Introduction
Our LLM International and Comparative Law at Aberdeen offers a range of courses in public international law, private international law and comparative law, which enable you to develop your expertise in your chosen area. The courses allow you to undertake advanced study of public and private aspects of international law and the contemporary challenges it engages.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- LLM
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January or September
Our LLM International and Comparative 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.
Available Programmes of Study
The LLM International and Comparative 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 two compulsory courses:
- 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, international human rights law and the law of the WTO.
Please note: Students starting their LLM programme in January write their Dissertation project during the Summer semester.
Duration: 12 months full-time. 24 months part time.
- LLM
-
International and Comparative Law
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start MonthLLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January MoreLLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September More
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The SFC Postgraduate tuition fee scholarship may be available for those classified as Home/EU fee status students for this programme. Visit the scholarship page for more information.
The James Carnegie maintenance scholarship for postgraduate students is available with this degree.
Scholarships
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.
How You'll Study
Our International and Comparative 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.
Learning Methods
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Assessment: By course work, by written examination, or by a combination of these, as prescribed for each course. The degree of LLM shall not be awarded to a candidate who fails to achieve a CGS grade of D3 or above in the specified dissertation course, irrespective of their performance in other courses: such candidates may, at the discretion of the Examiners, be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma or a Postgraduate Certificate.
Why Study International and Comparative Law?
- A foundation discipline in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is considered one of the UK’s elite training grounds for lawyers.
- There are over 40 nationalities within the School of Law community, so you will benefit from the experiences of international students from all over the world.
Students choose to study Law at Aberdeen because of our reputation for academic excellence, promising career prospects and unrivalled student experience. At Aberdeen, you will:
- Benefit from the University’s long tradition of research excellence in International Law by receiving unique insights into the field of study from leading world researchers.
- Be suitably prepared for a career in the legal profession, given that in today’s global context, most lawyers need an international aspect to their practice, which requires specialist expertise in private international law.
- Be seen as highly valuable by national governments, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and relevant research institutes for lawyers that require your understanding of legal international frameworks.
- Benefit from an experienced teaching staff with a wide range of international legal and research experience.
- Benefit from the opportunity to attend our Research Seminar Series, which will provide you with unique insights into current legal issues.
The University also offers a range of careers services that are focused on providing you with the tools you will need to fulfil your career potential.
You will be part of a close-knit community and learn from the prior academic experiences of other students.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
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.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language 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 - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
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.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
- Reference
- a reference letter from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employer, or another professional person
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
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 2025Careers
Completing the LLM programme in International and Comparative Law at the University of Aberdeen will provide you with the skills and experience to pursue a career in the legal profession. You will develop an advanced understanding of public and private international law, giving you a competitive advantage in the careers marketplace. Studying this programme at Aberdeen will broaden your career opportunities and help you find employment in large influential institutions, international law firms, lobby groups or governmental institutions.
We have a very active and supportive Careers and Employability Service, offering support such as mentoring and preparing for interviews, among others. Find out more about the Careers and Employability Service here
Our Experts
You will be taught by and have access to a number of experts, many of whom are internationally renowned within their respective fields. These will include members of the Centre for Constitutional and Public International Law.
- Programme Coordinator
- Prof Irène Couzigou, The University of Aberdeen
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.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
School of Law
University of Aberdeen
Taylor Building
Aberdeen
AB24 3UB