Postgraduate taught programme
LLM
Environmental Law
Acquire and consolidate in-depth, specialist legal knowledge with respect to selected issues in environmental law and policy, combined with the practical skills necessary to conduct legal research, and advanced appreciation of legal theory.Internationally relevant and interdisciplinary programme
Contextualised within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, the programme offers opportunity to acquire and consolidate in-depth and interdisciplinary specialist legal knowledge with respect to selected issues in environmental law and policy, including climate, biodiversity and energy law, combined with the practical skills necessary to conduct standout legal research.
Research-led and with bespoke facilities
The course is delivered by research-active academics aligned with the University’s Marine and Sustainable Earth Institute. The Sustainability Hub curates bespoke and cross-disciplinary research opportunities and, with a more specific legal focus, the Environmental Law Clinic offers the opportunity to be involved in community-led policy research offering scope to develop and hone skills in environmental advocacy, with a focus on practical and transformative environmental solutions.
Established professional links
Both within the city, though connections with public authorities and environmental regulators, and nationally, based on affiliations with the UK Environmental Law Association (UKELA), and the Environmental Law Foundation, there are opportunities to network, and to benefit from specialist careers advice and mentoring, with a view to sector relevant employment or research degrees.
Details
Year 1
Our teaching will be by academic staff and offer a blended and flexible approach, including on-campus delivery, with on-line support through our Digital Learning Environment. You will have opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities, such as research seminars, external speakers, publish in our Plymouth Law Review, as well as joining our excellent Student Law Society to participate in activities such as mooting and networking events. Join our LLM and gain both a relevant and advanced understanding of the law and the skills to strengthen your competency as a practitioner or researcher.
Delivered over 1 year full-time or two years part-time, it is comprised in a core
module ‘Studying Law: Advanced Skills and Theories’; a choice of four modules chosen
from the following:
module ‘Studying Law: Advanced Skills and Theories’; a choice of four modules chosen
from the following:
Semester 1
Contemporary Themes in Environmental Law and Policy
Green Criminology
Contemporary Themes in Environmental Law and Policy
Green Criminology
Semester 2
Environmental Law of the Sea (co-delivered)
Energy Law
Climate Change: Science and Policy (co-delivered)
Environmental Law of the Sea (co-delivered)
Energy Law
Climate Change: Science and Policy (co-delivered)
Students then complete a capstone dissertation in a negotiated subject of their choice,
within the parameters of the award title.
within the parameters of the award title.
LLM Courses starting September 2026
Our suite of LLM Law programmes offer an opportunity to delve deeper into one of four specialisms:
If you have any questions regarding any of these programmes, please contact
Mr Jason Lowther
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Careers, industry and research
Environmental law
Our research is thematically arranged, exploring the solutions to contemporary environmental problems and situated with the frame of the Sustainable Development Goals. Pressures upon climate, biodiversity and the world’s oceans are key themes that characterise global and local legal and policy responses which are central to our scholarship. Determining rights, obligations and understanding impacts on human and non-human entities are the primary drivers to inform this work. In tandem with the natural environment dimension, research also includes the cultural environment, with the ability for study of the laws relating to marine cultural heritage and the realities of enforcement efforts. A key ancillary context for contemporary environmental law, lies in an appreciation of energy choices, markets and impacts, whether those be hydrocarbon or renewable in character and whether state owned or industrial.
Publications
Lowther, Sellick, Willams, (Eds) ‘The Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage: National Approaches and Perspectives’ (3rd Ed.) 2025, Brill.
J. Lowther, M. Williams, .J Sellick and G. Holly, ’The United Kingdom’, in J. Lowther, J. Sellick and M .Williams (Eds) ‘The Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage: National Approaches and Perspectives’, 2025, Brill.
Lydia Koehler and Jason Lowther, ‘Tracking Implementation of Shark-related Measures and Actions in the Mediterranean Region in the Context of International Law’, Journal of Biological Conservation, Volume 302, 2025, 110930.
Emma Bean, Jason Lowther, Michael Williams, ‘Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities: Fisheries Regulator or Environmental Backstop? The complexities of section 153 Marine & Coastal Access Act 2009’, (2024), Environmental Law Review, 26(4) 278-303
Okara, GC, and Innocent R, ‘Signed, Sealed, but Not Delivered: The Credibility of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021 in Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change in Nigeria’ (2024) 8 (1) Chinese Journal of Environmental Law, 72-94.
Okara, GC, ‘'Caveat Energy Investor': Regulatory Concerns in the Energy Industry in Offshore Ireland’ (2024) 22 (2) Oil, Gas and Energy Law (OGEL) Journal, 1-12.
Goodall, O., & Smith, R. (2024). On the creation and extraction of illicit value from the rural environment: An ethnographic study of two ‘Organised Criminal Businesses’. ISBE Contemporary Issues in Entrepreneurship Research Series.
Goodall, O. (2024)The Lynmouth Flood Tragedy of 1952 as a ‘Rural Enterprise Metabolic Rift’ and Securitizing Rural Regions Against Future Hazards of the Planetary Emergency. The International Journal of Rural Criminology. Rural Hazards Special Issue.
