Introduction
International Law at Aberdeen offers a range of courses covering both public and private international law. The programme enables students to undertake advanced legal research and writing while focusing on international treaties and case law.
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
Our LLM in International Law gives students an advanced knowledge of general public and private international law, both of which are vital subjects for pursuing a career in the legal profession.
The programme aims to sharpen students’ abilities to critically gauge how international law needs to adapt to a fast-changing world and current international crises. You will have the opportunity to study topics such as International Commercial Arbitration, International Insolvency Law and The Law of International Organisations.
This programme was designed in consultation with a range of external contacts within the field of International Law as well as teaching staff from the University. This additional input ensures that the programme is aligned to industry competencies and needs, which in turn, will improve your career prospects.
The University of Aberdeen is home to a world-class teaching staff, unrivalled in their breadth of knowledge and experience. You will have access to first rate teaching from globally respected staff.
Available Programmes of Study
Please note: Students staring their LLM programme in January write their Dissertation project during the Summer semester.
- LLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January View
-
Programme Information
- Semester 1
-
Semester 1
For January students, the first semester covers courses with the prefix LS55 and there is the compulsory course LS551T Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship.
All students must take two LS50xx courses and two LS55xx courses.
Compulsory Courses
- 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 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.
View detailed information about this course
Optional Courses
Four optional courses must be selected. Two should be selected from semester 1 and two from semester 3.
Alternatively, one of your four choices could be selected from another LLM programme (excluding LS501E, and LS551K).
Students can take either LS5083 or LS5085.
- 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.
View detailed information about this course - International Human Rights Law (LS5590)
-
30 Credit Points
The course was designed to help students build competence in dealing with the doctrinal issues about international human rights. It involves understanding the place of human rights in public international law, finding one’s way around the foundational human rights documents and the jurisprudence of human rights bodies. The course delivery puts heavy emphasis on classroom discussion on the controversial issues on contemporary human rights law that shape doctrinal development in this field: the justifiability of torture, the limits of freedom of religion, the justiciability of social rights, etc
View detailed information about this course - The use of Force in International Law (LS5549)
-
30 Credit Points
The course analyses how international law regulates the use of armed forces between States. It is of interest to students who want to understand the legal considerations which frame contemporary conflicts. The course will study the fundamental principle of the prohibition on the use of inter-State force. It will examine the current exceptions to this principle, and how States try to justify the use of force. Consequently, the course will study the most recent recourses to force on the international plane, in particular in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Ukraine. Teaching will be delivered mainly through discussion based seminars.
View detailed information about this course - International Humanitarian Law (LS551G)
-
30 Credit Points
The course explores the history, nature AND salient features of the principles of ‘the laws AND customs of war’, also called IHL; they are enshrined, inter alia, IN the Geneva Conventions of 1949 AND their Additional Protocols of 1977. The principles of distinction, humanity, necessity AND proportionality AS applied TO contemporary armed conflicts are examined. The course emphasises the rules AND challenges pertaining TO civilian immunity, occupation, legal controls ON weapons AND how IHL IS implemented AND enforced. It also clarifies the differences/similarities BETWEEN IHL AND international human rights law AND the law ON the USE of force.
View detailed information about this course - Carriage of Goods By Sea (LS5592)
-
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.
View detailed information about this course - International Criminal Law (LS5597)
-
30 Credit Points
The course explores the history, ambit and nature of ICL and the notion of individual criminal responsibility, issues of immunities, superior orders and subordinate responsibility. War crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression are also critically examined. National and international prosecution of international crimes with emphasis on the Rome Statute and the International Criminal Court (ICC) and questions of international cooperation to suppress international crimes are carefully studied in light of relevant cases such as decisions of the Nuremburg and Tokyo tribunals, the ICC, ICTY and the ICTR (tribunals for Yugoslavia and Rwanda respectively).
View detailed information about this course - Cultural Property Issues: Law Art and Museums (LS55UU)
-
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.
View detailed information about this course
- Semester 2
-
Semester 2
The compulsory dissertation provides the opportunity to research and explore in more detail a specific legal area of your choice.
Compulsory Courses
- Master of Law Dissertation (LS5904)
-
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.
View detailed information about this course
- Semester 3
-
Semester 3
In September, January start students will take courses starting with LS50.
Optional Courses
Students can take either LS5083 or LS5085.
- International Energy and Environmental Law (LS501C)
-
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.
View detailed information about this course - The Politics of Human Rights (LS5068)
-
30 Credit Points
The course addresses the political processes by which human rights law is created and sustained (e.g. by exploring the main drivers of the change in human rights norms – like global civil society activism). Discussions review ways in which international human rights law shapes controversial issues of international politics (e.g. problems of international development or humanitarian intervention). Two seminars are dedicated to ‘case studies’ on human rights politics: (1) the practice of human rights activism, and (2) the relevance of human rights for dealing with the social and political tensions generated by oil industry in Nigeria.
