Introduction
Law with options in Economics at Aberdeen gives you all the benefits of our trademark quality at Aberdeen Law School – ranked 6th in the UK for Law (CUG2021) and with 93% student satisfaction– with the added advantage of insight into the workings of global, national and regional economies and the creators of wealth and poverty, widening your already-bright career prospects still further.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- LLB
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- M1L1
Law at Aberdeen looks at the historical, social, political and economic forces that influence our legal systems and govern our societies. You will learn to think like a lawyer rather than just 'learn' law.
A major factor in our quality is the calibre and enthusiasm of our staff, testing your mental agility with complex, realistic legal scenarios as you get to grips with criminal, public and private law, legal systems, contracts, human rights and explore family law, the law of property and legal aspects of the EU.
You will also add courses, including the macroeconomics of the world economy and the microeconomics of business and society – gaining useful specialist knowledge of the law as it applies to the world of wealth and poverty at local and global level.
You will have many opportunities to hone your developing legal skills in student-led initiatives such as mock legal debating, our highly active Law Society, the students’ journal in which your work may be published and our community law clinic – the Aberdeen Law Project.
Should you choose to practice law, you will have a wide variety of career options within legal professions. However, more than a third of Aberdeen law graduates now choose to use their law degree as a passport for entry into a wide range of careers including business, finance and banking for which you will be very well prepared, media, teaching, governmental bodies and departments, and the police force.
Graduates wishing to apply for an LLB must apply for the 2-year LLB Accelerated degree – Law Accelerated (M115) or Law with English Law Accelerated (M116). Tuition fees for the Accelerated programmes are at a separate rate. In the event that a Graduate undertakes a 4-year or 5-year LLB degree, please note that tuition fees are charged each year of study at the same rate as those set for the Accelerated programme.
What You'll Study
- Year 1
-
Year 1: Compulsory Courses
- Criminal Law (LS1020)
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15 Credit Points
This course is a compulsory course on the LLB degree introducing students to Scottish criminal law including its sources and current law. It examines various aspects of substantive law including crimes against the person, crimes of dishonesty, crimes against property, and criminal defences enabling students to understand and apply the law in these areas. The course also develops students’ written, verbal and analytical skills utilising written coursework and problem-solving exercises in tutorial groups and a workshop.
- Foundations of Private Law (LS1022)
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15 Credit Points
The course provides firstly a map of private law as drawn from the institutional scheme of classical Roman law as still followed today in Scotland. It then progresses to an equivalent of the medical student’s study of anatomy in the sense that, concentrating on the law of property and obligations, it examines the main concepts of private law and how they interact and operate together so as to provide a sophisticated body of legal principles which can be used to resolve real-life disputes within private law.
- Scottish Legal System and Method (LS1019)
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15 Credit Points
This course introduces the fundamentals of Scottish legal system and Scottish legal method. Lectures, tutorials and a workshop will cover topics such as the Scottish legal tradition, formal sources of Scots law, the legislative process, organisation of the courts, judicial precedent, civil procedure, alternative dispute resolution and legal services. Students will be introduced to reading statute, precedent and the Institutional Writers in light of the fundamentals of Scottish legal method.
- The Economics of Business and Society (EC1006)
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15 Credit Points
This course is an introductory course in microeconomics where we study the decision making of individual actors (consumers, employees, firms, governments, etc.) in an economy. Actors must make decisions about behaviours because they face scarce resources, but often they find that trading with other actors in markets can increase the wellbeing of all parties. This course models and examines the nature of these interactions, highlighting when they work well and when they fail to increase wellbeing and what might be the solution to these failures.
- Contract (LS1520)
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15 Credit Points
Contract is one of the central subjects of private law and is one of the main branches of the law of obligations, the other being Delict and Unjustified Enrichment. Contract Law covers obligations which are voluntary in nature. Every day we make contracts from buying a newspaper to buying a house. Contract Law is an area where Scots law and English law are very similar, and this course will cover Scots contract law but also highlight where English law differs with the aim of giving students a working knowledge of contract in both countries.
