Energy Transition Law with Dissertation, LLM

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Energy Transition Law with Dissertation, LLM

Introduction

This distinctive Master’s programme explores the legal dimensions of the energy transition, encompassing everything from the approval of renewable energy projects to the regulation of energy markets in the age of decarbonisation. Throughout your studies, you will acquire invaluable insights into this rapidly evolving and highly relevant industry, laying a strong foundation for a successful career in this sector.

Please note, this programme can be completed via the Professional Skills or online learning study route.

Study Information

Study Options

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
LLM
Duration
12 months or 24 months
Study Mode
Full Time or Part Time
Start Month
January or September

This LLM degree programme seeks to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to consult in energy transition law and policy matters. Our staff have expertise and specialisms in environmental and climate change law, as well as in energy law relating both to the fossil fuels sector and renewable energy.

Law has a central role to play in enabling the shift to low carbon energy whilst maintaining energy security and the transition to environmentally sustainable economic development. The law in these areas undergoes frequent and extensive change as experience grows and we respond to the difficulties we are currently encountering.

Studying alongside legal experts in these areas, you will be immersed in the grounding concepts of energy transition law. With a unique choice of topical energy and environmental courses including ‘Renewable Energy Law’ to ‘Downstream Energy Law’, you will benefit from an advanced understanding and sharpened critical analysis across many key areas.

The programme will be of great interest to those who wish to equip themselves with the knowledge required to meet the challenges of the existing sectors of energy and environment, and the wish to play a pivotal role in the adaptation of current corporate policies during a time of great change. It may also appeal to practitioners who wish to acquire or update their legal knowledge in these fast moving areas.

Available Programmes of Study

Please note: Students staring their LLM programme in January write their Dissertation project during the Summer semester.

Duration: 12 months full-time. 24 months part time.

LLM

Energy Transition Law with Dissertation

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month  
LLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January More
LLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September More

Programme Fees

Fee information
Fee category Cost
UK
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £11,900
Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £11,900
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000

University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions

Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000

University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions

EU / International students
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £23,000
Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £23,000
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £15,000

The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.

Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £15,000

The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.

Fee Information

Scholarships

All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.

To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Research
  • Tutorials

Assessment Methods

By course work, by written examination, or by a combination of these, as prescribed for each course. The degree of LLM shall not be awarded to a candidate who fails to achieve a CGS grade of D3 or above in the specified dissertation course, irrespective of their performance in other courses: such candidates may, at the discretion of the Examiners, be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.

Why Study Energy Transition Law with Dissertation?

  • This highly regarded Master’s programme deals with two of the most serious challenges which confront the world today: maintaining the availability of secure and affordable energy whilst addressing the global environmental deterioration and climate change that threatens humanity’s well-being. Law has a central role to play in addressing both challenges.
  • Designed by experts in their field, the programme provides the ideal opportunity for professional development in a specialist area of law.
  • We are ranked in the Top 10 for Energy Law programmes in the LLM Guide 2025
  • We are ranked in the Top 15 Law Schools in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2026
  • Over 93.8% of our Law graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025)
  • Add a sought after and attractive specialisation to your qualifications.
  • Acquire detailed and cutting edge knowledge about the current position with energy transition law, and an understanding of how this is likely to change.
  • Explore and gain greater knowledge of the interconnections between energy and environmental law at international, European and national level.
  • Researchers at Aberdeen are at the forefront of environmental innovations which have changed environmental protection in other industries globally.
  • There are over 40 nationalities within the School of Law postgraduate community, therefore you will benefit from a programme with a truly international outlook.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

Normally a 2:2 honours degree in Law (or another related discipline) or equivalent.
Relevant practical experience will also be beneficial.

Document requirements application:

  • All subjects you studied and marks you achieved in your degree(s).
  • A detailed personal statement explaining your reasons for choosing this programme.
  • CV/Resume optional.
  • Reference letter from your university discussing your academic ability.

Foreign-language students need a minimum of IELTS at 6.5 overall with 6.0 or above in writing and in reading and 5.5 or above in listening and in speaking.

Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

English Language Requirements

To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

Document Requirements

You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.

Degree Transcript
a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
Personal Statement
a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Reference
a reference letter from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employer, or another professional person

Careers

You will gain knowledge to practice energy and environmental law as a consultant or you can consider joining energy and environmental companies to assist them to meet their regulator requirements for submission of permits from various governments around the world.

(Please note, this is not a qualifying law degree).

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3rd for Law in Scotland

We've been ranked 3rd in Scotland for Law by the Guardian University Guide 2025.

Guardian Guide 2025

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Top 10 for Energy Law 2025

We are listed Top 10 for Energy Law programmes by the LLM Guide 2025

Our Experts

Programme Coordinator
Daria Shapovalova, The University of Aberdeen

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

Facilities

TAYLOR LIBRARY

The School of Law has its own dedicated law library, Taylor Library, which is located within the Law School building, offering access to the Law collection and Official Publications.

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