Graduate Diploma in Natural Resources Law
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-07-01 | - |
| 2025-02-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Graduate Diploma in Natural Resources Law from the University of Western Australia equips graduates with an in-depth understanding of the regulatory and commercial context of the natural resources sector. This program is designed for both law and non-law graduates, providing a foundation in legal principles and governance for those seeking employment in the mining, energy, or natural resources industry. Through a blend of core and optional units, students gain expertise in areas such as mining law, oil and gas law, environmental law, corporate governance, and construction contracts. Graduates may pursue careers in government agencies, resource companies, or the corporate energy sector.
Program Outline
Graduate Diploma in Natural Resources Law - University of Western Australia
Degree Overview:
This Graduate Diploma is designed for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge of the mining, energy, and natural resources sector or pursue a career in this highly regulated industry. It is suitable for both law and non-law graduates. The program aims to provide a strong understanding of the regulatory and commercial context of the natural resources sector, including mining and oil and gas law, corporate governance, environmental laws, climate change, human rights, commercial agreements, and construction contracts.
Outline:
The program consists of a core unit and a selection of option units.
Core Unit:
- LAWS5227 Foundations of Law and Governance (6 points): This unit is mandatory for all students except those with a recognized law degree. It provides a foundation in legal principles and governance relevant to the natural resources sector.
Option Units (Group A):
Students choose units to the value of 18 points from the following:
- LAWS5111 Corporate Governance for Resources Companies (6 points): This unit explores the principles and practices of corporate governance in the context of resource companies.
- LAWS5114 International Environmental Law (6 points): This unit examines international legal frameworks and principles governing environmental protection.
- LAWS5208 Oil and Gas Project Development Law (6 points): This unit focuses on the legal aspects of oil and gas project development, including exploration, production, and transportation.
- LAWS5252 International Trade Financing (6 points): This unit explores the legal and practical aspects of international trade financing.
- LAWS5253 International Shipping Law (6 points): This unit examines the legal framework governing international shipping.
- LAWS5261 Planning Law (6 points): This unit explores the legal principles and practices of planning law, particularly in relation to natural resources development.
- LAWS5398 Construction Law (6 points): This unit examines the legal framework governing construction projects, including contracts and dispute resolution.
- LAWS5517 Mining Law (6 points): This unit examines the legal framework governing mining operations, including exploration, extraction, and environmental protection.
- LAWS5521 Climate Change Law and Emissions Trading (6 points): This unit explores the legal and policy responses to climate change, including emissions trading schemes.
- LAWS5532 Energy Agreements: Oil and Gas, Alternative Energy and Sustainability (6 points): This unit examines the legal framework governing energy agreements, including oil and gas, renewable energy, and sustainability.
- LAWS5540 Environmental Protection Law (6 points): This unit examines the legal framework governing environmental protection in Australia.
- LAWS5576 International Commercial Arbitration (6 points): This unit explores the principles and practices of international commercial arbitration.
- LAWS5589 Energy Regulation: Sustainable Oil and Gas and Alternative Energy Production (6 points): This unit examines the legal framework governing energy regulation, including sustainable oil and gas and renewable energy production.
- LAWS5590 Water Resources Law (6 points): This unit examines the legal framework governing water resources management.
Teaching:
The program is taught by leading experts in their fields. The teaching methods are highly practical, making use of real-life examples, contracts, and case studies.
Careers:
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Natural Resources Law may find employment opportunities within the government sector, resource companies, or the corporate energy sector. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in areas such as:
- Mining law
- Oil and gas law
- Environmental law
- Climate change law
- Corporate governance
- Commercial agreements It is available for both full-time and part-time study. The estimated time commitment for a standard full-time enrolment is approximately 46 hours per week (over 13 weeks), including contact hours, personal study, and examinations. The Graduate Diploma in Natural Resources Law is articulated into the Master of Commercial and Resources Law or Master of Mining and Energy Law, depending on the student's qualifications. The program is supported by the Centre for Mining, Energy and Natural Resources Law, which has a successful research record and a focus on practical applications.
The University of Western Australia
Overview:
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a leading research-intensive university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is renowned for its high-quality teaching, strong research output, and commitment to graduate employability. UWA is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally and is the number one university in Western Australia for graduate employability.
Services Offered:
UWA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic support:
Tutoring, workshops, and study skills resources.Career services:
Career counselling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.Student wellbeing:
Mental health support, counselling, and health services.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options.Sports and fitness:
Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of sports clubs.Clubs and societies:
A vibrant student community with numerous clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.Study abroad and exchange:
Opportunities to study at universities around the world.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UWA provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience for its students. The university boasts a beautiful campus with modern facilities, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:
Social events:
Concerts, festivals, and other social gatherings.Sporting events:
Supporting the university's sports teams.Volunteer opportunities:
Contributing to the local community.Cultural events:
Art exhibitions, theatre performances, and music concerts.Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class education:
UWA offers a high-quality education with a focus on research and innovation.Excellent employability:
Graduates from UWA are highly sought after by employers.Vibrant campus life:
A diverse and engaging student community with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.Beautiful campus:
A picturesque campus with modern facilities and green spaces.Strong research focus:
UWA is a leading research university with a strong commitment to innovation.Academic Programs:
UWA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
History, Literature, Philosophy, Languages, and more.Science and Engineering:
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, and more.Business and Economics:
Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, and more.Health Sciences:
Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and more.Law:
Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Laws, and other law programs.Other:
UWA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a strong focus on Indigenous education and research, and offers a range of programs and support services for Indigenous students. UWA also has a strong international presence, with students from over 100 countries studying at the university.
Entry Requirements:
To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have— 1(a) a Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; or 2(a) (i) a bachelor's degree in a cognate area, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and (ii) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent; or This course has higher ELC requirements. Applicants presenting with the IELTS Academic require an overall score of at least 7.0 and no band less than 6.5.
