University of Edinburgh

The University

From its location at the heart of Scotland’s capital, the University of Edinburgh has been providing outstanding educational opportunities for over 400 years. One of Scotland’s ancient universities, it was founded in 1583 as ‘The Tounis College’ and was the first civic university in Britain. Further information regarding the University of Edinburgh can be found at www.ed.ac.uk/.

With exceptional resources and facilities, more than 160 taught postgraduate programmes, and over 130 academic units offering research degrees, we are the leading institution for postgraduate research in Scotland. The 2009 Times Higher Education survey of the leading Higher Education institutions ranked the University of Edinburgh as the 20th best in the world.

We can offer you a unique opportunity to work at the highest academic level alongside some of the most influential academics in your field.

75% of our staff work in areas rated as 5 or 5* during the last Research Assessment Exercises (an internationally recognised rating of research excellence).

The Law School

1707 marked the foundation of the Faculty of Law, now known as the School of Law, which is situated in historic Old College in the heart of Edinburgh, minutes from both the Law Courts and Scotland's Parliament.

The City of Edinburgh has been a major centre for Law since the middle ages, and for 300 years the University has trained generations of the world's finest legal minds, sustaining a history of fine legal scholarship and education since that time.

Approaching its fourth century, the School is larger and more diverse than ever. With a dynamic, outward-looking and research active ethos, and several specialist research centres, the School attracts and retains leading as well as promising young legal scholars in both well-established and emerging fields.

The high standing of the School has been confirmed by a succession of recent government surveys which have invariably found the School to be a centre of international excellence in research.

The Program

The University of Edinburgh offers the following programmes, including an LL.M via distance learning:

The LLM in Law

It is increasingly rare to find a course that allows students to ‘create’ their own LLM without being fixed into a set course choice. The LLM degree is suitable for students seeking a wide range of choice among a number of advanced courses, without focusing their studies in one area of law. The School’s research expertise provides students with the opportunity to learn in a research-active environment on courses designed to lead them into exploring contemporary research issues in each field. In addition to formal studies, our students are encouraged to participate as full members of the School’s academic community and to attend research seminars and lectures delivered by our consistently excellent range of visitors and speakers.
For further information please visit www.law.ed.ac.uk/pg/taught/llmlaw.aspx

LLM in Commercial Law

An LLM in Commercial Law from Edinburgh Law School provides a prestigious qualification and an excellent grounding for the future study or practice of commercial law. Students on this programme have the opportunity to enjoy a challenging year of study, led by a team of experienced and enthusiastic commercial lawyers and shared with a cohort of students from all over the world. Situated in the heart of Scotland's legal and financial centre - and the fastest growing financial centre in Europe - our students benefit from small-group teaching (average 25 students per class), excellent online and library resources, and the social and leisure amenities you would expect in one of Europe's most dynamic capital cities.

For further information please visit www.law.ed.ac.uk/pg/taught/llmcommerciallaw.aspx

LLM in European Law

As a research centre within the School of Law, the Europa Institute has developed as one of the pre-eminent centres in Britain for the study of the institutions, policies and law of the European Union. The aim of the LL.M. in European Law, taught primarily by staff working within the Institute, is essentially twofold; first, to provide an established core of European law subjects at an advanced level and, second, to apply and broaden this knowledge via study of specialised optional courses. The programme offered at Edinburgh thus reflects the rapid evolution of contemporary European law and, against the backdrop of international law more generally, its unique bearing on domestic legal orders.
For further information please visit www.law.ed.ac.uk/pg/taught/llmeuropeanlaw.aspx

LLM in Global Environment and Climate Change Law

The programme aims to enable students to analyze and evaluate the historic and ongoing development of international, European and national law for environmental protection, the inter-relations between these different levels of law-making, as well as the interactions between environmental law and other areas of law. The programme offers the possibility of exploring different, inter-linked areas of environmental law with leading experts, alongside students from all around the world, at one of the UK's, and indeed Europe’s, leading universities. Its flexible and inter-disciplinary structure enables each student to tailor his/her curriculum as best suits individual interests and future career plans drawing from a choice of specialized courses at the School of Law, as well as environment-related courses at the School of Social and Political Science, the Business School and the Geosciences School of the University of Edinburgh.
For further information please visit www.law.ed.ac.uk/pg/taught/llmglobalenvironmentand…

LLM in History and Philosphy of Law

The LLM (R) in History and Philosophy of Law is a Masters degree that builds on Edinburgh Law School’s national and international reputation in the fields of Philosophy of Law and Legal History. Edinburgh’s current expertise in those fields is grounded in a long tradition of historical and philosophical research that can be traced back to the Scottish Enlightenment.
The LLM (R) in History and Philosophy of Law was designed in such a way as to promote cross-fertilization between the fields of Legal History and Legal Theory, while allowing students to focus on the areas that interest them the most. There are courses (such as Traditions of Legal Enquiry) that expressly explore the relations between research in Legal History and research in Legal Philosophy.

