University of Edinburgh

What you'll study

The LLM programme combines taught modules with a substantial independent dissertation, giving you both advanced subject knowledge and research skills. Students typically take a mix of compulsory research-methods teaching and optional courses, then complete a dissertation under academic supervision.

• Core elements: advanced legal research methods and a supervised dissertation or long research project that develops specialist expertise and independent argumentation.
• Optional modules: a wide range of options drawn from areas such as international and comparative law, commercial and corporate law, human rights and humanitarian law, criminal law and justice, medical law and ethics, intellectual property, family law, public law and constitutional theory. Modules emphasise doctrinal analysis, comparative perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches where relevant.
• Teaching and assessment: teaching is delivered through seminars, lectures and small-group tutorials; assessment commonly includes coursework essays, oral presentations and a dissertation of substantial length.
• Flexible pathways: you can construct a broadly-based LLM or focus on a named specialism by selecting clusters of related modules and shaping your dissertation topic accordingly.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree in law (or a degree in a related discipline with significant legal content) from a recognised institution. Candidates with substantial professional legal experience or other appropriate postgraduate qualifications may also be considered.

• Academic: a UK upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or an international equivalent is the common threshold; equivalent postgraduate qualifications and proven academic potential are also acceptable in some cases.
• Professional experience: applicants with relevant legal or policy experience can strengthen an application, particularly for vocational or practice-focused pathways.
• English language: applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through an approved test or other evidence of English-language competence at the level required for postgraduate study.
• Supporting documents: a personal statement outlining your academic interests and proposed LLM focus, academic transcripts, references and a CV are required as part of the application.

Career prospects

Graduates from the LLM progress to a range of legal and related careers. The programme enhances both doctrinal expertise and research skills valued by employers in many sectors.

• Legal practice: pathway for those moving toward qualification as solicitors, advocates/barristers, or for lawyers seeking to specialise in areas such as commercial law, IP or international law.
• In-house and corporate roles: roles in compliance, contract management, regulatory affairs and corporate counsel teams.
• Public sector and international organisations: careers in government legal departments, international organisations, courts, tribunals and public policy bodies.
• NGOs and advocacy: opportunities in human rights, development, health law and environmental organisations.
• Academia and research: preparation for doctoral study and academic careers, as well as research positions in think-tanks and consultancy.

Why study at University of Edinburgh

The Law School is part of a longstanding university with a strong tradition in legal scholarship and teaching. You will learn from active researchers and practitioners across a wide range of legal fields and have access to extensive library and online resources that support advanced legal study.

• Research environment: the School hosts research centres and networks covering international law, commercial law, medical law and ethics, intellectual property and public law, providing seminar series and research-led teaching.
• Supervision and support: dedicated dissertation supervision, academic skills support and postgraduate communities ensure you can develop a sustained research project and engage with peers and faculty.
• Professional links: strong connections with the Scottish and wider UK legal professions, as well as international partners, support employability through guest lectures, events and networking opportunities.
• City and resources: based in Edinburgh, students benefit from a vibrant legal community, cultural amenities and proximity to courts, legal firms and public institutions.