Join a flexible LLM in Energy Transition Law that fits around full-time work.
Learn the legal skills you need to make the energy transition a reality.
In this online LLM, you’ll study energy law, environmental law and climate law to an advanced level. You’ll graduate ready to consult on energy transition law and policy.
Supported by noted legal experts in this field, you’ll examine the legal aspects of the energy transition. You’ll develop a forward-looking understanding of the industry and how the law works around it.
You’ll enhance your knowledge of:
- legal and regulatory areas of low-carbon energy production, distribution and consumption
- the varying perspectives and needs of the energy industry, policymakers, communities and consumers
- the renewable energy project authorisation process, including public engagement, environmental assessment, and wider market and policy frameworks.
You can also study LLM Energy Transition Law on campus.
100% online or combine with in-person learning
You can choose to study for this LLM 100% online, or finish your LLM with three weeks on campus at our Professional Skills Summer School in Aberdeen.
Unique, topical course choices
Tailor your learning to you, with a range of energy and environmental courses to enhance your understanding across renewable energy law, downstream energy law, and climate law.
Research-led teaching
Teaching is supported by our strong and active research centres, working at the forefront of the energy transition – the Aberdeen University Centre for Energy Law, the Centre for Energy Transition, and the Just Transition Lab.
Fits around full-time work
This LLM fits around full-time work, with flexible hours and 24/7 study access.
Do law differently with Professional Skills
Our online LLMs offer a practical alternative to completing a traditional dissertation.
Choose the Professional Skills route to join our on-campus summer school and learn sought-after industry skills.
Who can join this LLM in Energy Transition Law?
This distance learning LLM is designed for law graduates who want to progress within or move into a career in energy law or environmental law.
It’s also a great fit for practitioners who wish to acquire or update their legal knowledge in these fast-moving areas.
Your expertise, contacts and career prospects will grow as you gain the intellectual, critical and practical skills needed to practise as a professional in this field.
Choose the University of Aberdeen for your online LLM in Energy Transition Law
Study with a university that’s home to one of the largest and most internationally experienced teams of legal experts in any UK or European law school.
Top 10 LLM globally
This degree is listed as one of the Top 10 energy law LLMs in the world by the LLM Guide 2024.
Top 5 in Scotland for Law
We’re ranked Top 5 in Scotland for Law in two league tables (Guardian University Guide 2025 and Complete University Guide 2025).
Over 525 years of excellence
Join a university founded in 1495, where Law has been taught for more than five centuries.
What you’ll study
You can choose to study for an:
- LLM in Energy Transition Law with Dissertation – studying 100% online
- LLM in Energy Transition Law with Professional Skills – studying via blended learning that combines online courses with an on-campus summer school, or
- start with one of the online short courses that are part of this degree.
How you’ll study
Study options
LLM Energy Transition Law is delivered 100% online. You can learn with us anywhere in the world and manage your study hours to suit you.
LLM Energy Transition Law with Professional Skills is delivered via blended learning. It combines flexible online study with a Professional Skills Summer School on campus in Aberdeen in lieu of your dissertation.
Online learning
Online teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our 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 available, including:
- videos
- pre-recorded video lectures
- live online tutorials
- slide shows
- reading materials
- discussion boards with your tutors and peers
- the online resources of the Taylor Law Library and award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
Both libraries have first-class collections of reference works in law and related subjects. Find out more about our libraries.
Your tutors
This LLM is delivered by our School of Law.
You’ll learn from leading legal academics who influence national and international energy policy.
Your lecturers are legal experts with specialisms in environmental and climate change law, as well as energy law relating to both the fossil fuels sector and renewable energy.
They teach a variety of energy courses and degrees online and on campus, and are actively engaged in energy and climate law research.
This degree is assessed online.
Several types of online assessment are used throughout your studies, including:
- multiple-choice quizzes
- essays, and
- presentations.
If you attend the on-campus Professional Skills Summer School, assessment elements for this will take place while you’re on campus.
Hours for online courses
If you plan to study part-time, we recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term.
15 credits
- Around 150 hours of study and assessment time to complete.
- You’ll study 8 – 10 hours per week per term, plus more at assessment times.
30 credits
- Around 300 hours of study and assessment time to complete.
- You’ll study 15 – 20 hours per week per term, plus more at assessment times.
This is an indicative guide to the time required for a typical student at this level to achieve the learning outcomes. This includes time for independent study, as well as teaching and assessments.
You can largely set your own study hours each week to cover the materials. MyAberdeen is available 24/7, so you can log in and study when it suits you.
There may be some activities that are scheduled at a fixed time, such as online meetings with your tutor or assessments with deadlines. But otherwise, you can access and work through each course at your convenience.
Hours for 60-credit dissertation
A 60-credit dissertation is around 600 hours of study time. This is around one term of full-time study.
You will dedicate a full term to your dissertation and work on it full-time.
