Direct answer
The University of Aberdeen requires a UK 2:2 honours degree in Law (or equivalent) for its LLM International and Comparative Law programme. For Chinese applicants, a score of 65% from a well-ranked public institution is considered equivalent to a UK 2:2. Relevant practical experience in a related field will also be beneficial. The programme accepts IELTS Academic (overall 6.5), TOEFL iBT (overall 90), PTE Academic (overall 62), Cambridge English qualifications (overall 176), and a pass in the Academic English Pre-sessional Programme. Start dates are available in September and January.
Academic entry requirement
The programme page states that applicants normally require a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in Law. The official evidence does not list alternative degree backgrounds that would satisfy this requirement.
Relevant practical experience in a related field is noted as beneficial, but the page does not quantify how much experience is needed or whether experience can substitute for the degree requirement.
China degree equivalences
The University of Aberdeen provides two China-specific equivalences on the official page:
- A score of 65% from a well-ranked public institution is considered equivalent to a UK 2:2.
- A score of 80–89% from a well-ranked public institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1.
Because the LLM International and Comparative Law asks for a 2:2, the 65% threshold is the stated equivalence. The page does not define “well-ranked public institution” further, and no separate percentage is given for the LLM programme itself.
English language requirements
The official evidence lists five accepted tests. Each has an overall score and component minimums.
IELTS Academic
Overall 6.5, with 5.5 in Listening, 6.0 in Reading, 5.5 in Speaking, 6.0 in Writing.
TOEFL iBT
Overall 90, with 17 in Listening, 21 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 21 in Writing.
PTE Academic
Overall 62, with 59 in Listening, 59 in Reading, 59 in Speaking, 59 in Writing.
Cambridge English (B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)
Overall 176, with 162 in Listening, 169 in Reading, 162 in Speaking, 169 in Writing.
Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE)
A pass in the PSE is accepted. The page specifies that this pass is valid for 1 year.
Start dates
The LLM International and Comparative Law programme offers two start dates: September and January. The official evidence does not indicate whether both intakes have identical entry requirements or application deadlines.
What the official page does not cover
The supplied evidence does not include tuition fees, application deadlines, deposit amounts, CAS issuance timelines, or visa guidance. It also does not state whether conditional offers are issued, how practical experience is assessed, or whether the programme participates in Clearing. These details require a live recheck of the University of Aberdeen website.
How this programme fits into wider UK planning
Applicants considering a one-year UK master’s programme often weigh visa costs and post-study options alongside entry requirements. The evidence for this article is limited to the LLM entry criteria, but related practical considerations are explored in other resources on this site, including an overview of UK one-year master’s visa costs and job prospects, and a detailed look at Keele University’s 2026 admission fees and rankings.
FAQ
What is the minimum Chinese degree percentage for the LLM International and Comparative Law?
A score of 65% from a well-ranked public institution is considered equivalent to a UK 2:2, which is the stated entry requirement for this programme.
Does the programme accept TOEFL iBT?
Yes. The required TOEFL iBT score is 90 overall, with 17 in Listening, 21 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing.
Can I use a Pre-sessional English course to meet the language condition?
Yes. A pass in the University of Aberdeen Academic English Pre-sessional Programme is accepted, and the pass is valid for 1 year.
Is work experience required for entry?
No. The official page states that relevant practical experience in a related field will be beneficial, but it does not list experience as a mandatory requirement.
Does the programme have a January start?
Yes. The LLM International and Comparative Law is offered with start dates in both September and January.
Further reading
Official sources
The information in this article is drawn entirely from the University of Aberdeen’s official LLM International and Comparative Law entry requirements page for 2026/27. All degree equivalences, English test scores, and start-date details are taken directly from that page. No third-party or agency sources have been used.
For broader context on studying in the UK, readers may also find relevant information in articles covering UK one-year master’s visa costs and job prospects, Keele University’s 2026 admission fees and rankings, guidance on choosing a study-abroad agency, and recommended agency services for applying to the University of Adelaide.