3rd for Law in Scotland
We've been ranked 3rd in Scotland for Law by the Guardian University Guide 2025.
Law with options in Spanish language at Aberdeen gives you all the benefits of our trademark quality at Aberdeen Law School with the added advantage of a major modern global language, adding further advantage to your career prospects and widening your options especially in international affairs and business.
Law at Aberdeen looks at the historical, social, political and economic forces that influence our legal systems and govern our societies. You will learn to think like a lawyer rather than just 'learn' law.
A major factor in our quality is the calibre and enthusiasm of our staff, testing your mental agility with complex, realistic legal scenarios as you get to grips with criminal, public and private law, legal systems, contracts, human rights and explore family law, the law of property and legal aspects of the EU.
Throughout your programme, you will study courses in Spanish language, appropriate to your level of ability and add this extremely useful skill to your growing competence in law. Spanish at Aberdeen has an outstanding reputation, gaining the highest possible rating in the last Teaching Quality Assessment.
You will have many opportunities to hone your developing legal skills in student-led initiatives, such as mock legal debating, our highly active Law Society, the students’ journal, in which your work may be published, and our community law clinic – the Aberdeen Law Project.
Should you choose to practice law, you will have a wide variety of career options within legal professions. However, more than a third of Aberdeen law graduates now choose to use their law degree as a passport for entry into a wide range of careers including business - for which you will have a language advantage - finance and banking, teaching, governmental bodies and departments and the police force.
Graduates wishing to apply for an LLB must apply for the 2-year LLB Accelerated degree – Law Accelerated (M115) or Law with English Law Accelerated (M116). Tuition fees for the Accelerated programmes are at a separate rate. In the event that a Graduate undertakes a 4-year or 5-year LLB degree, please note that tuition fees are charged each year of study at the same rate as those set for the Accelerated programme.
15 Credit Points
This course is a compulsory course on the LLB degree introducing students to Scottish Criminal Law including its sources and current law. It examines various aspects of substantive law including crimes against the person, crimes of dishonesty, crimes against property and criminal defences enabling students to understand and apply the law in these areas. The course also develops student’s written, verbal and analytical skills utilising written course work and problem solving exercises in tutorial groups.
15 Credit Points
The course provides firstly a map of private law as drawn from the institutional scheme. It then progresses to an equivalent of the medical student’s study of anatomy in the sense that, concentrating on the law of property and obligations, it examines the main concepts of private law and how they operate together as a system to solve everyday legal problems.
15 Credit Points
This course introduces the fundamental components and characteristics of the Scottish legal system. It includes a study skills programme which covers different facets of the study of law along with a series of practical workshops which introduce key legal information sources (both electronic and paper) and appropriate search strategies. Lectures and tutorials will cover topics such as the Scottish legal tradition, formal sources of Scots law, the legislative process, organisation of the courts, judicial precedent, civil procedure, alternative dispute resolution, the European legal order, legal services and access to justice.
15 Credit Points
Contract is one of the central subjects of private law and is one of the main branches of the law of obligations, the other being Delict and Unjustified Enrichment. Contract Law covers obligations which are voluntary in nature. Every day we make contracts from buying a newspaper to buying a house. Contract Law is an area where Scots law and English law are very similar, and this course will cover Scots contract law but also highlight where English law differs with the aim of giving students a working knowledge of contract in both countries.
15 Credit Points
This course is an introduction to the laws and rules of the UK Constitution. Major topics include the institutions of state, parliamentary sovereignty, the rule of law, the separation of powers, and devolution. This area of law is fast-moving, and an effort is made to address current issues.
15 Credit Points
This course introduces students to two of the key branches of the Scots law of obligations, namely delict (which governs legal liability for situations such as the negligent infliction of harm upon others and defamation) and unjustified enrichment (which is concerned with questions such as, if I pay you money in error, am I entitled to demand that you return it?).
This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
Select one of the following options:
Spanish Beginners:
Spanish Intermediate:
Spanish Advanced
Language courses will be confirmed by Language, Literature, Music & Visual Culture staff after a short competency test.
