International Law (LLM)
Introduction
Our LLM International Law provides students with a thorough knowledge of public international law while also discussing recent trends and current developments in this area of law. It is designed for candidates who seek the qualification of a general public international lawyer, but with a range of special interests (as in international human rights law, in world trade or in international environmental protection).
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
- September or January
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
Our International Law programme covers a range of courses that explore contemporary global problems. It analyses topics such as International Law’s role in preventing international terrorism, the protection of human rights and the current climate change legal regime. This programme provides students with a thorough knowledge of International Law and prepares them for a career in governmental institutions, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, international legal firms, or as international legal consultants.
Available Programmes of Study
The LLM International Law will allow 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 four compulsory courses:
- Getting Started at the 51cg
- International Law: A Time of Challenges
- Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship
- LLM Dissertation
The remaining credits are gained from the diverse range of optional courses available to you, including international intellectual property law, international criminal law, the politics of human rights, 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 Law
- Qualification
- LLM
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January
- Location
- Qualification
- LLM
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location
- Aberdeen
Programme Fees
- UK
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £11,900
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (51cg Graduates *)
- £7,000
-
51cg graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £23,000
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £15,000
-
The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
Semester 1
Semester 1: Compulsory Courses
- Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS501T)
-
This course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which will be required for LLM-Taught courses. The course is delivered as a series of five interactive lectures with two individual assessments designed to encourage critical thinking and provide opportunities for early feedback. It also incorporates a library workshop to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.
- Getting Started at the 51cg (PD5006)
-
This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- International Law: A Time of Challenges (LS501U)
-
30 Credit Points
The course analyses recent developments in international law. It first considers the sources of international law. The question is then asked whether traditional international law can regulate pressing issues on the international plane. Examples of these problems are international terrorism, nuclear weapons proliferation, ethnic conflicts, and climate change. The course encourages the student to think creatively as an international lawyer to resolve contemporary international challenges. Teaching will be principally delivered through discussion-based seminars.
Semester 1: Optional Courses
In addition to the above, candidates must take courses to the value of 90 credit points.
- International Energy and Environmental Law (LS501C)
-
30 Credit Points
The course deals with the regulation of international activities regarding energy and the environment. The course will consider the international legal framework regarding energy sources, and it will look at the various legal instruments at the global and regional level as well as the key actors that are involved in regulation. It will also examine environmental issues that correspond to the generation and use of energy in the international context and the responses relating to environmental protection of soil, water, air, atmosphere and species.
- International Criminal Law (LS502N)
-
30 Credit Points
The course explores the history and nature of ICL, allowing students to develop their understanding of the core crimes, their evolution, and the path to the creation of the International Criminal Court. Through seminar discussions, students are encouraged to contribute their informed, evidenced perspectives on contemporary problems in international criminal law. These include the attempts to suppress international crimes through international cooperation, international initiatives to prosecute those accused of serious violations of international criminal law, and the limitations of the International Criminal Court, as well as its successes.
- Comparative and International Perspectives on Company Law (LS501G)
-
30 Credit Points
This is an optional course at postgraduate level and offers a selective and critical examination of company laws in the UK and other systems. It is an appropriate course for students with an interest in working in the corporate sector or who wish to learn more about how company law operates in different countries. Key issues in comparative company law shall be examined and a range of topics will be covered, dealing with corporate entities, their ownership, management and activities.
- International Tax Law and Policy (LS504C)
-
30 Credit Points
The course will examine the law and principles of cross-border taxation. It will cover core subjects on international tax law, including the concepts of source and residence taxation, double tax conventions, allocation of taxing rights, transfer pricing and thin capitalisation rules, and international tax avoidance (schemes and prevention).
Attention will be paid to topical issues around international taxation and the efforts being made to modernise the international tax system. This includes an examination of the tax challenges of the digital economy and the solutions introduced by the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting. The progress and challenges associated with the recent resolution to establish a new UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation will also be examined.
The course content fulfils the core requirements of Module 1 of the ADIT (Advanced Diploma in International Tax) qualification offered by the Chartered Institute of Taxation. The course is also essential for those aiming to practise tax in an international context, either as academics, government officials, or general tax advisors.
The course will be taught from a legal and policy perspective. No prior knowledge of tax is required, but students should be willing to engage with the tax literature and tax affairs.
Semester 2
Semester 2: Optional Courses
In addition to the above, candidates must take courses to the value of 90 credit points. At least 60 credit points must be obtained from optional courses in semesters 1 and 2. The remaining credit points may be obtained from any Level 5 30 credit on campus Law course. Please visit the Course Catalogue for details: Postgraduate Law 2022-2023 - Catalogue of Courses (abdn.ac.uk)
- World Trade Organisation: Gatt (LS553V)
-
30 Credit Points
The course aims to provide a thorough and critical understanding of fundamental concepts, principles and institutions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), with emphasis on trade in goods (GATT). The main topics covered include relevant historical and institutional developments, WTO dispute resolution, core principles such as the most-favour-nation (MFN), National Treatment and the prohibition of quantitative restrictions on international trade. The security, environment, human rights, subsidies, economic emergencies and free trade areas and customs unions based exceptions and their challenges are also analytically explored. These are studied in light of relevant WTO panel and Appellate Body cases and recommendations.
