The business of hydrocarbon energy supply remains one of the most fundamental aspects of global commerce and natural resources law in the modern era. It is not limited to exploitation of petroleum but encompasses many different aspects of law and business, from protecting the intellectual property rights of new oil and gas technology, to complex joint venture contracts, and to compensation regimes for pollution liability. Students pursuing the LLM in Oil and Gas Law have the opportunity to study an impressive and diverse choice of subjects of relevance to this growing area of law, enabling them to study and understand the complex legal features of the petroleum industry. The LLM in Oil and Gas Law course is built upon the wide range of high calibre research produced by the members of the Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law, who are also teaching at the LLM in Oil and Gas Law. Teaching is research-led and practice-driven aiming at producing global graduates educated and equipped for distinguished personal and professional achievement. Teaching methods are geared towards our students’ needs, conducted mainly through seminars and tutorials in small classes.

The Postgraduate Department employs two dedicated LLM employability officers who run a series of talks to develop the skills of LLM students and inform their career plans. The Postgraduate Department also enjoys close links with many City law firms. For example, Holman Fenwick Willan (HFW), one of the foremost shipping and commercial law firms in the world, has very generously agreed with Swansea Postgraduate Legal Studies Department to sponsor the best student in Oil and Gas Law. The Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law (IISTL) provides training programmes for London City solicitors, P & I (protection and indemnity) Clubs and shipping organisations. The Swansea LLM is well known internationally. Many of our graduates secure employment shortly after completing their degrees. Several international firms keep a close relationship with the Postgraduate Department and regularly send representatives for guest lectures and graduate recruitment purposes. Also every year the Postgraduate Department hosts the LLM Careers Fair which is attended by representatives from a wide range of local and international organisations. The Fair enables our LLM students to meet and talk face to face with prospective employers.