Joint Nordic Master's Programme in Environmental Law
120 credits
The Nordic Master's Programme in Environmental Law involves studies in Sweden, Finland and Norway and offers in-depth knowledge of international and European Union (EU) environmental law with Nordic case studies. You will get a broad understanding of the principles and mechanisms of environmental law. Further, the programme provides a specialisation in the law relating to climate and energy transition, natural resource use and biodiversity protection – arguably the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024, Uppsala, Joensuu, Tromsø, 100%, On-campus, English
- Location
- Uppsala, Joensuu, Tromsø
- Pace of study
- 100%
- Teaching form
- On-campus
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Start date
- 2 September 2024
- Language of instruction
- English
- Entry requirements
-
Academic requirements
A Bachelor of Law corresponding to at least three years of full-time study (180 credits). Alternatively, a university degree of at least 180 credits, comprising or in combination with at least 90 credits in legal science.
Language requirements
Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.
- Selection
-
Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies and a statement of purpose including information on previous education, work and other experience.
- Application deadline
- 15 January 2024
- Application code
- UU-M2880
- Additional information
-
In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit a programme-specific statement of purpose (1 page).
The statement of purpose should include information on previous education, work and other experience.
Check the application guide for information on how to apply and what other supporting documents you need to submit.
If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees. The application fee is SEK 900. The tuition fee for the first semester at Uppsala University is SEK 50,000 per semester. Tuition fees for the other semesters are set by the respective universities (UIT, the Arctic University of Norway, University of Eastern Finland).
Autumn 2025 Autumn 2025, Uppsala, Joensuu, Tromsø, 100%, On-campus, English
- Location
- Uppsala, Joensuu, Tromsø
- Pace of study
- 100%
- Teaching form
- On-campus
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Start date
- 1 September 2025
- Language of instruction
- English
- Entry requirements
-
Academic requirements
A Bachelor of Law corresponding to at least three years of full-time study (180 credits). Alternatively, a university degree of at least 180 credits, comprising or in combination with at least 90 credits in legal science.
Language requirements
Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.
- Selection
-
Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies and a statement of purpose including information on previous education, work and other experience.
- Application deadline
- 15 January 2025
- Application code
- UU-M2880
- Additional information
-
In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit a programme-specific statement of purpose (1 page).
The statement of purpose should include information on previous education, work and other experience.
Check the application guide for information on how to apply and what other supporting documents you need to submit.
If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees. The application fee is SEK 900. The tuition fee for the first semester at Uppsala University is SEK 50,000 per semester. Tuition fees for the other semesters are set by the respective universities (UIT, the Arctic University of Norway, University of Eastern Finland).
About the programme
The programme provides you with knowledge of international and EU environmental law, with case studies on implementation from the Nordic countries. The goal is to provide high qualifications for those who are interested in legal work in the field of environment, nationally or internationally, but also for those who wish to study for a PhD in environmental law.
The programme gives you basic theoretical and methodological knowledge of environmental law. You will acquire special legal knowledge and skills within two key environmental fields; management of natural resources and the protection of biodiversity; and, climate change and energy transition.
You will study in three Nordic countries. First at Uppsala University in Sweden, then at the University of Eastern Finland in Joensuu, and finally at UiT The Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø. This will give you an international experience within and alongside the education. Each university has its own cultural and social environment.
It is a two-year programme with a range of courses. There is a strong research approach in the programme. Almost all the teachers have a PhD degree in law. You are expected to carry out your own investigations before seminars and to complete a Master's thesis (30 credits). Law students from all over the world can apply to the programme, which creates a very international study environment.
Degree
The programme leads to a joint degree from the three participating universities: Master of Legal Science (120 credits) (Uppsala University), Master of International and Comparative Law (University of Eastern Finland), and Master of Laws (UiT The Arctic University of Norway).
Content
The programme comprises four semesters.
First semester: Uppsala University (UU)
The first semester of the programme is spent in Uppsala. During this semester two themes are addressed. The first is a general introduction to the role of law in the formulation and implementation of environmental policies. This comprises the functions and potentials of different environmental legal instruments and principles, as well as how legislation and legal principles can counteract the implementation of environmental objectives and green growth. You will also learn how international and EU environmental law interact with national law.
The second theme of the semester is more substantive and relates to the effective management of natural resources, including the protection of biodiversity according to international law, EU law and also the law of the Nordic states. Some aspects of natural resource management and biodiversity protection are discussed more in-depth during subsequent semesters.
Second semester: University of Eastern Finland (UEF)
The second semester of the programme is spent at the School of Law of the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), Joensuu. The university is home to the Centre for Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Law (CCEEL), which brings together around 80 senior and junior scholars specialised in climate change, energy, natural resources and environmental law.
