University of Western Australia
Master of Mining and Energy Law
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Master's
This master's course provides the understanding you need to pursue careers in the mining and energy industries.
Course overview
The Master of Mining and Energy Law course has been designed to provide legal and non-legal professionals with the expertise to pursue careers in mining, energy and related industries.
You will learn about a wide range of legal considerations across the mining, energy and resources sectors and gain the necessary technical knowledge, such as how petroleum is produced or how iron ore is mined. You will benefit from a comprehensive and multifaceted understanding of the industry. The course is available for law and non-law graduates and is ideal for those looking to expand their knowledge of or seek a new career in the mining, energy and natural resources sector.
Subject areas include exploration and production of minerals and petroleum in Australia, native title, concepts of sustainability and social license to operate as well as other broad policy objectives.
Key facts
October, 2025
November, 2025
What you will study
To complete the Master of Mining and Energy Law, students must fulfil 48 credit points. Each unit is valued at six credit points unless otherwise stated.
Students without a recognised Law degree, take all units from this group (12 points).
- Mining Law
- Energy Regulation: sustainable oil and gas and alternative energy production
Students with a recognised Law degree, take all units from this group (12 points).
- Mining Law
- Energy Regulation: sustainable oil and gas and alternative energy production
Students who completed a law degree based on the common law cannot take Foundations of Law and Legal Institutions. Foundations of Law and Legal Institutions is a core unit in this program for all students who have not completed a law degree or have not completed a law degree based on the common law (six points):
- Foundations of Law and Legal Institutions
Entry Requirements
To be considered for admission to this course, an applicant must have one of the following:
- A Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA.
- A bachelor's degree in a cognate area, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA and the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent.
- A bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA and the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent, and at least two years of relevant professional experience.
English Language Requirements
English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.
This course has higher ELC requirements. Applicants presenting with the IELTS Academic require an overall score of at least 7.0 and no band less than 6.5. Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you are enrolled in a course at UWA, you can apply for credit for units passed in a previous course, either at UWA or from an external university or institution. To apply, complete an Application for credit transfer, advanced standing and recognition of prior learning form and submit it to your Student Advising Office via Email Us or in person.
If you're applying for credit from an external university or institution, attach an original or full-colour scan of your formal academic transcript to your application. Please note that informal transcripts, eRecords, screenshots or letters cannot be accepted as proof of results.
Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career Outcomes
This course will appeal to lawyers wanting to move into the mining and energy area and to non-lawyers such as engineers, geologists, marketing professionals and commercial and finance professionals who wish to develop their skills to advance their careers. While it has a legal focus, this course will assist those wanting to pursue a career related to mining and energy.
Career opportunities exist in resource companies, law firms and local and state government.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2025: $34,800 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Fees are calculated based on a standard annual study load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL).
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.