Energy Economics and Law, LLM or MSc

In this section
Energy Economics and Law, LLM or MSc

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 or MSc
Duration
12 months or 24 months
Study Mode
Full Time or Part Time
Start Month
January or September
Location of Study
Aberdeen

The global oil and gas sector operates in a complex environment characterised by various influential factors such as government-controlled hydrocarbons, financial markets, the global crude oil market, economic uncertainty, licensing, taxation and contracts. These factors have a significant influence on both investment decision-making and government policy-making, so a comprehensive knowledge of related economics and law is essential. On this programme, you will gain the real-world knowledge you need to enhance your career opportunities in legal and financial oil and gas contexts.

The University of Aberdeen is a global leader in teaching and research in the field of energy and law and this programme builds on our considerable strengths in these areas. We were ranked 13th in the UK for Economics in the Guardian University Guide 2025. Our University is home to two relevant and internationally recognised research centres: the Aberdeen Centre for Research in Energy Economics and Finance and the Aberdeen University Centre for Energy Law. Studying here, you will benefit from interacting with leading researchers in the field of energy economics and law – including one of the world’s best recognised energy experts, Professor Alex Kemp OBE – and with a broad network of national and multi-national employers through our visiting speaker programme.

Available Programmes of Study

Taught courses are the same on both the MSc and LLM programmes and are delivered with an interdisciplinary approach. Prospective students with a background in finance or business may feel that the MSc is a better fit for their experience as they will undertake a 60-credit business dissertation in the Business School on a business (i.e. economics, finance, etc.) related topic. Applicants with some professional legal experience or previous study in law may wish to choose the LLM degree option which concludes with a 60-credit dissertation on a legal topic under the Law School.

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

LLM

Energy Economics and Law

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

Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programme(s) above.

MSc

Energy Economics and Law

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

Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programme(s) above.

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

Fee Information

Additional Fee Information

  • Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.

Funding Opportunities

The SFC Postgraduate tuition fee scholarship may be available for those classified as Home/EU fee status students for this programme. Visit the scholarship page for more information.

The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme:

The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen. More Information can be found here.

Scholarships

Self-funded international students enrolling on postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about the Aberdeen Global Scholarships 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?

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 Ghana

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 Greece

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

The minimum entry requirement for the MSc Energy, Economics and Law is a degree at 2:2 (upper second class) UK Honours level (or a degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth). This programme is open to graduates from any discipline.

The LLM Energy, Economics and Law requires a Law Undergraduate degree.

Qualifications

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

For the LLM normally, a 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in Law will be required to be accepted onto this programme.

For the MSC normally, a 2.2 honours degree (or equivalent) in any discipline will be required to be accepted onto this programme.

Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.

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

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded postgraduate taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.

Aberdeen Global Scholarships

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, only around 200 schools across 45 countries have attained this distinction.

This degree holds accreditation from

Image for useful fact about this Subject

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.

Top 15 UK Law School

We are ranked Top 15 in the UK for Law by the Times and Sunday Times Good University 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 | Business School | The University of Aberdeen (abdn.ac.uk)

Other Experts
Professor John Paterson, The University of Aberdeen
Professor Alexander George Kemp , The University of Aberdeen
Programme Leader
Dr Hossein Radmard, 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.

World Class Facilities

Aberdeen Centre for Research in Energy Economics and Finance (ACREEF)

ACREEF provides a focus for the identification and implementation of high quality research in the areas of energy economics and finance.

Find out more

Aberdeen University Centre for Energy Law

This research centre promotes the research activities of the many members of the School having an interest in Energy Law matters, as well as fostering an environment for collaborative work.

Find out more

Get in Touch