Law (Space Law) LLM
Part-time Distance Learning | September Start
Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
Law (Space Law) LLM
What is Space Law?
From GPS navigation to weather forecasting, satellites and space activities shape our daily lives, making space governance more critical than ever. This specialism draws on Northumbria's established expertise in law and our cutting-edge space research.
Space Law encompasses international treaties, national regulations, and emerging policies. While grounded in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, the field has evolved to include multiple treaties, soft laws, and legal principles that support the safe, sustainable, and secure use of outer space, from Earth's orbits to celestial bodies.
As part of Northumbria's innovative LLM Law framework, the Space Law specialism prepares you for roles as a space legal practitioner or professional in the space sector, developing your expertise in space law, policy and governance at national and international levels.
This course is a part-time distance learning programme. However, the course can also be studied as a full-time, one-year, on-campus course. Learn more about the full-time on-campus version of our Space Law LLM.
Why Study Space Law at Northumbria?
- Ranked 6th in the UK - Law at Northumbria is ranked 6th in the UK by the Daily Mail University Guide 2026
- Research Powerhouse – Law at Northumbria is ranked 7th in the UK for research power (REF 2021)
- Open to All Disciplines - This course welcomes students from any academic discipline and jurisdiction, bringing together diverse perspectives that fuel dynamic debate and deeper understanding
- North-East Leaders - Study at the largest law school in the North-East, with academics who have an international reputation for teaching and research
How will this course prepare me for my career?
The Space Law specialism has been designed to meet the needs of space legal practitioners, as well as other professionals working in the science and technology side of the space sector who may benefit from a deeper contextual understanding of space law, policy, and broader governance considerations at the national and international levels.
Studying on this Masters and engaging in specialist areas of contemporary and innovative legal study, within an established postgraduate legal qualification, provides you with an opportunity to enhance your career in space law, aerospace policy, satellite operations and emerging space industries.
Testimonials from previous course alumni
"As soon as I saw the Law (Space Law) LLM at Northumbria, I knew this was the right course for me. The breadth of classroom work from IP to AI was superb, but it was the ability to do the 'deep dive' into your particular area of interest in the dissertation that was pivotal. This research was the backbone that let me set up Niparo as a leading space sustainability endeavour. We've since gone onto the UK Space Agency Accelerator programme and are now regulars at the UK and Scottish Parliaments." - Dr Nic Ross
"The LLM in Space Law at Northumbria University provided me with a deep understanding of how international and national space law operates in practical terms within the space sector. This practical insight enabled me to secure a job with a world-leading space consultancy in London, where I consistently apply the skills and knowledge I acquired in my degree to real-life examples of leading space companies and agencies." - Declan Dundas, Policy Analyst at Access Partnership
Course Information
Level of Study
Postgraduate
Mode of Study
2 years Distance Learning
1 other options available
School
Northumbria School of Law
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2026
Fees
Fee Information
Funding and Scholarships
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Alumni Discount
Receive up to 20% off your course fees.
The Postgraduate Loan
More about the UK Government Loan.
Discover More / Law at Northumbria
Take a look at our Law school and the opportunities available to you.
Northumbria Law School is one of the largest law schools in the UK, with a national and international reputation for excellence in legal education for those interested in studying law. Hear from our academics on why you should study at Northumbria, the facilities we offer as well how we support our students.
Videos / Law
Watch Professor Christopher Newman discuss the moral and legal questions which underscore the New Space Age in his recent TedTalk. You can also watch his introduction the Space Law LLM, as well as a inspiring video showcasing Northumbria's involvement in space exploration.
Teaching Staff / Profiles
Careers / Develop
We have a fantastic service for students' to use to gain advice and tips on furthering careers and enhancing their employability.
Careers and Employment Services
Discover more / Explore Northumbria University
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Fees and Funding 2026/27 Entry
Full UK Fee: £11,250
Tuition fees in the academic year 2027/28* will be £10,050 (subject to Parliamentary approval, along with 2026/27 fees) Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap.
*if your course is longer than one year
Full International Fee: £11,250
This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.
Scholarships and Discounts
ADDITIONAL COSTS
TBC
else
Study Options
The following alternative study options are available for this course:
Full Time
Sep start
Any Questions?
Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.
