LLM Dispute Resolution

Program Overview

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Qualifications

Master of Laws (LLM)

Overview

The LLM in Dispute Resolution is a flexible online program that enhances your non-court dispute resolution skills and qualifications. It is ideal for professionals without a law degree who want to develop their skills in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.

Key Info

• Learning mode: Online
• Study level: Postgraduate SCQF Level 11
• Credits: 180
• Typical duration: 24 months
• Start month: September or January
• Indicative cost: £16,580

Structure

• Preparatory course: Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (0 credits)
• Core course: Legal Principles (30 credits)
• Optional courses:
  • International Commercial Arbitration (30 credits)
  • Mediation Theory and Practice (30 credits)
  • Investment Disputes in the Energy Sector (30 credits)
  • Negotiation Skills (30 credits)
• Final 60 credits: Dissertation (with preparatory course) or Professional Arbitration Skills Summer School

Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip)

Overview

The PgDip in Dispute Resolution is a flexible online program that enhances your non-court dispute resolution skills and qualifications. It is ideal for professionals without a law degree who want to develop their skills in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.

Key Info

• Learning mode: Online
• Study level: Postgraduate SCQF Level 11
• Credits: 120
• Typical duration: 18 months
• Start month: September or January
• Indicative cost: £11,000

Structure

• Preparatory course: Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (0 credits)
• Core course: Legal Principles (30 credits)
• Optional courses:
  • International Commercial Arbitration (30 credits)
  • Mediation Theory and Practice (30 credits)
  • Investment Disputes in the Energy Sector (30 credits)
  • Negotiation Skills (30 credits)

Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert)

Overview

The PgCert in Dispute Resolution is a flexible online program that enhances your non-court dispute resolution skills and qualifications. It is ideal for professionals without a law degree who want to develop their skills in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.

Key Info

• Learning mode: Online
• Study level: Postgraduate SCQF Level 11
• Credits: 60
• Typical duration: 9 months
• Start month: September or January
• Indicative cost: £5,420

Structure

• Courses:
  • International Commercial Arbitration (30 credits)
  • Mediation Theory and Practice (30 credits)
  • Investment Disputes in the Energy Sector (30 credits)
  • Negotiation Skills (30 credits)

What You'll Study

Master of Laws (LLM)

• LLM Dissertation - Preparatory Course (0 credits)
• LLM Dissertation - Writing Course (60 credits)
• Professional Arbitration Skills (60 credits)

Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip)

• Preparatory course: Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (0 credits)
• Core course: Legal Principles (30 credits)
• Optional courses:
  • International Commercial Arbitration (30 credits)
  • Mediation Theory and Practice (30 credits)
  • Investment Disputes in the Energy Sector (30 credits)
  • Negotiation Skills (30 credits)

Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert)

• Courses:
  • International Commercial Arbitration (30 credits)
  • Mediation Theory and Practice (30 credits)
  • Investment Disputes in the Energy Sector (30 credits)
  • Negotiation Skills (30 credits)

How You'll Study

Customise Your Learning

• Tailor your qualification to the areas of dispute resolution you're most interested in
• Choose to study either fully online or through a mix of online and on-campus courses
• Choose how you want to complete your final year - via courses, a dissertation, or a Professional Skills Summer School

On-Campus Learning

• This online LLM features one optional on-campus course: Professional Arbitration Skills

Online Learning

• Online teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
• Access to all the essential books and resources you need are included in your tuition fee

Support

Your Tutors

• This course is delivered by our School of Law
• You'll learn from a team of internationally experienced academics, lawyers, researchers, and dispute resolution specialists

Study Hours

• Hours for online courses: 300 hours of study and assessment time to complete a 30-credit course
• Hours for optional Advanced Mediation Practice course: blended course with majority of teaching online and three days on campus
• Hours for optional Profession Arbitration Skills course: on-campus course with two weeks of teaching

Where This Will Take You

Your LLM in Dispute Resolution

• You'll graduate with a respected LLM in Dispute Resolution from the University of Aberdeen
• Your degree title will not mention online or distance learning

Careers

• This degree will prepare you to pursue work in all dispute resolution disciplines
• Mediation careers: you will graduate as a qualified mediator
• Arbitration careers: this LLM will also help any professional enhance their career prospects in arbitration

Fees and Funding

Master of Laws

• 180 credits: £16,580
• This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2025

Postgraduate Diploma

• 120 credits: £11,000
• This indicative cost is based on 120 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2025

Postgraduate Certificate

• 60 credits: £5,420
• This indicative cost is based on 30 credits of study per term, starting in September 2025

Entry Requirements

LLM, PgDip, and PgCert

• 2:2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Law, or
• 2:2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in another discipline, or
• significant professional experience

