Course summary
The international community faces considerable challenges in achieving sustainability relating to all aspects of the environment and development. These goals include the need to achieve social justice and economic resilience, and as such pose complex legal and policy questions. Law plays an integral role in these processes as its development affects and influences the decision-making of governments and businesses, and impacts directly upon communities and the environments in which they live. Our LLM Law, Environment and Sustainability course offers the opportunity to study across a wide range of modules in the areas of environmental law, development law, international law, corporate and commercial law, human rights, corporate responsibility, trade and investment law to enable you to become technically capable in these areas and to enhance your analytical, communication and advocacy skills needed to operate effectively within these spheres. You will learn about the legal and non-mandatory obligations that relate to different national and international actors, and the tensions that exist within different legal systems and frameworks of law that sometimes represent competing environmental, political, economic, social and developmental priorities. Throughout the degree you will have the opportunity to study key areas, including but not limited to:
- International Environmental Law and Sustainability
- Human Rights, Development and the Environment
- Trade, Investment, Environment and Human Rights
- Corporate Responsibility and Business Law
- International Law of the Sea
- Business and Human Rights
- Public International Law
- Economic Social and Cultural Rights.
- Acute Crises and Displacement
- Human Rights, Global Diversity and Global Challenges
- Competition Law
- Conflict and the United Nations: The Law Related to the Use of Force, Sanctions and Peacekeeping
- Corporate Governance Models and Principles
- International Trade and Maritime Law
- Law of Armed Conflict
- Maritime Law and Wet Shipping
- Therefore you will be able to tailor your LLM to your own specific interests and requirements.
Modules
View our range of modules on the University of Essex website.
Assessment method
As part of the degree, you will be required to research and write dissertation which is normally between 12-15,000 words. Supervision and guidance is provided.
Entry requirements
UK entry requirements A 2:2. Degree in Law or a joint honours Degree with Law. Applicants who do not hold a Law Degree but who have additional relevant professional experience and/or traineeships or professional qualifications/certifications issued by professional bodies such as Bar Associations can apply and will be considered. International & EU entry requirements We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £10000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £10000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £10000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £10000 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £10000 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £10000 | Year 1 |
| EU | £21700 | Year 1 |
| International | £21700 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees displayed are for 2024-25 entry. Fees for part-time courses are calculated pro-rata to the relevant full-time fee.
Tuition fees may be subject to annual increases in each year of study in line with inflation.
Provider information
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
CO4 3SQ