Law and International Relations LLB (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Edinburgh

Program Overview

The Law and International Relations LLB (Hons) at the University of Edinburgh is a unique programme that lets you explore law and global politics together. It’s perfect if you’re curious about how legal systems work, how states interact on the world stage, and want a degree that keeps doors open in both law and international affairs.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 – You’ll start with the fundamentals, like Scottish Legal System and Critical Legal Thinking, while also getting a foundation in international relations through courses like Origins and Evolution of the State System. This year sets the stage, giving you the tools to think critically about law and the global political landscape.

Year 2 – This year builds on your first-year knowledge. Law modules such as Property Law, Jurisprudence, and Public Law and Individual Rights introduce you to more complex legal concepts, while international relations courses explore topics like global institutions and the role of non-state actors. You’ll learn to connect legal ideas with real-world global issues.

Years 3–4 (Honours years) – In your final years, you can dive deeper into areas that interest you. Advanced law modules like International Private Law, Commercial Law, and Evidence prepare you for professional legal practice, while international relations courses cover global cooperation, conflict, and emerging issues such as climate change and inequality. You’ll also complete a dissertation or research project, giving you a chance to develop strong analytical and writing skills.

Focus areas

Law and International Relations, legal theory and practice, global politics, international cooperation and conflict.

Learning outcomes

You’ll gain a deep understanding of legal systems, how countries and global institutions interact, and develop strong research, writing, and analytical skills that prepare you for careers in law, policy, or international affairs.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Completing this programme with the necessary law courses counts towards the professional legal qualification in Scotland through the Law Society of Scotland.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Edinburgh is highly ranked worldwide, and graduates from this programme often move into skilled roles in law, government, NGOs, and international organisations soon after graduating.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Edinburgh, learning goes beyond the classroom. From your very first year, you’ll get hands-on experience with real-world legal cases, lively seminars, and discussions on international politics. The programme gives you access to one of the UK’s largest law libraries, state-of-the-art seminar rooms, and the historic Old College building right in the heart of the city — close to Scotland’s top courts.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to put theory into practice, such as:

Mooting and courtroom-style exercises through the Law School’s mooting society, helping you build confidence and advocacy skills.
Field trips and guest lectures with Scotland’s legal institutions, including the Scottish Government, the Faculty of Advocates, and the Scottish courts.
Peer-assisted learning with LawPALS, connecting you with fellow students to strengthen your skills and expand your network.
Study abroad options in Year 3, letting you experience another country’s legal system and culture firsthand.
Access to the dedicated law library, modern seminar rooms, and student social spaces in Old College for research, study, and collaboration.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this programme opens doors to exciting careers where law meets global politics. Many alumni step into roles such as Legal Advisor, Policy Analyst in international organisations, Diplomat or Foreign Affairs Officer, or Legal Consultant for NGOs. With the skills and knowledge you gain, you’ll be confident and well-prepared to make an impact in a range of professional settings:

University support: The University’s Careers Service provides one-on-one guidance, digital resources, internships and vacation job listings via MyCareerHub, and interactive sessions through the “Career Essentials” programme.
Graduate outcomes: 96 % of Edinburgh Law School graduates are in work or further study six months after finishing, with 92 % of those in highly skilled roles.
Salary insight: Full-time law graduates typically earn around £26,000 within 15 months of graduating.
Accreditation value: Accredited by the Law Society of Scotland, this degree sets you on a clear path toward professional legal qualification in Scotland and provides strong recognition internationally.
Career breadth: Graduates also move into finance, management, journalism, and international organisations like the United Nations or European Union.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the LLB, you could continue your studies with a Master’s in International Law, Global Governance, or an LLM. If you’re aiming to practice law, you can take the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland and begin a traineeship with a legal firm, or explore equivalent routes in other countries depending on where you want to work.