Full-Time LL.M. in International and Comparative Nuclear Law and Policy
LL.M. in International and Comparative Nuclear Law & Policy is the first of its type in the world. The Centre is offering the LL.M. to encourage the further study of the issues surrounding nuclear energy.
Nuclear power is returning to the national and international energy policy debate. Some countries, for example China, are pushing ahead with expansion of their nuclear power capacity. Other existing nuclear nations such as the USA and the UK are considering revitalising their nuclear sectors whilst non-nuclear nations, such as Iran, are developing the capacity for the first time.
The probable expansion of the international nuclear energy industry will drive a demand for high-quality postgraduate education in the field of nuclear energy law and policy.
Structure
| The LL.M. is made up of 200 credits as follows: | |
|---|---|
| Induction Programme | 20 credits |
| Core Modules: Compulsory | 40 credits |
| Core Modules: Optional | 40 credits |
| Elective Modules | 60 credits |
| Dissertation, Internship or extended PhD Proposal | 40 credits |
200 credits |
|
Note: The Diploma and Certificate are available as exit qualifications.
To find out everything you need to know about the programme, please click on the headings above. Additional useful information about the LL.M. can be found using the links in the table below:
Induction Programme (20 credits)
The Induction Programme provides students with vital knowledge and skills before they embark of the main components of CEPMLP's taught Masters and Diploma programmes. CEPMLP students have a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds and the Induction Programme provides each student with a basic introduction to all the main disciplines included in the degrees programmes, namely law, economics, finance and geology. It also provides training in research methods.
Core Modules: Compulsory
Candidates should choose a minimum of 40 credits from the list below:
Applied Nuclear Energy Law (20 credits)
The main objective of this course is to provide information and guidance on the techniques used by legislators and regulators to govern the uses of nuclear energy and, in particular, to introduce into domestic law the norms embodied in international instruments and regulations (soft law) since these constitute the principal sources of this special branch of law. While the Course will focus on the case of UK nuclear legislation, several other national laws will also be covered as well as the issue of the transposition of EC nuclear regulations, with a view to offer a comprehensive picture.
International Nuclear Energy Law (20 credits)
The main objective of the course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to the international legal and institutional framework in the area of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The course will provide a practical understanding of the regulatory frameworks applicable to nuclear energy, with particular emphasis on relevant legal and institutional mechanisms for regulation of health and safety, nuclear transports, waste management, civil nuclear liability and international legal framework. It aims to cover the policy and legal aspects of the entire nuclear fuel cycle, and covers international trade in nuclear material, nuclear security and terrorism, as well as a general introduction on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and international safeguards.
Core Modules: Optional
Candidates should choose a minimum of 40 credits from the list below:
EC Energy, Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy (20 credits)
The principal aim of the course is to provide an introduction to the main law and policy issues relating to the energy sector of the EC. An introduction to EC institutions, its legal system and its procedures and origins is provided, with particular reference to energy issues. Particular emphasis is placed upon the policy of increasing energy integration among the 27 Member States, known as the Internal Energy Market, and the possible lessons it may yield for liberalisation in other parts of the world (in addressing problems such as stranded costs, unbundling and third party access, for example). The EU external policy towards non-member countries is also considered as is the growing role of environmental policy in fields such as renewable energy and climate change. The approach does not presuppose any previous knowledge of EC law on the part of the student, but this would be an advantage.
Energy and Climate Change Law and Policy (20 credits)
On successful completion, a candidate will:
(1) have an understanding of international law relating to climate change obligations
(2) have an understanding of regional mechanisms relating to climate change obligations
(3) have an understanding of the variety of national approaches to climate change mitigation be able to discuss climate change obligations in the context of the legal requirements for mitigation
Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development - Economics and Policy Issues (20 credits)
The aim of this course is to help students to understand: the interactions between energy, environment and the climate; economic and other instruments to deal with energy-environment problems; the role of energy in achieving sustainable development; policy issues and options related to energy, environment, climate change and sustainable development. The course will not require any prior knowledge of economics.
Environmental Law and Policy for Natural Resources and Energy (20 credits)
The course deals with selected issues central to understanding international and national environmental policy and law related to production and consumption of natural resources and power generation. It addresses, in particular, environmental problems arising in connection with production and transportation of petroleum (both on-land and offshore), mining activities, use of nuclear energy, including production of uranium and disposal of radioactive wastes, and use of fossil fuels, including transboundary air pollution and global climate effects. A special emphasis is placed on the solutions for environmental problems provided by various national regulatory systems, in particular British and North American.
International Developments in Energy Policy (20 credits)
The main aim is to equip the students with an understanding of how economic analysis can help inform and understand energy policy issues. This requires the students to be familiar with the relevant economic analysis the technical dimensions of energy and the policy making process. In addition the course enables the student to become familiar with current issues in energy policy.
International Law of Natural Resources and Energy (20 credits)
The main objective of the course is to provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts and specific legal and jurisdictional issues in the field of international and transboundary natural resources. The emphasis is on ensuring a proper understanding of the existing legal mechanisms and international regimes applicable to various types of natural resources located beyond States’ jurisdiction or control.
International Nuclear Politics (20 credits)
The purpose of the course is to provide a detailed introduction to the policy issues raised by the uses of nuclear energy. The course will embrace the historical development of nuclear power and the influence it has had on international relations and institutions; the international negotiations concerning, in particular, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and efforts at disarmament; nuclear security and terrorism; access to nuclear technology, equipment and material; governance of nuclear trade; nuclear energy and the protection of the environment; nuclear energy in the European Union; the prospects of a nuclear “renaissance”.
Elective Modules
Candidates are advised to choose additional modules from what is available on the academic timetable subject to any restrictions that may apply.
Together with the core modules above, excluding the Induction Programme they should add up to 140 credits for the LL.M..
Full list of available modules.
Dissertation, Internship or extended PhD Proposal
Compulsory Core Choice Modules - choice of 40 credits from:
Dissertation (40 credits)
The dissertation contributes to the achievement of the aims of the Masters degree namely:- to promote a deeper and critical understanding of selected areas relating to the specialisation of the student; to develop originality of thought and skills of research, analysis, argumentation and expression; to build upon, develop and integrate the knowledge and skills acquired in the taught modules.
A dissertation of up to 15,000 words on a topic approved by an academic supervisor
Extended PhD Proposal (40 credits)
The Extended PhD proposal contributes to the achievement of the aims of the Masters degree namely:- to promote a deeper and critical understanding of selected areas relating to the specialisation of the student; to develop originality of thought and skills of research, analysis, argumentation and expression; to build upon, develop and integrate the knowledge and skills acquired in the taught modules. In addition, the PhD proposal should provide the basis for significantly more specialised and detailed research to be undertaken as part of the PhD programme.
Students who propose to follow up their degree with a PhD may, with the approval of an academic supervisor, submit a 10,000 word PhD proposal.
Internship (40 credits)
The internship provides the student with the opportunity to apply in the workplace the knowledge and skills learnt at CEPMLP and to learn how professionals in the field perform their tasks.
Students who choose this option are required to source an organisation willing to offer a 3-month work placement, approved by an academic supervisor. The Internship includes the submission of a written report as part of the assessment.