Space Law in Northeast England: Postgraduate Studies at Northumbria University
- Paper number
IAC-22,E1,4,12,x72469
- Author
Ms. Lauren Napier, United Kingdom, Northumbria University
- Year
2022
- Abstract
As space technology is evolving so too are regulations relating to these technological innovations and space law in higher education is evolving to match. “As nations grapple with the enormity of the task of regulating infinite space, legal professionals in the sector require vision, advanced skills in policy negotiations and applied scientific understanding”. At Northumbria University in Newcastle upon Tyne in the United Kingdom, hosts an innovative and flexible LLM law framework and the space law specialism is “designed to meet the needs of legal practitioners, as well as other professionals working in the space and aeronautical fields who may benefit from a deeper contextual understanding” of space law and governance internationally, regionally, and nationally. The LLM in space law brings together space, cyber, telecommunications, AI, and robotics issues to give a global context on space governance. Learning is made possible through lectures, workshops, and is advanced by a Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) model. Underpinned by theoretical and practical, real-time content, students on the space law LLM will be able to consider space law within a more holistic view which considers the governance of space itself as well as binding and non-binding legal instruments. This is then further juxtaposed against the wider regime complex by considering the legal challenges tied between space, cyber, telecommunications, AI and robotics advancing technologies. As the programme has continued to flourish, the department is furthering teaching methods and knowledge base to provide students with the skills needed for the space workforce. The LLM then pairs with other important modules such as intellectual property to gain State and non-State actors concerns and interests in space. As concepts such as commercial enforcement, security, and sustainability are growing concerns in outer space, the LLM allows students to learn and critical analyse these concerns and then apply them in written works. Overall, this paper will discuss the LLM programme offered at Northumbria University as well the teaching methods and lessons learned from providing a holistic law and tech degree centred on space law and governance.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)