Introduction
The LLM by Research is a Master’s degree path that allows you to improve your research skills and conduct independent investigation on any legal topic of your choice.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Degree Qualification
- LLM
The main requirement is to write a dissertation of 40,000 words (maximum). The programme is particularly suitable for students who aim to pursue a PhD later on or who are looking for an alternative to traditional taught LLM.
The Law School welcomes students who wish to pursue research degrees in law, and is able to provide supervision in a wide range of subjects. You will receive advanced training in research skills and methods. Moreover, you will be assigned two supervisors, who will guide and advise you over the year.
There is an active research community, with students from many parts of the world registered for a PhD or Masters Degree by research. LLM by Research students are given access to dedicated hot desk space.
The specialist law library is housed in the same building as the Law School's teaching and staff rooms. The library contains not only a comprehensive collection of Scots and English sources but also a substantial collection of European Union, Commonwealth and American materials. There is a particularly fine collection of books in the field of Roman and Roman-Dutch law. The University is a European Documentation Centre, and that collection is housed in the Law Library.
This LLM Program is offered on a full-time (12 months) and part-time basis (24 months). Hence, it is flexible enough to accommodate the needs of working students.
You can start the LLM by Research in September or January of each year.
You may also be interested to learn about our PhD in Law.
Our Research
The legal research at the School of Law at the University of Aberdeen is cutting-edge and first class. Our faculty publish at all the top publishing houses, such as Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, and MIT Press. They also publish in a wide array of premier law journals across Africa, Australia, East Asia, Europe, and North America and they also publish in many different languages.
The Law research in the School is integrated across five distinct Research Centres
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEntry Requirements
- A first or upper-second class Honours degree in law or a relevant discipline; or any international equivalent
- “Postgraduate Higher” English requirements: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
The application process is free, no payment is required. To apply, please upload the following documents:
- Your undergraduate and postgraduate transcripts;
- Your graduation certificates or diplomas;
- Your C.V.;
- A Research Proposal;
- Your Personal Statement on why you want to study for a LLM by Research. Please limit to a maximum of 2 pages of A4 paper;
- Your letters of recommendation.
In addition, you can also submit:
- Examples of previous academic writing, which could include previous dissertations, theses, or published research articles.
- Other evidence of your experience of research and writing.
Your application should be accompanied by a research proposal. This tells us about what you want to research and why it is important that the topic be researched. Please visit our School of Law webpages for details of what to include in your research proposal.
Please be aware that your research proposal may be passed through originality checking software.
Fees and Funding
Fees - PGResearch 2022-23 (1).pdf (abdn.ac.uk)
Scholarships
Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit 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 the Careers and Employability Service
What our Alumni Say
Dr Eunice Pinn
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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School of Law Postgraduate Research