The main requirement is to write a dissertation of 40,000 words (maximum). The programme is particularly suitable for students who aim to pursue a PhD later on or who are looking for an alternative to traditional taught LLM.

The Law School welcomes students who wish to pursue research degrees in law, and is able to provide supervision in a wide range of subjects. You will receive advanced training in research skills and methods. Moreover, you will be assigned two supervisors, who will guide and advise you over the year.

There is an active research community, with students from many parts of the world registered for a PhD or Masters Degree by research. LLM by Research students are given access to dedicated hot desk space.

The specialist law library is housed in the same building as the Law School's teaching and staff rooms. The library contains not only a comprehensive collection of Scots and English sources but also a substantial collection of European Union, Commonwealth and American materials. There is a particularly fine collection of books in the field of Roman and Roman-Dutch law. The University is a European Documentation Centre, and that collection is housed in the Law Library.