Key facts
UNE unit code: LLM541
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2026
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
This highly topical unit provides you with a broad understanding of environmental issues and the role of law both as part of the problem and as an attempt to provide solutions.
You will examine constitutional issues, Commonwealth environmental legislation, common law remedies and likely future directions in environmental law. The legal regime is considered in the broader context of law and society. Throughout, you will build transferable critical thinking, legal reasoning and analytical skills to future proof your career.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate specialist and an advanced understanding of the nature and scope of the constitutional framework for environmental management as well as the relevant legislation and common law principles;
- use autonomy and cognitive skills to critically reflect, investigate and analyse the effectiveness of common law principles and the regulatory regime in relation to environmental management;
- use initiative and judgement to analyse critically, synthesise and consolidate legal concepts, values and principles of environmental management in regard to legal policy; and
- use legal research techniques, reasoning and argument to coherently communicate independent opinions on legal issues relevant to environmental management matters and consider future approaches and assessments of the development of the relevant law.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annotated Bibliography and research proposal | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 1500 |
| Research Paper | Yes | 60% | All offerings | No. Words: 3500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Environmental Law
ISBN: 9780195522297
Godden, L., Peel, J. and McDonald, J., Oxford 2nd ed. 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
