LLM Global Environmental Law & Governance

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Key facts

  • Start date: September & January
  • Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
  • Scholarships: EU Engagement Scholarships worth £10,000 available to applicants from EU countries

Study with us

  • learn to critically appraise and creatively contribute to global environmental law and governance 
  • develop the skills and expertise to pursue a career in areas of global environmental law and governance
  • combine cutting-edge theoretical knowledge and practice in thematic areas in global environmental law and governance 
  • experience a tailored and bespoke teaching environment where you'll be working closely with your peers and faculty
  • benefit from guest lectures: internationally recognised guest speakers from international organisations, leading international law firms and large NGOs
  • opportunity to undertake an internship with the International Institute of Environment and Development (IIED) and to collaborate with the Climate Change Legal Initiative (C2LI)
  • you can choose to do a 60 credit enhanced research proposal, professional internship or a professional project instead of a traditional dissertation
  • we're amongst world’s top universities contributing to achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024)
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Why this course?

In a globalised world, present-day law practitioners need to understand how environmental law develops and operates across levels of governance. There's also a growing sense that the legal practices of indigenous peoples and local communities, business entities, local administrations, and transnational environmental practitioners are increasingly relevant for environmental governance. 

The LLM in Global Environmental Law & Governance provides such innovative and transversal perspectives, moving beyond the traditional approach to teaching international, regional, EU and domestic environmental law in isolation one from another. 

A unique aspect of this programme is the ability for students to specialise in Ocean Law. Depending upon which electives you select, you can choose to graduate with an LLM in Global Environmental Law & Governance with a specialisation in Ocean Law. Electives are chosen when you arrive on campus and you´ll receive advice and guidance from course staff in making this choice. 

Throughout the programme, you'll gain insights from the work and activities of environmental law experts at the Strathclyde Law School, including, amongst others, the One Ocean Hub and the Climate Change Legal Initiative (C2LI). 

Studying this course, you'll be equipped with a wide range of expertise in global environmental law and governance, in areas such as:

  • biodiversity
  • land
  • food and agriculture
  • water and oceans
  • climate change and energy
  • corporate accountability
  • environmental justice
  • human rights and rights of nature
  • sustainable development

You'll focus on the global dynamics of environmental law. In particular, you'll look at the mutual influences and interactions among different regulatory levels.

The programme draws both on cutting-edge academic research on global environmental law and governance and on first-hand professional experience at different levels.

Antonio Cardesa-Salzmann

The programme leader for the LLM Global Environmental Law & Governance is Antonio Cardesa-Salzmann.

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

Our students

Kyle Fawkes law student

Kyle Fawkes

The highlight of my time at Strathclyde has been partaking in interactive sessions with my classmates. The students in my programme hail from countries across four continents and each brings a unique academic or practical background to the class discussions. Many of the virtual activities have promoted intercultural exchanges and collaboration.
Female student pictured outside

Hannah Dusauchoit

At Strathclyde, you have a close connection with your professors. They are so approachable, open for questions and always ready to help . The University provides a lot of facilities for its students, it is almost unbelievable.
Nicola Sharman smiling at the camera

Nicola Sharman

I really felt that the LLM students were warmly welcomed into the wider SCELG research community through the various activities that we were encouraged to take part in beyond our core coursework, from participating in regular research and discussion groups, to having the opportunity to assist on specific research projects, to attending events and social meet-ups.

How to become a lawyer

There are different routes to a career in law. The choices you make now can affect the steps you would need to take to achieve your desired career in law. Here we explore the process of becoming a lawyer in Scotland and look at the different roles available within the law profession.

How to become a lawyer

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Course content

Public International Law and the Environment

This class will introduce you to the foundations of public international law, including its subjects, sources, principles and measures of implementation. It will address how this body of law has evolved over time to address the needs of environmental protection in transboundary and global settings.  

It will also provide you with a basic understanding of how compliance and dispute settlement operate in international environmental law, with special focus on the environmental case law of the International Court of Justice. 

Global Environmental Law: Issues of Sustainability and Equity

This module appraises the operation of environmental law from a ‘global’ perspective.  

Accordingly, seminars will assess the interactions and mutual influences between international, regional, national and sub-national legal processes (including the customary laws of indigenous peoples and local communities, and law-making by other non-state actors). This module also lends itself to explore and discuss critically theories, methods, and challenges of comparative environmental law in a genuinely global perspective. In so doing, it attempts to contribute toward decolonising the curriculum of environmental law teaching, emphasising current and historical injustice at the root of environmental conflicts throughout the world. 

Environmental Treaties: Fragmentation and Regime Interactions

In the past half-century, the scope of international law has increased dramatically. From a tool dedicated to the regulation of formal diplomacy, international law has expanded to deal with the most varied kinds of international activity, from trade to environmental protection, and from human rights to scientific and technological cooperation. Most of this expansion has taken place through international treaties and institutions. International environmental treaties provide a case in point, both in terms of their relationship with other fields of international law (e.g., international trade law) and in terms of the relationship between its constituent parts (i.e. the various geographically and functionally limited regimes that make up its corpus).  

