Course summary
Our LLM in International Law at Aberdeen offers a range of courses in both public and private international law, which enable you to develop your expertise in your chosen area. The courses allow you to undertake advanced study of international law and the contemporary challenges it engages. Our LLM in International Law will provide you with an advanced knowledge of general public and private international law, both of which are vital subjects for pursuing a career in international organisations, international courts and tribunals, and international legal practice, among others. The programme aims to sharpen your ability to critically gauge how international law needs to adapt to a fast-changing world and how it should respond to current international crises. This programme was designed in consultation with a range of external practitioners and academics 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. **We are ranked Top 10 in the UK for Law by the Timesa and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023. The School of Law is ranked 5th in the UK for Overall Student Satisfaction (National Student Survey 2022).**
Modules
The LLM in International Law allows you to study international law at an advanced level, preparing you well for an international legal career. Our focus is on developing your ability to think critically about the current problems faced by the world, and how international law affects these issues. To allow you to develop these skills, you will undertake three compulsory courses: International Law: A Time of Challenges; Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship; LLM Dissertation. The remaining credits are gained from a diverse range of optional courses available to you. You may choose from courses such as international intellectual property law, international criminal law, the politics of human rights, and the law of the WTO. Please note: Students starting their LLM programme in January write their Dissertation project during the Summer semester.
Assessment method
By course work, by written examination, or by a combination of these, as prescribed for each course. Our International Law programme is taught through traditional lectures and small group seminars, meaning 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, and to attend seminars delivered by leading academics and practitioners in the field. The programme of study includes a research skills course, which runs at the beginning of your LLM, and gives you the opportunity to deploy those skills through the completion of a dissertation on a research area of interest to you.
How to apply
International applicants
When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs. In addition, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling, as they can change. Students without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK. You should allow plenty of time to organise your visa and ensure you are aware of all your responsibilities under the terms and conditions of your visa. Please note that the advice provided via the University is the Student Visa category of the UK's Points Based Immigration Scheme. For further information, please visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
Entry requirements
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.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 6.0 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 21 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online test is not accepted. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for 1 year). Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 176 with: Listening - 162 or above; Reading - 162 or above; Speaking - 162 or above; Writing - 169 or above. |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Higher requirements are used by the Schools of Business; Divinity, History and Philosophy; Education; Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture; Law; and Social Sciences. The MSc in Oil and Gas Enterprise Management and the MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience also make use of the Postgraduate Higher requirements. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £11845 | Year 1 |
| EU | £23800 | Year 1 |
| England | £11845 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11845 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11845 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11845 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £23800 | Year 1 |
| International | £23800 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Tuition fees given are at the full-time rate. The part-time fee rate for taught postgraduate programmes is 50% of the relevant full-time fee rate.
Sponsorship information
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: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/. The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX