MA Environmental Law and Sustainable Development
London
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
SOAS University of London, a globally recognized institution specializing in the studies of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, offers a unique and highly relevant postgraduate program—MA Environmental Law and Sustainable Development. This program is specifically designed for students and professionals who are passionate about environmental justice, sustainable resource management, and the legal frameworks that support sustainable development on a global scale. By combining legal studies with socio-economic and environmental issues, the program prepares graduates to become leaders in the fields of environmental policy, international development, and sustainability law. Set in the heart of London, SOAS provides an intellectually vibrant environment that encourages critical thinking and a holistic understanding of global challenges.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Environmental Law and Sustainable Development is interdisciplinary, integrating environmental law with international development studies. Students explore a wide array of modules that cover topics such as international environmental law, climate change law, biodiversity conservation, land rights, water law, sustainable development policy, and the relationship between trade and the environment. What sets SOAS apart is its critical approach to law and sustainability, rooted in real-world concerns affecting the Global South. The program offers both core and optional modules, allowing students to tailor their learning to their specific interests—whether that be climate justice, environmental governance, or indigenous rights. The combination of theory and practice ensures that graduates leave with a deep understanding of how environmental laws can be used as tools for promoting sustainability and social equity.
Research Focus: SOAS is internationally acclaimed for its research in law, human rights, environmental justice, and sustainable development. The university's School of Law is home to leading scholars whose work addresses pressing global challenges from a critical and inclusive perspective. Research within the MA Environmental Law and Sustainable Development program often explores issues related to climate change, global inequality, post-colonial environmental governance, and the role of international institutions in enforcing environmental norms. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research projects that reflect their personal and professional goals. Through access to SOAS’s extensive library resources and research centers, such as the Centre for Development, Environment and Policy (CeDEP), students can immerse themselves in cutting-edge discussions shaping the global environmental landscape.
Industry Engagement: One of the strengths of the program is its practical orientation and strong industry engagement. SOAS maintains active links with international organizations, NGOs, policy think tanks, and environmental law firms. Guest lectures, panel discussions, and seminars feature prominent figures from organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, and Amnesty International. These industry connections provide valuable insights into how environmental law is applied in real-world contexts. Additionally, students often have the opportunity to pursue internships and collaborative projects with development agencies or environmental advocacy groups. This experiential learning component enhances employability and ensures that students can translate academic knowledge into impactful careers.
Global Perspective: SOAS is synonymous with global education, and this ethos is deeply embedded in the MA Environmental Law and Sustainable Development program. Unlike many Western-centric legal programs, SOAS places significant emphasis on environmental challenges facing the Global South. Students explore the intersection of environmental law with socio-economic development in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Topics such as environmental colonialism, indigenous land rights, and climate migration are examined through a global lens. The program fosters an understanding of how environmental governance varies across cultural and political contexts, preparing students to work in international environments where cross-cultural competence and legal insight are essential.
Location
London
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25740
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
SOAS University of London offers a variety of scholarships to support international students pursuing postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance to students from diverse backgrounds.
SOAS International Scholarships: SOAS University of London offers a range of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to support students from various regions and backgrounds who are looking to study at the institution. Scholarships vary by program and are awarded based on merit or financial need.
Postgraduate Scholarships: SOAS provides several postgraduate scholarships for international students, including the prestigious SOAS Postgraduate Scholarships. These are awarded based on academic merit and cover partial or full tuition fees. Some specific awards are dedicated to students from particular regions, such as Africa, Asia, or the Middle East, to encourage diverse participation in postgraduate programs.
Regional Scholarships: SOAS University of London provides scholarships for students from specific regions, including the Commonwealth, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These scholarships are aimed at increasing access to higher education for students from regions with traditionally lower rates of study abroad participation. Some of the notable scholarships include the SOAS Africa Scholarship and the SOAS South Asia Scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Certain scholarships are tailored to international students from specific countries. For example, SOAS offers scholarships for students from countries like India, China, Nigeria, and others. These scholarships typically cover a portion of tuition fees and may also include additional benefits like travel allowances or accommodation assistance.
External Funding Opportunities: In addition to the internal scholarships offered by SOAS, international students are encouraged to explore external funding sources. The UK government, private organizations, and international agencies often provide scholarships and grants for students pursuing studies in the UK. SOAS offers guidance and resources to help students find external funding options and apply for them.
