Master of Environmental Law

The University of Newcastle (UoN)

CRICOS Institution Code 00109J

Duration

52 weeks

Delivery

Face to Face

Study Load

Full-time or Part-time

Intakes

—

Course Overview

About This Course

Deepen your knowledge of Environmental Law. This program is designed to provide legal and non-legal professionals with a deeper knowledge of Environmental Law in Australia and beyond. Study a range of discipline areas taught by international industry experts, including Environmental and Life Sciences, Business, and Architecture and Built Environment.

It is the only postgraduate legal program in Australia which offers 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). Our flexible study options allow you the time and pace that suits your schedule. Attend classes at NUspace in Newcastle's CBD, online, or a mix of both. Broaden your cross-cultural legal knowledge through international study experiences and international legal internships. Hear the program convenor for the Master of Environmental Law, Dr Elena Aydos, discuss her research and teaching regarding climate change. The Master of Environmental Law is a professionally-focussed and interdisciplinary program that will expose students to new perspectives and deep analyses of environmental law issues, ensuring high quality teaching and learning experiences for students.Graduates of this program will be equipped with advanced knowledge and skills, positioning them to engage in further education, research and professional development in Australia and across the world.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

55 Elizabeth St, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Provider's Published Fee

AUD 32,370 per year (indicative, 2026)

Duration

52 weeks

Intakes

Midyear Session, Semester 1, Semester 2, Trimester 1, Trimester 2, Trimester 3

Study Mode

Full-time or Part-time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Entry into the Master of Environmental Law Program (80 units) will be available to applications who have:
an AQF Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree in a related field such as law, environmental science, environmental resource management, environmental planning, architecture, engineering and surveying, or human and physical geography; or
an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a related field such as law, environmental science, environmental resource management, environmental planning, architecture, engineering and surveying, or human and physical geography; or
an AQF level 7 Bachelor Degree in a related field of law, environmental science, environmental resource management, environmental planning, architecture, engineering and surveying, or human and physical geography; or
an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree in not in a related field and have at least two years relevant work experience; or
at least seven years relevant work experiences, of which two years should have been in a management position in law, environmental science, environmental resource management, environmental planning, architecture, engineering and surveying, or human and physical geograph, for instance as: a project manager within an environmental discipline; a professional with experience in mentoring, training or supervising the quality of professional work; or as a manager or consultant working in a field related to the environment.

International students

English language proficiency (IELTS Academic or approved equivalent): overall minimum 7; no sub-test below 6.5.
CRICOS course code: 0100471.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

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: A Master of Environmental Law does not qualify you to practice law in Australia. If you wish to practice law in Australia, our Juris Doctor (JD) and the embedded Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) is designed to provide 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.

• 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)

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB NSW)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

State Legal Admission Authority

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units28 units

LAWS6020

Environmental Law

LAWS6025

Environmental/Natural Resources Law Clinic

ARBE6615

Disaster Risk and Resilience Principles

ARBE6618

Disaster Governance and International Frameworks

LAWS6043

Advanced Legal Research Project

ARBE6616

Community-led Resilience and Leadership

LAWS6037

International Environment Law and Policy

LAWS6046

International Air and Space Law

ARBE6617

Disaster Resilience Economics and Business Resilience

LAWS6038

Law and Economics of Climate Change

LAWS6050

Commercial Dispute Resolution

ENVS6500

Business and the Natural Environment

LAWS6092

International Clinical Legal Externship

ENVS6525

Sustainability and Ecosystem Health

LAWS6093

International Study Experience

ENVS6530

Environmental Management

LAWS6103

International Arbitration

ENVS6555

Applied Natural Resource Management

LAWS6104

Human Rights and Climate Change-Induced Human Displacement

ARBE6618

Disaster Governance and International Frameworks

LAWS6105

Expert Evidence

LAWS6106

Advanced Communication Skills

LAWS6107

Mediation Skills and Theory

LAWS6108

Corporate Power and Corporate Accountability: Pathways to Socially Responsible Business

LAWS6109

Restorative Justice

LAWS6116

Legal Innovation and Design

LAWS6119

Renewable Energy Law Clinic

LEGL6005

Co-operative Law and Governance

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of support is available for graduate researchers at the University of Newcastle?

The University of Newcastle offers a range of scholarships to help students meet their living costs while they study, and connects students with top-tier researchers and world-class facilities.

Do I need a supervisor to undertake a research degree at the University of Newcastle?

Yes, all research degree candidates require a supervisor. It is recommended you start actively searching for potential supervisors in your chosen field before you submit your application, and you can search by researcher name, area of expertise, or by research centre.

How many research degrees does the University of Newcastle offer?

Across the PhD and MPhil programs, the University of Newcastle has over 180 degrees to choose from, covering a wide range of research interest areas.

Who are the traditional custodians of the lands where the University of Newcastle is located?

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within its footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations, and pays respect to the wisdom of their Elders past and present.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level (0-2 years)$65,000 – $85,000/yr

Early Career (2-5 years)$85,000 – $120,000/yr

Mid-Level (5-10 years)$120,000 – $175,000/yr

Career Paths

Graduate Lawyer / Graduate Solicitor
Solicitor
Barrister
In-House Counsel / Corporate Counsel
General Counsel

Key Skills

Legal research and case analysis
Statutory interpretation and legal reasoning
Written and oral advocacy
Contract drafting and document preparation
Critical thinking and problem-solving

Full course overview

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