Introduction
Maritime Law is an exciting and highly complex 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 LLM.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- LLM
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September or January
Maritime law plays a pivotal role in governing global shipping, marine commerce, and the complex legal relationships that arise on the world’s oceans. Recent developments, including evolving maritime regulations, environmental challenges, and shifting geopolitical dynamics, have highlighted the growing need for legal specialists who can navigate this intricate field.
Available Programmes of Study
You will gain a thorough foundation in a broad range of topics that engage with the key areas of maritime law, including:
- Carriage of goods by sea
- Marine Insurance
- International Law of the Sea
- International Regulation of Shipping
- Maritime Liabilities
You will supplement this with a range of optional courses designed to give you a wide perspective and to support your personal interests and career aspirations within the maritime sector.
You will also prepare a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice in the field of maritime law.
Please note: Students starting their LLM programme in January write their Dissertation project during the Summer semester.
Duration: 12 months full-time. 24 months part time.
- LLM
-
Maritime Law
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start MonthLLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January MoreLLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost UK Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £11,900 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £11,900 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 EU / International students Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £23,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £23,000 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £15,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £15,000 Semester 1
Duration: 12 months full-time or 24 or 36 months part-time.
Information for part-time students: This route will run over two academic years minimum. Candidates can take up to 120 credit points in an academic year. LS501T and PD5006 must be taken in Year 1, and LS5904 must be taken in Year 2. Candidates must take the following. They can be taken in either Year 1 or Year 2: LS558A and LS553V. Candidates must take a remaining 60 credit points. At least 60 credit points must be obtained from the courses listed below. The remaining credit points may be obtained from any LLM 30 credit on campus course.
Compulsory Courses
- Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS501T)
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This course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which will be required for LLM-Taught courses. The course is delivered as a series of five interactive lectures with two individual assessments designed to encourage critical thinking and provide opportunities for early feedback. It also incorporates a library workshop to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
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This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Shipping Law (LS554K)
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30 Credit Points
We look at the issues arising from the use of a ship to transport goods from buyer to seller when each is based in a separate legal system. We examine the contract of affreightment; the relevance of charter parties; the possibilities offered by Bills of Lading and analogous ‘documents’ (whether electronic or not). We consider the law concerning a cargo claim as it may involve the Hague Rules, the Hague-Visby Rules, the Hamburg Rules. We also evaluate the Rotterdam Rules. We consider international commercial dispute resolution of cargo claims by arbitration and litigation.
Optional Courses
In addition to the above candidates must take courses to the value of 90 credit points. At least 60 credit points must be obtained from the courses listed below. The remaining credit points may be obtained from any LLM 30 credit on campus Law course:
LS504G International Law of the Sea (30 credit points)
- International Commercial Litigation (LS503M)
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30 Credit Points
This course introduces international commercial litigation, the major means of commercial dispute resolution for many sectors of industry and the default means of dispute resolution against which international arbitration is positioned. The course demonstrates the relevance of a venue’s Private International Law (PIL) to its attractiveness for dispute resolution and provides advanced instruction in the relevant post-Brexit aspects of PIL to parties engaged in litigating international commercial disputes.
- International Commercial Arbitration (LS5083)
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30 Credit Points
The course is designed to offer in-depth theoretical insights and practical knowledge essential for navigating the field of international commercial arbitration.
The seminar topics have been selected to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of international commercial arbitration law. The topics include:
- Arbitration Agreement and Arbitral Jurisdiction
- The Role of the Seat
- Applicable Substantive Law
- The Arbitral Tribunal
- Arbitral Procedure and Evidence
- The Arbitral Award
Additionally, the course features a podcast introducing the fundamentals of international commercial arbitration.
- International Energy and Environmental Law (LS501C)
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30 Credit Points
The course deals with the regulation of international activities regarding energy and the environment. The course will consider the international legal framework regarding energy sources, and it will look at the various legal instruments at the global and regional level as well as the key actors that are involved in regulation. It will also examine environmental issues that correspond to the generation and use of energy in the international context and the responses relating to environmental protection of soil, water, air, atmosphere and species.
- International Trade and Finance Law (LS508A)
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30 Credit Points
This course considers issues relating to international trade and finance law and addresses the legal and commercial aspects of export-import transactions. It covers trade risks and risk assessment, the law and practice relating to international sale of goods, carriage of goods and insurance matters, international trade finance, digitalisation of international trade and international commercial dispute resolution.
Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
- World Trade Organisation: Gatt (LS553V)
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30 Credit Points
The course aims to provide a thorough and critical understanding of fundamental concepts, principles and institutions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), with emphasis on trade in goods (GATT). The main topics covered include relevant historical and institutional developments, WTO dispute resolution, core principles such as the most-favour-nation (MFN), National Treatment and the prohibition of quantitative restrictions on international trade. The security, environment, human rights, subsidies, economic emergencies and free trade areas and customs unions based exceptions and their challenges are also analytically explored. These are studied in light of relevant WTO panel and Appellate Body cases and recommendations.
