International Law and the Environment - LLM

Program Overview

The International Law and the Environment LLM program at KPA explores the intersection of international and environmental law, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address contemporary environmental challenges. Through a combination of core modules and elective pathways, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework governing the relationship between humanity and the natural world, preparing them for careers in various sectors.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

International Law and the Environment (LLM)

This program addresses the contemporary environmental crisis by examining the evolving norms, institutions, and practices established to manage problems like climate change, biodiversity loss, and transboundary pollution.

Objectives:

• Improve students’ understanding and awareness of environmental law.
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to leverage the law to protect the environment.
• Enable students and organizations to adhere to environmental law.

Program Description:

This program focuses on the intersection of international law and environmental law, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework governing the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Students will explore the ties between environmental regulation and other legal fields, such as trade and human rights law. They will also gain insights into various transnational legal processes designed to prevent and respond to environmental challenges, including renewable energy directives and the control of hazardous waste movement.

Outline:

Course Structure:

• LLM International Law adopts a pathway structure, allowing students to tailor their degree to their interests and needs.
• All students take four core 15-credit modules (60 credits) and complete a 60-credit dissertation.
• Students can choose 60 credits of elective modules from one of five pathways:
• Commerce and Business
• Environment
• Human Rights
• Students can also choose electives from other LLM pathways or across the University.
• Students are encouraged to discuss their choices with the Course Director.
• Students complete 180 credits to obtain the Master's qualification.
• The program can be studied full-time (1 year), part-time (2 years), or through modular study (up to 5 years).

Modules:

• Compulsory core modules:
• Foundations of International Law
• Introduction to International Economic Law
• International Law and Human Rights
• Advanced International Law
• Dissertation
• Environment elective modules:
• International Environmental Law
• Dimensions of Environmental Politics
• Economic Development and Environmental Transformation
• Other elective modules:
• International Humanitarian Law
• Transnational Commercial Law
• International Business Context
• Contemporary Challenges in Global Business
• Foundations of Human Rights
• Equality, Discrimination and Minorities
• Human Rights and Global Politics

Assessment:

• Assessed through a combination of:
• Formal examinations
• Research essays
• Case reports
• Reflective logs
• Simulations

Teaching:

• Taught through a combination of:
• Seminars
• Lectures and seminars
• Guided independent study
• Workshops
• Public lectures
• Supported by a vibrant student-run law society, organizing professional and social events.
• Offers a field trip to Geneva, Switzerland, to visit international institutions like the WTO, UN European headquarters, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Careers:

• Postgraduate qualification in international law opens doors to various roles in the public, private, and third sectors.
• Examples of potential careers:
• Academic
• Barrister
• Consultant
• Lawyer
• Policy officer
• Scientist
• Social worker
• Solicitor
• Teacher
• The KPA Clubhouse provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus.
• The KPA also hosts conferences and academic/career sessions for postgraduate students.

UK - Full time £9,800 per year. Part time £5,400 per year. International - £19,500 per year.