Natural Resources and Environmental Law and Policy with Solicitors Practice LLM

Program Overview

The LLM Natural Resources and Environmental Law and Policy with Solicitors Practice is a two-year program that provides a clear pathway to qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales. It addresses the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and provides specific support and guidance to perform effectively in both the SRA’s SQE1 and SQE2 assessments. Upon graduation, students will have gained in-depth knowledge in areas including International Energy Law & Just Transition, international Environmental Law, International Water Resources Law, Climate Change Law & Policy, Business Human Rights and Environment, Waste Management Law & the Circular Economy, studied for and passed SQE1, studied for and be ready to sit SQE2 on completion of studies, and undertaken invaluable work experience in the Law Clinic that will contribute to the two-year Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) needed to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The LLM Natural Resources and Environmental Law and Policy with Solicitors Practice is a two-year program that provides a clear pathway to qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales. It addresses the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) as the new route to qualification and provides specific support and guidance to perform effectively in both the SRA’s SQE1 and SQE2 assessments. The program develops legal, academic, and clinical skills at every stage of the journey. It is taught by academic experts and practitioner lawyers who put real-world clinical legal experience at the heart of the program. Upon graduation, students will have:

• Gained in-depth knowledge in areas including International Energy Law & Just Transition, international Environmental Law, International Water Resources Law, Climate Change Law & Policy, Business Human Rights and Environment, Waste Management Law & the Circular Economy
• Studied for and passed SQE1, needed to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales
• Studied for and be ready to sit SQE2 on completion of studies
• Undertaken invaluable work experience in the Law Clinic that will contribute to the two-year Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) needed to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales

Outline:

The LLM program consists of 280 credits, made up of core modules and optional modules. Students take 120 credits in Year 1 and 160 credits in Year 2.

Year 1

• Core modules:
• SQE1 Legal Theory & Solicitors Practice
• Law Clinic 1
• Optional modules (select two):
• Natural Resources and Environmental Law and Policy options (Semester 1)
• Natural Resources and Environmental Law and Policy options (Semester 2)

Year 2

• Core modules:
• SQE2 Legal Theory & Solicitors Practice
• Law Clinic 2
• Dissertation
• Optional modules (select two):
• Natural Resources and Environmental Law and Policy options (Semester 1)
• Natural Resources and Environmental Law and Policy options (Semester 2)

Assessment:

Assessments are a mix of coursework assessments and formal examinations, held at the end of each semester. Students should be aware that the SQE is assessed independently. Students will sit these exams in one of the designated centers in England and Wales.

Teaching:

Most modules use a mixture of interactive lectures, tutorials, and seminars. Students need to do independent study as part of all modules. The program is supported by reading lists, suggested resources, and a Virtual Learning Environment. Students will have regular contact hours and informal feedback from tutors throughout the course. They will also benefit from one of the law school’s personal learning coaches who will support their SQE studies and work in the Law Clinic.

Careers:

The LLM Natural Resources and Environmental Law and Policy with Solicitors Practice is designed specifically for those who wish to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It is the first of its kind and gives students a clear and supported career pathway to qualification as a solicitor. As an LLM student, students will benefit from working throughout their degree alongside staff in the Law Clinic who possess national and international legal experience and who have worked both regionally as well as in the City. The LLM program also offers the unique opportunity to explore a specialist area of the law. The program is taught by research-active staff who have expertise in Natural Resources and Environmental Law and Policy, therefore ensuring students have access to cutting-edge research and thinking. As such, on graduation, it is envisaged that students will have completed both mandatory Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) examinations, possess an in-depth knowledge of a specialist area of the law, and gained practice experience via the School’s Law Clinic, enhancing their career opportunities.

Other:

• The program is subject to validation.
• Students can still apply for this course while it is being approved.
• Students will gain invaluable work experience in the Law Clinic that will contribute to the two-year Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) needed to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.
• Students will enjoy a rich variety of extra-curricular activities and opportunities, including participation in mock trials and moots in the Lady Hale Court Room facility.
• Students can also take advantage of volunteering opportunities with advice organizations and within the University, court visits, external speakers, and social and law-related events organized by the Student Law Society.
• The University provides career mentoring and work experience through links to regional legal, business, and not-for-profit communities.

• Home: £7,938
• International: £20,468