Introduction
Are you interested in rules, treaties and legislation and the world of business transactions? Do you love negotiating, understanding contracts and how they are interpreted? International Commercial Law with Professional Skills at Aberdeen offers a comprehensive range of courses that carefully combine both the academic theory and the professional skills you need to operate successfully in the field of International Commercial Law.
This programme is studied on campus.
This programme presents you with an opportunity to mould your study within the complex area of International Commercial Law. It offers a comprehensive range of courses that combine theory and practical professional skills in the field of international and commercial law, drawing from the expertise of staff. The courses reflect contemporary and developing issues and blend theory and practice in their approach.
The last 50 years has seen high growth in international commerce. Trade, in particular, has always been the engine room of legal development. Today, thanks to the internet, international commercial transactions are so common that people barely realise they are conducting them and at the other end of the scale multinational companies conduct million, even billion, pound transactions. Companies large and small rely on international commercial law to provide protection and means of trading successfully.
In contrast to the LLM International Commercial Law with Dissertation, the LLM International Commercial Law with Professional Skills offers students the opportunity to develop key practical skills in arbitration rather than research skills through the writing and submission of a thesis. Students on this programme undertake an intensive summer school programme, followed by a simulated practical exercise and submission of an extended piece of writing.
The School has Recognised Course Provider (RCP) status from the prestigious Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) in connection with this programme. Students who successfully complete this programme are thus exempt from some or all of the academic requirements for Membership of the CIArb.
You will have access to first rate teaching from globally respected staff, such as Programme Director Dr Tina Hunter, a Reader in Energy Law and a Member of the Aberdeen University Centre for Energy Law.
Key Programme Information
At a Glance
- 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
Study Options
- LLM 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January
-
- Semester 1
-
Semester 1
For January students, the first semester covers courses with the prefix LS55.
Compulsory Courses
Students must complete LS551T and LS552P.
- Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS551T)
-
This compulsory course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which would be required to excel in LLM-Taught courses. It commences with a few lectures and progresses to working within smaller groups in a workshop environment and finally to the submission of an individual assignment. It also incorporates elements such as library workshops to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.
- International Investment Law and Arbitration In the Energy Sector (LS552P) - 30 Credit Points
-
The complex interaction between investment protection and the sovereign right of states to regulate has been most acute in the energy sector. On the one hand, investors require strong guarantees that states will respect the “rules of the game” that constitute the basis of their investments. On the other, states can be tempted to interfere with foreign energy investments because of their particular strategic and social importance. This course aims to analyse if existing investment disciplines are adapted to the specific regulatory risks that investors face in the energy landscape of the 21st Century.
Optional Courses
Thereafter three optional courses must be selected from the list below and in semester 3. Students may not select both LS5083 and LS5085 together.
Alternatively, three optional courses can be selected from the list below and in semester 3 and one from another LLM programme (excluding LS501E, and LS551K).
- Choice of Law for Business (LS551B) - 30 Credit Points
-
This LLM course as a whole addresses choice of law for business, and focuses on three areas, namely contractual obligations, non-contractual obligations and corporate law. Students are expected to develop a clear understanding of relevant legislation and judgments, as well as to consider whether the law strikes an appropriate balance between party autonomy and the interests of states in prescribing relevant outcomes. The course is taught by means of seminars and guided independent reading.
- Corporate Environmental Liability (LS551L) - 30 Credit Points
-
Corporate environmental liability is a significant area of concern not only for those corporations engaged in activities which exhibit environmental risk but society as whole. An efficient, effective liability regime must be present to ensure that corporations do not shirk their financial liabilities. The course draws attention to the conflicting goals of corporate law (i.e. the limitation of liability) and environmental law (i.e. ensuring that polluters pay for damage caused) and encourages students to consider and develop solutions to this problem. Whilst the course focuses on EU environmental law, many of the concepts covered are relevant to other jurisdictions.
- Trade Marks and Brand Development (LS5584) - 30 Credit Points
-
This course tracks the ongoing interactions between trade mark and related laws on the one hand and the social and commercial practices of branding on the other. Through the use of cases and contemporary examples throughout, the course views trade mark and related laws within their historical, current, and developing social and commercial contexts. It offers a critical view of certain developments in the laws, their roles in and responses to the evolving practices of branding. It provides students with both an analytical and a practical view on the protection of trade mark and related rights.
