UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH · UNITED KINGDOM
Law LLM by Research
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
7.0
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 3rd in UK for Law research quality (REF 2021)Research Ranking
- Specialist academic supervisionSupervision
- Flexible full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) studyStudy Options
- No application feeApplication
- 30,000 word dissertationDissertation
The LLM by Research in Law at the University of Edinburgh is a postgraduate research degree designed to significantly enhance your legal research and writing skills. This program enables you to undertake and complete a substantial 30,000-word dissertation in a legal or criminological research area of your choice, under expert academic supervision. It is available for full-time study over one year or part-time over two years. This degree will develop your ability to engage critically with primary legal sources and academic literature, construct compelling legal arguments, and maintain coherence in extensive written work. It's an excellent opportunity to specialize deeply in a legal field and contribute to academic discourse.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Law LLM by Research programme?
- You need a UK 2:1 honours degree in Law or a Social Science subject, or its international equivalent. English language proficiency is also required, with specific scores needed for tests like IELTS Academic (Overall 7.0, with 7.0 in Writing and 6.5 in other components) or TOEFL-iBT (Overall 100, with 25 in Writing and 23 in other components).
- How much does the Law LLM by Research programme cost?
- Tuition fees for the LLM by Research Law programme should be confirmed on the University website for 2026-2027. The estimated annual living cost for a postgraduate student in Edinburgh is £18,504 for the 2026-2027 academic year.
- What is the duration of the LLM by Research programme?
- The programme is available for full-time study over one year or part-time over two years.
- How do I apply for the LLM by Research programme?
- Applications are submitted online and require documents such as a personal statement, research proposal, academic transcripts, and two academic references. It is recommended to apply at least one month before your desired entry date.
- What are the application deadlines for the LLM by Research programme?
- Application deadlines include 30 September 2025 for January 2026 entry, 29 May 2026 for September 2026 entry, and 30 September 2026 for January 2027 entry.
- Are there any scholarships available for the Law LLM by Research programme?
- Yes, scholarships like the Tercentenary Award for Excellence (£5,000 tuition fee reduction) and various LLM awards are available. The application deadline for most of these is 01 May 2026.
Entry requirements
UK 2:1 honours degreeor its international equivalent, in Law or a Social Science subject.
IELTS AcademicOverall 7.0, with 7.0 in Writing and 6.5 in all other components.
TOEFL-iBT (before Jan 21, 2026)Overall 100, with 25 in Writing and 23 in all other components.
TOEFL-iBT (from Jan 21, 2026)Overall 5.0, with 5.0 in Writing and 4.5 in all other components.
C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE)Overall 185, with 185 in Writing and 176 in all other components.
Trinity ISEISE III with passes in all four components.
Oxford ELLTOverall 8, with 8 in Writing and 7 in all other components.
Oxford Test of English AdvancedOverall 155, with 155 in Writing and 145 in all other components.
Entry is competitive; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an offer. English language test scores must generally be no more than two years old (or three and a half years for some tests) by the program start date.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the University website for the specific tuition fees for the LLM by Research Law (1 year) or (2 years) for 2026-2027.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the University website for the specific tuition fees for the LLM by Research Law (1 year) or (2 years) for 2026-2027. University of Edinburgh graduates may be eligible for a 10% tuition fee discount.
LivingFor 2026-2027, the estimated average annual living cost in Edinburgh for a postgraduate student is £18,504 (£1,542 per month). This includes accommodation, food, transport, and social activities. Individual costs may vary based on lifestyle and accommodation choices.
Tuition fees are listed per academic year. Most students combine various funding sources like loans, savings, family support, or scholarships to cover costs.
How to apply
1. 1. Check Programme Details and DeadlinesReview the specific entry requirements, application deadlines, and available start dates for the LLM by Research programme on the University's degree finder. It is highly recommended to apply at least one month before your desired entry date, especially if you require a visa or are applying for funding.
2. 2. Gather Required DocumentsPrepare all supporting documents. These typically include a personal statement, your research topic (if known), details of any published work, a research proposal, copies of degree certificates and academic transcripts, two academic references, and evidence of English language proficiency. Certified translations are needed if original documents are not in English.
3. 3. Complete the Online ApplicationAccess the online application portal from the programme page. Select your preferred award, duration (1 year full-time or 2 years part-time), and start date. Upload all supporting documents as requested. There is no application fee for this programme.
4. 4. Submit and Track Your ApplicationAfter submitting, you can track the progress of your application online. The University will notify you by email once a decision has been made. Due to the high volume of applications, this process may take some time.
5. 5. Respond to OfferIf you receive an offer, you will be given instructions on how to accept it and any further documents required. Ensure you respond by the deadline provided in your offer letter.
Scholarships
Tercentenary Award for Excellence£5,000
LLM European Law—
LLM Comparative Private Law—
GREAT Scholarship - Mexico—
Edinburgh LLM Access Scholarship—
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Law LLM by Research programme?
+
You need a UK 2:1 honours degree in Law or a Social Science subject, or its international equivalent. English language proficiency is also required, with specific scores needed for tests like IELTS Academic (Overall 7.0, with 7.0 in Writing and 6.5 in other components) or TOEFL-iBT (Overall 100, with 25 in Writing and 23 in other components).
How much does the Law LLM by Research programme cost?
+
Tuition fees for the LLM by Research Law programme should be confirmed on the University website for 2026-2027. The estimated annual living cost for a postgraduate student in Edinburgh is £18,504 for the 2026-2027 academic year.
What is the duration of the LLM by Research programme?
+
The programme is available for full-time study over one year or part-time over two years.
How do I apply for the LLM by Research programme?
+
Applications are submitted online and require documents such as a personal statement, research proposal, academic transcripts, and two academic references. It is recommended to apply at least one month before your desired entry date.
What are the application deadlines for the LLM by Research programme?
+
Application deadlines include 30 September 2025 for January 2026 entry, 29 May 2026 for September 2026 entry, and 30 September 2026 for January 2027 entry.
Are there any scholarships available for the Law LLM by Research programme?
+
Yes, scholarships like the Tercentenary Award for Excellence (£5,000 tuition fee reduction) and various LLM awards are available. The application deadline for most of these is 01 May 2026.