Hours for on-campus Professional Skills Summer School
The Professional Skills Summer School takes place on campus at the University of Aberdeen for three weeks in early summer.
Study hours for this course are full-time.
When you study with us, you can expect a first-class support structure so that you’re never alone in your studies.
But learning online does mean you have to motivate yourself and manage your own time.
Your most important commitment will be time – the time to work through, reflect on and understand your teaching materials.
Before you start a course that involves a high degree of independent study, we recommend looking at the time you will be able to devote to your studies each week:
- Be realistic
- Create a weekly schedule as a guide
If you have any questions about studying online, get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to help.
Our first-class support structure will ensure that you aren’t alone in your studies. You’ll have contact with your tutors via MyAberdeen and email. You can use social media and discussion boards to chat with your fellow students too.
We provide a wide range of services to support you in your studies and beyond:
- Careers and Employability Service – including one-to-one advice sessions
- Disability support
- IT support
- Library support
- Student Support Service – help with finances, stress, wellbeing and non-academic issues
- Student Learning Service – study support, with advice sessions available via phone or Skype
- Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA) – run by students for students
- Toolkit – clever apps and free training that can make your study life easier
Wherever you are in the world, you’ll feel part of our very special Aberdeen learning community.
We’re a member of the Access scheme run by the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL).
Access study spaces, books and journals in your area
The SCONUL Access scheme allows you, as a University of Aberdeen student, to access books and resources at university libraries across the UK and Ireland, or visit them for a quiet place to study.
You’ll be able to use study spaces, books and journals at over 150 university libraries which belong to the scheme.
Your support team
Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have before, during and after your studies.
Dr Daria Shapovalova
Daria is the degree coordinator. She’ll be on hand to answer any questions about degree content before you start and to help you throughout your studies.
Dr Annji Kinoshita-Bashforth
Annji is part of the School’s support team. She’ll be there throughout your studies to answer any of your non-academic queries.
Get in touch
The online education team is here to answer any questions you have right now about this qualification, or about studying online.
Ask us a questionOnline learning in the School of Law
Advocates share their experiences of working while studying online Law courses with us.
Where this will take you
Your LLM qualification
You’ll graduate with a respected LLM in Energy Transition Law from the University of Aberdeen, one of the UK’s six ancient universities.
You’ll receive exactly the same degree qualification online as you would on campus. Your degree title will not mention online or distance learning.
Your LLM qualification will be recognised by employers and educational institutions around the world, opening up international opportunities.
Careers in energy law
You’ll graduate from this LLM ready to play a pivotal role in shaping corporate policies for the energy transition era.
This qualification will enhance your skills, experience, and professional connections as a:
- lawyer
- senior manager
- policy analyst
- health and safety specialist, or
- other professional working within the energy industry.
Our links with local and national employers, and location in the heart of Europe’s energy capital, mean you’ll benefit from valuable career talks from legal professionals.
Graduate outcomes
We have an exceptionally high professional employment rate, with our law graduates much in demand, not only in the UK but abroad too.
According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, an impressive 94.8% of our law graduates have secured employment and/or pursued further studies within 15 months of graduation.
Lifelong career support
Our career support doesn’t stop when you graduate.
You have access to our free careers service while you study, and beyond.
- 1:1 appointments
- CV checks
- Interview prep
- Job opportunities
Fees and funding
The fee quoted above is based on you starting your studies with us in the 2024/25 academic year.
We have confirmed that our fees will rise by 5% for the 2025/26 academic year. Our indicative cost includes a 5% fee rise each year.
Pay as you go
This is a pay-as-you-go degree.
You do not have to pay the full tuition fee upfront.
You can spread the cost and pay as you go, term by term.
How it works
- You decide how many credits to study for each term.
- At the start of term, you pay only for the credits you’re taking that term.
- This gives you control over your costs and workload for each term of your degree.
Your personalised cost breakdown
Use the degree scheduler to plan your studies and see your cost breakdown, term by term.
On-campus course costs
This degree features on-campus course options. If you take an on-campus course as part of your degree, your fee covers the tuition for this.
However, it does not cover the cost of any travel, accommodation or visa you might require in order to join us on campus. You will have to pay for your own travel, accommodation and visa costs.
Learning resources
Access to all the essential books and resources you need are included in your tuition fee. They’ll be made available to you online and you do not have to buy your own copies.
Printing
You may wish to set aside a small budget for printing, depending on how you like to work.
There are several ways you may be able to get help funding your studies:
- Employer sponsorship – we accept full and partial fee payments from sponsors
- Student loans
- Scholarships – search our funding database for scholarships
Find out more about funding options.
Student card
All our students are entitled to a University of Aberdeen student card. This gives you access to a range of student discounts around the city and online.
20% Alumni discount
You’re entitled to 20% off our postgraduate taught degrees and short courses if you have a degree from the University of Aberdeen. View Alumni discount details.