- International Trade and Finance Law (LS5588) - 30 Credit Points
-
This course focuses on the difficulties which can arise when the buyer and seller of goods are located in different legal systems: we examine the sources of International Trade Law and the legal issues arising for buyer and seller in an international sale of goods transaction. We consider how to minimise or avoid these difficulties in the following contexts: the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the CISG; Incoterms and bills of lading; International Documentary Letters of Credit; dispute resolution by litigation and arbitration.
- Commercialising Innovation and Law (LS5595) - 30 Credit Points
-
Students will explore the diversity of laws and practices relevant to commercialising innovation. We will consider patents, trade secrets, copyright and database rights, new business models, competition and (focussing on natural resources), communications and activities in developing areas. Visiting speakers from practice and industry are regularly invited. In the first session, students develop an innovative idea, as a base for discussion in each session. Seminars involve individual and group work, and the preparation of posters. Assessment is by essay and exam.
- Semester 2
-
Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
- Professional Arbitration Skills (LS5905) - 60 Credit Points
-
This course is taught over two weeks in June each year. It is highly practical and interactive, involving group discussion and debate, drafting, role play and presentations. Students are taken through the international arbitration process from drafting the arbitration clause, to jurisdiction, preliminary proceedings, the hearing, the award (judgement) and enforcing and challenging the award. Practitioners in international arbitration deliver some of the tuition. There is no exam, assessment is by presentation, preparing written arguments and award (arbitral judgement) writing. Successful completion of the course can lead to exemption from the Membership examinations of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
- Semester 3
-
Semester 3
For January starts semester 3 is the September semester with courses starting with LS50.
Optional Courses
- International Commercial Arbitration (on Campus) (LS5083) - 30 Credit Points
-
The demand for international commercial arbitration has increased significantly over the last 20 years. Empirical surveys conducted consistently report figures that suggest around 60% of businesses prefer arbitration over other dispute resolution methods. This course provides students with a solid understanding of how arbitration works both in principle and in practice. Topics covered include; the arbitration agreement, arbitral jurisdiction, the arbitral tribunal, challenging and enforcing awards. This course is taught together with International Commercial Arbitration in the Asia Pacific.
- International Commercial Arbitration In the Asia Pacific (on Campus) (LS5085) - 30 Credit Points
-
The demand for international commercial arbitration has increased significantly over the last 20 years. Empirical surveys consistently report figures that suggest around 60% of businesses prefer arbitration over other dispute resolution methods. This course provides students with a solid understanding of how arbitration works in principle and in practice. Topics covered include; arbitration agreement, arbitral jurisdiction, arbitral tribunal, challenging and enforcing awards. This course is taught together with the International Commercial Arbitration course. This course allows a greater focus on the Asia Pacific region and is particularly relevant to those who foresee themselves working in that part of the world.
- World Trade Organisation: Gatt (LS5098) - 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 non-discrimination, most-favour-nation (MFN) and the prohibition of quantitative restrictions on international trade. The security, environment, human rights, labour standards, 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.
- Comparative Contract Law for International Transactions (LS502K) - 30 Credit Points
-
When international commercial lawyers work with contracts, those contracts often engage parties from multiple countries with differing legal perspectives on how to interpret that same singular contract. This course is designed to enable commercial lawyers to understand how various legal traditions provide their own unique perspectives on a variety of contract formation and interpretation issues. The course will explore how different aspects of contract law can lead to unexpected differences or similarities across international legal cultures,
enabling an international commercial lawyer to be able to coordinate those issues for their clients. The course will focus on a variety of European legal systems, with additional discussions drawn from commercial systems in Asia and in the Americas.
- International Intellectual Property: Frameworks and Challenges (LS502L) - 30 Credit Points
-
Students will explore the diverse elements of law which constitute international intellectual property law. We will consider the framework of international conventions, copyright and moral rights (with a particular focus on new developments and the digital age), patents, designs, the work of the World Health Organisation and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Throughout the challenge is to identify conflicts and synergies, and areas for future development, through regard to cases, scholarship, and the activities of policy makers and activists. Assessment is by an essay, an exam and an individual presentation.
- Copyright and Patents (LS502P) - 30 Credit Points
-
This course is a substantive and critical analysis of two key areas of intellectual property law, copyright and patents, with a UK and European focus, and their impact on innovation and creativity. This course complements other innovation law LLM courses which focus on commercial, policy and sector matters.
- Private International Law — Jurisdiction, Recognition & Enforcement (LS502Q) - 30 Credit Points
-
We examine the questions of jurisdiction and recognition and enforcement in relation to commercial matters involving private international law. We examine the general and special jurisdictional aspects of the Brussels I Regulation and the Recast Brussels I Regulation; choice of court agreements; recognition and enforcement and, international commercial arbitration.
- LLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September
-
- Semester 1
-
Semester 1
All students must complete a course in generic legal research skills at the start of the programme.
All students must take two LS50xx courses and two LS55xx courses.
Compulsory Courses
Students must complete LS501T and either LS5083 or LS5085 or LS5585 (semester 2).
- Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS501T)
-
This compulsory course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which would be required to excel in LLM-Taught courses. It commences with a few lectures and progresses to working within smaller groups in a workshop environment and finally to the submission of an individual assignment. It also incorporates elements such as library workshops to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.
- Professional Arbitration Skills (LS5905) - 60 Credit Points
-
This course is taught over two weeks in June each year. It is highly practical and interactive, involving group discussion and debate, drafting, role play and presentations. Students are taken through the international arbitration process from drafting the arbitration clause, to jurisdiction, preliminary proceedings, the hearing, the award (judgement) and enforcing and challenging the award. Practitioners in international arbitration deliver some of the tuition. There is no exam, assessment is by presentation, preparing written arguments and award (arbitral judgement) writing. Successful completion of the course can lead to exemption from the Membership examinations of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Optional Courses
Thereafter three optional courses must be selected from the list below and in semester 2. Students may not select both LS5083 and LS5085 together.
Alternatively, one of your three choices could be selected from another LLM programme (excluding LS501E, and LS551K).
- International Commercial Arbitration (on Campus) (LS5083) - 30 Credit Points
-
The demand for international commercial arbitration has increased significantly over the last 20 years. Empirical surveys conducted consistently report figures that suggest around 60% of businesses prefer arbitration over other dispute resolution methods. This course provides students with a solid understanding of how arbitration works both in principle and in practice. Topics covered include; the arbitration agreement, arbitral jurisdiction, the arbitral tribunal, challenging and enforcing awards. This course is taught together with International Commercial Arbitration in the Asia Pacific.
- International Commercial Arbitration In the Asia Pacific (on Campus) (LS5085) - 30 Credit Points
-
The demand for international commercial arbitration has increased significantly over the last 20 years. Empirical surveys consistently report figures that suggest around 60% of businesses prefer arbitration over other dispute resolution methods. This course provides students with a solid understanding of how arbitration works in principle and in practice. Topics covered include; arbitration agreement, arbitral jurisdiction, arbitral tribunal, challenging and enforcing awards. This course is taught together with the International Commercial Arbitration course. This course allows a greater focus on the Asia Pacific region and is particularly relevant to those who foresee themselves working in that part of the world.
- World Trade Organisation: Gatt (LS5098) - 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 non-discrimination, most-favour-nation (MFN) and the prohibition of quantitative restrictions on international trade. The security, environment, human rights, labour standards, 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.
- Comparative Contract Law for International Transactions (LS502K) - 30 Credit Points
-
When international commercial lawyers work with contracts, those contracts often engage parties from multiple countries with differing legal perspectives on how to interpret that same singular contract. This course is designed to enable commercial lawyers to understand how various legal traditions provide their own unique perspectives on a variety of contract formation and interpretation issues. The course will explore how different aspects of contract law can lead to unexpected differences or similarities across international legal cultures,
enabling an international commercial lawyer to be able to coordinate those issues for their clients. The course will focus on a variety of European legal systems, with additional discussions drawn from commercial systems in Asia and in the Americas.
- International Intellectual Property: Frameworks and Challenges (LS502L) - 30 Credit Points
-
Students will explore the diverse elements of law which constitute international intellectual property law. We will consider the framework of international conventions, copyright and moral rights (with a particular focus on new developments and the digital age), patents, designs, the work of the World Health Organisation and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Throughout the challenge is to identify conflicts and synergies, and areas for future development, through regard to cases, scholarship, and the activities of policy makers and activists. Assessment is by an essay, an exam and an individual presentation.
- Copyright and Patents (LS502P) - 30 Credit Points
-
This course is a substantive and critical analysis of two key areas of intellectual property law, copyright and patents, with a UK and European focus, and their impact on innovation and creativity. This course complements other innovation law LLM courses which focus on commercial, policy and sector matters.
- Private International Law — Jurisdiction, Recognition & Enforcement (LS502Q) - 30 Credit Points
-
We examine the questions of jurisdiction and recognition and enforcement in relation to commercial matters involving private international law. We examine the general and special jurisdictional aspects of the Brussels I Regulation and the Recast Brussels I Regulation; choice of court agreements; recognition and enforcement and, international commercial arbitration.