At UEF, you will take courses comprising the following themes: climate change law and policy; international environmental law; green transitions; international forest law; international water law; environmental and social impact assessment. All programme courses at UEF are taught by international experts, providing unique insights into developments in international, European, and national environmental law.
Third semester: the Arctic University of Norway (UiT)
The third semester is spent at UiT, the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø where you find one of the world's largest research centres for the law of the Sea (Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea, NCLOS).
The first course of the semester focuses on marine environmental law and sustainable use of living marine resources and includes studies on the protection of biodiversity in marine harvesting, in areas within and beyond national jurisdiction, and offers case studies on regional implementation.
The second course provides you with advanced knowledge of the interdependence between climate and energy, including the implications of climate change law for the energy sector, renewable energy, emissions trading and carbon capture and storage. The course will also offer case studies from the Arctic.
Fourth semester: The Master's thesis
The fourth semester is administered by UiT, the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø. However, you are not required to stay in Tromsø throughout the entire semester. You will produce an individual Master's thesis on a topic related to the subjects taught in the programme. The topic must be approved by UiT, which will also appoint an academic supervisor.
Seminars are held at the beginning and in the middle of the semester. Participation in the seminars is compulsory but most of them may be attended via video link.
All students are required to attend a mandatory course in legal methodology, thesis structuring and writing skills. Each thesis is evaluated and graded by two examiners appointed by UiT. To be accepted to this fourth semester, you must have completed 75 credits of the programme courses
Courses within the programme
Semester 1, Uppsala University, Uppsala
The first semester comprises two 15 credits courses:
- Introduction - The Role of Law in Environmental Policies
- Law on Management of Natural Resources and Protection of Biodiversity
Semester 2, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu
The second semester offers a selection of 5 credits courses on the following themes:
- Climate Change Law and Polic
- International Environmental Law and Green Transitions
- Careers in Environmental Policy and Law
- International Forest Law
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- International Water Law
Semester 3, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø
The third semester comprises two 15 credits courses:
- Energy and Climate Change Law
- Protection of Marine Environment with Focus on Marine Living Resources Law
Semester 4, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø
- Master's thesis in Environmental Law, 30 credits
Learning experience
The programme contains different teaching methods, such as lectures and seminars. The teaching methods vary according to the goals of the courses. The teaching is highly focused on problem-solving, critical thinking and active student participation. In a seminar, you present your ideas and discuss with your classmates a course book or other study material that you are required to prepare before the seminar, while the teacher usually only moderates the discussion. The aim is to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills. All students are expected to be active participants in all forms of discussions.
You often work in a group with other students. This way, you learn from each other and you train to be a team player. It can take place in the form of seminars that include analyses of court cases or constructed hypothetical cases, and also made-up court cases with active role-playing among students. Normally around 25 students are admitted to the programme.
The focus of the programme is essentially theoretical. Almost all teachers have a PhD degree and many are full professors. Also, lawyers with practical experience from courts, companies, authorities and interest groups are used as teachers.
Examination of the courses is most often in the form of a written exam, but also oral and written achievements in connection with seminars are assessed. The University/institution responsible for a course is also responsible for its examination. If possible, practitioners will be involved as advisors (not to be conflated with supervisors or examiners) during the writing of the Master's thesis.
The teaching language is English throughout the entire programme.
Career
The field of environmental law is extensive and growing internationally, within the EU and nationally. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for expertise in this complex legal field, not least in connection with sustainable management of natural resources and the protection of biodiversity, and in the field of climate and energy law.
Environmental law experts are needed in ministries, at state and municipal authorities, in courts, within the EU Commission, and the UN Environmental Programme, as well as in companies, law firms, environmental organisations, etc. A degree from this Nordic programme in Environmental Law should make you an attractive candidate in the labour market. There is no other Master's programme in the Nordic countries with the same focus.
This degree is also very valuable if you apply for PhD studies in environmental law. Environmental law research is very active, not least in the Nordic countries. Universities require competent researchers and professors in this discipline.
Career support
During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career. Learn more about UU Careers.
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Contact
- For questions regarding admission requirements and general questions, please contact Study Counsellor Lee Holmström:
- lawmaster@jur.uu.se
- +46 18 471 28 56
- For programme-specific information, please contact Programme Director Professor David Langlet:
- david.langlet@jur.uu.se
- For admissions-related, please contact our applicant support team:
- study@uu.se
- Partner universities:
- UiT - The Arctic University of Norway's programme webpage
- The University of Eastern Finland's programme webpage
Students
As a student you will find information about your studies in the student gateway.