NLUD-SOAS Joint LLM/MA in Environmental Justice in South Asia

Make a meaningful difference by developing the skills to address today’s most urgent environmental challenges.

The Joint LLM/MA in Environmental Justice offered by SOAS University of London and National Law University Delhi (NLUD) is an unparalleled opportunity to develop critical expertise in environmental law and policy focusing on South Asia. This program is designed for students passionate about making a real-world difference and gaining the skills necessary to address urgent global challenges.

Learn in two dynamic cities—London and New Delhi—while gaining global and regional insights into environmental law, policy, and community action.

Why study the LLM/MA in Environmental Justice in South Asia?

Develop strong research and analytical skills.

In Term 1 at SOAS, you’ll engage with leading scholars, conduct in-depth legal research, and participate in debates on contemporary environmental challenges and their application in the South Asian context.

Your research and analytical skills will be honed through seminars, case studies, and legal writing that prepare you for the complexities of modern environmental issues.

Gain clinical skills and hands-on experience.

In Term 2 at NLUD you will work directly with communities in India through a Law Clinic, applying your legal knowledge to real-world environmental issues. Learn how to apply theoretical knowledge to help solve pressing environmental problems faced by communities directly impacted.

It is also designed to help in knowledge transfer using workable models from the global North to the global South and vice versa.

Develop regional expertise

Understanding the legal, cultural, and environmental dynamics of South Asia is crucial to addressing global environmental challenges. By studying at both SOAS and NLUD, you will gain deep insight into the region's legal frameworks, environmental issues, and socio-political context.

This regional focus is unique to this LLM program, giving you an edge in a highly competitive field.

Unlock new career opportunities.

With the growing importance of environmental law, this LLM will open doors to careers in international organizations, NGOs, government agencies, and law firms across the globe. You will benefit from the SOAS and NLUD alumni networks, offering global connections and mentoring from professionals working in environmental law, policy, and activism.

Why SOAS?

• SOAS is ranked in the UK top 20 (QS World University Rankings 2023)
• We are ranked 6th in the UK for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings 2023)
• Our research publications have been rated first in the UK - and our School of Law rated sixth in the UK - in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. NLUD

Why NLUD?

• National Law University Delhi is ranked 2nd in the Law Category, in the 2023 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Rankings
• Established in 2008, NLUD has become one of the leading institutions of legal education and impact-driven research in India
• It is accredited with a CGPA of 3.10 on four point scale at an ‘A’ grade valid up to April 2028, awarded by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)

Teaching and learning

What to expect?

• Term 1 (September to January): Study in London at SOAS, where you'll gain foundational knowledge of international environmental law, with an emphasis on South Asia.
  Term 2 (February to June): Move to New Delhi, where your education will be grounded in the South Asian region, developing a good understanding of region-specific regulatory models and working with communities as part of the clinical courses.
  Thesis Project (June to September): Complete an original research project or practical report based on your fieldwork and research, supported by faculty from both universities.
  

Knowledge and understanding

During this course, students will:

• Acquire specialist knowledge of environmental law related in particular to South Asia.
• Learn about the context in which environmental law is made, interpreted, adjudicated, and amended in a North-South perspective and focused on South Asia.
• Learn about the role and function of legal institutions in managing the environment and natural resources in South Asia.
• Develop knowledge of the weight and significance of different sources and methodologies and how to locate relevant materials and assess their relevance and/or importance.