For further information please visit www.law.ed.ac.uk/pg/research/llmhistoryphilosophyl…

LLM in Innovation, Technology and the Law

This is an interdisciplinary degree programme unique in United Kingdom postgraduate legal education. It covers the traditional fields of intellectual property law and information technology law but combines these with courses on the role of law in responding to advances in science, medicine and technology. The focus of the degree is on the international nature of the subject matter and each course offers a comparative analysis of current legal developments.

For further information please visit www.law.ed.ac.uk/pg/taught/llmitandlaw.aspx

LLM in Innovation, Technology and the Law (distance learning)

This programme is available entirely via internet based distance learning. The programme has been created to offer those students who would otherwise be unable to access our on-campus programme because of existing commitments to for example, their career and family.

As such the programme is ideally suited to those for whom an LLM is the next ideal stepping stone in their career. As this degree is fully accredited by The University of Edinburgh, its holds to the excellent teaching standards evident throughout the School of Law's LLM programmes. This programme covers very exciting topics, with foundations firmly in an innovative cross-cutting research profile of the highest quality. Students selecting distance learning can study part-time (18 or 24 months) or full time (12 months).

For further information please visit www.law.ed.ac.uk/distancelearning/programme/index.…

LLM in Intellectual Property Law

The degree of LLM in Intellectual Property Law offers advanced study of a range of law or law-related subjects, with an opportunity to develop more detailed knowledge, understanding and research skills in a chosen dissertation topic.

The core subjects of the programme are intended to equip students with both an advanced knowledge of substantive intellectual property law and of the place and role of intellectual property within a domestic, regional and international context, laying a foundation for a specialised dissertation. The programme spans comparative study of the laws of patents, copyright, trade marks, designs, database protection, breach of confidence, passing off and related sui generis rights, as well as investigating a range of issues which underpin contemporary intellectual property law. The programme allows the students to explore intellectual Property law not just in its legal but also social, ethical, cultural and commercial contexts.

By the end of their studies for this degree, students will have acquired a high level of knowledge in the field of intellectual property law, a sophisticated awareness of the problems in the area and of the differing approaches to their solution.
For further information please visit www.law.ed.ac.uk/pg/taught/llmintellectualproperty…

LLM in International Law

Edinburgh University has been one of the leading centres for teaching and research in Public International Law since 1707. The LLM in International Law has three objectives. Firstly it provides students from a very diverse range of countries with the opportunity to study the fundamentals of international law and international relations at an advanced level. Secondly it also offers the opportunity to take more specialised courses on issues of contemporary significance that reflect the research interests of members of staff. Lastly, the LLM in International Law encourages and supports the development of research skills and seeks to prepare students for a career in international law or international organisations. Students will ideally have a first degree in law or international relations. Previous knowledge of international law is not a prerequisite, but those unfamiliar with the subject are advised to take Fundamental Issues in International Law as one of their options.

For further information please visit www.law.ed.ac.uk/pg/taught/llminternationallaw.asp…

LLM in Legal Research

The LLM in Legal Research is a unique programme in British legal education, designed as a bridge between undergraduate studies and doctoral work. The programme has three core objectives: to introduce students to the ideas and practices of legal research, to consolidate, supplement and deepen undergraduate knowledge through in-depth substantive study, and to guide students to begin to frame a doctoral project through completion of an extended dissertation.

The LLM in Legal Research enables students to acquire knowledge and understanding of the nature and processes of legal research, and in particular to gain an understanding of the varied forms which legal research can take, from traditional doctrinal research through comparative research, socio-legal research, and research into the theories and philosophies which underpin law and legal phenomena. It also enables students to deepen their existing knowledge of their chosen research topic through an advanced and/or complementary course, and then to survey and engage with their chosen topic through an independent yet structured research project, thus acquiring both knowledge and understanding of that topic at a deeper and more advanced level than is achievable at undergraduate or taught postgraduate level. While the programme provides an ideal pathway for students into an academic career, it is also a standalone qualification that will equip students to undertake applied research more broadly; for example, in the voluntary or non-governmental (NGO) sectors.
For further information please visit www.law.ed.ac.uk/pg/research/llmlegalresearch.aspx…

MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Edinburgh is an exciting environment in which to study criminology and criminal justice; criminology staff have expertise in a wide range of topics, from the theoretical to the applied. There is a particular focus of research on 'punishment and society', broadly understood, and on youth crime and justice, policing and crime prevention, cybercrime, and comparative criminal justice. The MSc degree offers a proven career development opportunity, and is suitable whether you have studied criminology at undergraduate level or are new to the subject. You will be able to select from a range of course options as well as receive specialised research training. The degree is recognised by the ESRC, and many other studentships are also available through the University.
For further information please visit www.law.ed.ac.uk/pg/taught/criminology.aspx

About distance learning

The modules in the LL.M in Innovation, Technology and the Law degree programme (distance learning) are intended to provide students with an advanced knowledge of domains where law engages with technology, intellectual property and medical ethics, laying a foundation for specialised professionals to contribute to their local economy through the expertise acquired during the programme and to assist in the further development of the legal framework in the subject domains.

The programme, which has an international focus, is built on the strength of innovative cross-cutting research of the highest quality. In delivering a programme of such depth we aim to assist our students in developing a sophisticated awareness of legal and ethical problems and dilemmas that arise at the intersection of law and technology together with an appreciation of the differing approaches to their solutions.

Having studied on the programme, not only will the students emerge with a high level knowledge of law related to technology, intellectual property and medical ethics, they will also have a full appreciation of their relevance to social, ethical, cultural and commercial contexts.

Our virtual learning environment (eScript) has been specifically developed for us by learning technology specialists within The University of Edinburgh (winners of the Queen’s anniversary award in 2005). Through this unique environment and during the course of the study, students have the opportunity to:

• benefit from the expertise of academic staff, specialist in a range of subject areas


• develop new contacts within their international peer group


• engage in on-line discussion and participate in analysis, legal argument and debate


• identify and deploy appropriate sources from a breadth of legal resources


• analyse problems and prepare solutions on a range of legal, ethical, and policy debates


• communicate effectively through a variety of written channels, including essay writing.

Entry Requirements

This programme follows the standard requirements for postgraduate study at The University of Edinburgh, generally a 2.1 (i.e. upper second) honours degree or equivalent, with prescribed certificates in English skills if necessary. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. All qualifications must be from a recognised higher education institution.

For more information about applications at the School of Law for places on the degree offered via distance learning please visit LL.M. via distance learning entry requirements web page and for visit the School of Law's website for details regarding the on-campus postgraduate admission.

Application Procedure

To apply for our on-campus programmes please see the School of Law's postgraduate studies pages

To apply for our distance learning programme please visit the School of Law's distance learning website

Tuition and Fees

Please contact either law.pg@ed.ac.uk (for on-campus) or llm.distance@ed.ac.uk (for distance learning) for details of the fee structure.

Financial Aid

The University of Edinburgh's Scholarship Office can answer any questions regarding financial aid. Their website includes a fully searchable database of funding opportunities.

Location

School of Law
University of Edinburgh
Old College
South Bridge
Edinburgh EH8 9YL
UK

For details of the campus location in the centre of Edinburgh, please see the University Edinburgh Campus Maps page

Student Life

Our University postgraduate prospectus covers a lot of information about student life in the City and is a good place to begin.

Also, have a look over the article here on the LLM-guide.com by Valdish Wish for a look in to what's on offer in Scotland and Edinburgh for our on-campus students.

Distance learning students can study from any location in the world with an Internet connection, so it's harder to give an example of a typical student experience!

Graduate Spotlight - LL.M Innovation, Technology and the Law

Graduate students from the LL.M Innovation, Technology and the Law (distance learning) have been successful in furthering their careers in education and careers in legal practice.

Current students on the LL.M via distance learning have the following career ambitions: to work in law enforcement as a computer forensic officer; teach law at a university; further develop their career with International IP Institutions; further their career as a practising lawyer; sit their country’s bar exam to become a practising lawyer; return to legal practice after several years; become an in-house IP consultant in a large international design agency.

Students who completed the face to face LL.M in Innovation, Technology and the Law have:

• Furthered their careers in law firms;


• Moved to other firms with promotion;


• Set up their own practice;


• Moved to an in-house legal team in the financial sector;


• Set up a business consultancy dealing with international business from the EU and the USA;


• Joined a university in South America as a professor;


• Joined the UK’s academic community as a researcher and tutor


• Gone on to further and higher study.

Summer Program

Language courses are available. Visit the Institute for Applied Language Studies for more details.