Postgraduate Law 2021-2022

The course deals with the regulation of international activities regarding energy and the environment. The course will consider the international legal framework regarding energy sources, and it will look at the various legal instruments at the global and regional level as well as the key actors that are involved in regulation. It will also examine environmental issues that correspond to the generation and use of energy in the international context and the responses relating to environmental protection of soil, water, air, atmosphere and species.

With only limited exceptions hydrocarbons lie in the ownership or control of states but are frequently explored for and produced by commercial actors. This course considers the means by which the state controls exploitation of its oil and gas reserves. Following a number of introductory online lectures, students will participate in interactive seminars considering topics such as: from energy security to energy trilemma; national oil companies; licensing and production sharing agreements; resource curse and transparency; health, safety and environmental regulation; and decommissioning. This course is available to students registering for the LLM Oil and Gas Law programmes (Dissertation or Professional Skills).

A transition from reliance on fossil fuels to low-carbon renewable energy is essential for mitigating climate change and for making energy supplies more sustainable. The course considers the challenges and concerns that this fundamental change in the nature of energy supplies gives rise to, and explores laws role in addressing them. The course examines the legal regimes for promoting renewable energy at international, EU and UK levels, and considers how law can be used to address significant constraints on the growth of renewable energy including difficulties with grid access and public opposition to wind energy development.

This compulsory course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which would be required to excel in LLM-Taught courses. It commences with a few lectures and progresses to working  in a workshop environment and finally to the submission of an individual assignment. It also incorporates elements such as library workshops to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.

The course analyses recent developments in public international law. It first considers the sources of public international law. The question is then asked whether traditional public international law can regulate pressing issues on the international plane. Examples of these problems are: international terrorism, nuclear weapons proliferation, protection of human rights, ethnic conflicts, climate change. The course encourages the participant-student to think creatively as an international lawyer to resolve contemporary international dilemmas.  

This course provides a detailed overview of the international and domestic legal regulatory framework pertaining to the decommissioning of offshore oil and gas installations. Teaching and instruction will be by a variety of methods including podcasts, directed reading, and interactive discussion. Topics covered are: International law of the sea; global legal regime for offshore decommissioning; dumping – the UNCLOS, London and Oslo Conventions; Implementing international law in the UK and the Brent Spar Case; Legal and regulatory consequences of Brent Spar; the ongoing evolution of UK decommissioning law; the comparative dimension; waste. This course is available to students registering for the Online LLM Oil and Gas Law programmes (Dissertation or Professional Skills) and MSC Decommissioning.

When international commercial lawyers work with contracts, those contracts often engage parties from multiple countries with differing legal perspectives on how to interpret that same singular contract. This course is designed to enable commercial lawyers to understand how various legal traditions provide their own unique perspectives on a variety of contractual issues. The course will explore how different aspects of contract law can lead to unexpected differences or similarities across national legal cultures, enabling an international commercial lawyer to coordinate those issues for their clients. The course will focus on a variety of European legal systems, with additional discussions drawn from transnational contract law instruments such as the Principles of European Contract Law and the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods.

Students will explore the diverse elements of law which constitute international intellectual property law. We will consider the historical development of international intellectual property rights, framework of international treaties and organisation, copyright (with a particular focus on new developments in the digital age), geographical indications, patents and designs. Throughout the course, the challenge is to identify conflicts and synergies, and areas for future development, through regard to cases, scholarship, and the activities of policy makers and activists. Assesment is by an essay, an individual presentation and discussion board submissions. Description: The course considers key issues relating to international intellectual property law which may vary from year to year consistent with the legal and social evolution of the fields; the course will explore copyright, geographical indications, patents, designs, and their relationship with regional and international treateis and international organisation; key themes will be drawn together in a practical presentation session.

This course is a substantive and critical analysis of two key areas of intellectual property law, copyright and patents, with a UK and European focus, and their impact on innovation and creativity. This course complements other innovation law LLM courses which focus on commercial, policy and sector matters.     

