Postgraduate study

International Banking Law and Finance LLM

Awards: LLM

Study modes: Full-time

Funding opportunities

I'm really happy that I chose to study this programme as it not only provides extensive knowledge of the financial sector but also addresses current issues such as Fintech. All of the lecturers are experts in the field, so you know you're learning from the best.

Paphawarin Thongtumlung LLM in International Banking Law and Finance, 2019
Paphawarin Thongtumlung               LLM in International Banking Law and Finance, 2019

The legal and regulatory infrastructure and fundamental theoretical concepts underpinning global finance have undergone fundamental changes since 2008. This has had a profound impact on financial law theory and practice and the operation of global finance. Ever-evolving finance practices, the impact of technology, and a complex regulatory infrastructure, have created a challenging environment for those working in global banking and finance as industry leaders or policy-makers and regulators.

A successful career in today’s global markets requires an extensive and in-depth knowledge of complex and sophisticated global and domestic finance laws, regulations and practices. This skillset may not be developed without extensive study and a solid understanding of the economic, financial, legal and regulatory theories supporting the operation of global finance.

This programme is ideal for those pursuing a successful career in the legal, accounting and banking industries, or those who aspire to work with regulatory authorities, central banks, and other related public sector organisations. Graduates will position themselves as highly skilled experts and future leaders in the wider area of banking law and finance.

Based on Edinburgh’s strong law and finance expertise, this programme, taught by leading international experts, offers an interdisciplinary study of the legal and economic aspects of international banking and corporate finance law and practice, and of global finance regulation.

Previous students have had the opportunity to attend guest lectures from high-profile speakers ranging from top regulators, previously including the European Banking Authority and of the Prudential Regulation Authority, to highly respected law professors and outstanding economists.

The programme focuses on:

  • interdisciplinary analysis of the regulatory policies and structures underpinning international and national finance;
  • the key role played by the legal infrastructure in underpinning global banking and cross-border financial transactions; and
  • lawyers’ role in structuring banking and corporate finance practices.

Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances or lack of demand for particular courses, we may not be able to run all courses as advertised in a specific academic year.

Past graduates have joined, or advanced pre-existing careers with, large global banks, global law firms, regulatory agencies, central banks, private sector consulting firms, FinTech operators, venture capital and private equity firms, asset management companies, compliance and accounting firms and other public and private sector organisations.

These entry requirements are for the 2023/24 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2024/25 academic year will be published on 2 October 2023.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in law, finance, accounting, management or business studies.

Entry to this programme is competitive. Meeting minimum requirements for consideration does not guarantee an offer of study.

Supporting your application

Relevant work experience is not required but may increase your chances of acceptance.

Relevant professional qualifications will be considered.

Preference will be given to those with grades above the minimum requirements due to strong competition for places on this programme.

Students from China

This degree is Band C.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

English language requirements

You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 7.0 in writing and 6.5 in all other components.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 25 in writing and 23 in all other components.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 185 in writing and 176 in all other components.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 70 in writing and 62 in all other components.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than three and a half years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

Deposit

If you receive an offer of admission, either unconditional or conditional, you will be asked to pay a tuition fee deposit of £1,500 (within 28 days of receiving your offer) to secure your place on the programme.

Find out more about tuition fee deposits:

Living costs

You will be responsible for covering living costs for the duration of your studies.

Tuition fees

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

  • your programme
  • the duration of your studies
  • your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

  • Edinburgh Law School Postgraduate Office
  • Old College
  • South Bridge
  • Central Campus
  • Edinburgh
  • EH8 9YL

Due to high demand, the school operates a number of selection deadlines. We will make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis, but hold the majority of applications until the next published selection deadline when we will offer a proportion of the places available to applicants selected through a competitive process.

Deadlines for applicants applying to study in 2023/24:

Round Application deadline Places awarded by
1 07 December 2022 23 January 2023
2 06 February 2023 22 March 2023
3 31 March 2023 05 May 2023
4 01 May 2023 12 June 2023
5 30 June 2023 25 July 2023

Please note that the deadline for meeting the conditions of an offer is 18 August 2023.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

Further information

  • Edinburgh Law School Postgraduate Office
  • Old College
  • South Bridge
  • Central Campus
  • Edinburgh
  • EH8 9YL