View detailed information about this course - International Law: A Time of Challenges (LS501U)
-
30 Credit Points
The course analyses recent developments in public international law. It first considers the sources of public international law. The question is then asked whether traditional public international law can regulate pressing issues on the international plane. Examples of these problems are: international terrorism, nuclear weapons proliferation, protection of human rights, ethnic conflicts, climate change, and energy security supply. The course encourages the student to think creatively as an international lawyer to resolve contemporary international dilemmas. Teaching will be delivered through discussion based seminars. Assessment is based on the drafting of an essay and an exam.
View detailed information about this course - 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.
View detailed information about this course - 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.
View detailed information about this course - 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.
View detailed information about this course - Oil and Mining Resources for Good (LS502Z)
-
30 Credit Points
The course examines the relationship between law, energy and natural resources, ethics, governance and development at the national and international levels on the one hand and variable developmental outcomes, particularly the resource curse phenomenon, on the other hand. The course then proceeds to apply advanced academic and experiential knowledge to formulate the fundamentals for overarching legal frameworks that will enable the good exploitation and development of energy and natural resources, thereby producing enduring benefits for all key stakeholders.
View detailed information about this course - 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.
View detailed information about this course - International Commercial Litigation (LS503M)
-
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 int. 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.
View detailed information about this course - Energy, Innovation and Law (LS501F)
-
30 Credit Points
Students will explore the law and regulation which is relevant to innovation across the energy sector (taken in its widest sense). We will consider intellectual property, UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol, government initiatives, competition, human rights, and oil and gas licensing. We will focus on the impact of these fields on business, reward, sharing, sustainable growth, energy security, and the relationship between private rights, raw materials and the wider public interest. Sessions will be interactive and you need not have studied any of these fields before – although we will move quickly. Assessment is by essay, exam and group presentation.
View detailed information about this course
Programme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost Home / EU / RUK Students £6,700 Tuition Fees for 2019/20 Academic Year International Students £15,900 Tuition Fees for 2019/20 Academic Year Home / EU / RUK Students £10,000 Tuition Fees for 2020/21 Academic Year International Students £19,000 Tuition Fees for 2020/21 Academic Year - LLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September View
-
Programme Information
- Semester 1
-
Semester 1
The information listed below is for September start students.
All students must take two LS50xx courses and two LS55xx courses.
Compulsory Courses
All candidates must take the following course:
- 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 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.
View detailed information about this course
Optional Courses
Four optional courses must be selected. Two should be selected from semester 1 and two from semester 2.
Alternatively, one of your four choices could be selected from another LLM programme (excluding LS501E, and LS551K).
Students can take either LS5083 or LS5085.
- International Energy and Environmental Law (LS501C)
-
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.
View detailed information about this course - 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.
View detailed information about this course - International Law: A Time of Challenges (LS501U)
-
30 Credit Points
The course analyses recent developments in public international law. It first considers the sources of public international law. The question is then asked whether traditional public international law can regulate pressing issues on the international plane. Examples of these problems are: international terrorism, nuclear weapons proliferation, protection of human rights, ethnic conflicts, climate change, and energy security supply. The course encourages the student to think creatively as an international lawyer to resolve contemporary international dilemmas. Teaching will be delivered through discussion based seminars. Assessment is based on the drafting of an essay and an exam.
View detailed information about this course - The Politics of Human Rights (LS5068)
-
30 Credit Points
The course addresses the political processes by which human rights law is created and sustained (e.g. by exploring the main drivers of the change in human rights norms – like global civil society activism). Discussions review ways in which international human rights law shapes controversial issues of international politics (e.g. problems of international development or humanitarian intervention). Two seminars are dedicated to ‘case studies’ on human rights politics: (1) the practice of human rights activism, and (2) the relevance of human rights for dealing with the social and political tensions generated by oil industry in Nigeria.
View detailed information about this course - 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.
View detailed information about this course - 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.
View detailed information about this course - 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.
View detailed information about this course - Oil and Mining Resources for Good (LS502Z)
-
30 Credit Points
The course examines the relationship between law, energy and natural resources, ethics, governance and development at the national and international levels on the one hand and variable developmental outcomes, particularly the resource curse phenomenon, on the other hand. The course then proceeds to apply advanced academic and experiential knowledge to formulate the fundamentals for overarching legal frameworks that will enable the good exploitation and development of energy and natural resources, thereby producing enduring benefits for all key stakeholders.
View detailed information about this course - Energy, Innovation and Law (LS501F)
-
30 Credit Points
Students will explore the law and regulation which is relevant to innovation across the energy sector (taken in its widest sense). We will consider intellectual property, UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol, government initiatives, competition, human rights, and oil and gas licensing. We will focus on the impact of these fields on business, reward, sharing, sustainable growth, energy security, and the relationship between private rights, raw materials and the wider public interest. Sessions will be interactive and you need not have studied any of these fields before – although we will move quickly. Assessment is by essay, exam and group presentation.
View detailed information about this course - International Commercial Litigation (LS503M)
-
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 int. 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.
View detailed information about this course
- Semester 2
-
Semester 2
Optional Courses
- 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.
