Direct answer
The University of Aberdeen LLM Natural Resources Law programme requires a UK 2.2 honours degree in Law or equivalent. For Chinese applicants, the specific grade equivalency is not published on the programme page; you must select “China” on the university’s country-specific entry requirements tool to view the exact conversion. The minimum English language scores are IELTS Academic 6.5 (with Listening 5.5, Reading 5.5, Speaking 5.5, Writing 6.0), TOEFL iBT 90 (Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 21), PTE Academic 62 (Listening 59, Reading 59, Speaking 59, Writing 59), or Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency 176 (Listening 162, Reading 162, Speaking 162, Writing 169). Self-funded international students receive an £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship, reducing the 2026/27 tuition fee from £23,000 to £15,000. The programme accepts September and January starts, offers 12-month full-time or 24-month part-time study, and requires a degree transcript, personal statement, and one academic reference.
Academic entry requirements
The programme page states that a 2.2 honours degree (or equivalent) in Law is normally required. Relevant practical experience in a related field is also noted as beneficial. The page includes a country selector for applicants from China, but the specific Chinese qualification equivalency is not displayed on the main programme page. You must use the live tool on the University of Aberdeen website to view the exact grade requirements for Chinese bachelor’s degrees. The information is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry.
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate fluency in English. The minimum scores accepted for this degree are:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5 (Listening 5.5, Reading 5.5, Speaking 5.5, Writing 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 90 (Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 21)
- PTE Academic: Overall 62 (Listening 59, Reading 59, Speaking 59, Writing 59)
- Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: Overall 176 (Listening 162, Reading 162, Speaking 162, Writing 169)
These are the minimum requirements listed on the official programme page. No other English qualifications are specified.
Programme structure and start dates
Students can begin in September or January. The full-time duration is 12 months; part-time study takes 24 months. All study takes place on campus in Aberdeen. Students complete two compulsory courses: Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS501T) and Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006). They must also take Introduction to Natural Resources Law and Policy and choose four additional optional courses, with two in semester 1 and two in semester 3. Optional courses include International Energy and Environmental Law, State Control of Hydrocarbons, and Renewable Energy Law. Students starting in January write their dissertation during the summer semester, with a final submission in early August.
Tuition fees and the Aberdeen Global Scholarship
For the 2026/27 academic year, the international tuition fee is £23,000. Self-funded international students receive an £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship, which reduces the fee to £15,000. The official page states that this scholarship is provided to all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students. Full terms and conditions apply and are available on the university’s scholarship page. UK students pay £11,900, and University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for an Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship reducing their fee to £7,000.
Document requirements for application
Applicants must supply three documents:
- A full degree transcript showing all subjects and marks, with an official English translation if the original is not in English.
- A detailed personal statement explaining the applicant’s motivation for this particular programme.
- One reference letter from a university discussing the applicant’s academic ability. If the applicant has been out of education for a long time, a reference from a current or recent employer or another professional person may be used.
If an applicant has not yet completed their current programme, they can still apply and provide the degree certificate later.
What the programme covers
The LLM Natural Resources Law focuses on the legal and regulatory issues associated with society’s use and exploitation of the natural world. Students gain an in-depth understanding of extracting natural resources, ocean law, food law, and water law. The programme aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to develop sound governance regimes. The University of Aberdeen notes its long-standing reputation as a leader in energy resources teaching and research. The programme is ranked in the Top 10 for Energy Law programmes in the LLM Guide 2025 and the School of Law is ranked 3rd in Scotland for Law in the Complete University Guide 2027.
FAQ
What is the exact Chinese degree grade equivalent for entry?
The programme page does not display the Chinese grade equivalency directly. You must select “China” from the country dropdown on the entry requirements section of the page to view the specific conversion. The information is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry.
Can I apply if my degree is not in Law?
The programme normally requires a 2.2 honours degree in Law or equivalent. Relevant practical experience in a related field is noted as beneficial, but the page does not state that non-Law degrees are accepted.
Is the £8,000 scholarship automatically applied?
The page states that all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive the scholarship. The £15,000 fee listed for self-funded students includes this scholarship. Full terms and conditions apply, and you should check the Aberdeen Global Scholarship page for eligibility details.
What happens if I start in January?
Students starting in January write their dissertation during the summer semester, with a final submission in early August. The programme duration and structure otherwise remain the same.
Are there any additional fees beyond tuition?
The university states that in exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. You should review the Student Terms and Conditions page for full details.
What careers does this programme lead to?
The programme page lists industries and sectors including policy, planning, NGOs, civil service, energy, and extraction. It also notes that law graduates develop transferable skills valued in politics, business, international finance, and banking. Over 93.8% of Law graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025.