Study Environmental Law

The Master of Environmental Law at the University of Newcastle is designed to equip legal and non-legal professionals with a deeper knowledge of Environmental Law, through a unique, professionally-focused and interdisciplinary program.

Why study with us?

Learn from experts from a range of disciplines – learn from distinguished and experienced academics from Australia and overseas in the areas of Law, Environmental and Life Sciences, Business and Architecture and Built Environment.
United Nations Certification – we are the only legal postgraduate program in Australia that offers you the opportunity to obtain certification by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and/or the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR). To obtain co-certification, students must complete specific courses on Government Approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction and Sustainable Development and the UN 2030 Development Agenda.
Flexible study options – at the University of Newcastle, you can choose to study full-time or part-time to suit your professional and personal needs. Our advanced online learning system gives you the flexibility and support to study anytime.
Study at NeW Space – NeW Space, in Newcastle’s CBD, provides the optimum environment for you to excel in your studies.
Study overseas – broaden your cross-cultural legal knowledge through international study experiences and international legal internships.

Belinda's Story: Making an impact through postgrad studies

Call 1800 882 121
Outside Australia call +61 2 4921 8856

Call +61 2 4921 8856
Inside Australia call 1800 882 121

Enquire

Facebook Live Q&A Join our Postgrad live Q&A on Tuesday 22nd January from 6pm

World top 300 ^? for law

What you will study

The Master of Environmental Law comprises of 8 courses (80 units) which includes 3 core courses (30 units) and 5 directed courses (50 units). Students may choose courses that they are interested in from a range of areas including:

Environmental Law
Law and Economics of Climate Change
International Environmental Law and Policy
Sustainable Development and the United Nations 2030 Development Agenda
Environmental/Natural Resources Law Clinic
Property Law and Planning Legislation
Human Rights and Climate Change-Induced Human Displacement
Disaster Management Policy/Social Considerations
Government and Disaster Risk Reduction
Sustainability and Ecosystem Health
Applied Natural Resources Management
Contemporary Issues in Water Management
Business & the Natural Environment
Social Enterprises and Co-operative Innovation
Mining Law
Co-operative Law and Governance

Program plans

Download a program plan for further details on your degree's structure and what courses you will study.

These program plans are applicable to new students. Current students should refer to the program handbook to access the plan relevant to the year they commenced.

2018 Program Plan - M Environmental Law 40141 - 2018.pdf 672.6 KB

View the full course list

Career opportunities

Upon completion of the Master of Environmental Law you will be able to use your specialised knowledge to advance your career and work in various areas including:

environmental and resources sectors
public policy
government sector
non-government sector
private sector, e.g. sustainability consulting
legal practice or advice (for legal professionals only)
in-house counsel (for legal professionals only)

A Master of Environmental Law does not qualify you to be admitted to practice law in Australia. In case you are interested in practicing law in Australia, our Juris Doctor (JD) and the embedded Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) is designed to equip you with knowledge, clinical experience and the qualifications for admission to legal practice in Australia. JD graduates can apply for entry into the legal profession as solicitors without any further study.

Professional Recognition

The Master of Environmental Law at UON is the only postgraduate legal program in Australia that offers you the opportunity to obtain certification by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and/or the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR).

To obtain co-certification, students must complete specific courses on Government Approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction and Sustainable Development and the UN 2030 Development Agenda. Please contact the Program Convenor for further information on this opportunity.

Practical Experience

International Study Experience or Legal Externship

Eligible students will have the opportunity to broaden their cross-cultural legal knowledge through participation in organised out-of-country activity, including international study experiences and international legal externships.

For further information regarding the Newcastle International Study Experience and the Newcastle International Clinical Legal Externship please contact the Program Convenor.