UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH · UNITED KINGDOM
LLM in Comparative Private Law
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
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IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Mixed legal systemStudy in Scotland
- Research-led teachingExpert Faculty
- Flexible curriculumTailor your studies
- International focusGlobal career preparation
- Specialisation optionsComparative Trust Law
The LLM in Comparative Private Law at the University of Edinburgh is designed for professionals and academics who need to understand different legal systems. This program provides an essential foundation in private law from a comparative perspective, preparing you for careers in international legal practice, academia, or global institutions. You will gain in-depth knowledge and advanced qualifications that are both academically rigorous and professionally beneficial. Studying at Edinburgh is particularly advantageous because Scotland operates a mixed legal system, drawing from both civil and common law traditions. This unique environment makes it an ideal place to explore comparative private law. The curriculum offers a wide range of subjects, allowing you to tailor your studies to specific interests within comparative private law, including specialized courses on trust law.
Curriculum
The LLM in Comparative Private Law offers a diverse curriculum that blends core private law areas with legal theory and history. You can select additional courses from a broad list to align with your specific academic or professional interests. Since 2018, the program has offered two courses specifically focused on the comparative study of trust law, providing a unique specialization opportunity.
- Year 1
- Contract law
- Property law
- The law of trusts
- Delict and tort
- Family and child law
- International private law
- Reasoning with Precedent
- Legal Decision Making
- Reasoning Using Civilian Authority
Careers
Graduates of the LLM in Comparative Private Law are well-prepared for diverse careers that involve working with international or transnational legal contexts. The program is ideal for those pursuing roles in legal practice, academia, national or international institutions, and corporations where engaging with foreign laws is essential.
- International Lawyer
- Legal Advisor (International Organisations)
- Academic Researcher
- Corporate Legal Counsel
- Policy Advisor
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students for the LLM in Comparative Private Law?
- Tuition fees for international students are available on the University's degree finder. The University of Edinburgh does not specify the exact tuition fee in this document.
- What are the estimated living costs for a postgraduate student in Edinburgh?
- Estimated living costs for a single postgraduate student for 2026-2027 are approximately £18,504 per year, including accommodation, food, and other expenses. Actual costs may vary based on personal choices.
- What are the key application deadlines for the LLM in Comparative Private Law?
- Scholarship deadlines are typically in early May, with the LLM Comparative Private Law Scholarship deadline being 01 May 2026. It is recommended to check the degree finder for the general application deadline and apply early, especially if a visa is required.
- What documents are required to apply for the LLM in Comparative Private Law?
- You will need to provide a personal statement, information about your skills and experience, academic transcripts, and proof of English language proficiency if applicable.
- What career paths can graduates pursue after completing the LLM in Comparative Private Law?
- Graduates are well-prepared for careers as International Lawyers, Legal Advisors for international organisations, Academic Researchers, Corporate Legal Counsels, or Policy Advisors.
- Are there any specific scholarships available for this programme?
- Yes, there is an LLM Comparative Private Law Scholarship, a Tercentenary Award for Excellence, an Edinburgh LLM Access Scholarship, and the GREAT Scholarship for Mexican students, all with deadlines around early May 2026.
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Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees for international students are available on the University's degree finder.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees for home/domestic students are available on the University's degree finder.
LivingEstimated living costs for a single postgraduate student in Edinburgh for 2026-2027 are approximately £18,504 per year (£1,542 per month). This includes accommodation and utilities (£11,736), food and other shopping (£2,976), mobile phone (£144), socialising and leisure (£2,952), and local bus travel (£696). These are estimates and actual costs may vary based on personal choices and inflation.
Accommodation costs range significantly. University accommodation averages £931/month, private accommodation £752/month, and private student accommodation £1,249/month. Utilities are often included in university and private student accommodation rent but are separate for private rentals (estimated £55/month for gas/electric, £9/month for WiFi). Food estimates are based on cooking at home, and budget supermarkets can help save money.
How to apply
1. 1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet both the academic and English language requirements for postgraduate study. Refer to the specific degree finder page for the LLM in Comparative Private Law for detailed criteria.
2. 2. Gather Supporting DocumentsBefore starting your application, prepare all necessary documents, including your personal statement and information about your skills and experience. The university's 'What you need to apply' section provides more details.
3. 3. Check Application DeadlinesConsult the degree finder for the specific application deadlines for the LLM in Comparative Private Law. If you require a visa or financial support, it is highly recommended to apply as early as possible.
4. 4. Complete and Submit ApplicationApplications are submitted through the University's online system. Ensure all information provided is complete, accurate, and truthful before submission.
5. 5. Track Your ApplicationAfter submitting, you can track the status of your application online. You will also receive communication regarding the University's decision and instructions on how to accept an offer.
Scholarships
Tercentenary Award for Excellence£5,000
LLM Comparative Private Law Scholarship—
Edinburgh LLM Access Scholarship—
GREAT Scholarship - Mexico—
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students for the LLM in Comparative Private Law?
+
Tuition fees for international students are available on the University's degree finder. The University of Edinburgh does not specify the exact tuition fee in this document.
What are the estimated living costs for a postgraduate student in Edinburgh?
+
Estimated living costs for a single postgraduate student for 2026-2027 are approximately £18,504 per year, including accommodation, food, and other expenses. Actual costs may vary based on personal choices.
What are the key application deadlines for the LLM in Comparative Private Law?
+
Scholarship deadlines are typically in early May, with the LLM Comparative Private Law Scholarship deadline being 01 May 2026. It is recommended to check the degree finder for the general application deadline and apply early, especially if a visa is required.
What documents are required to apply for the LLM in Comparative Private Law?
+
You will need to provide a personal statement, information about your skills and experience, academic transcripts, and proof of English language proficiency if applicable.
What career paths can graduates pursue after completing the LLM in Comparative Private Law?
+
Graduates are well-prepared for careers as International Lawyers, Legal Advisors for international organisations, Academic Researchers, Corporate Legal Counsels, or Policy Advisors.
Are there any specific scholarships available for this programme?
+
Yes, there is an LLM Comparative Private Law Scholarship, a Tercentenary Award for Excellence, an Edinburgh LLM Access Scholarship, and the GREAT Scholarship for Mexican students, all with deadlines around early May 2026.