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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Energy and Climate Law
Header image Energy and Climate Law
Master - full-time

Energy and Climate Law

Are you interested in how law shapes the transition to a sustainable energy system and addresses the challenges of climate change? Then the Energy and Climate Law master's programme is the ideal choice.

How are energy markets regulated in a rapidly changing world? What legal tools are used to combat climate change? How does the transition to renewable energy affect governments, businesses and consumers? During this programme, you will explore how law responds to the transformation of the global energy sector and the urgent need for climate action.

✓ Understand the legal framework of energy markets and climate regulation
✓ Analyse the impact of technological innovation and digitalization on energy law
✓ Explore how climate law drives the transition towards sustainable energy systems

This specialized LLM focuses on the interaction between energy law and climate law, with particular attention to the role of the European Union in a global context. You will examine how legal systems regulate energy markets, promote sustainability and address the challenges of decarbonization.

Throughout the programme, you will combine theoretical knowledge with real-world legal and policy challenges, preparing you for a career in a rapidly evolving sector.

This is a selective LLM. Please see webpages for admission and selection requirements and application instructions.

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Facts & Figures
Degree
LLM in Energy and Climate Law
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 EC)
Croho code
66829
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Law
Apply now

Why study this programme in Groningen?

✓ Located in Europe's energy hub: Groningen is at the heart of the Dutch 'Energy Valley', an internationally recognized region for energy innovation and the energy transition. This gives you direct access to leading experts, research initiatives and organizations in the energy sector.

✓ Specialized expertise in energy and climate law: develop in-depth knowledge of energy markets, climate regulation, environmental policy and the legal frameworks that support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

✓ Strong link between law and practice: the programme connects legal theory with real-world challenges faced by governments, regulators and energy companies.

✓ International perspective: compare EU energy and climate law with regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions worldwide.

✓ Dual degree opportunity: you may have the opportunity to follow a dual degree programme with The George Washington University Law School (United States), expanding your international academic and professional network.

Please visit the webpages of our LLM programmes for full information on the programme .

Programme

The programme covers both energy law and climate law plus related fields like environmental law and economics of regulation. In the seminar you will be improving your (research) skills while working on topical issues in the field of energy and climate law.

You can find the entire schedule of courses and the build-up of the programme on this page , including the description of all courses taught in the LLM Energy and Climate Law.
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Economics of Regulation (6 EC)
Energy Law and Policy (6 EC)
Seminar in Energy and Climate Law (6 EC)
Climate Law (6 EC)
Energy Market Law (6 EC)
European Environmental Law in a Global Context (6 EC, optional)
International Environmental Law (6 EC, optional)
Law in Practice (6 EC)
Master's thesis (12 EC)
Energy Investment and Trade Law (6 EC)

Study load

40 hours of class and self-study per week on average

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional

All master students can go for a semester abroad, albeit extracurricularly.

You can extend your programme by one semester and join one of our partners abroad . For more information, please check this page .

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

You can find the previous education requirements here: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/

knowledge minimum

Basic knowledge of European law and elementary knowledge of public international law
language test

You can find the English language proficiency requirements, and situations where exemption may be considered, here: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/admission-requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Lawall

Via a pre-master

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

If you have completed a Law degree at a University of Applied Science, this LLM is available to you after having completed a pre-LLM. You can find more information on this page: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/dutch-qualification-applicants

Lawall

Via a pre-master

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

If you have completed a Law degree at a University of Applied Science, this LLM is available to you after having completed a pre-LLM. You can find more information on this page: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/dutch-qualification-applicants

Rechtsgeleerdheidall

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

You will have to go through the admission and selection procedure and meet the requirements. You can find more information on these criteria and how to apply on this page: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/dutch-qualification-applicants

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International and European LawUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

Make sure to apply in Studielink in time and then contact LLM rug.nl to confirm your application. You can find more information on https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/dutch-qualification-applicants.
Liberal Arts and SciencesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • additional subject
  • grade average
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

You might be allowed direct admission into this LLM if you have taken a special track within the UCG. For more information, please check https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/dutch-qualification-applicants

International Relations and International OrganizationUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

Registration procedure

In addition to meeting the admission and selection requirements , students need to upload the necessary documents to complete their application.


