Masters by Research in Energy and Infrastructure Law

Short description

A two-year, research-intensive master’s program focused on advanced legal research in energy, infrastructure, corporate regulation, and international investment law, designed to produce specialists capable of academic, policy, and industry-oriented legal work.

Description

The Master by Research in Energy & Infrastructure Law equips students to work at the intersection of law, economics, energy systems, and infrastructure governance. The program emphasizes deep research competence, analytical rigor, and specialization in regulatory, commercial, and investment frameworks that govern energy and infrastructure sectors.
Students undertake extensive supervised research, present scholarly work, participate in seminars, and complete a 30,000-word dissertation meeting publication standards. Coursework is deliberately minimal to prioritize independent inquiry, advanced legal reasoning, and discipline-specific specialization.
Graduates emerge prepared for doctoral research, specialized legal practice, policy advisory roles, industry consultation, and academic careers.

Curricular Structure (table)

Features

• 70% of the program devoted to dissertation research
• Extremely small cohort for high supervision quality
• Supervisor-assigned model with ongoing presentations and seminars
• Research proposal required during application
• Publication-ready thesis mandated
• Strong alignment with KU Research Directives 2063
• Suitable for candidates pursuing PhD or high-level professional legal roles
• Interdisciplinary orientation: corporate law, investment, energy policy, infrastructure governance

Eligibility

• Five-year integrated BBM-LLB from KU or equivalent LLB from a recognized university
• Minimum 50% or GPA 2.5/4.0
• Advantageous: internships, legal publications, work experience, or interdisciplinary background
• English-language competence (mandatory for non-English instruction backgrounds)
• Submission of research proposal (~600 words), CV, writing sample (≥2000 words), references, and supporting documents

Admission process (point form)

• Submit application form per KU Research Directives
• Attach CV, writing sample, statement of interest, research proposal, references, and academic records
• Screening based on eligibility, written work, and proposal quality
• Possible entrance test based on proposed subject area
• Mandatory interview assessing academic readiness, independence, English proficiency
• Conditional offer issued; final admission confirmed after financial declaration

Job prospects

• Specialist in energy and infrastructure law
• Legal researcher for government, regulators, think tanks, universities
• Advisor in energy transition, hydropower, renewables, PPP, infrastructure finance
• Corporate legal counsel for utility companies, IPPs, EPC contractors
• Consultant for international organizations, INGOs, development banks
• Arbitrator/mediation support roles for infrastructure disputes
• Policy analyst for energy, environment, and investment regulation
• Academic pathway: lecturer, researcher, PhD candidate