Help ensure that the discovery of oil and gas resources becomes a positive and productive venture for any new hydrocarbon province.
Study with a university committed to demonstrating social responsibility in the teaching of oil and gas law.
We’re using our acknowledged expertise, experience and influence to do all we can to ensure that the discovery of rich natural resources benefits all members of a population fairly and effectively. Having good governance in place from the outset is essential, and this course aims to address that.
The course is ideal for you as a lawyer working in, or keen to move into, the oil and gas industry. It’s also a great fit for oil and gas professionals and those working in government and NGOs, particularly in countries where an industry is beginning and investors are taking an interest.
Grow your specialist skills in this area as you study part-time, online with the support of a top 6 UK law school.
You can use the credits you earn on this course towards our LLM in Oil and Gas Law.
What will I study?
This course provides a detailed overview of the international and domestic law and regulatory regimes pertaining to the governance of petroleum developments.
Examples abound of the potential for newly discovered oil and gas resources to fuel corruption, inequality, and what is known as ‘Dutch disease’ – where growth in national income from natural-resource extraction damages other sectors of a country’s economy.
This course examines these negative forces and how they can be avoided.
You’ll look at:
- the definition and theory of governance and regulation
- the state’s role in governance
- transparency
- corruption – and the use of law to counter it
- the role of legal institutions, national and international oil companies.
You’ll also study the Norwegian model, which is considered particularly good, and how it may be adapted to suit very different petroleum provinces in other parts of the world.
Why study Law online with the University of Aberdeen?
Top 6 UK law school
We’re ranked 6th of over 100 law schools in the UK (Complete University Guide 2021).
Students love us
We’re very highly rated for teaching, research and student care, with scores consistently over 90% in National Student Surveys.
Unique expertise
We have one of the largest and most internationally experienced teams of legal experts in any European law school.
How will I study?
Governance and Petroleum Developments is delivered part-time, 100% online. You can study with us anywhere in the world and manage your study hours to suit you.
Your teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including:
- podcasts
- core readings
- the online resources of our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library and the Taylor Law Library
- discussion boards with colleagues and tutors.
Your tutors
Part of our LLM in Oil and Gas Law, this course is taught at Masters level. You’ll learn from professors and tutors passionate about transferring their knowledge and skills to ensure that hydrocarbon discoveries become a force for good and not a route to economic inequality and corruption.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed entirely online via:
- three mini-assessments during your course
- a larger exercise towards the end – you’ll compose a briefing note to a minister in a country with new oil and gas discoveries. You’ll set out a governance system, customised for their country, to ensure positive benefit for the whole population and avoid the pitfalls that other countries have experienced.
Your course coordinator
Dr Eddy Wifa
Eddy is a lecturer and active researcher in Energy Law. His expertise includes offshore energy health, safety and environmental regulation across several jurisdictions, decommissioning, energy and natural resource governance, energy transition and energy justice. Eddy has advised governments, is a member of the Society of Legal Scholars, and is Director of the African Natural Resource and Energy Law Network (ANREL).
View Eddy’s profileOnline learning in the School of Law
Advocates share their experiences of working while studying law online with us.
Where will this take me?
Towards a Masters
You’ll earn 15 credits at Masters level (SCQF Level 11) with this course. You can use these credits towards further study, including our online:
- LLM in Oil and Gas Law – available online or on campus.
View all our postgraduate Law degrees.
Build your learning
We offer a wide range of specialist online Law and Energy short courses you can use to build your skills.
Many are part of existing Masters degrees and can be used to build up credits towards postgraduate qualifications.
Careers
The course will build your specialist skills as a lawyer or professional in the oil and gas sector, NGOs, and governments across the world.
Your employer or professional institute may recognise this course for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Talk to your employer or institute to find out more.
Free careers advice
We’ll help you explore your career potential and connect with job opportunities around the world.
You can access our free careers service while you study.
From interview training to CV clinics, we’re here with tailored, impartial and professional advice.
This course has no formal entry requirements. You decide if it’s suitable for you.
The course is delivered at Masters level. At this level, you’d usually have at least:
- a 2:1 (upper-second-class) Law degree
- or relevant work experience that supports this level of study.