15 Credit Points
This is a fast-paced and intensive language course for students with very little or no previous knowledge of Spanish who have been allocated onto this course by our diagnostic test. It is aimed at students intending to pursue an honours (single or joint) degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies but is also suitable for students on other degree programmes.
15 Credit Points
This is a fast-paced language course for students with some previous knowledge of Spanish who have been allocated onto this course by our diagnostic test. It is aimed at students intending to pursue an honours (single or joint) degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies but is also suitable for students on other degree programmes.
15 Credit Points
This course will introduce students to Latin American history, culture and society from the pre-Hispanic period to the present through a selection of archaeology, historical and contemporary writings, visual culture and music. All texts studied will be available in English translation.
15 Credit Points
This course follows Spanish Language 2 or can be taken by students who have the required level of Spanish as determined by the diagnostic test (see below).
15 Credit Points
This is a fast-paced language course for students with some previous knowledge of Spanish who have been allocated onto this course by our diagnostic test. It is aimed at students intending to pursue an honours (single or joint) degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies but is also suitable for students on other degree programmes.
15 Credit Points
This course examines the law of the European Union and its relationship with the legal systems of the United Kingdom. Lecture topics include the composition and function of the EU Institutions, sources and effects of EU Law, state liability and judicial review. Other topics covered include human rights in the EU, the fundamental freedoms, and competition law. Each lecture topic includes consideration of the evolving relationship between the legal systems of the United Kingdom and the European Union.
15 Credit Points
This compulsory LLB course is all about things. What items can you own? How do you become owner of property? What can you do as an owner of property? What can you do with the property of other people? And so on. An understanding of Scots property law is crucial to markets, commerce and domestic life. This course will give students a broad overview of the regulation of land, moveable items and incorporeal rights like intellectual property in Scotland.
15 Credit Points
This course is compulsory for LLB students. It consists of various elements split broadly into three parts: (1) the law of agency and the law of partnership; (2) company law; and (3) debt and insolvency law. The lectures will focus on the creation of agency, partnership and companies of different types; the rules that enable these commercial organisations to function; and the law concerning the termination of these commercial organisations, particularly due to insolvency.
15 Credit Points
This course is divided into two principal parts. In the first part, students will be introduced to the key facets of the law governing the formation of adult relationships, including the constitution of marriage and civil partnership, legal rights and duties of spouses and civil partners, same sex marriage, the grounds for divorce and the financial aspects of breakdown of marriage and relationships of cohabitation. The second part focuses on the relationship between children and adults and the legal rights of children, including parental rights and responsibilities, court orders relating to children and the welfare principle.
7.5 Credit Points
The course provides students with an introduction to some of the topical issues of legal theory combining theoretical discussion with practical examples. The course aims to give students an accessible introduction to some important theoretical concepts and help them to develop their skills in critical thinking. The modular structure of the course makes sure that students will be exposed to a wide range of theoretical concepts and approaches. Theoretical concepts will be discussed in the context of practical issues helping students to see the relevance of those concepts. The course consists of four modules and each module consists of three lectures and one tutorial. At present, the four modules are as follows: (Judicial decision-making, Feminist legal theory, Law and technology, Truth in law and science.)
7.5 Credit Points
Students studying for the Aberdeen LLB are required to take this course if they wish to use their degree to enter the Scottish legal profession. The course will examine both testate and intestate succession, in the context of the general principles of the law of succession, including legal rights. Furthermore, it will introduce the functions of trusts, the rights of beneficiaries and the powers and duties of trustees. The course is available only to LLB students in Programme year 2 or above and graduates on the 2 year degree.
15 Credit Points
This course will examine in detail both administrative law and civil liberties under the constitution of the United Kingdom. Major topics include judicial review (scope, standing and grounds), the European Convention on Human Rights, the Human Rights Act 1998, voting rights, and common law rights. This area is fast-moving, and an effort is made to address current issues.
Select one of the following options:
Spanish Beginners:
Spanish Intermediate/Advanced:
15 Credit Points
This course follows Spanish Language 2 or can be taken by students who have the required level of Spanish as determined by the diagnostic test (see below).
15 Credit Points
This course aims to prepare intending Honours students of Spanish and Latin American Studies for their compulsory period abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.