This module will provide an overview of global and regional environmental treaty regimes. It will explore the causes, manifestations, and implications of this deficit, and the ways in which policy coherence, mutual supportiveness, and synergies in implementation can be promoted. 

Dissertation

Your Masters will culminate in a dissertation. This is an extended project of enquiry into an area of your own choice. You'll create knowledge in answer to a question which really intrigues you.

While you'll be very much in the driving seat, your work is nurtured and guided by a member of our academic staff team. You'll be guided by some of the world’s foremost experts.

Or

Enhanced Research Proposal

60 credits

This module supports students writing an enhanced research proposal, with a view to supporting their transition into PGR study (PhD/MPhil studies) and creating an early research supervision relationship with a prospective supervisor.

Or

Professional Internship

60 credits

This module gives students the opportunity to apply to pursue an internship in a national or international organisation relevant to their course. The internship allows students to be placed in a relevant host organisation for a specified number of hours agreed with the Strathclyde tutor. The student will be responsible for producing an internship report which will include an account of the knowledge and skills attained applying theoretical concepts and with reference to discipline specific literature as well as an in-context self-reflective analysis of the experience, the organisation and the work undertaken enabling broader critical reflections on the student’s place in the professional world.

Or

Please note that enrolment in the Professional Project and Professional Internship modules is by application and is not guaranteed.

Professional Project

60 credits

This module gives students to apply to do independent work in the final semester of their LLM/MSc. Students will be required to identify and co-design the project supported by their Strathclyde mentor. The project report includes the response to the research question co-designed with a relevant host organisation as well as an in-context self-reflective analysis of the project, the organisation and the student’s experience in executing the work enabling broader critical reflections on the student’s place in the professional world.

The opportunity to select from our range of elective classes gives you the chance to pursue your personal interests and tailor your degree to your intended career path. Options include: 

EU Environmental Law

In this course, students will explore the unique features and complexities of the making, implementation and enforcement of the environmental law of the European Union.

International Investment Law and Sustainable Development

This class will introduce students to the concepts, sources and principle of international investment law. It will also consider the balance between the rights and duties of investors, residents and the host states as well as dispute resolution in international investment.

Blue Economy and International Law

This module will engage with the notions and agendas of the Blue Economy. It will assess how international and comparative legal processes can contribute to sustainability. 

International Climate Change Law

This module will explore the evolving nature and distinctive components of the international legal framework on climate change.

Oceans Governance & the Law of the Sea

This module will explore the main legal regimes related the oceans and seas, with an in-depth focus on recent developments in marine governance in the context of sustainable development. 

Fisheries Law and Sustainability

This module will provide an overview of regional and sectoral fisheries regimes. In so doing, it will also allow students to engage critically with the contribution of this area of international and comparative law to competing visions of sustainability. 

Learning & teaching

The course will be taught primarily through face-to-face sessions in the form of weekly interactive seminars. Seminars give you the chance to make sure you've fully understood the subject matter, but also to develop and discuss ideas with your peers, and to develop specific research interests.

You'll be expected to draw on the knowledge and skills you've developed in your undergraduate studies, as well as on other professional or academic experience you've acquired since then, and share them with fellow course participants.

In addition to taught seminars, you'll benefit from a wide-range of activities organised by the Strathclyde Law School to allow you to broaden your knowledge of and skills in environmental law and policy. 

The course is taught by one of the most wide-ranging groups of environmental law experts in the UK. They'll not only draw from their own cutting-edge academic research, but also their involvement in multilateral environmental negotiations, consultancies for the United Nations and regional organisations, legal advice to developing countries on reforms of natural resource laws, and collaborations with non-government organisations and indigenous and local communities’ organisations.

Some of your classes will also include input from many of our external experts and practitioners. 

Assessment

Assessment is based on your performance in coursework. Students seeking award of the Masters degree (LLM) will need to complete a final project.

Some of the assessments will be based on real-life assignments that the teaching staff have engaged with, in the context of their practical experience in international consultancies, with a view to developing your skills of immediate relevance to global employers.

Chat to a student ambassador

If you want to know more about what it’s like to be a Humanities & Social Sciences student at the University of Strathclyde, a selection of our current students are here to help!

Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.

Chat to a student ambassador
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Entry requirements

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Academic requirements/experience

First- or second-class Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, in law or an environmental-related discipline (some law content recommended). Entry may be possible with other qualifications and substantial professional experience in the area of environmental law, policy and/or management.

Please note: a Law degree is not a prerequisite for entry to this course.

English language requirements

Please check our English requirements before making your application.

