LLM in Environmental Law and Policy
Learn from world-leading academics and scholars on one of the top 10 LLM environmental courses in the world (LLM Guide 2024).
Overview
Environmental protection is one of the key challenges of our time and a dynamic area of academic study. At UCL, you will study one of the most comprehensive offerings of Environmental Law modules, based in the heart of legal London.
This 10-month LLM provides you with a strong foundation to pursue a wide range of careers. Its intensive structure enables you to develop your expertise efficiently and gain a competitive edge in the job market. Part-time study options are also available over two to five years for those already in practice.
You will be taught by world-leading environmental law scholars, and our research-led teaching ensures that what you learn is relevant across jurisdictions. You will explore legal, regulatory, and justice challenges arising from environmental issues at both global and local levels.
From climate change to land use, you will engage with the field’s core concepts and diverse applications, developing a comprehensive understanding of how environmental law shapes policy and practice.
Apply for the Master of Laws (LLM)
Applications are now open via the UCL Prospective Students page. The page also includes details about tuition fees and any extra costs.
Apply nowHighlights
- Complete your LLM in just 10 months when studying full-time, giving you a head start in the industry
- Our location in the heart of legal London provides you with a unique opportunity to draw on the resources of the centre of the UK’s government, legal and financial communities.
- Gain practical skills with pro-bono opportunities offered at the Centre for Access to Justice, allowing you to provide legal advice and give back to the local community.
- Develop your skills and legal knowledge by taking part in mooting and debating competitions.
- Access specialist careers support from our in-house Careers Consultant.
- Join our global student community and benefit from an active Graduate Law Society which delivers an outstanding programme of activities and events each term.
Why choose this course?
This course is designed for both recent graduates and professionals seeking to develop expertise in environmental law and policy. You will benefit from studying alongside a diverse cohort that brings a wide range of academic and professional perspectives.
You may be looking to specialise in environmental law, deepen your existing knowledge, or build expertise relevant to roles in government, NGOs, international organisations, or business.
Who should apply?
This course is suitable if you are looking to specialise in environmental law or develop your expertise in this area.
It attracts applicants from a range of backgrounds, including recent law graduates, practising lawyers, and professionals working in government, NGOs, or business.
Please visit our LLM applying and entry requirements to find out the exact requirements.
Essential information for applicants
LLM applying and entry requirements
Our entry requirements and guidance to help you successfully complete your LLM application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we recommend applying as early as possible.
Postgraduate scholarships and funding
UCL Laws offers a range of scholarships to support students on both our Master's courses, including awards based on academic excellence, financial need, and widening access
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about the UCL Master of Laws (LLM), including entry requirements, the application process, and how to apply.
Offer holders: Master of Laws (LLM)
From meeting your conditions, to accepting your offer and choosing your modules, you can find lots of information to help you prepare for life at UCL Laws in this section for LLM offer-holders
Course structure
The course is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, and tutorials. You will be expected to actively participate in class discussions, particularly in seminars and tutorials.
Assessment in taught modules is often by examination, an assessed coursework essay, or a combination of both. There may be other forms of assessments, such as oral presentations or group projects.
During the course, you will research and write a 9000-word Research Essay, which counts towards your final grade.
Terms one and two
There are ten weeks of classes per term, with a break for reading week after week five. Throughout the term, you will be able to take advantage of the wide range of events held within the faculty and across UCL, including special lectures, mooting, debating and activities organised by the UCL Laws Graduate Law Society.
During the first week of term one, you will attend the LLM Induction, which includes a series of events to welcome you to UCL Laws and to UCL as a whole, and to complete your formal registration for the LLM degree.
In the second week of term, you will begin your first classes. You will be asked to indicate your Research Essay topic in October, and you will be allocated an RE advisor who provides guidance on choosing the topic and researching and writing the essay.
Term three
Your assessments, including any coursework essays, are normally submitted in the first week of term three. All examinations take place during term three and can be scheduled at any time during this term. The examination schedule is published at the end of term two.
Throughout the year from September to June, you will work on your Research Essay (RE), which will be submitted at the end of term three.
You will follow the same course as full-time students above, except for the following:
Your degree will be completed over two academic years In your first year, you will take 90 credits of taught modules. In your second year, you will take the remaining 45 credits of taught modules and the 45-credit Research Essay. You will therefore complete module selection twice: once at the start of your degree and again in the summer before you return to your second and final year.
You will follow the same course as full-time students above, except for the following:
You will have up to 5 academic years to complete your degree. You can plan how you would like to complete your 135 taught module credits over that 5-year period based on your personal circumstances (or earlier if you plan to complete the degree in fewer than 5 years). We will prompt you to select modules each year.
Master of Laws (LLM) – Modules
Explore the full list of modules for the UCL Master of Laws (LLM) for the 2026/27 academic year, including core and specialist pathway modules across all LLM specialisms.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees and support
You can find full details about tuition fees for both UK and international students on the UCL Prospectus for this degree. This includes information on any additional study-related costs you may need to budget for.
For guidance on paying your fees, budgeting tips, and support with financial planning while you study, head over to managing your money on the UCL website.
Scholarships and external funding
UCL Laws offers various scholarships for LLM students based on academic merit, financial need, and widening access, including new awards as part of the UCL200 Scholarships initiative ahead of UCL’s 2026 Bicentennial.
In addition to the scholarships, students may be eligible for a range of other external funding options.
Please visit the Scholarships and Funding page for more information.
Career prospects and employability
Graduates of the UCL LLM in Environmental Law and Policy are highly sought after worldwide. Alongside advanced legal knowledge, you will develop transferable skills in critical thinking, legal and policy analysis, communication, and advocacy – qualities valued across many sectors. You can also strengthen your professional profile through extracurricular opportunities such as mooting, debating, and pro bono work.
Many graduates enter the legal profession as solicitors or legal associates, particularly in environmental law, climate policy, and regulatory compliance. Others pursue careers in government, international organisations, NGOs, consultancy, or academia, applying their expertise to environmental and sustainability challenges.
Graduates have gone on to work with organisations such as ClientEarth, DEFRA, the Environment Agency, the AIRE Centre, and a range of international and third-sector organisations. Many also progress to professional legal training, PhD study, or further academic research.
LLM Student Spotlights
Meet some of our 2024/25 LLM students as they share reflections on a transformative and rewarding year at UCL Laws.