Goodall, O. (2023). The Rural Enterprise Crime Complex: 'Undefendable Rural Space' and the Threat from the Fortress Farm. Crime, Law and Social Change. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10611-023-10084-z
J. Sellick and J. Lowther, ‘Confirming the Ultra Low Emission Zone: another step towards cleaner air for London’, (2023), Journal of Environmental Law and Management, 32(6)
J. Sellick (2022), ‘Inter-State Proceedings, Interim Measures and Protection of the Environment: Case C-121/21 R Czech Republic v Republic of Poland’, Journal of Environmental Law and Management, 32(2) pp.55-60
J. Lowther, ‘Illegal waste exports; misdescription at point of export: R v Biffa Waste Services Ltd’, (2021), Environmental Law and Management, 31(6) pp. 248-252
J Lowther and J Sellick, ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle…Repair? Strengthening the Circular Economy through Enhanced End-User Opportunity’, 8th European Environmental Law Forum, Annual Conference, Social and Scientific Uncertainties in Environmental Law, Bournemouth 8-10 September 2021
J. Lowther, ‘Marine Licensing in Marine Conservation Zones: Thomson v Marine Management Organisation’, (2020), Journal of Water Law, 26(4), pp.184-189
J. Lowther, S Gall, M Williams & Bean E (2019) Enhancing Protection of Underwater Heritage Assets (Historic England UK)
J. Lowther, J. Sellick & S. Payne 'Brexit: implications for UK environmental law and policy', (2018), International Journal of Sustainable Development Policy and Practice, 14(3)
Preserving Endurance
The discovery of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s lost ship Endurance after more than 100 years has had extra resonance for two environmental law experts in the School of Society and Culture.
Jason Lowther and Visiting Professor, Michael Williams, were the lead authors of a ground-breaking policy that protects underwater heritage in Antarctica, ensuring merchant vessels like Endurance can never be salvaged by third parties.
Read more:
Preserving Endurance
Jason Lowther and Visiting Professor, Michael Williams, were the lead authors of a ground-breaking policy that protects underwater heritage in Antarctica, ensuring merchant vessels like Endurance can never be salvaged by third parties.
Read more:
Plymouth Law Review
This online annual journal is produced and edited by our academic staff. It aims to encourage and promote legal scholarship and writing on a wide range of legal issues, and includes articles and reports from both staff and students.
Academic staff
Mr Jason Lowther
Associate Professor of Law
Dr Simone Schroff
Associate Professor in Law
Dr Lisa Deblasio
Lecturer in Law
Postgraduate student life
Postgraduate study at the University of Plymouth is about more than just getting a qualification — it’s a chance to explore your subject in greater depth, challenge yourself intellectually, and grow both personally and academically.
With a supportive learning environment and flexible study options — including part-time and January start dates — you can shape your studies around your personal and professional commitments. Our supportive teaching, and welcoming student community, means you’ll be part of an environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration and independent thinking. Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, Plymouth offers the space, resources and inspiration to help you thrive.
The University takes every single step to ensure that students are supported. There are continuous workshops on referencing, a writing café and peer-supported learning sessions. Furthermore, lecturers are generally aware and sensitive to transitioning to university therefore they are always offering support when needed.
Joyita
MSc Advanced Psychology
MSc Advanced Psychology
Your Plymouth community
At the University of Plymouth, you get the same access to support, sports, and societies as undergraduate students. That means everything available to undergraduates is open to you too, whether it’s joining a sports club, attending events, taking part in student societies, or accessing health and wellbeing services.
You’re a full member of the Plymouth community, and that comes with all the benefits. So take advantage of what’s on offer — get involved, stay connected, and make the most of your time here.
Your societies
The University of Plymouth Law Society (UPLS) is a student run society which aims to give students the best opportunities to develop transferable skills making you an extremely valuable graduate after your time at Plymouth.
UPLS provides more than understanding of what it takes to be a lawyer. It gives hands on experience of mooting, debating, negotiations, client interviewing as well as participating in mock trials. All of which is supported by our local legal community, of law firms, chambers and professionals who sponsor us, judge finals and attend our Annual Cheese and Wine Networking Evening.
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Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for UK students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£10,600 per year
£10,600 per year
Part-time study
£590 per 10 credits
£590 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
Fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£18,700 per year
£18,700 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
Fund your studies
As a postgraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including postgraduate masters loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Postgraduate Masters Loans (PGML)
You may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Masters Loan to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate masters course.
Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates
If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
- 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Entry requirements
An Honours degree in Law with a minimum of a 2:2 classification from a UK university. An Honours degree with some inclusion of Law or in a related discipline, such as criminology or other social science, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Extended entry requirements
- All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above.
- Applicants who do not have appropriate Higher Education qualifications may be admitted to the programme on the basis of relevant prior experience if they can demonstrate the potential to successfully complete the programme. The Admissions Tutor / Programme Leader, in accordance with the University’s Academic Regulations may require such applicants to provide further evidence to support their application and undertake an interview.
Ready to apply?
After you apply
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
Programme code
8284
8284
Duration
1 year
Course type
Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Contact the Faculty International Team
If you are an international student wanting to study with us in the UK, you can ask questions about your course and scholarship options by contacting our Faculty International Team.
If you are an international student wanting to study with us in the UK, you can ask questions about your course and scholarship options by contacting our Faculty International Team.
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
Extended entry requirements
- a suitable English language qualification. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element).
English language requirements - evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
- a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
- your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
- proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course directly through the University of Plymouth or
through an agent
in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- Student visa support
- Travel and arrival information
- and more
After you apply
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
Programme code
8284
8284
Duration
1 year
Course type
Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Visit us at a postgraduate on-campus open evening
Visit us on campus to find out more about postgraduate study, speak to academic staff, and take a look around our campus and facilities.
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