1. Introduction

Environmental law is an increasingly important field with a corresponding increase in employment opportunities. This exciting and highly relevant postgraduate programme in law is one of the few in South Africa that comprehensively covers a broad spectrum of environmental law, governance, and related modules. It is the only structured LLM programme that also explicitly focuses on environmental management and governance in relation to environmental law.

1. Prior knowledge required

Applicants should have an LLB or equivalent four-year legal degree. Research competency, writing skills and practical experience are considered when considering applications. As a general guideline, applicants must have obtained an average of at least 60% for final-year LLB modules and at least 60% for an undergraduate research dissertation or equivalent research assignment.

1. Programme outcomes

On completion of this programme, the student should be able to demonstrate:

• a comprehensive and systematic knowledge base in environmental law and governance and the ability to apply the knowledge;
• a coherent and critical understanding of the methodology of the field of study to rigorously critique and evaluate current research in this field, participate in scholarly debates and research relating to theory and practice;
• an ability to use advanced information-retrieval and processing skills to identify, critically analyse and synthesise information relevant to complex and/or real-world problems, cases and issues in the field of environmental law and governance where applicable, debating solutions from theoretical and research perspectives published in current literature and presenting the information to specialist and non-specialist audiences using it effectively; and
• the ability to critically evaluate and apply the ethics, values, rules, norms, and regulations pertaining to the specific field of study.

1. Modules

1. Lecturers

All modules in the LLM programme are coordinated and presented by leading experts, ranging from internationally renowned and National Research Foundation-rated academics and expert guest lecturers to well-known practitioners in the field with considerable hands-on experience. These lecturers and other expert faculty members are also responsible for supervision of the LLM mini-dissertations. 

• Prof Willemien du Plessis
• Mr Reece Alberts
• Prof Louis Kotzé
• Prof Michelle Barnard
• Prof Niel Lubbe
• Prof Susan Boullion
• Mr Lloyd Christie
• Mr Krisdan Bezuidenhout

1. Research and possible topics

Early in the academic year, students accepted for the LLM qualification have the opportunity to approach a potential study supervisor for the writing of their dissertation, which counts 50% towards the final degree mark. The dissertation is not an extended module assignment, but an in-depth, focused research-based study that must contribute to the generation of new knowledge in the field.

The generally accepted standard for such a dissertation is that it must be publishable in a peer-reviewed scholarly law journal. We actively encourage and assist our students to publish their dissertations in law journals.

We encourage students to identify a research topic in conjunction with their supervisor early on in the first year of registration. Research topics typically address whether laws and policies adequately address an environmental problem; how law and policies enable government (national, provincial, or local government) to address an environmental problem or respond to constitutional or international law duties; lessons that we can learn from case law to solve an environmental problem; and whether courts correctly and consistently interpret and enforce environmental laws.

1. Employment options or further study opportunities after completion of the programme

Despite the dire need in both the public and private sector, there are very few experts of environmental law/management in South Africa. Every municipality, the national and provincial departments of environmental affairs, big law firms, and specialised NGOs working on environmental protection need experts with specialised environmental law knowledge. An LLM degree in Environmental Law and Governance enables graduates to gain employment in both the public and private sectors. For those already working in the field, the degree can be used to further their career goals. There is also space in academia for those willing to pursue doctoral studies.

Prospective applicants without a four-year law degree (ie LLB) are eligible to apply for the structured MPhil Environmental Governance Law degree, albeit subject to the prior completion of five core undergraduate law modules which could be completed at any university in South Africa:

"To gain admission to the MPhil in Environmental Governance Law, a student who meets all the requirements of a four year university degree may apply for admission to the MPhil in Environmental Governance Law. Such a student must first successfully complete the following undergraduate modules (or module equivalents at another South African university): Introduction to Law; Law of Property, Constitutional Law, Administrative Law and Environmental Law. Before being allowed to register, the student may be required to provide the Director of Postgraduate programmes with sufficient written evidence of knowledge and practical experience in the relevant field."

Successful completion of the following undergraduate modules (or module equivalents at another South African university): Introduction to Law, Law of Property, Constitutional Law, Administrative Law and Environmental Law.

Read more about the programme or e-mail the Programme Coordinator. Applications close on 31 October. Apply for the programme or e-mail us if you have any enquiries on the application process. Remember to submit a separate bursary application form.

Once a prospective MPhil student with the required degree qualifications (eg BSc and BSc Hons) has completed all five of the undergraduate law modules, he or she may apply for admission to the structured MPhil programme in Environmental Governance Law. The programme content mirrors that of the Structured LLM in Environmental Governance Law with Environmental Management as an additional compulsory module, presented by the Faculty of Natural Sciences (Environmental Science and Management).

Prospective students may complete the required undergraduate law modules at a university of their choice. Should a letter of recommendation be needed to register for the required modules.

Contact e-mail address

Law-Postgrad-Enquiries@nwu.ac.za

Dissertation topics and study supervisors

Students accepted for the MPhil qualification have the opportunity early in the academic year to approach a potential study supervisor for the writing of the dissertation, which counts 50% of the final degree mark. The dissertation is not an extended module assignment but an in-depth, focused research-based study that must contribute to the development of new knowledge in the field.

The generally accepted standard for such a dissertation must be publishable in a peer-reviewed scholarly law journal. We also actively encourage and assist our students to publish their dissertations in law journals. The lecturers in this programme, as well as other faculty members, are available to supervise students. We encourage students to identify a research topic in conjunction with the identified supervisor early on in the first year of registration. 

Compilation of curriculum – M Phil in Environmental Law and Governance

The programme comprises the following modules:

Seminar Programme 2024 2nd Semester

Queries on costs and financial support:

http://www.nwu.ac.za/postgrad/graduate-studies-potchefstroom

https://law.nwu.ac.za/Info-postgraduate