- Choice of Law for Business (LS551B) - 30 Credit Points
-
This LLM course as a whole addresses choice of law for business, and focuses on three areas, namely contractual obligations, non-contractual obligations and corporate law. Students are expected to develop a clear understanding of relevant legislation and judgments, as well as to consider whether the law strikes an appropriate balance between party autonomy and the interests of states in prescribing relevant outcomes. The course is taught by means of seminars and guided independent reading.
- Corporate Environmental Liability (LS551L) - 30 Credit Points
-
Corporate environmental liability is a significant area of concern not only for those corporations engaged in activities which exhibit environmental risk but society as whole. An efficient, effective liability regime must be present to ensure that corporations do not shirk their financial liabilities. The course draws attention to the conflicting goals of corporate law (i.e. the limitation of liability) and environmental law (i.e. ensuring that polluters pay for damage caused) and encourages students to consider and develop solutions to this problem. Whilst the course focuses on EU environmental law, many of the concepts covered are relevant to other jurisdictions.
- Trade Marks and Brand Development (LS5584) - 30 Credit Points
-
This course tracks the ongoing interactions between trade mark and related laws on the one hand and the social and commercial practices of branding on the other. Through the use of cases and contemporary examples throughout, the course views trade mark and related laws within their historical, current, and developing social and commercial contexts. It offers a critical view of certain developments in the laws, their roles in and responses to the evolving practices of branding. It provides students with both an analytical and a practical view on the protection of trade mark and related rights.
- International Trade and Finance Law (LS5588) - 30 Credit Points
-
This course focuses on the difficulties which can arise when the buyer and seller of goods are located in different legal systems: we examine the sources of International Trade Law and the legal issues arising for buyer and seller in an international sale of goods transaction. We consider how to minimise or avoid these difficulties in the following contexts: the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the CISG; Incoterms and bills of lading; International Documentary Letters of Credit; dispute resolution by litigation and arbitration.
- Commercialising Innovation and Law (LS5595) - 30 Credit Points
-
Students will explore the diversity of laws and practices relevant to commercialising innovation. We will consider patents, trade secrets, copyright and database rights, new business models, competition and (focussing on natural resources), communications and activities in developing areas. Visiting speakers from practice and industry are regularly invited. In the first session, students develop an innovative idea, as a base for discussion in each session. Seminars involve individual and group work, and the preparation of posters. Assessment is by essay and exam.
- International Investment Law and Arbitration In the Energy Sector (LS552P) - 30 Credit Points
-
The complex interaction between investment protection and the sovereign right of states to regulate has been most acute in the energy sector. On the one hand, investors require strong guarantees that states will respect the “rules of the game” that constitute the basis of their investments. On the other, states can be tempted to interfere with foreign energy investments because of their particular strategic and social importance. This course aims to analyse if existing investment disciplines are adapted to the specific regulatory risks that investors face in the energy landscape of the 21st Century.
- Comparative and International Perspectives on Company Law (LS501G) - 30 Credit Points
-
This course is a selective and critical examination of company laws. A theoretical approach shall be taken based upon the general theory of comparative law developed by Zweigert and Kötz and the Wilsonian theory of legal transplants. Key issues in comparative company law shall be examined using the theoretical framework of Hansmann and Kraakman with its particular focus on the agency problem. Specific topics shall include directors’ duties; the protection of minority shareholders and the limits of limited liability. The course is assessed by a three hour examination and a coursework essay.
- Cultural Property Issues: Law, Art, and Museums (LS50UU) - 30 Credit Points
-
Taught by museum and law academics, this course will examine cultural property issues such as treasure trove, looting and repatriation, forgery, sacred and street art, and the derogatory treatment of art. Objects from the University Museum and collections worldwide will be drawn on to illustrate aspects of the course. Museum practice and operational experience will also inform certain aspects. Students will be encouraged to explore and develop their own ideas. Facilitating this, the course will include a programme of case studies and/or issue papers to be presented by students for class discussion.
- Semester 2
-
Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
Students must complete LS501T and either LS5083 or LS5085 or LS552P (semester 2).
- International Investment Law and Arbitration In the Energy Sector (LS552P) - 30 Credit Points
-
The complex interaction between investment protection and the sovereign right of states to regulate has been most acute in the energy sector. On the one hand, investors require strong guarantees that states will respect the “rules of the game” that constitute the basis of their investments. On the other, states can be tempted to interfere with foreign energy investments because of their particular strategic and social importance. This course aims to analyse if existing investment disciplines are adapted to the specific regulatory risks that investors face in the energy landscape of the 21st Century.
Optional Courses
- Corporate Environmental Liability (LS551L) - 30 Credit Points
-
Corporate environmental liability is a significant area of concern not only for those corporations engaged in activities which exhibit environmental risk but society as whole. An efficient, effective liability regime must be present to ensure that corporations do not shirk their financial liabilities. The course draws attention to the conflicting goals of corporate law (i.e. the limitation of liability) and environmental law (i.e. ensuring that polluters pay for damage caused) and encourages students to consider and develop solutions to this problem. Whilst the course focuses on EU environmental law, many of the concepts covered are relevant to other jurisdictions.
- Trade Marks and Brand Development (LS5584) - 30 Credit Points
-
This course tracks the ongoing interactions between trade mark and related laws on the one hand and the social and commercial practices of branding on the other. Through the use of cases and contemporary examples throughout, the course views trade mark and related laws within their historical, current, and developing social and commercial contexts. It offers a critical view of certain developments in the laws, their roles in and responses to the evolving practices of branding. It provides students with both an analytical and a practical view on the protection of trade mark and related rights.
- International Trade and Finance Law (LS5588) - 30 Credit Points
-
This course focuses on the difficulties which can arise when the buyer and seller of goods are located in different legal systems: we examine the sources of International Trade Law and the legal issues arising for buyer and seller in an international sale of goods transaction. We consider how to minimise or avoid these difficulties in the following contexts: the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the CISG; Incoterms and bills of lading; International Documentary Letters of Credit; dispute resolution by litigation and arbitration.
- Commercialising Innovation and Law (LS5595) - 30 Credit Points
-
Students will explore the diversity of laws and practices relevant to commercialising innovation. We will consider patents, trade secrets, copyright and database rights, new business models, competition and (focussing on natural resources), communications and activities in developing areas. Visiting speakers from practice and industry are regularly invited. In the first session, students develop an innovative idea, as a base for discussion in each session. Seminars involve individual and group work, and the preparation of posters. Assessment is by essay and exam.
- Choice of Law for Business (LS551B) - 30 Credit Points
-
This LLM course as a whole addresses choice of law for business, and focuses on three areas, namely contractual obligations, non-contractual obligations and corporate law. Students are expected to develop a clear understanding of relevant legislation and judgments, as well as to consider whether the law strikes an appropriate balance between party autonomy and the interests of states in prescribing relevant outcomes. The course is taught by means of seminars and guided independent reading.
- Contracting in Hydrocarbon Operations (LS551K) - 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 the state and the commercial actors involved in the exploration for and production of oil an gas and the contracts entered into between the oil companies themselves, and those between oil and gas companies and the contractors making up the supply chain. The course will be taught by means of a mix of lectures, seminars and interactive workshops.
- Corporate Governance (LS5582) - 30 Credit Points
-
This course will discuss the trajectory of the development of corporate governance over the past three decades, especially in the UK and the US, with a view to understanding the extent to which underlying theoretical assumptions and policy decisions impact legislative, regulatory and self-regulatory arrangements as well as reform options. Students will gain an understanding of why the company as a legal entity has the shape and form that it does; why certain actors are regarded as internal to corporate governance arrangements and others external; and why ongoing (and sometimes apparently futile) reform efforts take the form that they do.
- Semester 3
-
Semester 3
The Professional Skills module is delivered through an intensive summer school during June followed by a piece of writing. All students must complete the Professional Arbitration Skills module from June - August.
Compulsory Courses
- Professional Arbitration Skills (LS5905) - 60 Credit Points
-
This course is taught over two weeks in June each year. It is highly practical and interactive, involving group discussion and debate, drafting, role play and presentations. Students are taken through the international arbitration process from drafting the arbitration clause, to jurisdiction, preliminary proceedings, the hearing, the award (judgement) and enforcing and challenging the award. Practitioners in international arbitration deliver some of the tuition. There is no exam, assessment is by presentation, preparing written arguments and award (arbitral judgement) writing. Successful completion of the course can lead to exemption from the Membership examinations of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Course Availability
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.
How You'll Study
Using experiential teaching techniques, the University Law School aims to sharpen your practical and professional skills that will enable you to demonstrate your value to potential employers. Teaching is organised on a modular basis with the professional skills module delivered through an intensive summer school.
