LLM in Environmental Law and Sustainable Development
This programme provides students with an opportunity to study the major elements of the legal and policy frameworks governing the environment and wider sustainability agenda. In doing so the programme will focus on the national, EU, (Irish) all-island and wider international policy arenas. Semester One will introduce students to the key challenges and opportunities posed by sustainable development to policy makers, business and industry, citizens and wider civil society. More specifically, Semester One will ‘locate’ students within the major policy, regulatory and legislative frameworks governing the environment and sustainable development and the multiple levels at which they are negotiated and delivered. Semester One will also equip students with key socio-legal research skills to support the undertaking of coursework and the extended dissertation. Semester Two allows students to deepen and tailor their learning experience through a wide range of specialist optional modules. The programme also offers an opportunity to undertake a placement experience with one of a range of public and private sector organisations with an interest in sustainable development. Join our Facebook group.
Key Features of the Programme
- The first dedicated Masters Programme on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at university level on the island of Ireland.
- Broad coverage of the major fields of study concerning the environment and sustainability – addressing domestic, EU, (Irish) all-island and wider international levels of governance.
- Taught by an interdisciplinary team of specialists with extensive experience of working within academic, legal practice, Government, Parliament, International Organisations and political and civic society contexts.
- The programme is designed and delivered in close co-operation with partner organisations in the sustainable development policy community, and features guest speakers and visits to legislative bodies and organisations engaged in sustainable development work. We have already hosted keynote speakers from the UK Sustainable Development Commission, including Professor Tim Jackson, author of the influential 2009 report, ‘Prosperity Without Growth: the transition to a sustainable economy. View a video of the the lecture.
- Students joining this programme are also joining a wide community of postgraduate students in the field of the environment at Queen's. Through the University's Institute for a Sustainable World, students have the opportunity to attend a wide range of social and academic functions which will enable them to meet their peers studying in Schools University-wide.
- The programme offers a wide range of optional modules enabling students to tailor the study experience to suit individual interests and career needs.
- Teaching on this programme takes place in the evenings, from 5.30-7.30pm
- Students will also have the opportunity to apply for placements with a wide range of public and private sector organisations working in fields contributing to sustainable development
Duration
1 year Full time / 2 years Part time
Entrance Requirements
Normally a 2:1 Honours degree or above or equivalent recognised qualification in Law, Social Sciences, Humanities or a cognate discipline.
Programme Modules
Semester One compulsory modules:
- Environmental Law and Sustainable Development (30 credits)
- Socio-Legal Challenges for a Sustainable World (30 credits)
Semester Two compulsory module:
- Techniques and Methods in Law and the Social Sciences (15 credits)
In addition, students must choose from the following optional modules, accruing 30 credits. The full range of optional modules may not be available every year, depending on student demand and staff availability.
- Placement Module (15 Credits)
- Waste Management Law and Policy (15 Credits)
- Climate Change and Energy (15 Credits)
- Environmental Justice (15 Credits)
- Environmental Assessment (15 Credits)
- Sustainable Development and the Rural Environment (15 Credits)
- Protection of the Aquatic Environment (15 Credits)
- Devolution and Governance for Sustainable Development (15 Credits)
- International Corporate Social Responsibility (15 credits)
- International Trade Law (15 credits)
(Students will also be required to write a dissertation of between 15,000 - 20,000 words (60 credits)
Closing date for applications
Applications, via the online portal, will be accepted up to end August 2013. After this date, please contact the School Postgraduate Secretary (pglawenquiries@qub.ac.uk)
Programme Coordinator: Professor Sharon Turner
Some funding opportunities exist for Taught Masters Programmes
Testimonials
Christopher McCullough, LLM Environmental Law and Sustainable Development 2010-11
Christopher recalls his placement at Parliament Buildings and his dissertation work.
Mark Simpson was a student on the first year of the LLM Environmental Law and Sustainable Development programme. In this short video interview he reflects on his placement with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and his dissertation.