View detailed information about this course - International Human Rights Law (LS5590)
-
30 Credit Points
The course was designed to help students build competence in dealing with the doctrinal issues about international human rights. It involves understanding the place of human rights in public international law, finding one’s way around the foundational human rights documents and the jurisprudence of human rights bodies. The course delivery puts heavy emphasis on classroom discussion on the controversial issues on contemporary human rights law that shape doctrinal development in this field: the justifiability of torture, the limits of freedom of religion, the justiciability of social rights, etc
View detailed information about this course - The use of Force in International Law (LS5549)
-
30 Credit Points
The course analyses how international law regulates the use of armed forces between States. It is of interest to students who want to understand the legal considerations which frame contemporary conflicts. The course will study the fundamental principle of the prohibition on the use of inter-State force. It will examine the current exceptions to this principle, and how States try to justify the use of force. Consequently, the course will study the most recent recourses to force on the international plane, in particular in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Ukraine. Teaching will be delivered mainly through discussion based seminars.
View detailed information about this course - International Humanitarian Law (LS551G)
-
30 Credit Points
The course explores the history, nature AND salient features of the principles of ‘the laws AND customs of war’, also called IHL; they are enshrined, inter alia, IN the Geneva Conventions of 1949 AND their Additional Protocols of 1977. The principles of distinction, humanity, necessity AND proportionality AS applied TO contemporary armed conflicts are examined. The course emphasises the rules AND challenges pertaining TO civilian immunity, occupation, legal controls ON weapons AND how IHL IS implemented AND enforced. It also clarifies the differences/similarities BETWEEN IHL AND international human rights law AND the law ON the USE of force.
View detailed information about this course - Carriage of Goods By Sea (LS5592)
-
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.
View detailed information about this course - International Criminal Law (LS5597)
-
30 Credit Points
The course explores the history, ambit and nature of ICL and the notion of individual criminal responsibility, issues of immunities, superior orders and subordinate responsibility. War crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression are also critically examined. National and international prosecution of international crimes with emphasis on the Rome Statute and the International Criminal Court (ICC) and questions of international cooperation to suppress international crimes are carefully studied in light of relevant cases such as decisions of the Nuremburg and Tokyo tribunals, the ICC, ICTY and the ICTR (tribunals for Yugoslavia and Rwanda respectively).
View detailed information about this course - Cultural Property Issues: Law Art and Museums (LS55UU)
-
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.
View detailed information about this course
- Semester 3
-
Semester 3
The compulsory dissertation provides the opportunity to research and explore in more detail a specific legal area of your choice.
Compulsory Courses
- Master of Law Dissertation (LS5904)
-
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.
View detailed information about this course
Programme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost Home / EU / RUK Students £10,000 Tuition Fees for 2020/21 Academic Year International Students £19,000 Tuition Fees for 2020/21 Academic Year
International Law
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
Our International Law programme is taught through traditional lectures and seminars . Working in small groups, you will benefit from close tutor contact. You will also have the opportunity to attend lectures by high-ranking guest speakers from the world of international law. Some of the teaching methods used in the programme include access to industry experts and the University Law library, where you can gain online learning support through our Virtual Learning environment.
Learning Methods
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Assessment: 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 a Postgraduate Certificate.
Why Study International Law?
- Aberdeen’s School of Law has played a central role in the Aberdeen experience since the University’s opening in 1495.
- The School of Law is ranked 5th in the UK for Law (The Times Good University Guide 2019), and based on the Times ranking is the highest ranked Scottish Law School.
-
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, promising career prospects and unrivalled student experience. At Aberdeen, you will:
- Benefit from the University’s long tradition of research excellence in International Law by receiving unique insights into the field of study from leading world researchers.
- Be suitably prepared for a career in the legal profession, given that in today’s global context, most lawyers need an international aspect to their practice, which requires specialist expertise in private international law.
- Be seen as highly valuable by national governments, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and relevant research institutes for lawyers that require your understanding of legal international frameworks.
- Benefit from an experienced teaching staff with a wide range of international legal and research experience.
- Be part of an elite band of students who have studied International Law at one of the world’s top 200 universities (QS World Rankings 2020 and Times Higher World University Rankings 2020).
- Study in a city known as the oil capital of Europe, making Aberdeen the perfect place to learn about international law.
The University also offers a range of careers services that are focused on providing you with the tools you will need to fulfil your career potential.
You will be part of a close-knit community and learn from the prior academic experiences of other students.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Normally, a 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in Law will be required to be accepted onto this programme. Relevant practical experience in a related field 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
International Applicants
Fee Information
International non-EU Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- 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.
Scholarships
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.
Careers
Completing the LLM programme in International Law at the University of Aberdeen will provide you with the skills and experience to pursue a career in the legal profession. You will develop an advanced understanding of public and private international law, giving you a competitive advantage in the careers marketplace. Studying International Law at Aberdeen will broaden your career opportunities and help you find employment in large influential institutions, international law firms, lobby groups or governmental institutions.
Our Experts
Dr Irène Couzigou has been a lecturer in public international law at the University since 2009. She previously worked as a lecturer at the Universities of Heidelberg and Mannheim in Germany and as an assistant to a professor at the University of Paris II in France.
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.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
School of Law
University of Aberdeen
Taylor Building
Aberdeen
AB24 3UB