Energy Economics and Law (LLM)

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Postgraduate Virtual Open Day

Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day (PG VOD) will take place on Thursday 14 May. Join us, speak with our academics and students, and find out about life at Aberdeen.

Introduction

This unique Masters programme combines the core disciplines of Economics and Law to equip you with the essential skills required to pursue a successful career such as in the global oil and gas industry, legal, financial or in related governmental organisations.

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
September or January
Location of Study
Aberdeen

This unique Master’s programme at the University of Aberdeen offers a distinctive blend of economics and legal studies, tailored for those aiming to excel in the global oil and gas industry, legal sectors, financial institutions, or related governmental bodies.

This programme delves into the complexities of the energy sector, influenced by factors such as government-regulated hydrocarbons, financial markets, global oil dynamics, economic uncertainties, licensing, taxation, and contractual agreements. A thorough understanding of these elements is crucial for informed investment decisions and effective policy-making. Through this programme, students acquire practical knowledge to enhance their career prospects in legal and financial contexts within the oil and gas industry.​

The University of Aberdeen stands as a global leader in energy and law education, consistently achieving top rankings in these fields. The institution hosts two internationally acclaimed research centres: the Aberdeen Centre for Research in Energy Economics and Finance (ACREEF) and the Aberdeen University Centre for Energy Law (AUCEL).

Students benefit from direct engagement with leading researchers, including Professor Alex Kemp OBE, a globally recognised energy expert, and from a broad network of national and multinational employers through the university's visiting speaker programme.​

Available Programmes of Study

LLM

Energy Economics and Law

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

Programme Fees

UK
Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
£12,200
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 2026/27 Academic Year
£26,250
Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
£18,250

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.

Funding Opportunities

Alumni Discount Scheme - we are pleased to offer a 20% discount for postgraduate tuition fees to all alumni who have an undergraduate degree from University of Aberdeen.

Please note that the Aberdeen Alumni Discount cannot be claimed in conjunction with any other scholarship award.

Scholarships

All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students 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

You will have the opportunity to explore a range of themes to sharpen your critical analysis of key current global challenges and issues. These include Licensing and Upstream Taxation; Investment Appraisal Techniques and Risk Analysis; Health, Safety and Environmental Regulation; Crude Oil Market; Principles of Accounting; and Oil and Gas Contracts. You will take part in a broad range of stimulating lectures, seminars and tutorials with both lecturers and visiting industry practitioners.

Learning Methods

  • Field Trips
  • Group Projects
  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Research
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Assessment is by course work, written examination or through a combination of those, as prescribed for each module.

Why Study Energy Economics and Law?

  • The Business School is EQUIS accredited, placing it among a select group of globally recognised institutions. Out of over 15,000 business schools worldwide, only around 200 schools across 45 countries have attained this distinction.
  • The University of Aberdeen is ranked 18th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026) and ranked 1st in the UK for Student Positivity in Business Studies (National Student Survey 2025).
  • We are ranked in the Top 10 for Energy Law programmes (LLM Guide 2025) and in the Top 15 Law Schools in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026).
  • Over 93.8% of our Law graduates were in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025).
  • As Europe's Energy Capital, Aberdeen offers unparalleled networking opportunities. The University hosts the Aberdeen Centre for Research in Energy Economics and Finance (ACREEF) and the Aberdeen University Centre for Energy Law (AUCEL), providing students access to leading academics, industry reports, and policy insights.
  • Our LLM Advisory Board includes individuals from industry, government, research centres, international organisations and leading research centres in Europe. With direct input from these key players and other guest lecturers from international academic and policy-making institutions, our programme stays relevant in a rapidly changing world.

This intellectually challenging programme will equip you with the intellectual, critical and practical skills fundamental to a successful career in areas such as oil and gas. You will engage directly with professional practice, multi-nationals and government agencies. You will:

  • Acquire the global perspectives essential to professional success
  • Develop critical insights into current and emerging approaches
  • Gain a well-rounded skillset with the tools to succeed in the energy sector
  • Obtain insights into commercially oriented analysis
  • Strengthen your capacity for social, geographical and cultural mobility

What Our Students Say

Samuel Asare Ankomah <small><i>Ghana</i></small>

Samuel Asare Ankomah Ghana

The programme's integration of guest lectures and seminars from leading industry professionals in the field means that upon completion of my course I will have benefitted enormously from years of empirical knowledge in this sector.

Christos Mavrogiannis <small><i>Greece</i></small>

Christos Mavrogiannis Greece

I decided to enrol in a postgraduate degree that fuses economics with law. I feel that this degree will have a high value during my search for a career.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

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

A 2.2 honours degree (or equivalent) in Law will be required to be accepted onto this programme.


Country or Territory

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.

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

Careers

Career opportunities range from positions within oil and gas companies, international law firms or government ministries. Past graduates have gone on to be Commercial Advisers, Energy Consultants, Investment Analysts, Market Analysts, and Oil and Gas Associates. Others have gone on to complete a PhD, or to pursue careers in politics, business or international finance.

Career Opportunities

  • Commercial Adviser
  • Energy and Business Consultant
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Investment Analyst
  • Market Analyst
  • Oil and Gas Associates
  • Project Manager

Industry Links

Our LLM Advisory Board includes individuals from industry, government, research centres, international organisations and leading research centres in Europe. With direct input from these key players and other guest lecturers from international academic and policy-making institutions, our programme stays relevant in a rapidly changing world. Many courses are taught by practitioners and leading industry experts so you will benefit from practical real life insights into the industry.

Accreditation

The Business School is EQUIS accredited, placing it among a select group of globally recognised institutions. Out of over 15,000 business schools worldwide, under 300 schools across 45 countries have attained this distinction.

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Study Energy With Alex Kemp OBE

World expert Professor Alexander Kemp OBE is actively teaching on this programme, he wrote the Energy Economics 'rulebook'. Think what you could learn from him.

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Study with Energy Law Expert Prof John Paterson

Involved in a range of international energy law projects in teaching, training, research and consultancy. Provides expert advice in international arbitration and co-edits UK Oil and Gas Law.

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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

You will be taught by and have access to a number of experts, many of whom are internationally renowned within their respective fields. These will include members of AUCEL and Aberdeen Centre for Research in Energy Economics and Finance.

Programme Leader
Dr Hossein Radmard
Other Experts
Professor John Paterson
Professor Alexander George Kemp

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.

Features

The University of Aberdeen, established in 1495, is Scotland’s third oldest and the UK’s fifth oldest University. The university’s ancient campus reflects its long-standing academic tradition, with historic buildings such as King's College, which dates back to the 15th century. This blend of ancient architecture and modern facilities creates a unique atmosphere where students can experience the best of both tradition and innovation.