- UK Constitutional Law (LS1537)
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15 Credit Points
This course is an introduction to the laws and rules of the UK Constitution. Major topics include the institutions of state, parliamentary sovereignty, the rule of law, the separation of powers, and devolution. This area of law is fast-moving, and an effort is made to address current issues.
- Delict and Unjustified Enrichment (LS1536)
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15 Credit Points
This course introduces students to two of the key branches of the Scots law of obligations, namely delict (which governs legal liability for situations such as the negligent infliction of harm upon others and defamation) and unjustified enrichment (which is concerned with questions such as, if I pay you money in error, am I entitled to demand that you return it?).
- The Global Economy (EC1506)
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15 Credit Points
This course is an introductory course in macroeconomics where we study the behaviour of the economy as a whole. Whereas microeconomics focuses on individual markets, macroeconomics addresses the “big issues” such as unemployment, inflation, economic growth, and financial crises. Macroeconomics is a lively subject, full of discussion and debate, as economists and policymakers take different views on macroeconomic issues, their causes and appropriate policy responses. Issues such as: Is the economy growing? What causes unemployment and how can we reduce it? How can we avoid recessions? When is inflation a problem? Are banks lending too much?
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
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This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students and articulating students who are in their first year at the University, 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’.
- Year 2
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Year 2: Compulsory Courses
- Eu Institutions and Law (LS2026)
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15 Credit Points
This course examines the law of the European Union and its evolving relationship with the legal systems of the United Kingdom. Students will explore the composition and function of the EU institutions, the sources and effects of EU law, state liability, and judicial review, alongside key substantive areas such as human rights, the fundamental freedoms, and competition law. Throughout, particular attention is paid to how the relationship between the UK and EU legal systems continues to develop in the wake of Brexit.
- The Law of Property (LS2031)
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15 Credit Points
This compulsory LLB course is all about things. What items can you own? How do you become owner of property? What can you do as an owner of property? What can you do with the property of other people? And so on. An understanding of Scots property law is crucial to markets, commerce and domestic life. This course will give students a broad overview of the regulation of land, moveable items and incorporeal rights like intellectual property in Scotland.
- Intermediate Microeconomics (EC2003)
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30 Credit Points
This course builds on and is a natural extension of EC 1006. By examining in a more rigorous way concepts introduced in EC 1006 students will develop further their analytical skills and they will obtain a better understanding of consumers and producers behaviour, market structure as well as the effectiveness of economic policy. The course is designed to appeal to all students interested in economics. This includes students who may wish not to enter into any further studies of economics, as well as students who may wish to continue studying economics at the honours level.
- Commercial Organisations and Insolvency (LS2525)
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15 Credit Points
This course is compulsory for LLB students. It consists of various elements split broadly into three parts: (1) the law of agency and the law of partnership; (2) company law; and (3) debt and insolvency law. The lectures will focus on the creation of agency, partnership and companies of different types; the rules that enable these commercial organisations to function; and the law concerning the termination of these commercial organisations, particularly due to insolvency.
- Family Law (LS2526)
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15 Credit Points
Family Law is a compulsory course for LLB students. During this course, students will be introduced to the key facets of the law governing the formation of adult relationships, including the constitution of marriage and civil partnership, legal rights and duties of spouses and civil partners, same sex marriage, the grounds for divorce and the financial aspects of breakdown of marriage and relationships of cohabitation. This course also focuses on the relationship between children and adults and the legal rights of children, including parental rights and responsibilities, court orders relating to children and the welfare principle.
- Introduction to Legal Theory (LS2527)
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7.5 Credit Points
This course is an introduction to some of the basic themes and skills linked to learning and doing legal theory. It aims to introduce students to some philosophical tools, concepts, and methods to be able to understand theoretical analysis of the law and legal issues more generally. The course presents these themes and skills, shows some central discussions in the law and legal literature that apply those skills and themes, and then ask students to try using the skills in their tutorial work.
