University of Calgary
AC-4: Graduate Program

The Faculty of Environmental Design offers the truly innovative thesis-based Master in Environmental Design (MEDes) degree program. Increasingly, natural, built and social environments are seen as intertwined, interdependent and indeterminate, creating challenging conditions which must be addressed to achieve a sustainable future. Meeting this challenge requires environmental designers with exceptional leadership and visionary skills, who are able to inform, design and manage interventions across the scales of human endeavour.

The University of Calgary’s Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Development (SEDV) is an interdisciplinary graduate program providing a balanced education related to energy and environmental management. A combined offering through the Haskayne School of Business, Schulich School of Engineering and the Faculties of Law and Environmental Design, SEDV is an unprecedented program designed for professionals and students who are seeking a broad-based and comprehensive education in sustainable energy.

SEDV curriculum is delivered by recognized experts, leading academics and professionals from the associated faculties. This highly qualified group works together to ensure the courses are relevant and speak to current themes seen in today’s energy sector; it is this interdisciplinary blend that provides a unique experience for our graduate students.

Upon completion, graduates leave equipped to effectively manage sustainable energy projects and operations, while minimizing impact on the environment and maximizing the socio-economic benefits to society. SEDV alumni can be found in a variety of roles within oil and gas, renewable energy, government and non-government organizations, policy-making bodies, environmental consultation, etc. As more companies move toward sustainable energy practices, possibilities for graduates are endless!

UCalgary's internationally-acclaimed law school was included in the LLM Guide's top 10 energy law programs worldwide (2017).The course-based LLM stream is designed to accommodate practicing lawyers in private, corporate and government practice with both full and part time options available. This program appeals to lawyers who are ready to embark on the substantial exploration of a topic in law necessary to become recognized experts in their fields. Located in the heart of Canada's energy capital, the University of Calgary is recognized as a global leader in natural resources, energy and environmental law, which encompasses issues ranging from the transition to a low-carbon economy to environmental ethics, aboriginal rights and much more.
This course-based LLM also appeals to international students trained in civil law seeking an introduction to Canada's common law system.

The Thesis based LLM is ideal for students that have demonstrated strong potential for advanced research and writing within a common law system. Students work with a supervising faculty member to produce a substantial piece of original legal scholarship. The LLM has earned recognition for strengths in examining the relationship between society and our environment, defining the interests we claim in the world around us, and in shaping the consequences of using those resources. The faculty has an endowed chair in natural resources law and a robust law library. Department resources are complemented by the internationally-renowned Canadian Institute of Resources Law, which hosts symposia and publishes research on natural resources and energy law. The thesis-based program for students passionate about research and writing in a focused area of law, and who may be interested in an academic or research career. For more information, visit https://www.ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/explore-programs/law-master-laws-thesis-based

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law is intended for lawyers who wish to supplement or update their knowledge in the areas of natural resources, energy and environmental law. The certificate is offered only to those with a law degree. Students may be admitted to this program in either September (Fall term) or January (Winter term). Students enrolled in the Post-baccalaureate certificate program must take four elective courses in the areas of natural resources, energy or environmental law, or a related area.
Options include pollution control and waste management law, mining law, environmental impact assessment law, environmental law and ethics, water law, climate change law, and Aboriginal law. Lawyers leave the program with proof of their knowledge of key sustainability areas and the way the law works with them.