The PG Certificate focuses on the Energy Transition of the UK’s and global energy sector. It develops core knowledge of legal and policy aspects of Energy Transition, including the North Sea transition, climate change, carbon capture and storage, renewable energy, electrification of the extraction process, and the changing industry and regulatory environment.
The PG Certificate comprise of four selected modules from the Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Law LLM/MSc. This qualification would signify, for a range of professionals, their awareness and legal knowledge of a major energy trend. It would demonstrate advanced skills development which could, for example, qualify individuals employed in energy focused companies for promotion, or facilitate career changes in a rapidly changing global energy scenario. For a legal firm with an energy division, a qualified lawyer who possesses this PgCert would signal both to management and to potential clients that the firm is up to speed with fundamental changes in the energy landscape. It would also equip middle or senior managers in an oil and gas producer with an engineering or finance/business degree, with a detailed knowledge of the energy transition and the legal architecture, nationally and internationally, underpinning it.
Modules
The course consists of four modules (each 15 credits) that will be studied on an online, part-time basis:
Term 1
Term 2
Learning outcomes
Develop Knowledge and Understanding of:
- Legal principles relevant to energy entities
- Legal obligations incumbent on all key players (main stakeholders in energy industry)
- The energy industry structure and the legal framework within which those principles operate.
Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding of:
- Carry out research into practical legal problems; apply the law to that problem and generate a solution;
- Recognise and interpret legal terminology in regulatory, industry or other documentation; and effectively review important formal instruments relevant to the energy sector;
- Identify the key risks implicit in the legal relationship between parties interacting in the oil, gas and energy industries.
Generic Cognitive Skills
- Research the law in relation to a particular situation in which legal implications exist; and analyse the law in a critical way;
- Develop techniques for gathering relevant raw information prior to carrying out a legal analysis of a practical legal scenario; and solve practical situations in which industry legal issues arise;
- Plan and manage work appropriately and to work to deadlines; and develop an understanding of personal learning needs and methods.
Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills
- Communicate effectively; and Work effectively both in a team and independently; and show a willingness to learn from others and problem-solve
Awareness of Autonomy, Accountability and Working with Others
- Exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in professional and equivalent activities;
- Work in peer relationship with industry specialists and legal practitioners; Demonstrate leadership and initiative and make an identifiable contribution to change and development and/or new thinking;
- Manage complex ethical and professional issues and make informed judgements relating to these.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Learning Methods
All modules will be delivered online via our virtual learning environment, Moodle. They will consist of recorded Powerpoint lectures, topic notes and forum postings.
Each module will have at least 3 online live/virtual sessions on Panopto, Zoom and/or Microsoft Teams.
Students will be invited to relevant webinars organised by the Law School.
Staff delivering on this course
The staff responsible for the delivery of the course are all experienced in their fields, including lawyers and industry professionals. All module coordinators are actively involved in research and have a range of publications to their names. Some of them are actively engaged with industry and academic bodies. Some of the staff are regular recipients of the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ students.
Legal and Industry professionals, and experts are invited throughout the semester to deliver relevant talks to our students.
Independent study
Students are required to read through the lecture notes and participate in the online forum discussions. Independent reading and research would be required to complete the coursework, and individual forum postings.
Assessment
Assessment include Online Forum Postings, and Coursework Assignment, and students must successfully complete both components in order to pass this module.
Students are assessed formally through written assignments (including essay format) and through set exercises.
Academic support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online learning & support
All online learning students, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study skills support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Prospects
Upon completion of the PGCert students can decide to proceed further with the OGREL LLM/MSc course.
What is needed for a Law for Energy Transition PgCert Course?
- Applicants will normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in Law, Computing, Business, and other related disciplines.
- Applicants with relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2024-2025
- All students: £4,250 for entire course
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.