Direct answer
The University of Aberdeen LLM Criminal Justice programme requires a UK 2:2 honours degree in Law or a related discipline, or an equivalent qualification. The official page provides a country selector for China‑specific requirements, but the live page requires you to select your country to view the relevant entry criteria; this means the exact Chinese degree equivalence must be rechecked directly on the university website. The programme also sets fixed English language scores, mandatory application documents, and international tuition fees of £23,000, reduced to £15,000 for self‑funded students who receive the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship.
Programme overview
The LLM Criminal Justice at the University of Aberdeen is a full‑time or part‑time on‑campus programme lasting 12 or 24 months, with September and January start dates. It focuses on critical and comparative thinking around criminal procedures and systems, covering criminal law, evidence, and the causes of crime. The curriculum was designed with input from external experts to align with competencies required in the international job market.
Academic entry requirements
The standard academic entry requirement is a UK 2:2 honours degree in Law or another related discipline, or an equivalent qualification. The official page states that this information is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry. For Chinese applicants, the page includes a country selector that must be used to view specific entry requirements for China; the live page does not display a fixed China percentage or grade equivalence without selecting the country. Therefore, the exact Chinese qualification equivalence must be obtained by visiting the official page and selecting China from the dropdown.
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate fluency in English. The minimum accepted scores for the LLM Criminal Justice are:
- 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.
Required application documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- A full degree transcript showing all subjects studied and marks achieved, with an official English translation if the original is not in English.
- A detailed personal statement explaining the reasons for choosing this specific programme.
- A reference letter from the applicant’s university discussing academic ability. Applicants who have been out of education for a long time may provide a reference from a current or recent employer, or another professional person.
- A CV or resume is optional.
Fees and scholarships for international students
For the 2026/27 academic year, the international tuition fee is £23,000. Self‑funded international students are eligible for the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship, reducing the payable tuition fee to £15,000. The official page states that full terms and conditions apply to this scholarship. The page also notes that all eligible self‑funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive the scholarship, but applicants should verify their eligibility on the university’s funding database.
Programme structure and assessment
The programme combines compulsory and optional courses. January‑start students must complete their dissertation during the summer term. Compulsory courses include Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship and Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen. Optional courses cover areas such as International Cybersecurity Law. Assessment is by coursework, written examination, or a combination of both. To be awarded the LLM, a candidate must achieve a CGS grade of D3 or above in the dissertation; otherwise, a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate may be awarded at the Examiners’ discretion.
What the official page establishes and what requires live rechecking
The official page establishes the fixed English language scores, the standard UK degree classification requirement, the mandatory document list, and the international fee structure including the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. It does not display the specific Chinese qualification equivalence without using the country selector. Therefore, Chinese applicants must recheck the live page at the official URL, select China from the dropdown, and confirm the exact grade or degree equivalence required. The page also directs international applicants to additional country‑specific information available on the university website.
FAQ
What is the minimum UK degree classification for the LLM Criminal Justice?
The minimum requirement is a 2:2 honours degree in Law or a related discipline, or an equivalent qualification.
Does the university provide a specific grade requirement for Chinese bachelor’s degrees?
The official page includes a country selector for China, but the specific Chinese grade equivalence is not displayed until China is selected on the live page. Applicants must visit the official site and select China to view the exact requirement.
Can I apply if I have not yet completed my degree?
Yes. The university states that if you have not yet completed your current programme of study, you can still apply and provide your degree certificate at a later date.
What is the Aberdeen Global Scholarship and who is eligible?
The Aberdeen Global Scholarship is an £8,000 reduction available to all eligible self‑funded international Postgraduate Masters students. For the LLM Criminal Justice, this reduces the international tuition fee from £23,000 to £15,000. Full terms and conditions apply and are available on the university’s scholarship page.
What English language tests are accepted and what are the minimum scores?
The university accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency. The minimum overall IELTS score is 6.5, with no sub‑skill below 5.5 except Reading and Writing which require 6.0.
Is a personal statement required for the application?
Yes. A detailed personal statement explaining your reasons for choosing this specific programme is a mandatory document.
Official sources
The information in this article is drawn entirely from the official University of Aberdeen LLM Criminal Justice programme page, which provides entry requirements, fees, and programme details for the 2026/27 academic year: Criminal Justice | Postgraduate Taught Subjects | The University of Aberdeen. For country‑specific entry requirements, including those for Chinese applicants, use the country selector on the same page. For full scholarship terms, consult the university’s Funding Database linked from the programme page.
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