Criminal Justice, LLM

Program Overview

---

Criminal Justice, LLM

Introduction

Gain a greater understanding and develop your knowledge of the theories and policies underlying criminal procedures, human rights, and the various criminal justice systems alongside our renowned experts in Criminal Justice.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: LLM
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September or January

The LLM in Criminal Justice at the University of Aberdeen is focused on critical and comparative thinking around criminal procedures and systems. Our programme will help you develop a clearer and better understanding of criminal justice systems and how criminal law is implemented in today’s society around the world. You will learn about crucial elements, criminal law, evidence, and the causes of crime, enabling you to work in a multitude of countries around the world.

The Criminal Justice LLM was designed by our academics alongside assistance from external experts in the field which. This combined input will increase your understanding of the dynamics of this area of law and improve your employability prospects in the field by aligning our programme with the competencies required for today’s international job market.

Programme Fees

Fee category	Cost
EU / International students	£23,000
UK	£11,900

Semester 1

Compulsory Courses

• Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS551T)
• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5506)

Optional Courses

• International Cybersecurity Law (LS554A)
• Criminal Evidence and Proof (LS551R)

Semester 2

Compulsory Courses

• Master of Laws Dissertation (LS5904)

Optional Courses

• Criminal Evidence and Proof (LS551R)
• International Cybersecurity Law (LS554A)

Semester 3

Optional Courses

• Issues in Criminal Justice (LS5096)
• International Criminal Law (LS502N)

Available Programmes of Study

• Criminal Justice
  • Qualification: LLM
  • Duration: 12 months or 24 months
  • Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
  • Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
  • Start Month: January or September

Scholarships

All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Related Programmes

• Criminal Justice and Human Rights
• General Law
• International Human Rights

How You'll Study

On this LLM programme, you will enjoy an inclusive and friendly style of teaching. This open, sharing style allows our international students to exchange their individual experiences of their home country. You will benefit from being able to explore how criminal justice systems differ across many time zones.

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

By course work, by written examination, or by a combination of these, as prescribed for each course. The degree of LLM shall not be awarded to a candidate who fails to achieve a CGS grade of D3 or above in the specified dissertation course, irrespective of their performance in other courses: such candidates may, at the discretion of the Examiners, be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma or a Postgraduate Certificate.

Why Study Criminal Justice?

A foundation discipline in 1495, the Law School has played a pivotal role in Aberdeen’s history - and there’s no substitute for experience.

There are over 40 nationalities within the School of Law postgraduate community, so you will benefit from the experiences of international students from all over the world.

Students choose to study Law at Aberdeen because of our reputation for academic excellence and unrivalled student experience. At Aberdeen, you will:

• Have the opportunity to learn from well-known criminal law experts, many of whom provide consultancy to major organisations around the world such as the Hague.
• Gain an advanced knowledge and understanding of the philosophies, policies and procedures within Criminal Justice systems, which will help you meet the requirements of today’s job market.
• Acquire excellent observational skills, an aptitude for research and report writing and sharpen your analytical skills.
• Benefit from the programme’s global perspective with a healthy mix of students from the UK and overseas.
• Be taught in small learning groups, using an open teaching style and will have access to teaching staff whenever you need.
• Benefit from the opportunity to attend our Research Seminar Series, which will provide you with unique insights into current legal issues.

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications: Normally a 2:2 honours degree in Law (or another related discipline) or equivalent.
• Document requirements:
  • A full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and marks you achieved in your degree(s).
  • A detailed personal statement explaining your reasons for choosing this programme.
  • CV/Resume optional.
  • Reference letter from your university discussing your academic ability.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Careers

Many international students have gone on to work directly in the law profession back in their home countries. Others have even been funded by the UN have gone on to work all over the world, especially in the area of human rights.

Our Experts

You will be taught by and have access to a number of experts, many of whom are internationally renowned within their respective fields. These will include members of the Centre for Scots Law

• Programme Coordinator: Elizabeth Eleanor Ruth Shaw

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

---

LLM in Criminal Justice at the University of Aberdeen

This program focuses on critical and comparative thinking around criminal procedures and systems. It aims to equip students with a deeper understanding of criminal justice systems, how criminal law is implemented in various societies around the world, and how crucial elements like criminal law, evidence, and the causes of crime influence the field. The knowledge gained from this program is applicable in various countries, allowing graduates to work internationally. The LLM has been designed by academics and external experts, ensuring a comprehensive and industry-aligned curriculum that meets the demands of the modern global job market.

---

Outline:

---

Semester 1:

• Compulsory Courses:
• Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS551T)
• Optional Courses:
• International Cybersecurity Law (LS554A)
• Criminal Evidence and Proof (LS551R)

---

Semester 2:

• Compulsory Courses:
• Master of Laws Dissertation (LS5904)

---

Semester 3:

• Optional Courses:
• Issues in Criminal Justice (LS5096)
• International Criminal Law (LS502N)
• Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship: This course equips students with essential research, analytical, and writing skills required for LLM courses through lectures, workshops, and an individual assignment.
• Criminal Evidence and Proof: This comparative course delves deep into key evidentiary doctrines, focusing on the European Court of Human Rights jurisprudence and differences in national approaches.
It emphasizes not just the legal rules, but also the underlying principles and policies.
• Master of Laws Dissertation: This compulsory component allows students to research and explore a specific legal area of their choice in depth, culminating in a 10,000-word dissertation produced between May and mid-August.

---

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary for different courses but generally include coursework, written examinations, or a combination of both as per the course specifications. For the dissertation, a grade of D3 or above is required, and failure to achieve this will result in a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate instead of the LLM degree.

---

Teaching:

The program utilizes an inclusive and friendly teaching style that encourages open discussions and sharing of experiences among international students, allowing for exploration of diverse legal systems and perspectives.

---

Careers:

Graduates of the LLM in Criminal Justice can pursue careers in various fields, including law enforcement, legal practice, research, academia, and human rights organizations. The program's focus on international legal issues and its alignment with current job market demands equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in a global environment.

---

Other:

• The program attracts students from over 40 nationalities, creating a vibrant and diverse learning community.
• Students benefit from individualized attention and access to teaching staff due to small learning groups.
• The University offers a Law Careers and Employability Service that helps students develop essential career-related skills.

---

EU / International students: £23,800 UK: £11,900