The course will develop further Spanish language skills, both receptive and productive. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of both sets of skills. In addition students will complete a structured self learning programme of audio-visual study and grammatical reinforcement study.
15 Credit Points
This course aims to prepare intending Honours students of Spanish and Latin American Studies for their compulsory period abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.
The course will develop further Spanish language skills, both receptive and productive. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of both sets of skills. In addition students will complete a structured self learning programme of audio-visual study and grammatical reinforcement study.
15 Credit Points
This course follows Spanish Language 4 and aims to prepare non beginners intending Honours students of Spanish and Latin American Studies for their compulsory period abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.
The course will develop further Spanish language skills, expanding on the vocabulary and introducing formal documents and letters. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of both sets of skills. In addition students will complete a structured self learning programme of vocabulary and grammatical reinforcement study.
15 Credit Points
This course deals with the rules of evidence as they apply in the courtroom. The rules in both criminal and civil cases will be analysed. The legal requirements for leading real evidence, documentary evidence and witness testimony are considered. Topics include: relevancy, the corroboration rule, hearsay evidence, expert evidence, confession evidence and search evidence. The subject is highly topical and practically important to all lawyers
15 Credit Points
This is a core prescribed course open only to Junior Honours Spanish and Latin American Studies students and a selected range of other programmes at the appropriate level. This course aims to enable you to identify and use, accurately, fluently, and with an appropriate level of sophistication, a range of vocabulary and linguistic registers at advanced level.
15 Credit Points
This course examines, through a series of lectures and tutorials, a number of important areas of Scots commercial and consumer law, including the sale and supply of goods and services, insurance, cautionary obligations, consumer credit and consumer protection. It also, through lectures, workshops and a presentation, introduces students to the skills and techniques of advocacy in the context of a commercial and/or consumer dispute.
Non-honours:
Honours:
25 Credit Points
This course, taken over both half sessions by final year honours students, and available only to those students, allows you to write a 10,000 word piece on an aspect of law that you choose with the help of a consultee. Once your topic and plan are approved by the law school you work independently and hand in the dissertation shortly before the Easter Break.
Select a further 100 credit points from Honours courses in Law.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
SQA Highers
Standard: AAAA or AAABB
Applicants who have achieved AAAA are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced may be required. Nat 5 English at C or better is required. Higher English is highly desirable.
Minimum: BBBB
Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers will normally be required. Nat 5 English at C or better is required. Higher English is highly desirable.
Adjusted: BBBC
Applicants who have achieved BBBC, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered for a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers will be required. Nat 5 English at C or better is required. Higher English is highly desirable.
An HND in Legal Services may be considered for applying to Year 1 of some LLB programmes.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard Offer: AAB
NOTE: English is highly desirable. GCSE in English or English Language at C or better, or equivalent, is required.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall, including average of 5 at HL. Higher English is highly desirable.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5 subjects at Higher minimum required at H2, obtained in one sitting. Higher English is highly desirable.
SQA Highers
Standard: AAAA or AAABB
Applicants who have achieved AAAA are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced may be required. Nat 5 English at C or better is required. Higher English is highly desirable.
Minimum: BBBB
Applicants who have achieved ABBB/BBBBB at Higher and meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed a conditional offer for LLB degrees.
Adjusted: BBB
Applicants who have achieved BBB at Higher after S5, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered for an adjusted offer for LLB degrees.
We would expect to issue a conditional offer asking for one additional A grade at Higher or alternatively two additional Highers at B grades.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
An HND in Legal Services may be considered for applying to Year 1 of some LLB programmes.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard Offer: AAB
NOTE: English is highly desirable. GCSE in English or English Language at C or better, or equivalent, is required.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall, including average of 5 at HL. Higher English is highly desirable.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5 subjects at Higher minimum required at H2, obtained in one sitting. Higher English is highly desirable.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Law degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
To study for an Undergraduate 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 - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
Fee category | Cost |
---|---|
RUK | £9,250 |
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year | |
EU / International students | £20,800 |
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year | |
Home Students | £1,820 |
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year |
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
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.
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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