International Relations is ranked 7th in the UK
International Relations is ranked 7th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2024.
Our MSc Strategic Studies and International Law provides you with the opportunity to explore the interaction between strategy and international law wherever it occurs.
This course has 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.
This programme explains how the use of force and power interface with the requirements and expectations of the body of international law, which addresses the conduct of conflict at international and sub-national levels.
An understanding of the theory and practice of the uses of power and force by states to achieve national and international security objectives will be combined with an appreciation of the development and implementation of international law as it attempts to control coercion and to limit violence in the international arena.
This programme, conducted jointly by the School of Law and the School of Social Science, provides you with an advanced understanding of the interaction of Strategic Studies and International Law and how this impacts upon the prevention, control and conduct of the use of state and non-state coercion in conflicts in the modern word. Drawing on the expertise of staff from the two schools, this innovative programme combines Strategic Studies courses in the theory and practice of the use of force by international and transnational actors to achieve political and security objectives. International Law courses allow a focused appreciation of the legal considerations which frame many contemporary conflicts.
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.
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
The James Carnegie maintenance scholarship for postgraduate students is available with this degree.
Self-funded international students enrolling on postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3000 to £8,500, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about the Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
PROGRAMME TYPES:
By written examination, essay work and class presentation, as prescribed for each course, and by submission of a dissertation. The degree of MSc shall not be awarded to a candidate who fails to achieve a CGS result of D3 or above in PI5901, irrespective of their performance in other courses.
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.
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.
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.
Eligible self-funded post graduate taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipsThe degree qualification is attractive to candidates seeking or following a career in government departments, related to foreign and security policies, international organisations, international non-governmental organisations, commercial risk assessment companies and the armed forces. The programme may also serve to engage in an academic career and prepare a PhD.
Possible career opportunities include:
Who teaches on the programme?
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.
We provide a wide range of related research centres, which include:
The student-led Politics and International Relations Society is one of the largest societies on campus. It's a place for students to come together and explore their curiosities with like-minded people, whilst having lots of fun!
Find out morePIR focuses on topics such as energy policy, environmental policy, health policy, and identity politics (gender and ethnicity), all of which span the traditional division between domestic/comparative and international politics.
Find out moreWe have regular seminar series hosted by the department of Politics and International Relations along with guest speakers throughout the year.
Find out more