GY465 Half Unit
Concepts in Environmental Regulation
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Richard Perkins
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Environmental Policy and Regulation and MSc in Environmental Policy, Technology and Health (Environmental Policy and Regulation) (LSE and Peking University). This course is available on the MPhil/PhD in Environmental Policy and Development, MSc in Environment and Development, MSc in Environmental Economics and Climate Change, MSc in Environmental Policy, Technology and Health (Environment and Development) (LSE and Peking University), MSc in Environmental Policy, Technology and Health (Environmental Economics and Climate Change) (LSE and Peking University), MSc in Local Economic Development, MSc in Regional And Urban Planning Studies, MSc in Regulation and MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
How to apply: Priority: MSc Environmental Policy and Regulation, then Geography & Environment students, then other students. Priority is typically for students enrolled in Geography and Environment programmes, or joint degree programmes, however course specific availability is indicated via the 'Availability section' on the LSE course guide webpages. Guidance on how to apply to individual controlled access courses can also be found on LSE for You in the Graduate Course Selection system.
Please note: The number of students that can be accommodated is limited. If a course is over-subscribed, places will be allocated at the Department's discretion and a waiting list may be created. It is advised to have an alternative course in mind as a back-up in case you are unable to secure your first-choice course selection.
Deadline for application: Further guidance and information on course selection for Geography and Environment courses (GY4xx) will be available on the Geography and Environment Course Selection Moodle page which will go live from Monday 8 September and will be updated with course availability information daily throughout the course selection period. This page includes information on the timeline for course selection decisions in the Geography and Environment Department as well as the individual course application processes and requirements
A list of all taught master's courses in this Department are listed on LSE's course guide webpages.
For queries contact: geog.env@lse.ac.uk
The number of students that can be accommodated is limited. If the course is over-subscribed, places will be allocated at the Department’s discretion and a waiting list may be created. For further details, please contact your relevant Programme Coordinator.
Course content
This course provides critical insights into the nature, dynamics and practice of environmental regulation. It considers different rationales for environmental regulation and the influence of different interest groups over public environmental policy making. The course proceeds to examine the characteristics, design, and performance of different policy instruments, together with various factors impacting policy implementation processes.
Teaching
15 hours of lectures and 13.5 hours of seminars in the Autumn Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.
In the Department of Geography and Environment, teaching will be delivered through a combination of classes/seminars, pre-recorded lectures, live online lectures and other supplementary interactive live activities.
This course is delivered through a combination of seminars and lectures across Autumn Term.
Formative assessment
Students are expected to prepare one piece of formative coursework in the Autumn Term: feedback will be provided..
Indicative reading
While there is no one single text that covers all aspects of the course, you are welcome to consult the following:
- Bell, S., McGillivray, D., Pedersen, O., Lees, E., and Stokes, E. (2017) Environmental Law (9th edition). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Carter, N. (2018) The Politics of the Environment: Ideas, Activism, Policy (3rd edition). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Randall, A. (2011) Risk and Precaution. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Assessment
Policy brief (100%, 3500 words)
Key facts
Department: Geography and Environment
Course Study Period: Autumn Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 66
Average class size 2024/25: 22
Controlled access 2024/25: YesCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication