Study durations
Flexibility is built into our LLM programmes, with a range of study durations to choose from and start dates in both September and January.
The University of Edinburgh has two, ten-week semesters per year.
2024-25
Semester 1 (September - December 2024)
- Orientation starts week beginning 02 September 2024
- Teaching starts week beginning 16 September 2024
- Teaching ends 29 November 2024
Semester 2 (January - March 2025)
- Orientation starts week beginning 11 December 2024
- Teaching starts week beginning 13 January 2025
- Teaching ends 04 April 2025
2025-26
Semester 1 (September - December 2025)
- Orientation starts week beginning 01 September 2025
- Teaching starts week beginning 15 September 2025
- Teaching ends 28 November 2025
Semester 2 (January - March 2026)
- Orientation starts week beginning 08 December 2025
- Teaching starts week beginning 12 January 2026
- Teaching ends 03 April 2026
Depending on your start date and the duration of your studies, you have some flexibility to choose how many courses you take in a semester.
Please note that you must take at least one course per semester, and no more than three courses in any one semester.
| Study duration | Starting month | No. of semesters | No. courses per semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | September | 2 | 3 courses |
| 20 months | January | 3 | 2 courses |
| 2 years | September | 4 | 1 or 2 courses |
| 32 months | January | 5 | 1 or 2 courses |
| 3 years | September | 6 | 1 course |
LLM students on the two-year route will either take one course in two semesters and two courses in two semesters; or one course in three semesters and three courses in one semester.
LLM students on the 32-month route will take one course in four semesters, and two courses in one semester.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Law by online learning can be studied over one year or 20 months and has start dates in September and January.
Please note that you must take at least one course per semester, and no more than three courses in any one semester.
| Study duration | Starting month | No. of semesters | No. courses per semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | September or January | 2 | 1 or 2 courses |
| 20 months | September or January | 3 | 1 course |
You should expect to spend around 10-15 hours per week on each course and allow additional time for assessments.
Contact us
If you have any questions about our online programmes please don't hesitate to contact us.