The School of Law offers a coursework LLM programme in Environmental Law on both the Howard College and Pietermaritzburg Campuses.
Programme outcomes
The programme aims to develop an expert knowledge of South African Environmental Law, and to provide students with the opportunity to make extensive use of comparative materials.
Programme structure
The programme consists of four taught modules, and a dissertation of between 20 000 and 25 000 words. It is offered on a full-time basis on the Pietermaritzburg Campus and on a part-time basis on the Howard College Campus. Three modules are presented in the first semester and one in the second (PMB), with part-time (HC) students registering for two modules in the first semesters of both years. Students are required to register for the dissertation in the second semester of the year.
Programme teaching method
In order to best accommodate our target group, the mode of delivery will involve teaching in blocks, at least for those modules offered to part-time students. The examinations will be written at the end of each semester.
Programme modules
The following modules will be presented in the programme:
- Research Methodology
- Land Use and Planning Law
- Natural Resources Law
- Pollution Control Law
- Ocean and Coastal Law
- Wildlife Law
- International Environmental Law
Thank-you for your interest in applying for a Masters in Environmental Law. This
contains important information about the application process. Please complete all the
application steps
Contact details
- he LLM (environmental law) programme co-ordinator is Professor Michael Kidd:
kidd@ukzn.ac.za Tel: 033-260 5382 - The post-graduate administrator for full Research Masters is Ms Gina Mshengu:
Email: MshenguG@ukzn.ac.za Tel: 031-260 8036 - The post-graduate administrator for Coursework Masters is Ms Robynne Louw:
Email: LouwR@ukzn.ac.za Tel: 033-260 6257 - The post-graduate administrator for thesis examination is Mr Pradeep
Ramsewak:
Email: ramsewakp@ukzn.ac.za Tel: 031-260 3046
If you are applying for full research masters:
- A full research Masters comprises one-year full time study (or two years part time study) during which you will complete a thesis of 50 000 words under the supervision of a labour law expert.
- Before you apply you must have a workable topic and a draft concept note. It is recommended that you contact a potential supervisor to approve your topic before applying. Queries can be directed to Professor Kidd.
- Applications are accepted throughout the academic year.
- Full research Masters students qualify for one-year fee remission (full-time registration only).
If you are applying for coursework masters:
- A coursework Masters comprises of 4 compulsory modules. The modules are Land Use and Planning Law, Natural Resources Law, Pollution Control Law and Research Methodology. In addition, you will need to complete a 15 000- word mini-thesis.
- The LLM in Environmental Law is offered part-time (over 2 years). Registration is part-time in Pietermaritzburg
- Since the programme runs over two-year cycles, the order of the modules is different from year to year. The modules on offer from the first semester of 2023 are as follows:
| Module | Semester/Year |
|---|---|
| Natural Resources Law | First semester (year 1) |
| Pollution Control Law | Second semester (year 1) |
| Land Use and Planning Law | First semester (year 2) |
| Research Methodology and Dissertation | First semester (year 2) |
| Dissertation | Second semester (year 2) |
- Lectures may be held either in block sessions or individual seminars, and either physically (contact seminars) or online. These may occur during or after working hours.
- Acceptance into the programme is limited and is dependent on enrolment targets.
- Applications windows are advertised on the School of Law website. Applications will open in June and close 31st October. Late applications may be accepted with our discretion, and you are encouraged to contact us to ascertain space on the program.
- Coursework Masters students do not qualify for fee remission.
Application steps
- Ensure you have made an online application here . https://law.ukzn.ac.za/law-howto-apply/Attach all required documents. If any of the required documents are not attached your application will be disregarded.
- To process your application, we require the following documents:
- Academic Transcript (and a SAQA certificate if your qualification is not from a South African institution)
- Matric Certificate
- ID
- Passport if you are a foreign student
- A personal motivation explaining why you wish to do Environmental law
- Curriculum vitae.
- A recent example of your writing. E.g. a research assignment, essay or report from your undergraduate degree
- Proof of payment of the application fee NOTE: ITEMS 5, 6 and 7 must be attached to the “Self Help Applic docs” tab in the online application
- The post-graduate administrator will “process” your application and send it to the programme co-ordinator for review. It is vitally important that you attach all the required documentation when applying online.
- If your application is successful you will receive a letter of acceptance with documents that you need to complete and return from the PG administrator.
- Full research Masters applications will be considered by the Post-Graduate research masters selection committee.