How discounts work
Discounts are applied during your application process. You can only use one discount per application.
Choose the University of Aberdeen for flexible online LLM degrees
Earn as you learn
We fit around full-time work, so you can earn qualifications while you keep earning a salary.
You’re in expert hands
We’ve been delivering online and distance learning for decades.
20% alumni discount
University of Aberdeen alumni receive 20% off fees for this online degree.
Entry requirements
LLM
The minimum entry requirements for this LLM are:
- a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in Law.
Relevant practical experience in a related field will also be beneficial.
You’re also welcome to apply if you have:
- other relevant qualifications, and
- professional experience with supportive references.
Short course route to online LLM Energy Transition Law
If you do not meet these entry requirements, or are not ready to commit to a full LLM, you may be able to use our online short courses as a route into this degree.
Find out about our short course route to entryEntry requirements
We welcome students from around the world.
See our minimum entry requirements above. If you do not have qualifications from the UK, check equivalent qualifications for your country.
Visa requirements
You do not need a visa to study online with us.
But if you will be joining us on campus for part of this degree, you may need to obtain a visa to do so. You will need to make your own transport, accommodation and visa arrangements to study with us here in Aberdeen. If you have a visa query, email immigration@abdn.ac.uk for advice.
English language requirements
Teaching is delivered in English.
If English is not your first language, use our English requirements checklist to see if you need to provide evidence of your English language skills when you apply.
English language tests and scores
If you do need to provide English language test scores, these are the tests and minimum scores we accept for this course or degree.
These are our Postgraduate Higher requirements.
IELTS Academic, IELTS UKVI Academic, and IELTS Online (not IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training)
- 6.5 overall
- 5.5 for listening and speaking
- 6.0 for reading and writing
TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- 90 overall
- 17 for listening
- 21 for reading
- 20 for speaking
- 21 for writing
- TOEFL DI code is 0818
Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency
- 176 overall
- 162 for listening and speaking
- 169 for reading and writing
LanguageCert Academic/LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall
- 60 for listening and speaking
- 65 for reading and writing
LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator (Written and Spoken) – Online / In-centre
- Overall High Pass
- 33 for listening, reading and speaking
- 38 for writing
Oxford ELLT Digital – English Language Level Test Online
- 7.0 overall
- 5.0 for listening and speaking
- 6.0 for reading and writing
PTE Academic (online test not accepted)
- 62 overall
- 59 for listening, reading, speaking and writing
Duolingo – tests taken from 1 July 2024 onward
- 120 overall
- 95 for listening and speaking
- 105 for reading and writing
University of Aberdeen English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE)
- Pass
- Valid for one year. Refresher can be offered if out of date
Pre-sessional academic English preparation programmes undertaken at other UK universities
- Pass at an equivalent of 6.5 (C1)
- B2 in all four skills
- Certification must be within one year prior to the start of your course
For more information about language qualifications see our English Language Requirements page.
You apply through our online Applicant Portal. It allows you to upload relevant qualifications and documents.
There is no application fee for our online degrees.
What you need to apply for this degree
- Degree transcript
- Personal statement
Apply now
Start with our step-by-step guide. It explains degree transcripts, what to write in your personal statement and how to use our Applicant Portal.
You can apply to start in either September or January.
Apply as early as you can. This is so we have time to review your application and get a decision to you. We also want to ensure you have time to enrol before teaching starts.
January 2025 intake
For our January 2025 intake, the application deadline is 9 December 2024.
You will need to accept your offer and provide any outstanding documents to meet the conditions of your offer by 18 December 2024.
Teaching starts on 27 January 2025.
September 2025 intake
Teaching starts on 22 September 2025.
Application deadlines will be announced in due course.
You will need access to:
A computer (PC, laptop or Mac) operating on either:
- Windows 10 or later
- macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later.
Most teaching materials are smartphone- and tablet-friendly. But we recommend a proper laptop or desktop for completing assignments comfortably.
Reliable internet access
We recommend:
- a wired connection
- a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps so you can take part fully in live sessions.
Speakers or headphones
- We recommend a headset with built-in microphone and earphones if you’re likely to study in an environment with background noise.
- A webcam is optional, but you may like to use one for some interactive sessions.
Software
We’ll give you access to Office365 applications. This means you can use online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and install these programs on up to five personal devices.
If your course requires specialist software, we’ll provide you with access to this and a licence that lasts throughout your studies.
See our detailed IT requirements for more information.
Try our degree scheduler
Choose your courses
See all the courses that are part of this degree and choose what you want to study.
Manage your study schedule
Control the pace and cost of your degree. Decide how much you want to study each term.
Save to your wishlist
Save your schedule to your wishlist so you can view and edit anytime.
Master of Laws
180 credits
£16,000
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2024.
Apply for this programme
- Start month
- January or September
- INDICATIVE COST
- £16,000
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2024.
Apply via our Applicant Portal