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Our Law School is ranked in the Top 100 globally, according to the Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings 2022.
International trade law is an exciting and highly competitive field of law. At Aberdeen we’ve combined the teaching and research strength of our long-established law school and the calibre of our first-class teaching team with our growing international profile and activity to create options for this new LLM.
Economic globalisation and recent world events, including Brexit and trade wars, have thrown a spotlight on the issues, challenges and complexities of international trade and trade negotiation. We offer a specialist LLM programme in this area with career opportunities for skilled and ambitious lawyers with broad and transferable skills to continue to grow. This programme includes a dissertation to further develop your academic and research skills. This degree is alternatively available with a professional skills option (instead of dissertation) with the opportunity to further develop your professional skills in international trade negotiation at a summer course on campus.
You will gain a thorough foundation in a broad range of topics engaging with different aspects of international trade law. You will supplement this with a range of optional courses designed to give you a wide perspective and cater to your personal interests and career goals.
You will also prepare a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice in the field of international trade law.
Please note: Students staring their LLM programme in January write their Dissertation project during the Summer semester.
Duration: 12 months full-time. 24 months part time.
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
The LLM International Trade Law with Dissertation has flexibility built in. The programme is structured to allow you the freedom to specialise within international commercial law, yet explore its many aspects. Teaching is organised on a modular basis with a dissertation to be submitted at the end of August each year.
Within the taught element of the programme, i.e. the 4 courses which the students undertake, a range of forms of assessment are found: such as written examination, individual and group oral presentation and essays. In addition, between May and mid-August, students prepare a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic of their choice related to their specialist LLM programme.
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Normally a 2(1) honours degree in Law (or another related discipline) or equivalent
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
International trade law and policy has a direct impact on all aspects of the economy. This programme is particularly relevant for those seeking a career or currently working in the public sector in the area of international trade or diplomacy, politics, businesses involved in export or import of goods, industry associations, lawyers in government departments or in-house counsel and non-governmental organisations with interest on trade and sustainable development issues. This programme is also relevant for those seeking an academic career in international trade law.
There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us,
You will be taught by and have access to a number of experts, many of whom are internationally renowned within their respective fields. These will include members of the Centre for Commercial Law.
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.