COURSE CURRICULUM

The LLM in International Environmental Law is structured around one core module, five optional modules, and a dissertation, allowing students to build a strong foundation in international environmental governance while also tailoring their studies to specific interests. The core module, International Environmental and Climate Change Law, introduces students to the development and evolution of international law in relation to environmental protection and examines how legal systems are used to address urgent global environmental challenges. It covers a wide range of contemporary issues, including protection of the marine environment, international regulation of air pollution such as ozone layer depletion, and legal responses to climate change. The module also explores key procedural environmental principles, developments in climate change litigation, and ongoing debates around the potential recognition of ecocide as an international crime, giving students a critical understanding of both established and emerging areas of environmental law. Alongside this core study, students select five optional modules designed to broaden their expertise across interconnected areas of international law and policy. These include Refugee Law and Climate Change Migration, which examines how environmental change influences displacement and migration patterns; International Energy Transition Law and Regulation, which focuses on the shift towards low-carbon energy systems; International Energy Investment Law, which addresses legal issues in global energy finance and investment; Corporate Social Responsibility, which explores the ethical and regulatory responsibilities of corporations; International Dispute Resolution, which studies mechanisms for resolving cross-border legal disputes; and Public International and Humanitarian Law, which provides a broader understanding of international legal systems and humanitarian principles. Students are encouraged to select modules aligned with their academic interests and career aspirations, although availability depends on demand. The programme concludes with a dissertation, where students undertake independent, in-depth research on a chosen topic within international environmental law, demonstrating their analytical, research, and writing skills. This structure ensures a balance between theoretical understanding and applied legal knowledge, preparing graduates for careers in environmental policy, international organisations, legal practice, and advocacy roles focused on global sustainability and climate justice.