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Courses are assessed through essays, presentations, role play, group work and project work. The variety of assessments in the programme ensures that students apply theory to practical situations in order to become expert at being able to analyse and reason issues thoroughly.
The Professional Skills module is assessed through a combination of attendance and participation in classes, preparatory work, a simulated practical exercise and submission of a final piece of extended writing.
Why Study International Commercial Law with Professional Skills?
Ever since the University’s opening in 1495, the Law School has played a pivotal role in Aberdeen’s history - and there’s no substitute for experience.
- Our Law School is ranked 10th in the UK, out of more than 90 law schools (The Complete University Guide 2018).
-
In an LLM exit survey we carried out in 2016, 98% of students felt that their LLM had added value to their career prospects and 97% would recommend their course to others.
- There are over 40 nationalities within the School of Law postgraduate community, so you will benefit from the experiences of international students from all over the world.
Students choose to study Law at Aberdeen because of our reputation for academic excellence and unrivalled student experience. At Aberdeen, you will:
- Gain an advanced understanding of commercial law within an international context, enabling you to apply for jobs around the world as an adviser and consultant
- Benefit from being taught by an internationally renowned teaching staff and authors of major international agreements
- Have the opportunity to study the full spectrum of international commercial law across wide ranging markets. We are located in Aberdeen, Europe's energy capital, a world cosmopolitan dynamic city with worldwide links in energy, healthcare and international tourism
Lecturers regularly provide consultancy, policy work at international level and publish in The International Review of Intellectual Property and Competition, Journal of the Copyright Society of the USA, Law International and Comparative Law Quarterly, Modern Law Review and many other publications.
Entry Requirements
Prospective students requiring a visa to study in the UK are advised to apply as early as possible to secure a place. Applications received after 31 July (September intake) or 2 November (January intake) from students who need to apply for a visa will not be processed in time for entry, but will be considered for entry into the next intake as appropriate.
Submitting a CV with the application is optional.
Qualifications
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. Relevant practical experience in the field of commercial law will also be beneficial.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English 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 - 51; Reading - 54; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
Cambridge English Advanced & 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
- Reference
- a reference letter from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employer, or another professional person
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
- LLM 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January
-
Fee Information
Fee information Fee category Cost Home / EU / RUK Students £7,400 Tuition Fee for 2017/18 Academic Year International Students £18,000 Tuition Fee for 2017/18 Academic Year Home / EU / RUK Students £7,800 Tuition Fees for 2018/19 Academic Year International Students £18,900 Tuition Fees for 2018/19 Academic Year - LLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September
-
Fee Information
Fee information Fee category Cost Home / EU / RUK Students £7,400 Tuition Fee for 2017/18 Academic Year International Students £18,000 Tuition Fee for 2017/18 Academic Year Home / EU / RUK Students £7,800 Tuition Fees for 2018/19 Academic Year International Students £18,900 Tuition Fees for 2018/19 Academic Year
International non-EU Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The SFC Postgraduate tuition fee scholarship may be available for those classified as Home/EU fee status students for this programme. Visit the scholarship page for more information.
The James Carnegie maintenance scholarship for postgraduate students is available with this degree.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Studying International Commercial Law at Aberdeen will prepare you for a range of careers, some of which include jobs in energy or finance law. This LLM programme will give you the professional and international commercial awareness skills to pursue a career in any country.
Employment
Intellectual Property Law Advisor/ Solicitor
- Legal Counsel (Global business)
- General Counsel (Global business)
- Commercial Solicitor / Lawyer
- Litigation Counsel
- Barrister
- Partner in Accountancy firms
- Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer
- Company Director and Secretary
- Business Investment Analysts
- HR and General Managers
What our Alumni Say
Chirat Keawchaum
Our Experts
You will be taught an have access to a number of experts in their respective fields, some of whom are internationally renowned, these will include the following Law School Staff:
- Mr Derek Auchie
- Dr Justin Borg-Barthet
- Professor Paul Beaumont
- Dr Tom Burns
- Dr Jonathan Fitchen
- Professor Christopher Kee
- Dr Roy Andrew Partain
- Professor John Paterson
- Mrs Donna McKenzie Skene
- Dr Burcu Yuksel
-
Professor John Paterson
Information About Staff Changes
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.
Facilities
Taylor Library
The School of Law has its own dedicated law library, Taylor Library, which is located within the Law School building, offering access to the Law collection, Official Publications and the European Documentation Centre.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
School of Law
University of Aberdeen
Taylor Building
Aberdeen
AB24 3UB