- Succession and Trusts (LS2528)
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7.5 Credit Points
Students studying for the Aberdeen LLB are required to take this course if they wish to use their degree to enter the Scottish legal profession. The course will examine both testate and intestate succession, in the context of the general principles of the law of succession, including legal rights. Furthermore, it will introduce the functions of trusts, the rights of beneficiaries and the powers and duties of trustees. The course is available only to LLB students in Programme year 2 or above and graduates on the 2 year degree.
- Administrative Law and Civil Liberties (LS2033)
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15 Credit Points
This course will examine in detail both administrative law and civil liberties under the constitution of the United Kingdom. Major topics include judicial review (scope, standing and grounds), administrative justice, the European Convention on Human Rights, the Human Rights Act 1998, common law rights, and equality law. This area is fast-moving, and an effort is made to address current issues.
- Year 3
-
Year 3: Compulsory Courses
- Evidence (LS3025)
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15 Credit Points
This course deals with the rules of evidence as they apply in the courtroom. The rules in both criminal and civil cases will be analysed. The legal requirements for leading real evidence, documentary evidence and witness testimony are considered. Topics include: relevancy, corroboration , hearsay evidence, expert evidence, confession evidence and search evidence. The subject is highly topical and practically important to all lawyers
- Commercial and Consumer Contracts (LS3032)
-
15 Credit Points
This course examines, through a series of lectures and tutorials, a number of important areas of Scots commercial and consumer law, including the sale and supply of goods and services, consumer protection, cautionary obligations, insurance, and consumer credit and It also, through lectures, and a presentation, introduces students to the skills and techniques of advocacy in the context of a commercial and/or consumer dispute.
Year 3: Optional Courses
Plus 30 credit points from Level 3 Law courses.
NON-HONOURS STUDENTS:
Plus 60 credit points from courses of choice.
JUNIOR HONOURS STUDENTS:
Plus 15 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 4
-
Year 4: Compulsory Courses
- Dissertation (LS4025)
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25 Credit Points
This course allows you to write a 10,000-word piece on an aspect of law that you choose. You will be assigned a member of staff who is an expert in your chosen subject area and who will provide guidance on your topic, research plan, and writing progress.
The course runs over both half sessions and is available only to final-year Honours students. Once your topic and plan are approved by the Law School, you will work independently and submit your dissertation shortly before the Easter break.
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.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
- Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
- Written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Law with options in Economics?
Why Economics
- The Business School is EQUIS accredited, placing it among a select group of globally recognised institutions. Out of over 15,000 business schools worldwide, under 300 schools across 45 countries have attained this distinction.
- Aberdeen is ranked 6th in the UK for Positive Responses in Business Studies (National Student Survey 2026).
- We are ranked 22nd in the UK for Business, Management and Marketing (Guardian University Guide 2027) and in the Global Top 250 universities for Business and Economics (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026).
- You will benefit from an excellent teaching environment committed to the needs of industry, which integrates research into teaching, grows transferable skills, and develops intellectual skills on a range of contemporary economic problems.
- Use professional facilities such as the Bloomberg finance lab. The Bloomberg lab is used by major financial services companies worldwide and gives students the chance to work with industry-standard data and tools.
- Access other world-class facilities such as the award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, with brilliant study facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and an extensive collection of reference works and media for economics and business studies.
- Join the Economics Society, which organises annual trips to international economic institutions including the European Union in Brussels, the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development in Paris.
- Our research centres include ACREEF (the Aberdeen Centre for Research in Energy Economics & Finance), headed by leading petroleum economist & adviser to the Scottish Government Prof Alex Kemp, and CELMR (Centre for European Labour Market Research).
- Aberdeen is the main European centre for the oil & gas industry and is the energy capital of Europe. International accountancy firms, multinational companies, and financial services all have offices in the city and close links to our programmes.
- The University hosts a packed programme of events such as the annual May Festival attracting internationally acclaimed public figures, business leaders, authors and broadcasters to discuss and debate critical issues and challenges in the world.
Why Law
- Taught by top legal academics, who are shaping national and international policy, for example in regulation and the energy sector.
- Aberdeen Law Project: law students gaining experience through providing a free legal advice service for the public ranging from help with employment issues, housing, consumer rights and advice for small businesses facing financial difficulties.