This course provides a series (8 hours) of lectures to new LLM Natural Resources Law students on the fundamental concepts relating to natural resources law and policy. The aim of the course is to ensure that all students are equipped with the necessary conceptual framework and knowledge to be able to undertake study of the various and diverse courses offered within the LLM in Natural Resources Law. It will also assure that all students commence the degree on an equal knowledge footing.

This is a compulsory law course for the LLM/MSc in Corporate Finance. It will provide a grounding for those who are new to law (including corporate finance law), while also offering deeper understanding to those who have previously studied law. The course will focus on key areas related to the specific field of corporate finance law in order to assist students with their studies in related courses. The course will principally focus on the laws of the UK (including English law and Scots law, where appropriate) but will also feature a notable comparative law element.

This is a compulsory law course for the LLM/MSc in Corporate Finance. It will explore issues within the field of corporate governance, with reference to different legal systems. It will provide students with a wider and deeper understanding of various corporate governance issues that are crucial to the law of corporate finance.

The blue economy is the exploitation and preservation/ conservation of the marine environment. This course will explore what is meant by the Blue Economy in an international context and how it relates to the marine environment and natural resources. It will consider how the Blue Economy has been defined and what it might mean in the future. Discussions on the international, EU and national legal regimes will be supported by an ecological and  a social deliberative strand. The course benefits from international guest lectures and culminates in a workshop where students will simulate blue economy decision making adopting an ecosystem approach to a real-life scenario, implementing legal requirements and policy context.

The course introduces students to the basics of International Law. It will describe the international legal system, the sources of International Law and the law of treaties.

The demand for international commercial arbitration has increased significantly over the last 20 years. Empirical surveys conducted consistently report figures that suggest around 60% of businesses prefer arbitration over other dispute resolution methods. This course provides students with a solid understanding of how arbitration works both in principle and in practice. Topics covered include the arbitration agreement, arbitral jurisdiction, the arbitral tribunal, applicable laws in arbitration, the arbitral procedure, and challenging and enforcing awards.
Change Course Description to
The demand for international commercial arbitration has increased significantly over the last 20 years. Empirical surveys conducted consistently report figures that suggest around 60% of businesses prefer arbitration over other dispute resolution methods. Hence, it is becoming more and more important for law students to get acquainted with the international arbitration framework.
This course explores the theoretical and practical underpinnings of arbitral law and provides students with a holistic view on different aspects of the arbitral procedure. The main substantive topics are:
(1) The Role of the Seat,
(2) Arbitration Agreement and Arbitral Jurisdiction,
(3) Applicable Substantive Law,
(4) The Arbitral Tribunal,
(5) Arbitral Procedure and Evidence,
(6) The Arbitral Award.
The topics have been chosen to give students a good knowledge of international commercial arbitration law. The teaching pattern comprises recorded lectures and seminars at which the above-mentioned topics are discussed in depth. Besides the essential reading for the lectures, students are provided with relevant case law and different scenarios/questions for discussion at seminars. The course also provides a lecture on the introduction to international commercial arbitration.

This course considers issues relating to international trade and finance law and addresses the legal and commercial aspects of export-import transactions. It covers trade risks and risk assessment, the law and practice relating to international sale of goods, carriage of goods and insurance matters, international trade finance, digitalisation of international trade and international commercial dispute resolution.

This course is comparative in nature and examines in depth certain aspects of the criminal justice process, focussing upon differences between the adversarial and inquisitorial models. Examples are mainly drawn from Scotland, England and continental Europe. Topics addressed include: prosecution systems; the position of the accused; the status granted to the victim; plea-bargaining; the trial process; and appeals. The emphasis is not so much on ‘black-letter law’ but on the principles and policies, often clashing, which underlie the detailed legal rules and regulations governing the relevant institutions and processes.

The course will cover: registration of title system in general and specific aspects of registration of title in particular; the steps involved in selected types of conveyancing transaction; particular issues raised by specific types of conveyancing transaction; selected aspects of leases and related matters including tax, ethical, practice management and client care aspects of conveyancing. Key conveyancing skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, drafting, negotiation, and transaction based research.

The course will cover: taking instructions for a will; drafting testamentary documentation; practical issues concerning intestacy; executry administration; trusts; incapacity; investment and tax planning advice; and related matters including tax, ethical, practice management and client care aspects of Private Client. Key Private Client skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, drafting and transaction based research.

