Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Law, LLM

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Course Overview

The LLM in Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Law at Swansea University delivers a thorough and specialised curriculum that coversthe legal and commercial frameworks that govern the entire lifecycle of offshore energy projects, from hydrocarbon extraction to pioneering renewable energy technologies at sea. This distinct programme is designed for legal professionals and graduates seeking to navigate high-level careers at the forefront of global energy, climate policy, and the just transition.

As a student of the School of Law, you will be taught by internationally renowned academics and industry-experienced practitioners. The programme is closely linked to the research of the Institute of International Shipping and TradInstitute of International Shipping and Trade Lawe Law, ensuring your learning is anchored in cutting-edge legal scholarship and grounded in the commercial realities of the energy sector. You will address complex issues ranging from oil and gas contracts and project finance to the regulation of offshore wind, the decarbonisation of shipping, and climate change law.

You will not only graduate with expansive knowledge but with commanding, applied expertise. You will emerge as a specialist energy lawyer equipped with the correct skills and strategic insight that is highly valued by elite employers across global law firms, energy corporations (both traditional and renewable), investment banks, regulatory bodies, and international policy organisations.

Why Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Law at Swansea?

As a postgraduate student at the School of Law, you will be part of a globally recognised law school, with a thriving academic environment committed to excellence in teaching and research, and offering an exceptional student experience.

Our School of Law is recognised as a source of expertise, and having an impact in a diverse range of fields of practice. Our School is wholly committed to continuous improvement in learning and teaching, putting students at the centre of our activities and offering an exceptional student experience.

You will be supervised by academics and qualified practitioners with a wealth of real-world experience, who are ideally placed to provide ongoing guidance and support.

Law at Swansea is ranked:

  • In the Top 125 in the World (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
  • In the Top 101-150 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), and
  • 83.3% of our research produces considerable impact in terms of its reach and significance (REF 2021)

The International Commercial Arbitration (LACM17) module offered as part of this degree has been recognised by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb). This effectively means that LLM students who manage to successfully complete the International Commercial Arbitration module at Swansea will be eligible to apply to be awarded the level of Associate Member of the CIArb.

Your Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Law experience

The LLM in Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Law structure is designed to provide comprehensive, in-depth engagement with the specialised and rapidly evolving legal landscape of the offshore energy sector.

On this LLM degree, you will gain the knowledge and experience to develop into a 21st century lawyer or legal service practitioner with specialist and in-depth understanding of oil, gas and renewable energy law.

Our postgraduate law degrees give you the opportunity to learn from academics who are industry experts, with a wealth of academic and practical experience.

You will also learn through:

  • Industry Insights: Guest lectures from leading practitioners, arbitrators, and regulators.
  • Practical Skills Development: Participation in mooting competitions and specialist workshops.

Global Perspective: Opportunities such as summer schools abroad to broaden your international experience. 

Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Law employment opportunities

Graduates of the LLM in Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Law are well positioned for stimulating and rewarding career opportunities.

Improving your employability is a key priority for us, and we organise a range of events to help, including the annual LLM careers fair, which gives you the opportunity to meet local and international law firms, as well as networking events and visits to leading practices in the City of London.

Graduate destinations can include:

  • Energy Law Practice: Graduates can go on to qualify as solicitors and barristers in leading international law energy companies across oil and gas, project finance, and renewables.
  • Renewable Energy & Decarbonisation: A direct route into the offshore renewables sector, with roles in legal advisory, project development, and compliance.
  • Regulatory, Policy & Finance: Careers as legal and policy advisors within regulators, international organisations, development banks, and finance institutions.
  • NGOs, Consultancy & Advocacy: Opportunities with NGOs, think tanks, and consultancies focused on climate policy, environmental protection, and just‑transition issues.
  • Research: The programme provides a strong foundation for PhD study and academic careers in energy law and climate policy.

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.