- Community projects including students running employability skills workshops for inmates in prison, and workshops on law for school pupils.
- Our Law Society which organises a busy and varied programme of social, educational and supportive events, and the European Law Students’ Association - a local branch of a pan-European network.
- The Aberdeen Student Law Review, a student-led journal, which publishes our students’ work.
- Strong links with local and national employers, with members working in the legal profession regularly giving career talks to students.
- An exceptionally high professional employment rate, with our law graduates much in demand, not only in the UK but abroad too.
- In all LLB programmes, in each year of study you can take optional law courses or other subjects across the University, e.g. in anthropology or forensic medicine.
- Aberdeen law graduates today occupy roles at the top of Scotland's legal system.
Interested in this programme?
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2026 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: Applicants that present with ABBB will usually receive an unconditional offer. Where we have more applicants than places we may need to ask for more than the minimum so continued engagement in school is recommended.
Widening Access: Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access metrics and present with BBB, are guaranteed an unconditional offer.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
Note: We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B grade at Advanced Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher.
National 5 in English at Grade C or above is also required. Higher English is highly desirable (Higher ESOL is recognised in lieu where English is not the native language).
A LEVEL
Standard: Three A Levels at BBB. English is highly desirable.
Widening Access: Three A Levels at BBC, for applicants who meet one or more widening access criteria.
GCSE English or English Literature at Grade C/4 is also required.
BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA
The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is not normally sufficient on its own for entry into any LLB degree programmes although those with a relevant BTEC (Law-related) at a minimum of DDD may be considered.
IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE
Five subjects at Higher, with two at H2 and three at H3. English is highly desirable.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
34 points with 6, 6, 5 at HL including the degree subject(s). English is highly desirable.
SL English is required.
- 2027 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: Applicants that present with ABBB will usually receive an unconditional offer. Where we have more applicants than places we may need to ask for more than the minimum so continued engagement in school is recommended.
Widening Access: Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access metrics and present with BBB, are guaranteed an unconditional offer.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
Note: We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B grade at Advanced Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher.
National 5 in English at Grade C or above is also required. Higher English is highly desirable (Higher ESOL is recognised in lieu where English is not the native language).
A LEVEL
Standard: Three A Levels at BBB. English is highly desirable.
Widening Access: Three A Levels at BBC, for applicants who meet one or more widening access criteria.
GCSE English or English Literature at Grade C/4 is also required.
BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA
The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is not normally sufficient on its own for entry into any LLB degree programmes although those with a relevant BTEC (Law-related) at a minimum of DDD may be considered.
IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE
Five subjects at Higher, with two at H2 and three at H3. English is highly desirable.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
34 points with 6, 6, 5 at HL including the degree subject(s). English is highly desirable.
SL English is required.
Additional Information
Entry from College (Articulation)
Year 1 entry: Satisfactory completion of HNC Legal Services (120 SCQF credit points) or HNC Social Sciences (120 SCQF credit points). A in Graded Unit 1.
or
Satisfactory completion of HND Legal Services (240 SCQF credit points). B in Graded Unit 1, A in Graded Unit 2, A in Graded Unit 3.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Law degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2027/28 Academic Year
- £20,800
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £20,800
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £14,800
-
The above fee includes the £6,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
- Tuition Fees for 2027/28 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £14,800
-
The above fee includes the £6,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
- Home Students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £1,820
- Tuition Fees for 2027/28 Academic Year
- £1,820
- England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland
-
- Tuition Fees for 2027/28 Academic Year
- £10,050
-
The UK Government has confirmed that the RUK fee cap will continue to increase each year to reflect inflation. Tuition fees will increase in line with the Government fee cap each year, and this should be taken into account when budgeting.
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £9,790
-
The UK Government has confirmed that the RUK fee cap will continue to increase each year to reflect inflation. Tuition fees will increase in line with the Government fee cap each year, and this should be taken into account when budgeting.
Scholarships and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.
Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
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, from first to final year – and beyond.
- More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen
- More information on the Careers and Employability Service
Our Experts
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.
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Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX