Introduction
The School of Law at Aberdeen is at the forefront of innovative research whilst benefiting from our ancient roots. Law was a founding discipline here when our University was established in 1495.
We welcome research students to collaborate with our staff and professional partners in an academically stimulating, international, and inclusive environment.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Degree Qualification
- PhD
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. There is an active research community, with students from many parts of the world registered for a PhD or Masters Degree by research. Full time PhD students are provided with an office, a computer and access to the internet and printing facilities. Part time students are given access to dedicated hot desk space. We also offer a distance learning PhD Programme.
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.
You may also be interested to learn about our LLM by Research, a one year research degree suited to those who are looking for an alternative to traditional taught LLM.
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
We welcome research applications from motivated and passionate candidates in any area of legal expertise of the Law School.
We require that applicants have completed a UK upper second class honours degree in law or a relevant discipline; or a UK Master's degree in law or related subjects; or any international equivalent of the previous two.
Alongside your application form, you will need to submit your research proposal
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
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
Alina Holzhausen
Josselin Lavigne
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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School of Law Postgraduate Research