The course will cover: the Criminal Legal Aid scheme, the rules of criminal procedure and appeal routes, the conduct of pleas in mitigation, intermediate diets and trials, the funding of civil procedure, the concepts of specification and relevancy in civil procedure, Court of Session procedure and processes, actions competent in the sheriff court and appeal routes, client interviews, drafting pleadings, the conduct of an options hearing and a proof, settlement issues and related matters including client care aspects of litigation. Key litigation skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, drafting, advocacy, and transaction based research.

The course is divided into two parts. Part 1 will cover: business structures and investment; a group exercise involves the set-up of a virtual law firm and construction of key business and practice policies; management of time and risk capability; company accounts analysis; loan finance; financial advice and tax implications; financial services. Part 2 will cover ethical issues in the client relationship; confidentiality and conflict; and duties and discipline. Key skills such as communication with clients, team working, drafting are covered.

The course explores the history, nature and salient features of the principles of  ‘the laws and customs of war’, also called IHL; they are enshrined, inter alia, in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977. The principles of distinction, humanity, necessity and proportionality as applied to contemporary armed conflicts are examined.  The course emphasises the rules and challenges pertaining to civilian immunity, occupation, legal controls on weapons and how IHL is implemented and enforced. It also clarifies the differences/similarities between IHL and international human rights law and the law on the use of force.  

A good knowledge and understanding of the commercial purpose and key features of the principal contracts used in the oil and gas industry is essential for an oil and gas lawyer.  This course will examine the contracts entered into between the state and the commercial actors involved in the exploration for and production of oil an gas and the contracts entered into between the oil companies themselves, and those between oil and gas companies and the contractors making up the supply chain. The course will be taught by means of a mix of lectures, seminars and interactive workshops.

This course is comparative in nature and examines in depth various, key evidentiary doctrines, focussing upon the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and  differences in the approaches adopted by national  jurisdictions. Topics addressed include: the nature of proof; expert evidence; vulnerable witnesses; hearsay; the right to confrontation; similar facts evidence; corroboration; and the presumption of innocence. The emphasis is not so much on ‘black-letter law’ but on the principles and policies, often clashing, which underlie the detailed legal rules and regulations governing the relevant types of evidence.

The course examines current debates in criminal law from theoretical and comparative perspectives – drawing on insights from different jurisdictions. Topics include: principles of criminalisation (i.e. discussion of what types of conduct should be criminalised, the moral justification for creating criminal laws and what limits should be set on the state’s power to enact criminal laws); mental capacity, age and criminal responsibility; current definitions of (and proposals to reform) the crimes of murder and rape; necessity and coercion defences; and homicide by victims of domestic abuse. 

This compulsory course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which would be required to excel in LLM-Taught courses. It commences with a few lectures and progresses to working  in a workshop environment and finally to the submission of an individual assignment. It also incorporates elements such as library workshops to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.

The course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the commercial issues which arise when decommissioning offshore installations.  The course will focus in particular upon the UK example and in particular will consider the matter in the light of the MER obligation.&nbsp It will consider key contractual clauses, innovative contracting models, the legal (including tax) issues which arise as a result of decommissioning costs, and the interaction between the law of decommissioning and the law of insolvency.

When international commercial lawyers work with contracts, those contracts often engage parties from multiple countries with differing legal perspectives on how to interpret that same singular contract. This course is designed to enable commercial lawyers to understand how various legal traditions provide their own unique perspectives on a variety of contractual issues. The course will explore how different aspects of contract law can lead to unexpected differences or similarities across national legal cultures, enabling an international commercial lawyer to coordinate those issues for their clients. The course will focus on a variety of European legal systems, with additional discussions drawn from transnational contract law instruments such as the Principles of European Contract Law and the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods.

Tax law is an integral aspect of all international commercial activities; it is crucial for commercial lawyers to have an understanding of tax law even if they are not tax lawyers. This course is a tax law course for general commercial lawyers, providing a gentle introduction to the varieties of tax laws and policies. The course enables a general commercial lawyer to understand tax law and policy discussions, both as public policy concerns and as issues related to clients' commercial matters. The course covers the basics of tax models and introduces a variety of tax law systems, such as income tax, property tax, sales tax and VAT taxes. The course also explains how tax policy can affect corporate and commercial interests, such as the role of tax law in environmental protection, in energy resource stewardship, or in corporate social responsibility. In conclusion, the course is designed for general commercial lawyers to increase their professional skills and legal knowledge related to commercial tax law and policy.

The complex interaction between investment protection and the sovereign right of states to regulate has been most acute in the energy sector. On the one hand, investors require strong guarantees that states will respect the “rules of the game” that constitute the basis of their investments. On the other, states can be tempted to interfere with foreign energy investments because of their particular strategic and social importance. This course aims to analyse if existing investment disciplines are adapted to the specific regulatory risks that investors face in the energy landscape of the 21st Century.

This course provides a series (8 hours) of lectures to new LLM Natural Resources Law students on the fundamental concepts relating to natural resources law and policy. The aim of the course is to ensure that all students are equipped with the necessary conceptual framework and knowledge to be able to undertake study of the various and diverse courses offered within the LLM in Natural Resources Law. It will also assure that all students commence the degree on an equal knowledge footing.

This is a compulsory law course for the LLM/MSc in Corporate Finance. It will explore issues within the law of debt finance, principally focused on the laws of the UK (including English law and Scots law, where appropriate) but with reference to other systems too. It will provide students with a wider and deeper understanding of various debt finance issues that are crucial to the law of corporate finance.

This is a compulsory law course for the LLM/MSc in Corporate Finance. It will explore issues within the law of equity finance, mainly focused on the laws of the UK but also with references to different legal systems. It will provide students with a wider and deeper understanding of various equity finance issues that are crucial to the law of corporate finance.

Why this Course?
There is limited appreciation given to the study of the state as a policymaker, legislator, and disputing party in the context of international economic law. Yet, the states have become the “investor of first-resort", while participating in an unprecedented surge of international investment disputes and international economic agreements (i.e., CETA, USMCA, EU-Singapore, and EU-Japan).

For example, the course covers how international investment law interacts with the State’s regulatory powers to protect public health, a timely topic in light of COVID-19.

International Economic Organizations are also crucial actors of international economic law as their powers have expanded over recent years. Challenges to these powers have also appeared, including pressure on their immunities and political division among members.

As a result, interactions between these actors are becoming increasingly numerous and complex. This calls for a course with a comparative and practice-oriented renewed approach to international economic law.

Would this course contribute to my professional growth?

Students aiming to work as policymakers, government officials, legal practitioners, and researchers will use a comparative methodology to understand the similar issues arising in investment and trade law. By using contemporary case-studies, students will be able to clearly articulate their learning on most of the complex issues arising from the application of international economic law. The course will have emphasis on the study and analysis of investment standards such as non-discrimination, most-favorable treatment, fair and equitable treatment, expropriation, and standards of compensation.

What is the course objective?

The objective of this module is to give students a competitive advantage at understanding the "real-life" consequences of the state as the "main economic actor” by elucidating some of the most frequent pervasive issues arising from international investment law and dispute resolution.

It will also allow students to focus on under-noticed developments of international development law. The analysis of the case-law of bodies such as anti-fraud sanctions processes or accountability mechanisms will permit students to understand underlying dynamics that go beyond the organization concerned and impact other fields of international economic law.

The course content is also relevant for students interested in applying investment and trade law from an interdisciplinary perspective by studying, for example, the role of preferential tariffs and subsidies in delivering low-carbon economies.

Seminars will employ different methodologies to learn the impact of economic law in politics and business, including cases on plain packaging and non-communicable diseases, public procurement, corruption, and international labour law standards rigorously.

What is the crucial contribution of this course to my LLM?

This is a crucial module at building knowledge across the architecture of investment, trade, and development agreements by focusing on the institutional intersections across economic and legal organisations such as the World Bank, IMF, WTO, and ICSID. Students will benefit from the innovative teaching method on “Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) Lab” where they can contribute to test ideas on the unresolved challenges arising from dispute settlements mechanisms, including experiences from WTO to the ISDS Reform currently lead by the United Nations at the UNCITRAL WG III.

Moreover, given the comparative methodologies used, this course offers an excellent added value to all students seeking continuity into further postgraduate studies, including Ph.D. studies in the field of international economic law, international investment law, and international dispute resolution.

 

The purpose of this course is to introduce the main principles of environmental law and natural resources regulation. The course analyses the challenges of environmental protection and from the perspective of international, European and national law; and outlines the main legal principles of natural resources development. Besides the conceptual analysis of the main principles of environmental law and methods of regulation, the course focuses on the delicate interaction between the principles of economic law (e.g. the right to property, the protection of investments, free trade) and environmental protection. Is there a conflict between economic law and environmental law or are these fields of law mutually reinforcing?

The course aims to provide a thorough and critical understanding of fundamental concepts, principles and institutions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), with emphasis on trade in goods (GATT).  The main topics covered include relevant historical and institutional developments, WTO dispute resolution, core principles such as the non-discrimination, most-favour-nation (MFN) and the prohibition of quantitative restrictions on international trade.  The security, environment, human rights, labour standards, economic emergencies and free trade areas and customs unions based exceptions and their challenges are also analytically explored.  These are studied in light of relevant WTO panel and Appellate Body cases and recommendations.

The course introduces students to the basics of International Law. It will describe the international legal system, the sources of International Law and the law of treaties.

This course explores the diversity of laws and policies that shape our food system. It considers crucial legal issues applicable to the access, production, processing, packaging, marketing, consumption and disposal of food such as food sovereignty, food security, right to food, intellectual property rights relating to food, food safety, food waste as well as the food -water -energy- land nexus. The course, delivered through seminars, encourages debates, critical thinking and formulation of opinions on the complex and often controversial issues covered. Seasoned guest speakers are invited to enrich the student’s knowledge and experience. Whilst the course focuses on the international and UK systems, relevant examples from other jurisdictions are employed.

The course analyses how international law regulates the use of armed forces between States.  It is of interest to  students who want to understand the legal considerations which frame contemporary conflicts. The course will  study the fundamental principle of the prohibition on the use of inter-State force. It will examine the current exceptions to this principle, and how States try to justify the use of force. Consequently, the course will study the most recent recourses to force on the international plane, in particular in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Ukraine. Teaching will be delivered mainly through discussion based seminars.

This course tracks the ongoing interactions between trade mark and related laws on the one hand and the social and commercial practices of branding on the other.  Through the use of cases and contemporary examples throughout, the course views trade mark and related laws within their historical, current, and developing social and commercial contexts.  It offers a critical view of certain developments in the laws, their roles in and responses to the evolving practices of branding.  It provides students with both an analytical and a practical view on the protection of trade mark and related rights.

The course was designed to help students build competence in dealing with the doctrinal issues about international human rights. It involves understanding the place of human rights in public international law, finding one’s way around the foundational human rights documents and the jurisprudence of human rights bodies. The course delivery puts heavy emphasis on classroom discussion on the controversial issues on contemporary human rights law that shape doctrinal development in this field: the justifiability of torture, the limits of freedom of religion, the justiciability of social rights, etc

The transport and supply of hydrocarbons (oil and gas) and electricity is essential for modern civilisation. If energy cannot get to the consumer, then energy security is threatened and economic development may be restricted.

These challenges are important in the context of the liberalisation of these sectors, especially the restructuring of these industries from monopolies to competitive markets. This course explores the law and policy framework governing the movement and distribution of energy, particularly within a liberalised market, in an era of climate change. Topics covered include market liberalisation, energy security, gas sales and transport, and market regulation.

Students will explore the diversity of laws and practices relevant to commercialising innovation. We will consider patents, trade secrets, copyright and database rights, new business models, competition, natural resources and activities in developing areas. Visiting speakers from practice and industry are regularly invited. In the first session, students develop an innovative idea, as a base for discussion in each session. Seminars involve individual and group work, and the preparation of posters.

The course will build on the knowledge and experience students gained from the core Litigation course. The course will cover: the conduct of 2 case scenarios which will involve preparation and conduct of both a debate and a proof; client interviews; precognition taking; preparation of different types of civil pleadings; students will practice by role play the skills required to prepare and conduct civil cases in the sheriff court; summary cause and small claims procedures.

The course will cover: contractual drafting; contracts of sale; consumer contracts; Heads of Terms and offers; common law and implied terms; Share Purchase Agreement and Boilerplate clauses: Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006; intellectual property; warranties and indemnities; Bribery Act 2010; assignation, assignment, novation and variations; exiting commercial contracts. Key skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, analysing key risk areas in relation to technical and legal matters, drafting, negotiation, and transaction based research.

The course will cover: a role play scenario where students will work in groups acting for the purchaser and seller throughout the key stages of an acquisition transaction; drafting preliminary documentation; creation of a company as an acquisition vehicle; financial aspects of the deal; diligence and disclosure; the Share Purchase Agreement; the completion process including a mock completion meeting and post completion matters. Key skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, drafting, negotiation, and transaction based research.

The course will develop knowledge and understanding of a range of available approaches to dispute resolution and consider the strengths and weaknesses of the different forms of dispute resolution in practice; scoping the dispute and the client’s attitudes to its resolution; development of a planned style and strategy for negotiation; conduct of a negotiation; mediation; expert referral; arbitration; enforcement in dispute resolution. Key skills will also be covered such as interviewing, listening, advising, persuading, processing conflicting information, client care, drafting and transaction based research.

The course will cover: taking part in role play scenarios relating to disputes involving divorce, cohabitation and parental rights; taking instructions in a family law dispute; writing positional letters; drafting appropriate court documentation; negotiations which involve the parties and solicitors; interim interdict hearing; and child welfare hearing. Key skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, client care, drafting, negotiation, and transaction based research.

The course will cover: the oil and gas licensing regime; the broader context within which the oil and gas industry operates; Joint Operating Agreements; exclusivity agreements; Joint Bidding Agreements; exclusion/indemnity clauses and risk allocation; access to infrastructure; renewable and planning issues; servitudes; health & safety and the environment qualifying disclosures and protected disclosures; the legal framework concerning decommissioning; the role of the media with particular reference to the Brent Spar incident; regulatory issues and responsibilities in the event of an oil rig disaster. Key skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, drafting, negotiation, and transaction based research.

Employment Law: Tribunal Practice and Procedure

The course will cover preparing and representing clients at Employment tribunals, and to develop advocacy and communication skills in dealing with and representing clients involved in employment disputes. Key skills will also be covered such as communication with clients; client and witness interviews; advocacy skills; drafting, negotiation, and transaction based research.

The course will cover an overview of the institutions of Public Law; an examination of planning law; issues dealing with education, housing and social work; an examination of Equality and Human Rights law. The course will include a themed case study (e.g. Gypsy Travellers) which will be reviewed throughout the duration of the course. Key skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, drafting, negotiation, advocacy skills and transaction based research.

The course will develop knowledge and skills in both theory and practice on all aspects of negotiation. The course will cover preparation for a negotiation, including conducting an assessment of the client's position; review typical negotiation strategies; assessed the range of potential outcomes. Students will conduct negotiations across a range of disciplines.

The course will opportunities to develop and enhance key transferable skills and address  issues of confidentiality and ethical considerations in the negotiation process.

Taught by museum and law academics, this course will examine cultural property issues  such as treasure trove, looting and repatriation, forgery, sacred and street art, and the derogatory treatment of art. Objects from the University Museum and collections worldwide will be drawn on to illustrate aspects of the course. Museum practice and operational experience will also inform certain aspects.  Students will be encouraged to explore and develop their own ideas.  Facilitating this, the course will include a programme of case studies and/or issue papers to be presented by students for class discussion.      

 

The course will provide an understanding for petroleum data managers from legal, commercial and security standpoints of contemporary legal challenges involving data protection and privacy from commercial, state and activist perspectives such as big data and data mining; intellectual property, trade secrets and standards; regulatory frameworks; responses to activities such as malware; risk in contracts and general legal bases for liability; and information security management.

Between May and mid-August students prepare a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic of their choice related to their specialist LLM programme. Students are instructed through the delivery of a preparatory lecture, two supervisory meetings and a two hour dissertation planning workshop in a small group setting. Students are expected to spend considerable time on independent research throughout the course of the dissertation module, including; preparation of dissertation plan, amendment of plan in accordance with supervisory comments, preparation for the dissertation workshop, and, of course, in the final 10,000 word dissertation itself.

This course is taught over two weeks in June each year. It is highly practical and interactive, involving group discussion and debate, drafting, role play and presentations. Students are taken through the international arbitration process from drafting the arbitration clause, to jurisdiction, preliminary proceedings, the hearing, the award (judgement) and enforcing and challenging the award.  Practitioners in international arbitration deliver some of the tuition. There is no exam, assessment is by presentation, preparing written arguments and award (arbitral judgement) writing. Successful completion of the course can lead to exemption from the Membership examinations of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

This course allows students the opportunity to deploy the knowledge they have gained in the taught courses on the LLM Oil and Gas Law programme in two intensive week-long exercises designed to develop their professional skills. The first of these involves an insight into the building of a commercial case to farm-in to a petroleum licence whilst the second puts students in the position of state or commercial actors negotiating a Production Sharing Agreement. This course is available to students on the LLM Oil and Gas Law with Professional Skills programme.

This course allows students the opportunity to deploy the knowledge they have gained in the taught courses on the LLM Energy Law with Professional Skills programme in intensive exercises designed to develop their professional skills.  It aims to provide students with an insight into specific processes which form the practical context for the legal and regulatory knowledge and skills gained during the taught courses. It also informs them about how the regulatory context affects the planning of projects and the conduct of processes leading to their authorisation and implementation.

This course allows students the opportunity to deploy the knowledge they have gained in the taught courses on the LLM Energy and Environmental Law with Professional Skills programme in intensive exercises designed to develop their professional skills.  It aims to provide students with an insight into specific processes which form the practical context for the legal and regulatory knowledge and skills gained during the taught courses. It also informs them about how the environmental regulatory context affects the planning of projects and the conduct of processes leading to their authorisation and implementation.

This course is the professional skills element of the LLM in International Trade Law and Treaty Negotiation Programme and is taught over two weeks after a preparatory week in summer. It is a highly practical and interactive course that aims to equip students with the practical skills necessary to successfully negotiate international trade agreements. The knowledge and skills acquired on this course are suitable for positions in government, finance, international organisations, business and industry associations operating in or affected by international trade and NGOs concerned with international trade. 

Between May and mid-August students prepare a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic of their choice related to their specialist LLM programme. Students are instructed through the delivery of a preparatory lecture, two supervisory meetings and a programme specific support session. Students are expected to spend considerable time on independent research throughout the course of the dissertation module, including; preparation of dissertation plan, amendment of plan in accordance with supervisory comments, preparation for the support session, and, of course, in the final 10,000 word dissertation itself.

This course enables students to develop professional and practical skills in intellectual property law. This course will take the place of a dissertation. 

This is the Aberdeen block of the North Sea Energy Law Programme (NSELP) and can only be taken by students on the NSELP programme. 

This course is a year-long (two semesters) course that provides a broad range substantive, methodological, and professional training for first year PGR students. The teaching goal of the course is to provide first-year PGR students with a range of educational materials and training experiences to better enable successful outcomes in their PGR program.

This course is a year-long (two semesters) course that provides a broad range substantive, methodological, and professional training for second year PGR students. The teaching goal of the course is to provide second-year PGR students with a range of educational materials and training experiences to better enable successful outcomes in their PGR program. In particular, this course build on the prerequisite course by expanding into the skills necessary for presenting at Research Conferences, for large hall presentations, and for public testimony at legislative or ministerial events.

This course is a year-long (two semesters) course that provides a broad range substantive, methodological, and professional training for third year PGR students. The teaching goal of the course is to provide third-year PGR students with a range of educational materials and training experiences to better enable successful outcomes in their PGR program. In particular, this course builds on the first two year’s worth of training to focus on intensive viva skills, interview skills, and job search skills.