School of Law

The University of Aberdeen School of Law is one of the UK’s leading law schools, ranked in the UK Top 15 for Law by the Guardian University Guide 2026 and Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. Established in 1495 as part of the third oldest university in Scotland, the School of Law blends ancient tradition with cutting-edge teaching and research.

What is the University of Aberdeen School of Law known for?

While our five centuries of teaching law give us a strong foundation, our forward-thinking approach is what truly defines us:

• Learn from academics and practitioners shaping law at the highest levels in Scotland, across the UK, and around the world.
• Access top-quality facilities such as the award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library and the Taylor Library, which is dedicated to resources for the School of Law.
• Tailor your degree with flexible study options, including online LLM study and a Professional Skills pathway.
• Named as one of the top 10 Energy Law LLMs in the world by the LLM Guide 2025.
• Ranked in the UK Top 15 for Law by the Guardian University Guide 2026 and the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.

Where is the University of Aberdeen School of Law and what’s the setting like?

The School of Law is based at the historic King’s College campus, home to picturesque buildings that have seen centuries of change as well as modern, world-class facilities like the award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library. Just over a mile from campus there is plenty to see and do in the city of Aberdeen, profiled by National Geographic in 2023. Aberdeen’s beach, a short walk or bus ride from campus, also offers miles of coastline to explore.

What are the standout course offerings at the University of Aberdeen School of Law?

The University of Aberdeen offers a wide range of postgraduate law programmes, including:

• LLM General Law
• LLM Corporate Finance and Law
• LLM Criminal Justice and Human Rights
• LLM Energy Transition Law
• LLM International Commercial Law
• LLM International Intellectual Property and Information Law
• LLM International Trade Law
• LLM Oil & Gas Law

View all of our postgraduate law programmes, including those with a Professional Skills pathway. We also offer online LLM programmes and short courses. Explore our online portfolio.

What are the entry requirements and fees?

Entry requirements and tuition fees vary by programme and can be found on our online prospectus pages. Visit our website to learn more about entry requirements and tuition fees for your chosen programme.

The University of Aberdeen is pleased to offer the Aberdeen Global Scholarship, an £8,000 tuition fee waiver, to eligible self-funded international students. Other funding opportunities include the Aberdeen Alumni Discount. Visit the Funding Database for all available scholarships and funding.

What is student life like at the University of Aberdeen School of Law?

When you join the University of Aberdeen School of Law you are joining a diverse, engaged and forward-thinking community. With representation from over 40 nationalities, the School of Law allows our students to gain valuable insight into the different experiences of their lecturers and fellow students.

With so much to do on campus, in the city, and further afield, you can create the student experience you want. The Aberdeen University Student’s Union offers over 180 societies and 55 sports clubs students can get involved in, from subject-focused societies including the Law Society to other interests such as baking, surfing, and beyond.

Aberdeen was named the UK’s top city for affordability (QS Best Student Cities 2026), but that doesn’t make our city any less exciting. Visit art galleries and museums, enjoy the local food scene, and more in Aberdeen’s lively city centre.

What facilities does the University of Aberdeen School of Law offer?

The University of Aberdeen School of Law offers:

• Access to the Taylor Library, our specialist law library which houses 55,000 volumes and subscribes to all major law journals and legal databases.
• Dedicated quiet study areas and project rooms for collaborative work in the Taylor Library and elsewhere across campus.
• Numerous research centres such as the Centre for Commercial Law, Aberdeen University Centre for Energy Law, and Centre for Private International Law and Transnational Governance.
• Career support through the University’s Careers and Employability Service.
• Options for accommodation on campus and in the nearby Hillhead Student Village.
• Student membership rates for the nearby Aberdeen Sports Village, the premier sport facility in the North-East of Scotland.

How does the University of Aberdeen School of Law support your career?

During your academic journey with us you’ll have access to a range of societies and student projects, allowing you to build a robust network that will help propel your career well after graduation. According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, an impressive 94.8% of our law graduates have secured employment or pursued further study within 15 months of graduation.

A law degree from Aberdeen advances your career prospects in a wide range of sectors. Some of our alumni have gone on to found their own companies and consultancies, become partners at law firms or opened their own practice, or returned to academia as lecturers. Our graduates have also been appointed as presidential advisors, Supreme Court justices, and other high-profile government positions in countries around the world.

What do students say about the University of Aberdeen School of Law?

Hear from our students and alumni in their own words. Learn about some of our international students’ experiences in Aberdeen, and how the Professional Skills pathway enhanced some of our alumni’s employability after graduation.

How do you apply to the University of Aberdeen School of Law?

You can submit your application through the University of Aberdeen’s application portal. Full details on how to apply, including entry requirements and English language requirements, are available on each programme’s prospectus page.

Visit our website to select the prospectus page for your programme of choice and apply. For any application-related questions, email our admissions team at study@abdn.ac.uk and we will be happy to help.

What else should you know about the University of Aberdeen School of Law?

In the five centuries since its founding, the University of Aberdeen has established itself as a leading centre for the study of law. With a dedication to delivering interdisciplinary teaching and fostering a collaborative environment that allows for a deeper understanding of all facets of law and the legal system, we are proud to be a leader in shaping the future of law at a local, national, and global scale.

Join the University of Aberdeen School of Law and help us continue contributing meaningfully to society.