- The use of Force in International Law (LS5549)
-
30 Credit Points
The course aims to develop an in-depth and critical appreciation of current issues in the area of the use of armed force in International Law. The course is of interest to students who want to understand the legal considerations which frame contemporary conflicts.
The course will first analyse the fundamental principle of the prohibition on the use of force between States. It will then examine the current exceptions to this principle (e.g., right to self-defence, authorisation to use force given by the United Nations Security Council); further, what types of arguments States tend to use to justify the resort to force. Consequently, the course will study the most recent military interventions on the international plane (e.g., in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Libya, Palestine, Syria, Ukraine, Gaza and Iran). Teaching will be principally delivered through discussion-based seminars.
- International Cybersecurity Law (LS554A)
-
30 Credit Points
The course addresses international legal issues raised by the increasing need to secure information and communications technology. It gives a comprehensive map of the international cybersecurity governance; explores the modalities of international cyberattacks; discusses data protection in the EU and UK; questions the role of States in international cybersecurity; examines what cyberattacks violate international law and how States could react to them; also studies the role of private companies, including online platforms, in securing cyberspace. Teaching will be principally delivered through discussion-based seminars.
The intended learning outcomes of the course are the following:
- Understanding of the legal issues raised by international cybersecurity;
- Ability to access, and use for analysis, relevant texts and electronic databases;
- Ability to organise and communicate, in written and orally, relevant ideas clearly and cogently;
- Skills of interpretation, analysis, critical reasoning, and independent thought in relation to key aspects of international cybersecurity law.
- International Human Rights Law (LS5590)
-
30 Credit Points
The course was designed to help students build competence in dealing with the doctrinal issues about international human rights. It involves understanding the place of human rights in public international law, finding one’s way around the foundational human rights documents and the jurisprudence of human rights bodies. The course delivery puts heavy emphasis on classroom discussion on the controversial issues on contemporary human rights law that shape doctrinal development in this field: the justifiability of torture, the limits of freedom of religion, the justiciability of social rights, etc.
- International Watercourses Law and Policy (LS553Q)
-
30 Credit Points
There are at least 264 transboundary watercourses in the world. 40 percent of the world’s population depends on them for freshwater needs. Population growth, unfair share and lack of conservation measures, amongst other factors, have led to fierce competition over such resources among states and their communities. The Course explores the normative and policy issues relating to shared transboundary watercourses among states from the perspectives of international watercourses law (IWL), water politics and policies, and to some extent, geosciences. Focusing on the legal aspects of the subject, the course explores relevant theories, the key principles of IWL as enshrined in the UN Watercourses Convention 1997, contemporary issues such as ‘benefit sharing’, ‘the water-energy-food nexus’ and the ‘SDGs’, in light of specific case studies of transboundary watercourses such as the Nile and the Mekong.
Semester 3
Semester 3: Compulsory Courses
- Master of Laws Dissertation (LS5904)
-
60 Credit Points
Between February and mid-August students prepare a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic of their choice related to their specialist LLM programme. Students are instructed through the delivery of three preparatory lectures, three supervisory meetings and two dissertation writing seminars. Students are expected to spend considerable time on independent research throughout the course of the dissertation module, including; preparation of a dissertation plan, amendment of plan in accordance with supervisory comments, and, of course, the final 10,000-word dissertation itself.
Programme Fees
- UK
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £11,900
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (51cg Graduates *)
- £7,000
-
51cg graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £23,000
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £15,000
-
The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fee Information
Scholarships
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 Law programme is taught through traditional lectures and seminars in small groups, benefiting 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
- Seminars
- 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 CAS mark of 9 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 Law?
Law was a foundation discipline of the 51cg in 1495. Today the School of Law is considered one of the best training grounds for lawyers in the UK.
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 the University of Aberdeen because of our reputation for academic excellence and promising career prospects. At Aberdeen, you will:
- Benefit from its wide community of international staff and students which provides a stimulating learning environment, ideal for the study of International Law.
- Benefit from the opportunity to attend our Research Seminar Series, which will provide you with unique insights into current legal issues.
- Have the chance to participate in student academic events organised by Lawyers without Borders.
- Have the opportunity to develop a professional network among many other international students, some of them being already engaged in an international career.
- Benefit from an unrivalled knowledge in International Law, being taught by world-class lecturers with world-leading research credentials.
- Work in small seminar groups, meaning you will have access to teaching staff whenever you need.
The University also has a leading Careers and Employability Service that organises events focused on providing you with the additional skills needed to make the most of your career potential.
Over 93.8% of our Law graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025)
With the University’s diverse student cohort, you will be part of a close-knit community and learn from the prior academic experiences of other students.
Interested in this programme?
What Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the 51cg.
Normally, a 2.2 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.
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
Careers
International Law is a subject of global importance. Studying the discipline at Aberdeen will provide you with the skills and experience you will need to work in an international legal profession. You will develop an advanced understanding of International Law that will give you a competitive advantage in the jobs market. Some high profile career opportunities available to you could include working with the UN, NATO, The World Bank, a NGO or a global law firm.
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.
- Programme Leader
- Dr Edouard Fromageau
Information 51cg 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
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
51cg
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX