Master in Law of the Sea

The oceans cover over 70 percent of the surface of the Earth. Humans depend on the oceans for life, work, food, travel, and human health. The ocean is the world's greatest reservoir of biodiversity, including marine mammals, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and countless other species.

The LL.M. program aims to broaden the traditional approach to the Law of the Sea from jurisdictional issues to also include substantial law such as conservation and sustainable use of biological resources and protection of biodiversity and the environment. Although the program of study has a clear global profile, it also has a distinct Arctic dimension. Much of the Arctic consists of marine areas. Global climate change will increasingly subject these areas to various uses such as navigation, oil and gas exploitation, fisheries, and research. The Arctic regions provide unique opportunities for studying both global and regional legal approaches to protect and preserve the marine environment.

Program description

• Duration: 3 semesters
• Credits (ECTS) : 90
• Admission requirements : Bachelor degree in law or political science + motivational letter
• Degree Name : Master of Laws (LL.M.) in the Law of the Sea
• Application code :
  • Norwegian and Nordic applicants: 7001
  • International applicants: 2033

The program will through its courses and master's thesis give the students a broad introduction and knowledge of the Law of the Sea, including its development and the political and institutional aspects. Students at the program are taught by legal experts from the Faculty of Law and JCLOS as well as other institutions, such as intergovernmental organizations, international tribunals, academics, and practitioners. The teaching includes lectures, problem-based seminars, writing courses, moot-court experiences, and excursions to relevant institutions, where in all activities students are active participants.

The program is intensive with a structure of three semesters through one calendar year, starting in August. The autumn semester consists of two introductory courses on the Law of the Sea and the politics of the Law of the Sea. The spring semester focuses on more specific topics on the Arctic and the protection of the Marine Environment. In the third-semester students select their own topic for an individual research project, which is to be completed during the summer.

Program outline

First semester

• JUR-3050 General Law of the Sea

The course provides a general introduction to the Law of the Sea, i.e. the rules and principles of international public law that cover the maritime areas.

• JUR-3054 General Law of the Sea II

The course bases on JUR-3050 and goes deeper into the selected topics.

Second semester

• JUR-3052 Protection of the Marine Environment by International Law

The course focuses on the international legal rules concerning the protection of the marine environment from the adverse effects of different human uses and the sustainable use of marine resources.

• JUR-3053 Law of the sea and the Arctic

The course focuses on the Law of the Sea and Arctic issues. The General Law of the Sea is applicable to the marine areas of the Arctic. But at the same time, the region has special traits that must be considered. In this course, the students will have to apply the knowledge they have acquired during the previous courses on Arctic issues. Generally, the course, therefore, has the character of case studies, with special emphasis on the Arctic.

Third semester

• JUR-3910 Master's thesis in Law of the Sea

It consists of an obligatory thesis based on themes and questions from the Law of the Sea. The students will be provided with individual supervision. The thesis must be a minimum of 37 pages and a maximum of 55 pages, with formatting in accordance with the Regulations for the Law of the Sea program, section 14. The theme of the thesis shall be of a legal or semi-legal character and may include perspectives such as legal theory, legal history. The thesis must consist of independent analyses of the theme and the legal sources available. The thesis shall provide the student with an in-depth study of a particular topic. The discussions of the thesis are to be transparent and as complete as possible. The references to the sources shall be precise and verifiable.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is a medium-sized research university that contributes to knowledge-based development at the regional, national, and international levels.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is the third-largest in Norway and the northernmost university in the world. Its location on the edge of the Arctic implies a mission. The Arctic is of increasing global importance. Climate change, the exploitation of Arctic resources, and environmental threats are topics of great public concern, and which the University of Tromsø takes a special interest in it. At UiT The Arctic University of Norway you can explore global issues from a close-up perspective.

Knowlege on top of the world

Life in the High North is shaped by wild nature, contrasting light and weather conditions, geographic distances, and multiculturalism. Many of UiT´s research centers and study programs reflect the specific character of Arctic Norway.

UiT's study portfolio covers all classical subject areas from Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Education and Humanities, Science and Technology to Economics, Law, Social Work, Tourism, Sports, and Fine Arts.

UiT's key research focuses on the polar environment, climate research, indigenous people, peace and conflict transformation, telemedicine, medical biology, space physics, fishery science, marine bioprospecting, linguistics, and computational chemistry.

UiT´s Centre for Advanced Studies in Theoretical Linguistics, CASTL, and CTCC, Centre for Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, have both been designated Norwegian Centres of Excellence. In 2002 the Tromsø-based NST, Norwegian Centre for Telemedicine, was appointed a World Health Organization Collaboration Centre.

The ARCTOS network at the Faculty for Biosciences, Fisheries, and Economics, is a leader in research on marine arctic ecosystems and an important partner of the Norwegian Polar Institute in Tromsø. The Department of Physics focuses on northern lights and space research. All these institutes are of high international reputation.

The university is part of the FRAM – High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment (Fram Centre) in Tromsø. Every January the international conference Arctic Frontiers invites researchers, politicians, and business representatives to discuss Arctic issues across disciplinary borders. The Secretariat of the Arctic Council is located at the Fram Centre. Researchers from the University and Fram Center are involved in several international programs of the Arctic Council.

An international hub

The University of Tromsø has been through three mergers. On the 1st of January 2009 UiT merged with the University College of Tromsø, and on the 1st of August 2013 with the University College of Finnmark. The latest merge was on the 1st of January 2016 with both the University College of Harstad and the University College of Narvik.

After the merge UiT has become a multi-campus university spread throughout Northern Norway. The main campuses are located in Tromsø, Alta, Narvik, and Harstad, with smaller departments in the towns of Mo i Rana, Hammerfest, and Kirkenes. The number of students and study programs increases due to this merger. The new university has become an even more important driving force for Northern Norway and international cooperation in the High North.

Why UiT?

UiT is truly arctic

UIT is the northernmost university in the world. Our location on the edge of the Arctic implies a mission. The Arctic is of increasing global importance - climate change, the exploitation of Arctic resources and environmental threats are topics of great public concern, and which UiT takes a special interest in.

No tuition fees

UiT offers all students a distinct advantage over many universities around the world: there are no tuition fees for international students to study at UiT in Norway.

Student life at UiT

By making the most of the opportunities at UiT, you can create the best student experience for you and reach your full potential through academic support, sporting clubs, and our various student organizations on our campuses.

Study in English at UiT

Recent years have seen a surge in the number of international students wanting to study at UiT. One of the reasons for this solid reputation comes from the fact that UiT offers a variety of courses and programs in English. Consequently, admission does not require proof of Norwegian skills.

Building bridges

Building bridges through internationalization at home and abroad. International cooperation is a precondition in order for UiT to offer outstanding education and world-leading research for students, trainees, researchers, academic groups, and staff from our partner universities.

Research intensive & high-quality learning environment

Our central location in the High North, our broad and diverse research and study portfolio, and our interdisciplinary qualities make us uniquely suited to meet the challenges of the future. As a student at UiT, you learn from teachers who are proud to make their mark on the subject they teach in a favorable teacher-student ratio of 1:8.

Urban life - wild nature

The Arctic Adventurer - Do you have it in you?

We have various stunning places of study in Alta, Harstad, Narvik, Tromsø, and Svalbard. Explore the locations to discover what each one has to offer, from programs, adventure, music, and art to nightlife and activities.