Selection procedure

This is a selective LLM. Please make sure to have uploaded all your documents before 1 May.

Please check the admission and selection requirements for this LLM before applying. This will allow you to have all necessary documentation available when applying and uploading your documents.


Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202701 September 2027
EU/EEA students01 May 202701 September 2027
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202701 September 2027

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

You can find the previous education requirements here: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/

knowledge minimum

Basic knowledge of European law and elementary knowledge of public international law
language test

You can find the English language proficiency requirements, and situations where exemption may be considered, here: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/admission-requirements

Registration procedure

In addition to meeting the admission and selection requirements , students need to upload the necessary documents to complete their application.


Selection procedure

This is a selective LLM. Please make sure to have uploaded all your documents before 1 May.

Please check the admission and selection requirements for this LLM before applying. This will allow you to have all necessary documentation available when applying and uploading your documents.


Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202701 September 2027
EU/EEA students01 May 202701 September 2027
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202701 September 2027

Tuition fees

NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2026-2027€ 2694full-time
non-EU/EEA2026-2027€ 22200full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch studentsInternational students

After your studies

Graduates of the LLM in Energy and Climate Law are well prepared for careers at the intersection of law, energy policy and climate governance. The programme equips you with specialised legal knowledge and analytical skills that are highly relevant in a sector undergoing rapid transformation.

You will be able to work on complex legal and regulatory challenges related to energy markets, sustainability and climate transition policies, both within Europe and internationally

Job prospects

Graduates typically find employment in a wide range of organisations involved in energy, climate and environmental regulation. The sector is interdisciplinary and highly international, offering opportunities in both the public and private domain.

The Faculty conducts an alumni survey regularly in which we check where the alumni of our programmes are currently working. If you are interested in the results, please check this page . It also gives you some information about the general job prospects of this LLM programme.

Job examples

  • Energy law advisor
  • Climate policy advisor
  • Legal counsel in the energy sector
  • Environmental law specialist
  • Government legal advisor
  • EU policy officer on climate and energy
  • Consultant in energy transition and sustainability
  • Researcher or lecturer in energy and climate law
  • PhD candidate

Research

Research

The Faculty of Law conducts research in very many fields of law.

Almost all teaching staff have an appointment to both teach and do research. The Faculty's research is organised into several research programmes. In addition to this, the Faculty houses several Centres of Expertise.
All Faculty researchers are linked to or more of these programmes and/or centres and as a result, students will always hear the latest information with regard to academic research done in the area of their LLM.

For the LLM Energy and Climate Law, the Groningen Centre of Energy Law and Sustainability is of particular interest.

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Testimonial of Patrícia Kóčová
The LLM in Energy and Climate Law is quite unique and offered at only a few universities, which made it particularly appealing.
– Patrícia Kóčová

I chose this programme because I had already completed my Bachelor's in International and European Law at the UG and wanted to continue my academic journey here in Groningen. The LLM in Energy and Climate Law is quite unique and offered at only a few universities, which made it particularly appealing. The Netherlands is also seen as a pioneer in the renewable energy transition, and Groningen is home to many specialists and professors with deep expertise..


Although energy law is the central theme, the programme also explores intersections with climate change, environmental protection, and sustainability, areas that have always been close to my heart. Knowing some of the professors already and having an established network in Groningen also helped me decide to stay. The programme attracts students from diverse backgrounds, including classmates with prior legal experience in their home countries, which leads to rich and insightful discussions. I also heard great feedback from former students, which encouraged me to apply. That feedback was spot on, professors have been approachable from day one, the classes are interactive, and we recently had a study trip to Brussels, which was a highlight.