Interested in postgraduate study?

At the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, our friendly and knowledgeable team will be available to provide you with all the information you need to kick-start your postgraduate journey at the University of Strathclyde. Register for upcoming events below:

Pre-Masters preparation course

The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course held at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, for international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde.

Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.

Please note: Previous Maths & English qualifications and your undergraduate degree must meet GTCS minimum entry requirements as well as the pre-Masters course and an interview will be conducted before an offer can be made.

Studying in Glasgow

Hear what Dimitra-Dorothea Karamolegkou enjoys most about studying at Strathclyde:

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Visit our international students' section

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Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.

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Scotland

£10,800

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£10,800

Republic of Ireland

If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process.

International

£21,700

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Additional costs

No additional costs for law modules and all compulsory material is in the library.

International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.

Back to course

Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.

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Scotland

£11,900

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£11,900

Republic of Ireland

If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process.

International

£25,000

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Additional costs

No additional costs for law modules and all compulsory material is in the library.

International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.

How can I fund my course?

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Scottish postgraduate students

Scottish postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from England

Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from Wales

Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from Northern Ireland

Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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International students

We've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Scholarships

  • EU Engagement Scholarships are available to EU applicants who would have previously been eligible for Home (Scottish/EU) fee status
View all our scholarships

Dean's International Excellence Awards

We have a limited number of Dean’s International Excellence Awards worth between £4,000 and £5,000 available to international postgraduate taught applicants with exceptional results. To apply, you must hold an offer to a full-time postgraduate taught degree programme starting in January 2025 before your scholarship application will be considered.

Apply for this scholarship

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Careers

The LLM Global Environmental Law & Governance is one of two programmes in the UK to offer a guaranteed internship to a selected number of its students with the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). IIED is a leading international NGO with offices in Edinburgh working in a diverse range of areas of global environmental law and governance, including climate change and investment and natural resources amongst others.

Students on the LLM may also have the opportunity to engage with the Climate Change Legal Initiative (C2LI), where they'll work as research assistants. In the past LLM students have also collaborated closely with staff affiliated with the LLM on individual projects and consultancies with international organisations, leading NGOs and national governments.

This course has been designed to equip you with the knowledge, understanding and analytical skills necessary for pursuing a career with a strong international focus. You may go on to work as:

  • legal advisors and legislative drafters for national and local governments
  • legal advisors to local, national and international think tanks and non-profit organisations
  • legal and policy officers for international organisations (United Nations, European Commission)
  • legal and policy advisors to private companies
  • associates in international and transnational environmental law firms
  • PhD researchers and university lecturers

Staff affiliated to the LLM have a track record of successfully supporting students in obtaining highly competitive international internships and jobs with reputable research institutes, international organisations and non-government organisations. Supporting activities include:

  • review of applications
  • provision of targeted career advice
  • integration of new students in a vibrant, cross-programme alumni community, so as to foster networking activities
  • collaborations on matters pertaining to global environmental law and governance after the completion of the LLM

LLM students will become part of a closed alumni group on LinkedIn. This will give you the opportunity to network with other professionals in environmental law and governance. It'll also ensure you're updated on selected job opportunities.

 

 

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow
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Apply

Start date: Jan 2025

Global Environmental Law and Governance (January)

LLM
part-time
Start date: Jan 2025

Start date: Jan 2025

Global Environmental Law and Governance (January)

LLM
full-time
Start date: Jan 2025

Start date: Sep 2025

Global Environmental Law and Governance

LLM
part-time
Start date: Sep 2025

Start date: Sep 2025

Global Environmental Law and Governance

LLM
full-time
Start date: Sep 2025

Start date: Sep 2025

Global Environmental Law and Governance

PG Certificate
part-time
Start date: Sep 2025

Start date: Jan 2025

Global Environmental Law and Governance (January)

PG Certificate
part-time
Start date: Jan 2025

Start date: Jan 2025

Global Environmental Law and Governance (January)

PG Diploma
part-time
Start date: Jan 2025

Start date: Jan 2025

Global Environmental Law and Governance (January)

PG Diploma
full-time
Start date: Jan 2025

Start date: Jan 2025

Global Environmental Law and Governance - spec in Ocean Law (Jan)

LLM
full-time
Start date: Jan 2025

Start date: Jan 2025

Global Environmental Law and Governance - spec in Ocean Law (Jan)

LLM
part-time
Start date: Jan 2025

Start date: Jan 2025

Global Environmental Law and Governance - spec in Ocean Law (Jan)

PG Diploma
full-time
Start date: Jan 2025

Start date: Jan 2025

Global Environmental Law and Governance - spec in Ocean Law (Jan)

PG Diploma
part-time
Start date: Jan 2025

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Contact us

Prospective student enquiries

Contact a member of our team on LiveChat between 10am and 4pm (GMT)

Telephone: +44 (0) 141 444 8600