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Studying an LLM (Master of Laws) Program in Scotland
Find LLM programs in ScotlandEvery year Scotland attracts many international law students from across the globe to study their LLM program. Scottish universities are mostly based in the cities and are academically renowned with a wide array of LLM programs on offer.
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, Glasgow and Dundee are the larger cities in Scotland and offer a lively cosmopolitan experience. The economy of Scotland is strong and growing and has recently won the titles of UK and European Region of the Future. As a result employability of graduates from Scottish universities is high.
Where to study your LLM in Scotland
Scotland is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in the world. Scottish universities have been responsible for some very important discoveries. There are various institutions that offer a Master of Laws program with a wide range of specialisations to choose from including University of Edinburgh, University of Aberdeen, University of Glasgow and University of Dundee.
Some of the specialisations offered at Scottish universities include civil law, international commercial law, criminal justice and human rights, energy law, oil and gas law, energy law, private law, public international law, climate change and sustainable development, medicine law, healthcare and ethics, intellectual property law, European law, law and Chinese, innovation, technology and law.
5 reasons to study your LLM in Scotland
Here are five great reasons to study your LLM in Scotland.
1. World-class education
Scotland is home to several top-quality higher education facilities, including highly ranked law schools for those wanting to study for their LLM degree. Scotland has many world renowned universities to choose from, and includes public universities like the Universities of Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and St Andrews, which were founded during the 1400s and 1500s, and are known as the Ancient Universities of Scotland.
2. Experience a winter wonderland
If you’re from a country that is hot all year round, then there is no doubt that you will find the snow here in the winter an exhilarating experience! You’ll be able to take to the Highlands to ski and snowboard at a relatively reasonable cost. Also, being a mountainous, hilly country, there are fantastic walks and hikes available that give you some breath-taking views of the cities below.
3. Plenty of culture, sport and entertainment
Many people think of Scotland as being a land of quiet villages, this however, is far from the truth! Scotland is full of large, bustling, vibrant cities, offering everything you’d find in any other big city. For starters Glasgow, previously the European City of Culture, was recently listed as a UNESCO City of Music. Edinburgh too, offers excellent entertainment in the form of the world-famous Fringe Festival, which takes place in the city every summer, and attracts performers and entertainers from all corners of the globe. There is also an abundance of sporting activities here too, to satisfy the most avid of sports fans in the world.
4. Inspirational country creating inspirational people
Scotland is not only a great place to study, it also has connections to some of the most significant people in the world of literature and art, such as:
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of the world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes
- Shakespeare, creator of Macbeth, considered by many to be his best work ever
- J K Rowling, who sat at a table at a café overlooking Edinburgh Castle, and penned some of her earlier Harry Potter books
It’s also proved to be a popular study destination for the rich and famous. Choosing to study at a university in Scotland means that you will be attending a facility selected by the likes of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Or what about music icon Bob Dylan? Not to mention famous actors like John Cleese and Michael Douglas. These people all chose to purse their education in Scotland.
5. Reach your full potential
The teachers at Scottish universities are the ones writing the textbooks you learn from. These academics have made ground-breaking discoveries, and have created amazing inventions. These are the people who will be working with you, challenging you, and supporting you all the way, to make sure that when you leave there, you have reached your full potential.
By choosing to study for your LLM at one of several highly-ranked universities in Scotland, you will not only obtain a qualification that is recognised and respected world-wide, but you will also have a great time doing it!
Entry requirements for a Master of Laws in Scotland
The entry requirement for the LLM program in Scottish universities is generally a 2.1 (i.e. upper second) bachelors degree or international equivalent, with prescribed certificates in English skills if necessary. For some universities admission may also be gained with a 2.2 bachelors degree. It is advisable to check the entry requirements of the university of interest and whether you comply with it. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
Tuition fees and living costs
The duration of an LLM program in Scotland ranges from one to two years, depending on whether you opt for full- or part-time study. To work out the cost of studying an LLM in Scotland you need to consider the tuition fees and your expected living costs.
The tuition fees range widely between the different law schools in Scotland. For example, at Dundee Law School, home LLM student tuition fees are currently £8,765 for one year of study, whereas international LLM student tuition fees are £20,900. At Edinburgh Law School, tuition fees for the Online LLM program are £24,700 for the year for all students.
Living expenses vary according to the lifestyle but a student may wish to set aside a budget of £10,000-£15,000 for accommodation, food, books, travel and other personal expenses. There is some possibility of obtaining financial aid or scholarships, which are offered by individual institutions. Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships scheme is also available whereby 200 awards are available to postgraduate master’s students from Canada, China, India and the USA. You may obtain details from British Council Scotland website. Generally however, students are expected to have sufficient funds to finance their course and to satisfy the visa clearance officer regarding proof of funding. Seeking part time work may also be a potential option but you must comply with all terms and conditions of your entry visa which only permits students to work for 20 hours a week. You may also bear in mind that the rigours of a masters course may not leave sufficient time for working.
Visa requirements for international students in Scotland
All international students, including EU students, are required to obtain a study visa to stay in Scotland. The requirements of the UK visa can differ from country to county so students must check the UK embassy in their home country. Information regarding UK visa can be obtained from UK Border Agency. To allow ample time to process your application for admission and subsequently the student visa, you should make your application for admission at least six months prior to the commencement of the session in which you wish to enrol.
What to do when you aren’t studying
In addition to its excellent reputation for education, Scotland is also renowned for its breathtaking and captivating natural landscapes, offering city dwellers the chance to relax in its hills, freshwater lochs and alongside its beaches without having to travel far. Be prepared to nourish your adventurous soul with leisure activities and sports such as skiing, hiking, sailing, mountain biking, water sports, football, golf and rugby. The Scottish Highland Games are held from May to September throughout the country, the most famous being the Braemar Royal Highland Gathering.
For those with a flair for arts, history and heritage there are various castles, museums, ancient monuments, art galleries and theatres waiting to be explored. These reflect ancient Scottish traditions and serve as reminders of Scotland’s heritage, including kilt-wearing bag-pipe players or ceilidh dances. This is combined with a more contemporary Scottish culture with the best of modern music, dance and theatre. Edinburgh plays also host to many different annual music, arts and theatre festivals throughout the summer months too.
Hence, a combination of natural beauty, festivals, and friendly Scottish people make Scotland a great place to study.
If you can't find the LLM that you are looking for in Scotland, take a look at the great selection that is on offer in Northern Ireland.
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PLEASE NOTE: As a result of Brexit, from Autumn 2021 postgraduate students from the European Union studying at a UK university are being charged the same tuition fees as international students. UK students studying their postgraduate course at a European university are also likely to incur higher tuition fees than their EU counterparts. It is advisable to check with the individual universities in the UK and Europe for up-to-date information on tuition fees for all postgraduate programs.
