Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions and Fees

I didn't study law as an undergraduate, can I enrol?

We invite applications for the distance learning LLMs from successful undergraduates of all related disciplines. For example studies in: Computer Science; Engineering; Psychology; Marketing; Media; Chemistry; Biology and Physics may find this programme beneficial. Your undergraduate award must be of a high standard and as a non-law candidate you will have the opportunity to do some extra curricular activity.

I am a practising lawyer, will I be admitted?

Practising lawyers must meet the entry requirements for both academic and language skills.

I'm still waiting for pieces of my application supporting information, what should I do?

If you would like to submit an application form we will hold your file and wait for the supporting application material to be sent to us and process the application when it is complete.

How do I apply for the programme?

The University operates an online application system for all of its postgraduate programmes.

Find out more about how to apply for our LLM programmes by online distance learning

How much are fees?

Fee information can be found on this website, within the fees page of the LLM programme section.

Find out more about fees for our LLM programmes by online distance learning

What financial support is available?

There is no direct support available from the School of Law for participation on the LLMs, though some scholarships are available.

Find out more about scholarships

How can I pay?

There are a number of options available for fee payment. These are listed on the University of Edinburgh website:

  • Payment in Full
  • Payment in instalments by Direct Debit
  • Payment in instalments by Credit Card
  • Payment in instalments by international bank transfer
Find out more about the different options availabkle for paying tuition fees

FAQ - studying

How much time is required each week?

Each module requires approximately 10 to 15 hours of research and writing each week. Full-time students should expect to spend around 40 hours per week on the programme.

How many modules must I complete each semester?

You need to complete six modules over either 12, 20, 24, 32 or 36 months. If you plan to study part-time then you can choose to do 1 or 2 modules in each semester, but you must always have at least one module in each semester. Full-time students always take 3 modules in semester one and two.

Is all required material provided either electronically or via textbooks/papers?

As a distance learning student you are accorded with full rights as a student of the University, which grants access to a vast range of online resources - amongst the most common legal databases used during the programme would be LexisNexis, Westlaw and HeinOnline.

If you were to visit the School of Law campus library here in Edinburgh to spend a day reviewing the the shelves, you would see there was very little material relevant to your programme that you did not already have access to online.

Certain modules are accompanied by a text book which is provided to you as part of your programme fee.

What support will I get from the tutors?

Each module has a tutor who is responsible for assisting your topic specific questions. Each module tutor can be contacted via the forums within eSCRIPT. Individual tutors may also use alternative channels of communication.

You will be allocated a Director of Studies throughout the programme. The Programme Director will also be available for academic and pastoral support throughout the programme. You will be allocated a topic specific tutor for your dissertation.

Do I have to attend Edinburgh for any residential days?

There are no residential days planned for this programme. However, we do invite all our students to come visit us and join in on some classes at a time that is suitable to them. The programme organisers understand that even though regular communication with our distance learning students is via the Internet and telephone, we have built a great rapport with the students. The students themselves have developed a strong sense of community through communication with one another.

We make every effort to ensure that as distance learning student you are not kept at a distance, and included in as many "on-campus" events as is practical. One example of this is with the series of guest lectures each year on-campus. We record these as either video or MP3 and make them available to the students via eSCRIPT.

I know I have to submit my assessments, but is attendance measured?

You are expected to participate in topic specific online discussions. This will ensure an effective learning community is maintained which will significantly increase the quality of and commitment to your studies. Therefore attendance will be examined to ensure contributions are being made in a regular fashion. You will also be assessed on your contributions to the discussions.

What happens if I am unable to complete a module?

There are options available to you if you are unable to finish a module. These would be discussed with the Director of Studies and a agreement drawn up.

What happens if I am unable to complete the programme?

If you were unable to complete the full LLM programme, you may be eligible for an exit award, depending on the number of credits you would have accumulated.

There may be other options to take time out from your studies, which your Director of Studies will be able to advise on.

What certification will I receive?

Successful completion of the LLM Programme will result in the award of the LLM in your particular subject area. Note that the certificate does not state "distance learning". We believe that the education gained via distance learning is in every way equal to that gained on-campus, and see no reason to distinguish the award based on the channel of study.

Am I able to attend the University of Edinburgh graduation ceremony?

Yes, if you successfully complete the LLM programme, you can attend the graduation ceremony which takes place in November, in Edinburgh. The University of Edinburgh website has more details about the ceremony.

Can I discuss the LL.M programme with someone?

Please contact us with an outline of your questions and your contact details. You can telephone us on 0131 651 4411 with any enquiries you have. You are welcome to visit us at the School of Law campus, but please give notice by email to arrange your visit.

llm.distance@ed.ac.uk

We are also happy to arrange Skype calls to chat to you.