The Faculty's new Röling Building is modern and well-equipped, making it a great place to study. The professors are supportive and open to dialogue, which creates a collaborative academic environment. Its central location near the Academy Building and University Library also helps with time management between lectures and study sessions. One of the standout features for me has been the “Law in Practice” module, which is integrated across all LLMs. It offers a chance to gain practical legal experience during your studies. There are many internship options, I personally did a legal research internship with one of the professors, while others participated in moot courts or external internships with companies. It's a great way to build experience and prepare for your professional future.

Since moving to Groningen in 2020, I've loved living here and it now feels like home. The city is calm and peaceful, which really helped me focus on my studies, especially in comparison to busier cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam. Everything is easily accessible by bike, and there's a great mix of green spaces and modern study environments. Groningen is truly a student city, full of associations, initiatives, and social opportunities, there's something for everyone. Even if you're only here for a year for your LLM, the city has plenty to offer and makes it easy to settle in and feel part of the community.

This programme is highly practical and hands-on, which is essential given how central energy and climate issues are across all sectors today, not just in law. I feel it has prepared me well for my future career, particularly through the “Law in Practice” module. I've just submitted my thesis and will soon begin a summer internship at a law firm. Beyond that, I'm excited to see where this experience will take me next.

Interested in reading more testimonials? Please check this page .

Study associations

Nexus

Nexus Student Association Groningen is the student association (studievereniging) for the LLB programme in International and European Law and related master programmes.
These programmes mainly consist of international students and, therefore, Nexus is very internationally orientated. Besides organizing activities to integrate internationals into Dutch culture, such as a political debate with local parties in English, Nexus also aims to provide members with the chance to obtain a social network, participate in the organization of guest lectures or informal activities, attend debating trainings, trips and workshops, all in a multicultural environment.
https://www.nexusstudentassociation.com/

European Law Student's Association Groningen

ELSA Groningen is a Netherlands-based local group of the world's largest law student association. Serving more than 300 Dutch and international members, we help law students better integrate into our faculty and professionally develop into future lawyers or integrate into different legal pathways.
https://www.elsagroningen.org

DSLA

Decentralized Student Association (DSLA) is an association focused on curating and fostering the education and futures of students interested in Technology Law.
DSLA aims to connect law, computing science, and artificial intelligence students, therefore giving DSLA a cross-faculty element. DSLA is an internationally friendly association, and has a number of exciting tech-based events all year round including day excursions around the Netherlands, international trips, moot courts, pub quizzes, debates, monthly socials for our members, and more.
https://www.dslagroningen.org/
Student profile

We are looking for students with a law background, who are motivated to engage critically with energy law and climate law. Our students are typically:

  • interested in both energy law and climate law
  • keen to learn, willing to work hard, and able to study efficiently
  • intrinsically motivated to study the regulation of energy and climate change
  • willing to go beyond traditional fields of law (as the programme encompasses private and public law, European and international law, and policy and economics)
  • interested in societal changes, especially the energy transition away from fossil fuels towards sustainable energy sources

Study support

To support you while studying, the Faculty ensures that the schedule is feasible, that mentors, lecturers, and the study advisers provide active study supervision, that exams are marked quickly and that lecturers and the study advisers are readily contactable.

The Faculty will offer a (compulsory) introduction session with all new students of the Faculty's English-taught programmes and induction sessions for you and your programme members. These are led by the study advisers.

The study advisers are available for all matters that might occur and will hinder your studying. These can be personal issues, unexpected circumstances, but also when you need some help in planning or time management. The study advisers will contact you every once in a while, but you are also more than welcome to join them during their office hours or to ask your question through email. If it looks like you will incur study delay, please contact the study adviser yourself. The study adviser can help you with your planning, and also advise you confidentially about study problems and/or personal problems.

If you are interested in making your social network at the start of your programme a bit bigger, the Faculty has a programme set up for this as well: the Buddy Network Law .

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