Optional Courses
- Comparative Contract Law (LS555K)
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30 Credit Points
This course is aimed to help commercial lawyers working in transnational settings to understand how different legal traditions offer different viewpoints on key contractual challenges that emerge in all commercial contracts: how agreements are formed, interpreted and enforced; what remedies are available to aggrieved parties; under what circumstances can parties avoid liability. Thus, national contract laws will be seen as variations on a theme. The course will cover the main rules and doctrines of a range of legal systems, as well as transnational contract law mechanisms
- World Trade Organisation: Gatt (LS553V)
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30 Credit Points
The course aims to provide a thorough and critical understanding of fundamental concepts, principles and institutions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), with emphasis on trade in goods (GATT). The main topics covered include relevant historical and institutional developments, WTO dispute resolution, core principles such as the most-favour-nation (MFN), National Treatment and the prohibition of quantitative restrictions on international trade. The security, environment, human rights, subsidies, economic emergencies and free trade areas and customs unions based exceptions and their challenges are also analytically explored. These are studied in light of relevant WTO panel and Appellate Body cases and recommendations.
- Contract Law Aspects of Oil and Gas Exploration (LS554P)
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30 Credit Points
A good knowledge and understanding of the commercial purpose and key features of the principal contracts used in the oil and gas industry is essential for an oil and gas lawyer. This course will examine the contracts entered into between involved in the exploration for and production of oil and gas. These include and the investment contracts entered into between the oil companies themselves in the form of Joint Operating Agreements, and those between oil and gas companies operators and the contractors making up the service and supply chain. The course will be taught by means of a mix of lectures, seminars and interactive workshops.
- Climate Law and Sustainability (LS554N)
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30 Credit Points
Climate change is the biggest environmental challenge of our time and addressing it requires a range of regulatory tools and strategies for mitigating emissions. These include placing limits on greenhouse gas emissions at international and national levels, adapting to the current and projected impacts of climate change, and opening international green finance markets to support regional decarbonisation. This course immerses students in the cutting-edge field of climate law and sustainability, where they will critically explore the role of law in mitigating the climate crisis.
Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
- Master of Laws Dissertation (LS5904)
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60 Credit Points
Between May and mid-August students prepare a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic of their choice related to their specialist LLM programme. Students are instructed through the delivery of a preparatory lecture, two supervisory meetings and a two hour dissertation planning workshop in a small group setting. Students are expected to spend considerable time on independent research throughout the course of the dissertation module, including; preparation of dissertation plan, amendment of plan in accordance with supervisory comments, preparation for the dissertation workshop, and, of course, in the final 10,000 word dissertation itself.
Programme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost UK Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £11,900 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £11,900 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 EU / International students Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £23,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £23,000 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £15,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £15,000
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fee Information
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
The LLM Maritime Law with Dissertation has flexibility built in. The programme is structured to allow you the freedom to specialise within maritime 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.
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
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.
Why Study Maritime Law?
- A foundation discipline in 1495, today our Law School is considered one of the UK’s elite training grounds for lawyers.
- The calibre, experience, and enthusiasm of the strong academic team, challenging you with complex, realistic scenarios as you get to grips with this fascinating and fast-growing area.
- We are ranked in the Top 15 Law Schools in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2026
- We are ranked in the Top 15 Law Schools in the UK in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
- Over 93.8% of our Law graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025)
- Taught by our teaching team that includes legal practitioners with extensive real-world experience.
- The resources of the award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library and Taylor Law Library, with a first-class collection of reference works in law and related subjects.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Normally a 2:2 honours degree in Law (or another related discipline) or equivalent.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEnglish Language 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.
Document Requirements
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.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Careers
Maritime law and policy has a direct impact on global shipping, marine resources, international transport, and coastal economies. This programme is particularly relevant for those seeking a career, or currently working, in the public sector in areas related to maritime regulation, maritime administration, port management, marine environmental governance, or maritime diplomacy. It is also well suited to professionals in the private sector, including those working in shipping companies, P&I clubs, marine insurance, law firms, in-house legal teams, and industry associations connected to the maritime sector. Non-governmental organisations involved in marine conservation, sustainable ocean development, and maritime safety will also find this programme highly relevant.
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,
Our Experts
You will be taught by and have access to a number of experts, many of whom are internationally renowned within their respective fields.
- Programme Coordinators
- Luci Carey
- Mitchell Lennan
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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School of Law
University of Aberdeen
Taylor Building
Aberdeen
AB24 3UB