International Dispute Resolution with Dissertation, LLM

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International Dispute Resolution with Dissertation, LLM

Introduction

LLM International Dispute Resolution delivers a solid theoretical grounding in international dispute settlements, broad interdisciplinary training across specialist legal areas and the practical tools required to succeed in the field. It provides opportunities for individual study and skills development for the new generation of lawyers to rethink traditional approaches to conflict and its resolution.

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
Location of Study
Aberdeen

As technology, trade and transportation have reduced the significance of borders, alternative methods of dispute resolution will increasingly be used in all economic sectors, therefore the need for highly specialised professionals in this field is rapidly expanding.

This LLM will prepare you for a career in the challenging and exciting field of international dispute resolution. It provides a solid foundation in all relevant areas, including both private and public international means of dispute resolution, and will allow you to specialise in your chosen legal field. It offers theoretical and practical courses in international commercial law, litigation, energy and investment arbitration.

You will study this programme with a dissertation to further develop your academic and research skills. A similar programme is also available to study online and via the Professional Skills study route.

Available Programmes of Study

Please note: Students staring their LLM programme in January write their Dissertation project during the Summer semester.

Duration: 12 months full-time. 24 months part time.

LLM

International Dispute Resolution with Dissertation

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month Location  
LLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen More
LLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January Aberdeen More

Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programme(s) above.

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.

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

Learning methods include lectures, workshops, and seminars, as well as hands-on and practical skills, and advanced writing.

Learning Methods

  • Group Projects
  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops

Assessment Methods

You will be assessed through a combination of exams, essays and group presentations.

Why Study International Dispute Resolution with Dissertation?

This programme will equip you with an enhanced understanding of commercial, trade, and energy law, as well as the expertise required to resolve legal problems from a social justice perspective.  A key feature of this programme is the combined training in specialist legal areas with the skills needed to effectively resolve disputes, offering maximum benefit to students upon graduation.

The programme has been carefully coordinated to align with the competencies required for today’s international job market. Studying LLM International Dispute Resolution at the University of Aberdeen will give you the opportunity to examine a diverse number of exciting topics under the guidance of our world-class teaching staff, who regularly provide consultancy work at an international level. This particular programme was designed in collaboration with experts in dispute resolution.

What Our Students Say

Graham Cottingham

Graham Cottingham

Graham Cottingham

I have found Course Coordinators prompt and attentive in responding to queries arising along the way.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

Entry requirements differ slightly depending on the qualification you choose. LLM, PGDip, PGCert
• A 2:1 (upper-second) honours degree (or equivalent) in Law.
You can also apply if you have:
• a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in another discipline
• or significant relevant professional experience.

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 - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; 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

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 2025

Careers

This programme is ideal for students aiming to work as policy makers, government officials, adjudicators, arbitrators, mediators, judiciary, legal practitioners, researchers and academics, surveyors, construction professionals, and the financial and accounting professions.

Top 15 UK Law School

We are ranked Top 15 in the UK for Law by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

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3rd for Law in Scotland

We've been ranked 3rd in Scotland for Law by the Guardian University Guide 2025.

Guardian Guide 2025

Our Experts

The University of Aberdeen is renowned for attracting world-class teaching staff, unrivalled in their breadth of knowledge and experience in their specialist subjects. You will have access to first rate teaching from highly respected staff, many with an international profile, including members of the Centre for Commercial Law

Many of our courses are designed and delivered by practicing experts. We have guest speakers from top law firms as well as national and international organisations.

Other Experts
Professor Derek Auchie, The University of Aberdeen
Dr Patricia Zivkovic, The University of Aberdeen
Programme Coordinator
Dr Gloria Maria Alvarez, 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.

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