SOAS Excellence Awards: The SOAS Excellence Awards are designed to support exceptionally talented international students. These awards are often given to those students who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential in their field of study. The Excellence Awards provide significant financial assistance and are available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Graduates of the MA Environmental Law and Sustainable Development program are well-equipped to pursue a variety of career paths in the rapidly evolving fields of environmental law, international development, sustainability, and policy advocacy. SOAS provides students with a strong foundation in legal frameworks, environmental governance, and sustainable development, ensuring they have the expertise needed to work at the intersection of law, environmental protection, and international development.
Environmental Lawyer: A natural career choice for graduates is working as an environmental lawyer, specializing in legal issues related to environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability. Environmental lawyers represent clients on matters involving land use, natural resources, pollution, climate change, and biodiversity conservation. They work for law firms, multinational corporations, or government agencies, advising on regulations, compliance, and the enforcement of environmental laws. Graduates of the MA Environmental Law and Sustainable Development program are equipped with both the legal knowledge and the practical understanding of global environmental issues to excel in this field.
Policy Advisor in Environmental Law and Sustainable Development: Graduates can work as policy advisors or consultants for international organizations, governments, or NGOs. In this role, they develop, assess, and implement policies that promote environmental sustainability and legal frameworks for resource conservation. Policy advisors analyze legal regulations and environmental issues, offering recommendations on sustainable development strategies, climate change mitigation, and conservation laws. With their deep understanding of environmental law and sustainable development principles, graduates are positioned to influence policy decisions at local, national, and international levels.
Environmental Consultant: Environmental consultants use their expertise to help businesses, governments, and organizations assess and improve their environmental impact. This includes advising on compliance with environmental regulations, conducting environmental impact assessments, and developing strategies for sustainable practices. Whether working for private consulting firms, government agencies, or non-governmental organizations, graduates of the MA Environmental Law and Sustainable Development program are well-prepared to provide legal and practical advice on environmental management and sustainability.
Sustainability Manager: Many organizations, including corporations, non-profits, and governments, are increasingly focusing on sustainability to reduce their environmental footprint. Graduates of the MA Environmental Law and Sustainable Development program can work as sustainability managers, overseeing initiatives that aim to reduce waste, conserve energy, and implement eco-friendly policies. This role involves integrating sustainable practices into corporate strategy, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and reporting on sustainability metrics. Graduates’ knowledge of both environmental law and sustainable development principles equips them to lead these initiatives.
Climate Change Analyst: With the growing focus on climate change, professionals who specialize in climate law and policy are in high demand. Graduates of the program may pursue careers as climate change analysts, working for think tanks, research organizations, government bodies, or international agencies. In this role, they analyze global climate data, advocate for policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and monitor international climate agreements. They use their legal and environmental knowledge to influence both national and international climate change strategies, often working in high-profile forums such as the United Nations Climate Change Conferences.
International Development Specialist: Graduates can pursue careers in international development, working for organizations such as the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), or various NGOs. They play a key role in creating and implementing sustainable development strategies in developing countries. This could involve advising on infrastructure projects, promoting legal frameworks for environmental sustainability, and ensuring that development initiatives meet the needs of marginalized communities while protecting natural resources. This field requires a strong understanding of both environmental issues and development law, both of which are central themes in the MA Environmental Law and Sustainable Development program.
Human Rights and Environmental Advocacy: Environmental issues often intersect with human rights concerns, particularly in marginalized communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation. Graduates may choose to work in advocacy or human rights law, representing communities whose land, water, or health are threatened by environmental harm. This could involve working with NGOs, international human rights organizations, or grassroots movements to fight for environmental justice and policy change. Their work could focus on securing the rights of indigenous peoples, securing environmental protections, and advocating for sustainable practices at both local and global levels.
Environmental Educator or Lecturer: For those interested in academia, graduates of the MA Environmental Law and Sustainable Development program may choose to pursue a career in teaching. They could lecture at universities or work for educational organizations, training the next generation of environmental lawyers and policy specialists. In addition to lecturing, they may engage in research, publishing papers and articles on the intersection of environmental law, sustainability, and international development.
Environmental Project Manager: Environmental project managers oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of projects designed to achieve environmental sustainability goals. Graduates may work for environmental NGOs, government agencies, or private companies in roles that involve managing renewable energy projects, waste management programs, or conservation initiatives. This career requires both leadership and project management skills, as well as a deep understanding of environmental laws and sustainability principles.
Researcher/Academic in Environmental Law: The MA Environmental Law and Sustainable Development program equips graduates with strong research skills, which can be applied to roles in legal research, think tanks, and academic institutions. Graduates may choose to focus on advancing knowledge in environmental law, sustainable development policies, or international environmental agreements. Working as researchers, they contribute to the academic discourse, writing papers, and conducting studies that influence policy and practice.
