We are Top 100 in the World for Law
Our Law School is ranked in the Top 100 globally, according to the Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings 2022.
Explore the underlying philosophies and policies of criminal procedures and investigate how human rights impact on criminal justice around the world with our fascinating Master’s degree in Human Rights and Criminal Justice.
With the increasing global demand for criminal justice to comply with human rights, now is the perfect time to study these two disciplines together. Within small teaching groups, you will have the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences of criminal justice with students from various countries. This programme explores human rights and criminal justice from an international viewpoint and will give you the opportunity to use your critical thinking to full effect. You will have the opportunity to study subjects such as Criminal Law, The Politics of Human Rights, Intellectual Property, Human Rights and Development.
This programme was designed by our academics alongside assistance form human rights and criminal justice experts. This collaborative approach will provide you with valuable insights into both subjects and will advance your understanding of factors that influence them. The programme has been carefully coordinated to align with the competencies of top employers in the legal profession.
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.
Distinct from some other esteemed law schools, students at Aberdeen benefit from very personal, high contact teaching and enjoy active engagement with academics. Even when studying independently, you will benefit from having regular contact with your course coordinator and other members of the teaching staff.
By course work, by written examination, or by a combination of these, as prescribed for each course. The degree of LLM shall not be awarded to a candidate who fails to achieve a CGS grade of D3 or above in the specified dissertation course, irrespective of their performance in other courses: such candidates may, at the discretion of the Examiners, be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.
A foundation discipline in 1495, the Law School is now considered one of the UK’s elite training grounds for lawyers - and there’s no substitute for experience.
Our Law School is ranked 5th in the UK for Overall Student Satisfaction (National Student Survey 2022)
Students choose to study Law at Aberdeen because of our reputation for academic excellence and unrivalled student experience. At Aberdeen, you will:
The University also has a leading Careers and Employability Service that organises events focused on providing you with the additional skills needed to make the most of your career potential.
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Normally a 2(i) Honours degree in Law, or another related discipline, or equivalent.
International applicants must also meet the English Language Requirements of the University.
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.
By studying Human Rights and Criminal Justice at Aberdeen, you will gain a unique insight into the two disciplines from an international perspective. You will benefit from having a competitive advantage in the job market, particularly in careers related to foreign and security policies and international organisations. The programme will also provide a solid grounding for an academic career and help you prepare for a PhD.
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 Constitutional and Public International Law and Centre for Scots 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.