Fundamentals of International Energy Law
Overview
Academic Lead: Peter Cameron and James Dallas
Syllabus: SUM5003 Fundamentals of International Energy Law [PDF]
This module introduces the sector and its principal issues, contracts, and sources of dispute, with lectures on the financing of major energy projects; granting of hydrocarbons rights and related contracts; the power sector and its main contracts; public international law rules on climate change and national litigation; the legal effects of an expanded role for renewable energy in the energy transition; how disputes are typically managed including international treaty and commercial arbitration.
Course content is subject to change.
Course aims
This module aims to:
- Provide students with a unique understanding and experience of the contracts, regulation and dispute management techniques needed to understand the energy business from a lawyer's point of view.
- Offer an overview of the principles that guide practice in energy commerce and investment.
- Give students an opportunity to develop various 'practice-based' skills in a case study exercise.
Teaching and learning
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical workshops and field trips.
Learning outcomes
Academic Content:
- Understand and engage with the theory behind the various legal skills used in energy business practice.
- Develop specific knowledge in some bespoke areas of law to the extent that it enables students to undertake practical activities e.g. drafting a letter of advice, etc.
- Understand principles of regulation and sustainability and how these inter-relate with contract design.
Disciplinary Skills - able to:
- Interview a client, draft a file note and draft a letter of legal advice.
- Experience teamwork and develop the skills (including communication) to work collaboratively in a team with different stakeholders.
- Undertake legal research and understand the interplay with various tools such as databases and AI.
Attributes:
- Think critically, independently, and reflectively.
- Develop good judgment to problem solving and independent work.
- Critically analyse and synthesise the material in this module in order to be able to resolve or debate issues which arise in legal practice.
Fees
Additional costs
All reading material will be provided online, so it is not necessary to purchase any books.
For course and housing fees visit our finance webpage
Entry requirements
Course prerequisite:
No prior content knowledge needed.
We welcome Summer School students from around the world. We accept a range of qualifications
How to apply
Have a question? Get in touch - one of the team will be happy to help!
Applications close 26 May 2026