summary
- Lectures - approximately 10 students per group, 1 hour per week
- Seminars - approximately 10 students per group, 1 hour per week
- Tutorials - approximately 10 students per group, 1 hour per week
- Independent Study - 2 hours per week
How long is an International Environmental Law course?
The International Environmental Law MSc can be successfully completed in 12-36 months.
Independent Study
Student should become increasingly self-motivated and self-supporting, taking greater control of their studies. Student should regularly reflect on their learning and establish a view of their own progress and development, which may form the basis of tutorial guidance with staff. Students should fully utilise all available resources (i.e., library services).
Staff Delivering on this Course
The staff delivering the course have relevant academic, industry and legal backgrounds. Qualifications range from masters to PhD degrees.
The staff members have extensive and relevant knowledge and qualifications on the topic of teaching. In some instances, industry experts and practising lawyers will be invited as guest lecturers to share their experiences with the students.
Several staff members have received RGU Union Star Awards including ‘Recognition, best lecturer, best supervisor, innovative teacher of the year’.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed:
- 1 written assignment
- 1 dissertation
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
What is needed for a Master in International Environmental Law degree?
- Applicants will normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in Law or a relevant subject.
- Applicants with relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK STUDENTS
Full Time
On Campus
- £7,080 for entire course
Online Learning
- £11,330 for entire course
Part Time
On Campus
- £3,540 for Stage 1
- £3,540 for Stage 2
- No fee for Stage 3
Online learning
- £4,250 for Stage 1
- £4,250 for Stage 2
- £2,830 for Stage 3
EU STUDENTS
Full Time
On Campus
- £7,080 for entire course
Online Learning
- £11,330 for entire course
Part Time
On Campus
- £3,540 for Stage 1
- £3,540 for Stage 2
- No fee for Stage 3
Online learning
- £4,250 for Stage 1
- £4,250 for Stage 2
- £2,830 for Stage 3
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Full Time
ON CAMPUS
- £16,180 for entire course
ONLINE LEARNING
- £11,330 for entire course
Part Time
On Campus
- £6,070 for Stage 1
- £6,070 for Stage 2
- £4,040 for Stage 3
ONLINE LEARNING
- £4,250 for Stage 1
- £4,250 for Stage 2
- £2,830 for Stage 3
For Academic Year 2023/2024
UK STUDENTS
Full Time
On Campus
- £6,800 for entire course
Online Learning
- £10,890 for entire course
Part Time
On Campus
- £3,400 for Stage 1
- £3,400 for Stage 2
- No fee for Stage 3
Online learning
- £4,080 for Stage 1
- £4,080 for Stage 2
- £2,730 for Stage 3
EU STUDENTS
Full Time
ON CAMPUS
- £6,800 for entire course
ONLINE LEARNING
- £10,890 for entire course
Part Time
On Campus
- £3,400 for Stage 1
- £3,400 for Stage 2
- No fee for Stage 3
ONLINE LEARNING
- £4,080 for Stage 1
- £4,080 for Stage 2
- £2,730 for Stage 3
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Full Time
ON CAMPUS
- £15,540 for entire course
ONLINE LEARNING
- £11,710 for entire course
Part Time
On Campus
- £5,830 for Stage 1
- £5,830 for Stage 2
- £3,880 for Stage 3
ONLINE LEARNING
- £4,390 for Stage 1
- £4,390 for Stage 2
- £2,830 for Stage 3
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Student Funding
Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS funded places on certain postgraduate courses.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.