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Frequently Asked Questions
If your query is not answered by the information below, please contact us.
Contact the Postgraduate Office.
What are the LLM and MSc application deadlines?
Applications for the LLM and MSc programmes are considered from 1 October and accepted until 31 July (LLM)/ 31 August (MSc) each year.
We recommend, however, that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for students holding conditional offers (for example, you may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test) and for overseas students who may need time to satisfy necessary visa requirements (for further, country-specific information, please consult the website of the University's International Office) and/or to apply for university accommodation.
Please note also that applicants for AHRC and ESRC funding need to apply before the end of March, further information on these deadlines can be found here.
What are the academic admission requirements for the LLM and MSc?
The minimum basic admission requirement for taught postgraduate degrees is an Upper Second Class honours degree (or better), or its international equivalent, in Law, Arts or Social Sciences.
The majority of our applicants have studied law; applications from non-law students with relevant studies and experience will be considered, however, and further guidance on this as it applies to each of our programmes may be sought from the School.
What documents should I supply with my application?
All applicants should supply the following supporting documentation:
- Two academic references
- Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes (please upload the full transcript showing results from all years of study)
- Degree certificates showing award of degree
- An English language proficiency test (if required - see below)
If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an IELTS test you may still apply for postgraduate study. However please note that applications will not be considered until all the required supporting documentation has been received. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.
What are the English language requirements for the LLM and MSc?
If your first language is not English, you will be required to show that you have obtained one of the following:
-Grade 7 in the British Council's IELTS test (with at least 6.0 in each section)
-100 in the TOEFL internet based test (with no score lower than 20 in each section)
-Grade B in the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
-Grade A in the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English
-67 in the Pearson Test of English (with no score lower than 56 in each of the “Communicative Skills” sections – “Enabling Skills” section scores are not considered)
All tests must be taken within two years of the proposed start date. Any English language proficiency tests results older than two years will not be considered.
Your application may not be successful if you do not currently satisfy any of these requirements; alternatively, you may be offered a place conditional on your reaching the satisfactory standard by the time you start the degree.
The University's Institute for Applied Language Studies (IALS) runs a pre-sessional English for the LLM course, you can find information on this programme here. Please note, however, that successful completion of this course will not be accepted in place of a formal English test result demonstrating the required level (as detailed above).
What are the fees payable for the LLM and MSc?
Read more about fees for postgraduate study.
What are the semester dates for LLM and MSc studies?
The LLM and MSc are twelve month programmes. You can find information on 2009-2010 teaching dates here; students are expected to arrive in Edinburgh for Freshers' Week induction events (in both the University and the Law School).
Are there any scholarship opportunities for the LLM and MSc?
The Law School, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), and the University offer a range of Postgraduate Scholarships, and also provide useful information on and links to external funding bodies. Many postgraduate awards relate to PhD studies, but a range of awards exists also for taught postgraduate programmes. Please follow these links for further details about Postgraduate Scholarships in the Law School, details of CHSS Awards, and details about scholarships available and tenable at the University of Edinburgh.
What study facilities does the School offer for LLM and MSc students?
The University of Edinburgh library has one of the largest and most important collections in Britain. It has some two million items including the latest publications, key texts, and rare books. The Law School has its own library within Old College. It is well stocked in most important fields of law. The library of the Europa Institute, housed alongside the Law Library, is an outstanding European Documentation Centre. Within walking distance from the Law School is the National Library of Scotland which also possesses an important legal collection accessible to postgraduate students.
Postgraduate students have access to the extensive computing facilities provided by the Law School. The School maintains a number of computer labs, one of which is reserved for the exclusive use of postgraduate students. We are able to provide office space and a desktop computer for most of our research students. Wireless network access is available in many parts of the Law School including within the Law Library and Lecture Theatres. Postgraduate students have extensive access to online legal research facilities including electronic journals, LexisNexis and Westlaw. Additional computing facilities are available in the University's Main Library and via the University's Computing Services.
What are the residence requirements for taught postgraduate degrees?
All candidates, with the exception of candidates registered for recognised distance learning programmes, must remain in residence in Edinburgh throughout the period of study prescribed unless authorised leave of absence has been granted. Residence in Edinburgh is taken to mean (a) residence in, or in the immediate environs of, the city, or (b) a candidate's proximity to Edinburgh so as readily to allow face-to-face supervision and study as directed by the supervisor. Leave of absence is not normally permitted in the case of candidates for most postgraduate diplomas and taught masters degrees. Remember that for the LLM and MSc programmes, residence in Edinburgh also includes the summer months, and so runs from mid-September to late August annually.
Where can I get information about University student housing?
The University is well provided with some excellent postgraduate accommodation. In addition there is no shortage of privately rented accommodation in Edinburgh.
Read more about accommodation.
Staying in Scotland after graduation
Non-EEA graduates from Scottish universities are eligible under the Home Office 'Post Study Workers' scheme to apply for leave to remain in the UK after graduation.
Read more about the 'Post Study Workers Scheme'.
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