LLB International and Comparative Law at University of Aberdeen

Programme overview

This innovative degree provides a unique student learning experience through the comparative study of legal cultures, institutional and intellectual expectations of law, and state and international orders. It teaches law at a conceptual level, without focusing on one specific jurisdiction, and can help develop careers across international bodies, non-profit organisations, multinational companies and arbitration. *Please note: Applicants interested in a career as a Scottish solicitor are directed towards our other LLB programmes. This degree does not qualify candidates to take the Diploma in Professional Practice with a view to entry to the Scottish legal profession.

Duration: 4 years (48 months) or 8 years (96 months) | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Intake: September | Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students will explore the following topics: Institutional structures of law at the jurisdictional, state and international levels Foundations of public law in constitutional democracies, including relationships between states and their citizens The traditional contrast between the great global civilian and common law traditions, and the problems with that contrast Ideas and expectations of law stemming from civilian legal traditions Ideas and expectations of law stemming from common law thought Critical understanding of the ways in which civilian and common law thinking can operate in practice The rich diversity of legal traditions that existed prior to the European Ages of Exploration The Euro-centric nature of legal analysis, and how to spot and critically analyse European and Western assumptions concerning law and legal orders Reflective study of comparative law methodology Critical understanding of international legal orders Fostering the capacity to reflect critically on students own legal methods, assumptions and culture, in a manner consistent with decolonising the curriculum Year 1 compulsory courses: Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen, Foundations of Private Law, A World Full of Law: Legal Cultures Before the Age of Exploration, Foundations of Public Law, Foundations of Legal Cultural Comparison and Foundations of Common Law with English Criminal Law.

Career pathways

This programme offers a unique student learning experience in the UK, by fostering the comparative study of legal cultures more generally. It offers a sophisticated legal education for those looking to work in the field of arbitration, or for supranational or international institutions such as those found in the UN or the EU, or for NGOs, individual governments or their civil services, or alternatively for international law firms and major multi-national companies.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

2027 entry. SQA Highers Standard: Applicants presenting the standard grades will usually receive an unconditional offer; more may be asked for where applications exceed places. Widening Access: Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access metrics and present with BBB, are guaranteed an unconditional offer. Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects. Note: We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B grade at Advanced Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher. National 5 in English at Grade C or above is also required. Higher English is highly desirable (Higher ESOL is recognised in lieu where English is not the native language). A LEVEL Standard: Three A Levels at BBB. English is highly desirable. Widening Access: Three A Levels at BBC, for applicants who meet one or more widening access criteria. GCSE English or English Literature at Grade C/4 is also required. BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is not normally sufficient on its own for entry into any LLB degree programmes although those with a relevant BTEC (Law-related) at a minimum of DDD may be considered. IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE Five subjects at Higher, with two at H2 and three at H3. English is highly desirable. INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 34 points with 6, 6, 5 at HL including the degree subject(s). English is highly desirable. SL English is required.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Home fee for students from Scotland. Source

International applicants: GBP 20,800 a year (2026/27). EU / international fee. Reduced rate (Self-funded Students): £14,800. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 4 years (48 months) or 8 years (96 months)

Apply through the official page: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/ucas-application-process/

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