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LLM (Master of Laws) in Oil and Gas Law
If you're planning a legal career in the oil and gas sector, a Master of Laws – commonly known as an LLM – is the internationally recognised qualification you need. Locally and on a worldwide scale, activities which surround the procurement of gas and oil are highly complex, and if this is an area that you are interested in working in then an LLM in Oil & Gas law could be for you.
There are many great reasons to study an LLM in Oil & Gas law. Studying an LLM in Oil & Gas Law will teach you about the geographical factors involved, plus the environmental implications and issues of law, and in order to best serve your future clients, you’ll need to be proficient in all of these areas.
Energy is the driving force behind almost every area of modern life and its providers contribute hugely to their national economy. Like any sector, the gas and oil industry is always in need of well qualified, skilled employees to improve their service. The best graduates will help their company maintain a competitive edge, adapt in a cross-border environment and help ensure environmental care obligations are followed.
Find LLM programs in Oil & Gas LawLLMs in Oil and Gas Law – Who's It For?
An LLM in Oil and Gas Law is ideal for professionals already working in the area as it will enable them to refresh their knowledge in this field while gaining a recognised qualification. Law graduates often choose to take an LLM in Gas and Oil to gain the detailed understanding needed to be a more effective legal force in this area. Business and environmental graduates often apply to access the technical side of the gas and oil economy, especially the institutional structures which it is governed by – and for them this Master of Laws qualification would also be useful.
Where can you study an LLM in Oil and Gas Law?
There are several universities across the UK and USA which run well-lectured programs and a diverse syllabus covering this field. In the UK, the University of Dundee has an LLM in Oil and Gas Law and Policy. Here you’ll take core units on subjects like International Petroleum Law and Policy, but students are also given the freedom to select additional modules. At the University of Aberdeen the LLM in Gas and Oil Law degree has units that cover licences and hydrocarbon resources. Both universities offer courses full time over one year or part time over two years, distance learning is also a possibility.
Some courses in the USA are based in the centre of the country’s energy production, such as the Master of Laws in Energy and Natural Resources run by the University of Oklahoma. It focuses on general aspects of law, but also sustainability and environmental responsibility. At the University of Texas, the program is entitled LLM in Global Energy, International Arbitration and Environmental Law. It examines corporate concerns and the resolution of multiparty conflicts in energy production. Students can take either course part time over two years, or full time over one year.
What qualifications do you need to study an LLM in Oil and Gas Law?
In order to be accepted on an LLM in Oil and Gas Law, you will usually need a first or upper second class degree with honours, a large component of which should relate to law or economics. Alternatively, if you lack academic qualifications but can demonstrate your substantial work experience in a closely related field, you are likely to be accepted as an applicant.
For overseas graduates the institution will expect an IELTS score of around 7.0 in total, however each section will generally need to be graded as at least 6.5. There may be a test prior to commencing the course and ongoing support with English throughout the program if needed.
Recommended Reading
If you are considering an LLM in Gas and Oil Law there are a couple of texts which are recommended reading for students, these are;
Competition in energy markets: law and regulation in the European Union (2007) by Peter D Cameron is an excellent guide to legal matters within Europe.
Revenue law: principles and practice (2012) by Natalie Lee comprehensively covers issues of tax in relation to law.
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