International Relations and International Law, MSc

International Relations and International Law, MSc

Introduction

MSc International Relations and International Law offers you an interdisciplinary perspective on global governance.

This course has both January and September start dates. Apply Now.

Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more.

Study Information

Study Options

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
MSc
Duration
12 months or 24 months
Study Mode
Full Time or Part Time
Start Month
September or January
Location of Study
Aberdeen

Greek historian Thucydides (460-395BC) became the first academic to understand international relations. It is a highly interdisciplinary area to include areas such as technology, economics, history, geography, sociology, criminology, diplomacy, international security, finance, human rights and more. The oldest known peace treaty within international law dates from 3100BC between two Sumerian city states and a number of treaties in the Middle East.

There is an increasing need for governments to respond to complex international legal frameworks to manage inter-state relationships between countries. The International Relations and International Relations postgraduate programme conducted jointly by the School of Social Science and the School of Law provides you with an advanced understanding of International Relations and International Law and how their interaction impacts upon international politics.

Drawing on the expertise of staff from the two Schools, this innovative programme combines courses in the theory and practice of International Law and International Relations, offering you a unique interdisciplinary perspective on a range of contemporary issues related to the transformed nature of global governance.

You will develop key skills regarding critical legal and political analysis of current international issues through coursework and the completion of a Master’s thesis in International Law.

You have the opportunity to attend the research seminars of the Law School, the research seminars of the School of Social Science, events organised by the Centre for Sustainable International Development, as well as by the Centre for Global Security and Governance. You can also take part in a language course at the Language Centre.

Available Programmes of Study

MSc

International Relations and International Law

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month Location  
MSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen More
MSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January Aberdeen More

Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programme(s) above.

We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

Fee Information

Additional Fee Information

  • Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.

Scholarships

Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

  • Group Projects
  • Individual Projects

Assessment Methods

Assessment is based on a combination of coursework submitted during the semester and a written examination at the end of the relevant semester. In addition, students must complete a course in research skills and a dissertation on a topic within the specialism. The dissertation is submitted at the beginning of September. Guidance on the writing of a dissertation is given.

Why Study International Relations and International Law?

  • This MSc will provide wide ranging knowledge from two Schools to equip you with a wider perspective.
  • You can attend research seminars organised by the Centre for Sustainable International Development and Centre for Global Security and Governance to hear the latest research in the field.
  • You will be taught by published research experts with consultancy experience internationally at Aberdeen.
  • The Schools of Social Science and Law offer you a wide community of international staff and students and the city is located in a major international energy industry hub providing a cosmopolitan and compact stimulating Scottish city close to the sea and National Parks.
  • The Department of Politics & International Relations provides a core curriculum along with unique options that represent the research interests among staff, including international political economy and globalisation, democracy and democratization, public policy and public opinion, power and security, interest groups, political parties and social movements. 

  • Research centres relevant to European Politics include: New Europe Centre and the Centre for Global Security and Governance. More recently, Aberdeen is part of a major collaborative project, Preventing and Responding to Conflict: Developing Civilian Capabilities for a Sustainable Peace, that will provide a comprehensive, comparative and multidisciplinary analysis of the EU's current conflict prevention and peacebuilding activities. Finally, Arab-Trans, a major international research project links Aberdeen to 7 Arab countries.

  • The School of Law is ranked 81st in the world for Law (The Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2021).
  • PIR had 60% of its research assessed as world class or internationally excellent in the 2014 Research Evaluation Framework. It is ranked 5th in research grant income (per fte) in the UK, has an 85% student satisfaction rate and is ranked 12th in the UK in student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2014.
  • You are encouraged to provide live consultancy work within one of The School of Laws' public facing projects, including: Lawyers Without Borders, Casus Omissus (Aberdeen Law Project), Law Mooting Society, Aberdeen Student Law Review, Legal Research Society, and European Law Students Association.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body.

Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. Also taken into careful consideration is the trajectory of results, an applicant without an overall 2.1 but with 2.1 results in their final two years of study may be admitted.

Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

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

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

Document Requirements

You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.

Degree Certificate
a degree certificate showing your qualifications
Degree Transcript
a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
Personal Statement
a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Reference x 2
two reference letters, one of which should be from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employers, or other professional individuals

Careers

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

Career Opportunities

  • Foreign Office Diplomat
  • Government Official
  • International Consultant
  • International Non-Governmental Officer
  • Postgraduate Researcher

Our Experts

You will be taught by and have access to a number of experts, many of whom are internationally renowned within their respective fields. These will include members of the Centre for Constitutional and Public International Law alongside experts from the School of Social Sciences

Other Experts
Dr Ritu Vij
Prof Irène Couzigou

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

Features

The School of Law offers an extensive range of high quality, engaging and academically challenging programmes. The learning environment is one of support and personal development, leading to well-rounded and highly employable graduates.

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX