The master’s in corporate climate law is a specialised programme on the climate obligations and opportunities of corporations. You will engage with specific climate regimes such as the UN Framework Convention, the Paris Agreement, European emissions trading, climate finance and sustainability reporting. You will also understand how classical areas of law, such as liability law and corporate law, are applied in climate cases.
During the programme, you learn which agreements have been made at international, European and national level regarding climate change and what this means for governments, sectors and corporations. In addition, you study the broad package of (European) climate legislation for corporations and analyse various legal strategies to hold corporations (and governments) accountable. You look beyond theory and study 'Law in Action'. Throughout the year, various guest speakers (such as renowned climate scientists, lawyers, in-house counsel, and experts from banks, NGOs and legislative bodies) share their experiences from their practice. This gives you a clear picture of how climate law functions in practice: where do opportunities for corporations lie, and where do legal barriers and risks exist in the transition to a greener world?
In small-scale and interactive seminars and lectures, you are challenged to actively share your thoughts about current issues. You write papers, give presentations, and can participate in several moot courts and law clinics. In doing so, you strengthen your academic skills and learn to communicate effectively within (international) business contexts.
Climate law as a lever for sustainable business
Curriculum
The programme consists of seven compulsory courses, structured from general to specific. For example, you first take International Climate Change Law and Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Climate Change, which lay a foundation you will benefit from later during Climate Change Liability and The Energy Transition in Legal Practice. The master’s thesis gives you ample opportunity to choose a research topic that matches your interests.
In addition, choose from advanced electives, a Moot Court and/or a Law Clinic to fully tailor your Master’s curriculum to your goals and career ambitions.
Compulsory courses
- Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Climate Change
- International Climate Change Law
- Climate Change and Financial Regulation
- Climate Change Liability
- The Energy Transition in Legal Practice
- Anatomy of Corporate Law
- Master's Thesis - International Business Law
Electives
Design your own programme by selecting 12 EC from the following electives:
- Problems of Market Regulation (6 EC)
- Sustainability, Competition and Consumers (6 EC)
- Masterclass Private International Litigation (Pax Moot Court Course) (6 EC)
- Climate Change and Sustainability Law Clinic (12 EC)
Consult the Study Guide for more information.
Unique focus on corporations within climate law
With the Climate Change and Corporations track, you choose a globally unique specialisation within climate law, with a clear focus on the legal position, obligations and strategic possibilities of companies. VU Amsterdam was one of the first universities in the world to offer a master’s programme in climate law and it continues to lead as a pioneering institution for studying corporate climate law. Learn from enthusiastic and specialised lecturers You are taught by enthusiastic and specialised lecturers – many of whom are recognised leaders in their field.
The courses become increasingly specific over the course of the year and provide you with in-depth insight into all the rules that companies face when delivering products or services that involve emissions. In this way, you develop into a specialised lawyer who knows exactly how companies can comply with their climate obligations and strategically anticipate future developments.
Your goals, your career, your curriculum
Choose from various electives and fully tailor your curriculum to your goals and career plans. Develop your advocacy skills in the international Moot Court and experience what it is like to bring a case before a court. Work on a real case in the Law Clinic and challenge companies to go green. Or deepen your theoretical knowledge and research how climate issues relate to consumer and competition law or to international markets and trade. Each elective has unique benefits – whether more theoretical or practical, ensuring you are well prepared for professional practice.
International & community-driven learning environment
You study in an international, small-scale and engaged learning environment. Together with students, lecturers and experts from different countries and backgrounds, you work intensively on current climate issues. This challenges you to view climate issues from multiple perspectives. The strong community-oriented atmosphere ensures close interaction, personal guidance and collaboration: an environment in which you truly learn and grow together.
Want to know more about this specialisation?
Contact our Programme Coordinators