Graham Cottingham

LLM International Dispute Resolution delivers a solid theoretical grounding in international dispute settlements, broad interdisciplinary training across specialist legal areas and the practical tools required to succeed in the field. It provides opportunities for individual study and skills development for the new generation of lawyers to rethink traditional approaches to conflict and its resolution.
As technology, trade and transportation have reduced the significance of borders, alternative methods of dispute resolution will increasingly be used in all economic sectors, therefore the need for highly specialised professionals in this field is rapidly expanding.
This LLM will prepare you for a career in the challenging and exciting field of international dispute resolution. It provides a solid foundation in all relevant areas, including both private and public international means of dispute resolution, and will allow you to specialise in your chosen legal field. It offers theoretical and practical courses in international commercial law, litigation, energy and investment arbitration.
You will study this programme with a dissertation to further develop your academic and research skills. A similar programme is also available to study online and via the Professional Skills study route.
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.
Fee category | Cost |
---|---|
EU / International students | £23,000 |
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
UK | £11,900 |
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year |
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
From September 2025 all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students 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.
Learning methods include lectures, workshops, and seminars, as well as hands-on and practical skills, and advanced writing.
You will be assessed through a combination of exams, essays and group presentations.
This programme will equip you with an enhanced understanding of commercial, trade, and energy law, as well as the expertise required to resolve legal problems from a social justice perspective. A key feature of this programme is the combined training in specialist legal areas with the skills needed to effectively resolve disputes, offering maximum benefit to students upon graduation.
The programme has been carefully coordinated to align with the competencies required for today’s international job market. Studying LLM International Dispute Resolution at the University of Aberdeen will give you the opportunity to examine a diverse number of exciting topics under the guidance of our world-class teaching staff, who regularly provide consultancy work at an international level. This particular programme was designed in collaboration with experts in dispute resolution.
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Entry requirements differ slightly depending on the qualification you choose. LLM, PGDip, PGCert
• A 2:1 (upper-second) honours degree (or equivalent) in Law.
You can also apply if you have:
• a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in another discipline
• or significant relevant professional experience.
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 - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; 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.
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.
January 2025 September 2025This programme is ideal for students aiming to work as policy makers, government officials, adjudicators, arbitrators, mediators, judiciary, legal practitioners, researchers and academics, surveyors, construction professionals, and the financial and accounting professions.
The University of Aberdeen is renowned for attracting world-class teaching staff, unrivalled in their breadth of knowledge and experience in their specialist subjects. You will have access to first rate teaching from highly respected staff, many with an international profile, including members of the Centre for Commercial Law
Many of our courses are designed and delivered by practicing experts. We have guest speakers from top law firms as well as national and international organisations.
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.