International Students

• Entry requirements: same as above
• Visa requirements: you do not need a visa to study online with us, but you may need to obtain a visa to join us on campus
• English language requirements: teaching is delivered in English, and you may need to provide evidence of your English language skills when you apply

How to Apply

What You Need to Apply

• Degree transcript
• Personal statement

When to Apply

• You can apply to start in either September or January
• Apply as early as you can, so we have time to review your application and get a decision to you

IT Requirements

A Computer (PC, Laptop or Mac) with an Up-to-Date Operating System

• Most teaching materials are smartphone- and tablet-friendly, but we recommend a proper laptop or desktop for completing assignments comfortably

Reliable Internet Access

• We recommend a wired connection and a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps so you can take part fully in live sessions

Speakers or Headphones

• We recommend a headset with built-in microphone and earphones if you're likely to study in an environment with background noise

Software

• We'll give you access to Office365 applications, and you can use online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive, and install these programs on up to five personal devices

LanguageCert Academic / LanguageCert Academic SELT

• 70 overall
• 60 for listening and speaking
• 65 for reading and writing

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

• Degree Name: LLM in Dispute Resolution
• Mode of Study: Online
• Awarding Institution: University of Aberdeen
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)
• Target Audience: Professionals in non-court dispute resolution
• Program Objectives:
• Enhance non-court dispute resolution skills and qualifications
• Equip graduates with the knowledge to mediate, negotiate, and arbitrate disputes
• Develop a specialization in chosen area of dispute resolution
• Distinguishing Features:
• Focuses entirely on dispute resolution methods
• Offers a variety of course options for specialization
• Open to professionals without a law degree
• Includes an optional Professional Arbitration Skills Summer School on campus
• Part-time study available
• Credits earned can contribute towards a full LLM

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Outline:

• Structure:
• LLM: 180 credits earned over two years
• PgDip: 120 credits earned over two years
• PgCert: 60 credits earned over nine months
• Progression:
• PgCert can be used as a stepping stone towards the LLM
• Completion of LLM allows entry into the Professional Arbitration Skills Summer School
• Course Options:
• LLM: Choose from a wide range of courses, including:
• Negotiation
• Mediation
• Arbitration
• International Investment Law
• International Investment Arbitration
• International Trade Law
• World Trade Organisation Law
• Professional Arbitration Skills Summer School
• PgDip: Choose from a selection of the above courses, with a focus on core dispute resolution skills
• PgCert: Choose from:
• Mediation
• International Arbitration
• Short Courses: Several short courses are available as entry points to the degree, or for stand-alone study.
• Optional Components:
• Professional Arbitration Skills Summer School (on campus)
• Dissertation (60 credits)
• Delivery:
• Online learning through MyAberdeen platform
• Access to recordings, tutorials, and online resources
• On-campus component for the Professional Arbitration Skills Summer School

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Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Coursework assignments
• Exams
• Group projects
• Presentations
• Participation in online discussions
• Practice workshops
• Dissertation for LLM
• Assessment Criteria:
• Knowledge and understanding of dispute resolution principles and theories
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Communication and writing skills
• Ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios
• Negotiation and mediation skills
• Oral and written advocacy skills
• Research and writing skills (for dissertation)

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Teaching:

• Faculty: Experienced academics, lawyers, researchers, and dispute resolution specialists
• Teaching Methods:
• Online lectures and tutorials
• Asynchronous and synchronous learning
• Interactive exercises and case studies
• Group work and discussions
• Independent study
• Unique Approaches:
• Blended learning for Professional Arbitration Skills Summer School
• Emphasis on practical skills and application
• Interactive online learning environment
• Access to world-class research and expertise

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Careers:

• Possible Career Paths:
• Negotiator
• Mediator
• Arbitrator
• International arbitration lawyer
• Commercial lawyer
• Contract lawyer
• Legal consultant
• Dispute resolution specialist
• Potential Employers:
• Law firms
• Government agencies
• International organizations
• Non-governmental organizations
• Private companies
• Arbitration institutions
• Mediation centers
• Career Prospects:
• Graduates can enhance their career prospects in various fields related to dispute resolution.
• Completion of the LLM can open doors to senior positions in national and international organizations.
• The program equips graduates with skills highly sought after in a globalized business environment.

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Other:

• Alumni Discount: 20% off for University of Aberdeen alumni
• Funding Options: Student loans, scholarships, employer sponsorship
• English Language Requirements:
• IELTS: 6.5 overall with 5.5 in listening and speaking, and 6.0 in reading and writing
• TOEFL: 90 overall with 17 in listening, 21 in reading, 20 in speaking, and 21 in writing
• Other accepted tests: PTE Academic, Cambridge English, LanguageCert Academic/SELT, LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator (Written and Spoken), Oxford ELLT Digital