Direct answer
The University of Aberdeen’s LLM International Intellectual Property and Information Law requires a 2.2 honours degree (or equivalent) in Law. The official page does not publish a China-specific grade conversion; applicants must select “China” in the country dropdown to view the relevant equivalency. The minimum English language scores are IELTS Academic 6.5 (Listening 5.5, Reading 6.0, Speaking 5.5, Writing 6.0), TOEFL iBT 90 (Listening 17, Reading 21, Speaking 20, Writing 21), PTE Academic 62 (Listening 59, Reading 59, Speaking 59, Writing 59), or Cambridge English B2 First/C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency 176 (Listening 162, Reading 169, Speaking 162, Writing 169). The programme offers September and January starts over 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time on campus.
What the official page establishes
The page confirms the degree is an on-campus LLM with dissertation. It lists compulsory Semester 1 courses: Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS501T) and Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006). Assessment is by coursework, written examination, or a combination; the LLM is not awarded if the dissertation grade falls below CGS D3, though a Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate may be granted at the Examiners’ discretion.
What still requires live rechecking
The country-specific entry requirement for China is not displayed in the static page text. The page provides a dropdown selector for “Country or Territory”; selecting “China” and clicking “Update” should reveal the precise qualification equivalency. This step must be performed live on the official site to obtain the China-specific requirement. The page also notes that the course list is indicative and may change; the definitive course handbook should be consulted after enrolment.
Degree entry requirement
Normally, a 2.2 honours degree (or equivalent) in Law is required. Relevant practical experience in a related field will also be beneficial. The information is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry.
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate fluency in English. The minimum accepted tests and scores are:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5 (Listening 5.5, Reading 6.0, Speaking 5.5, Writing 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 90 (Listening 17, Reading 21, Speaking 20, Writing 21)
- PTE Academic: Overall 62 (Listening 59, Reading 59, Speaking 59, Writing 59)
- Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: Overall 176 (Listening 162, Reading 169, Speaking 162, Writing 169)
Document requirements
Applications must include a full degree transcript (original and official English translation), a detailed personal statement explaining motivation for the programme, and a reference letter from a university discussing academic ability. Applicants who have been out of education for a long time may provide a reference from a current or recent employer or another professional person. A degree certificate can be supplied later if the current programme is not yet complete.
Fees and the Aberdeen Global Scholarship
For the 2026/27 academic year, the published EU/International tuition fee is £23,000. Self-funded international students receive the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship, reducing the payable fee to £15,000. The £15,000 figure includes the scholarship; full terms and conditions apply. UK tuition fees are £11,900, or £7,000 for University of Aberdeen graduates who qualify for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship.
Programme structure and start months
The LLM is available with September or January entry. Students starting in January write their dissertation during the Summer semester. The programme is delivered on campus through lectures, seminars, tutorials, group projects, individual projects, and research. Class sizes are kept small to ensure access to teaching staff.
FAQ
What is the China-specific grade requirement for this LLM?
The official page does not display a static China equivalency. You must visit the page, select “China” from the country dropdown, and click “Update” to view the live requirement. The page states that the 2.2 honours degree requirement is a guide and does not guarantee entry.
Can I apply if my degree is not in Law?
The stated requirement is a 2.2 honours degree (or equivalent) in Law. Relevant practical experience in a related field is considered beneficial, but the page does not confirm that a non-Law degree alone will satisfy the entry requirement.
Is the £8,000 scholarship automatically applied?
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students receive the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship. The £15,000 international fee listed on the page already includes this scholarship. Full terms and conditions apply, and eligibility should be verified on the dedicated scholarship page.
What happens if I fail the dissertation?
The degree of LLM is not awarded to a candidate who fails to achieve a CGS grade of D3 or above in the dissertation, regardless of performance in other courses. The Examiners may, at their discretion, award a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.
Does the programme offer a Professional Skills route?
Yes. The page notes that a Professional Skills study route is available. A separate programme page exists for International Intellectual Property and Information Law with Professional Skills.
Are there January start dissertation arrangements?
Students who start their LLM programme in January write their dissertation project during the Summer semester.
Official sources
All information in this article is drawn from the University of Aberdeen’s official postgraduate taught degree programme page for International Intellectual Property and Information Law: International Intellectual Property and Information Law | Postgraduate Taught Subjects | The University of Aberdeen.
For broader context on international postgraduate study, see our guides on MBA programmes, German TU9 universities, avoiding study-abroad agency pitfalls in 2026, and Australian education bachelor degrees.