Introduction
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 programme is studied on campus.
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.
Key Programme Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
What You'll Study
- Semester 1
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Semester 1
Compulsory Courses
- Strategic Theory (PI5001) - 30 Credit Points
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'Strategic Theory' is the compulsory, cornerstone module for the MSc Strategic Studies degree programme, and also the MSc Strategic Studies & International Law and Strategic Studies & Management degree programmes.
- International Law (LS501K) - 30 Credit Points
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The course aim is to familiarise students with public international law and to analyse some of its major issues. Students will be required to study the key concepts of public international law in order to be able to participate effectively in the seminars. The first seminar will identify the principles and rules of public international law through an advanced knowledge of the main sources of this law, international customs and treaties; following seminars will assess critically the evolution of public international law in an era of crises.
- Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS501T)
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This compulsory course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which would be required to excel in LLM-Taught courses. It commences with a few lectures and progresses to working in a workshop environment and finally to the submission of an individual assignment. It also incorporates elements such as library workshops to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.
- Semester 2
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Semester 2
Optional Courses
- Global Security Issues (PI5502) - 30 Credit Points
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'Global Security Issues' is an elective, second semester module for the MSc Strategic Studies, Strategic Studies & International Law and Strategic Studies & Management degree programmes.
- Terrorism and Counter Terrorism (PI5520) - 30 Credit Points
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Salient, specific facets of historical and contemporary national, international and transnational terrorism and the problems and challenges these different kinds of terrorism pose for national and international counter-terrorism strategies will be scrutinised. The debates on the different causes for terrorism (for instance religion, ethnicity, and ideology) and the different theoretical approaches to explain and understand the roots of terrorism will be examined. Specific facets of terrorism like (female) suicide bombers, ‘lone wolfs’ and ‘home-grown terrorists’, as well as the national and international strategies to counter terrorism, will be critically reviewed.
- The use of Force in International Law (LS5549) - 30 Credit Points
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The course analyses how international law regulates the use of armed forces between States. It is of interest to students who want to understand the legal considerations which frame contemporary conflicts. The course will study the fundamental principle of the prohibition on the use of inter-State force. It will examine the current exceptions to this principle, and how States try to justify the use of force. Consequently, the course will study the most recent recourses to force on the international plane, in particular in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Ukraine. Teaching will be delivered mainly through discussion based seminars.
- International Human Rights Law (LS5590) - 30 Credit Points
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The course was designed to help students build competence in dealing with the doctrinal issues about international human rights. It involves understanding the place of human rights in public international law, finding one’s way around the foundational human rights documents and the jurisprudence of human rights bodies. The course delivery puts heavy emphasis on classroom discussion on the controversial issues on contemporary human rights law that shape doctrinal development in this field: the justifiability of torture, the limits of freedom of religion, the justiciability of social rights, etc
- International Energy Security (PI5518) - 30 Credit Points
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Topics:
Oil and Security – how oil crises have occurred since 1973, with a focus on the energy demand and supply pressures and the political factors triggering the 1973 and 1979 oil crises. OPEC and IEA. The factors underpinning the oil crisis of 2008 and its relationships to world economic crisis. The role of China in oil politics.
Natural Gas, the EU and Russia. How conceptions of (natural gas) energy security are constructed and implemented in the EU and Russia –Nuclear Power and energy security;– eg Iran .
Climate Security
- Semester 3
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Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
- Dissertation in Strategic Studies (PI5901) - 60 Credit Points
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The Strategic Studies dissertation is a compulsory element of the MSc Strategic Studies, Strategic Studies & International Law and Strategic Studies & Management degree programmes.
Course Availability
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.
How You'll Study
PROGRAMME TYPES:
- MSc: 12 months full time- over 3 semesters.
Courses are taught on a 11 week basis per semester and on a 3 week basis for more intensive courses. Students will typically attend six hours of lectures/seminars per week. - Intakes: January and September or 24 months part-time.
- PgDip: 9 months full-time or 18 months part-time. Full time or part time on campus (120 credits).
- Prospective students requiring a visa to study in the UK are advised to apply as early as possible to secure a place. Applications received after 30 June (September intake) or 2 November (January intake) from students who need to apply for a visa will not be processed in time for entry, but will be considered for entry into the next intake as appropriate. The semester order below is for September entrants. January entrants will study these semesters in a different order but the same courses will be studied.
- The programme consists of 180 credit points taken over the duration of one year. A weekly timetable consists of an average of 6 teaching hours per week with some courses running over 3 week periods. Teaching includes a range of interactive methods and approaches to learning in order to enhance students’ critical thinking, presentation and interpersonal skills. Courses are assessed through essays, presentations, examinations, group and project work.
- The variety of assessment in the programme ensures that students apply theory to practice and become expert communicators and team players.
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Lectures
- Seminars
Assessment Methods
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.
Why Study Strategic Studies and International Law?
- The programme scrutinises salient, real-world strategic and legal issues.
- It delivers a clear understanding of the contemporary nexus between the various uses of coercion by states and non-state actors and the complex international legal framework which has emerged in modern times.
- It links to the network of Strategic Studies alumni internationally.
- The programme provides you with opportunities within the Law School to get involved with extra curricular activities in the community to test your legal ability whilst you study and be guided by professionally qualified legal mentors.
- You develop extensive capabilities to analyse and research situations before they present with an ability to interpret legal frameworks and diplomatic and strategic frameworks.
- MSc Strategic Studies and International Law at Aberdeen is a unique combination of specialisms which provide you with specialist expertise in strategies, systems and legal systems.
- International Law courses on this programme are based on the rigorous and precise analysis of indispensable legal instruments that contribute to the shaping of international politics. Graduate students will attend an appropriate non-credit bearing, postgraduate training course in Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship.
- The School of Law is ranked 5th in the UK for Law (The Times Good University Guide 2019), and based on the Times ranking is the highest ranked Scottish Law School.
- The University of Aberdeen, composed of a wide community of international staff and students and located in a cosmopolitan and friendly Scottish city, offers a stimulating environment for the study of Strategic Studies and International Law.
- The School of Law has its own dedicated Law library, Taylor Library, which is located within the Law School building. The main library, Sir Duncan Rice Library, opened in September 2011, and is part of an ambitious investment programme.
- Students on the programme have the possibility 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. Students can also take part in a language course in the language centre.
- You have the opportunity to develop key skills regarding critical legal and strategic analysis of current security issues.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with at least a 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body. In exceptional circumstances, 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.
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 - 51; Reading - 54; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
Cambridge English Advanced & 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)
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Home / EU / RUK Students | £9,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2020/21 Academic Year | |
| International Students | £19,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2020/21 Academic Year |
International non-EU Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- 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.
Funding Opportunities
The James Carnegie maintenance scholarship for postgraduate students is available with this degree.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
The 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.
Our Experts
Who teaches on the programme?
- Strategic Theory: J.H. Wyllie
- International Law: Dr Matyas Bodig
- Global Security Issues: J. H. Wyllie
- Terrorism and Counter - Terrorism: Dr Eva Herschinger
- Latin American Security: Conditions and Challenges: Dr Mervyn Bain and Dr Andrea Oelsner
- Use of Force in International Law: Dr Irene Couzigou
- International Humanitarian Law: Dr Zeray Yihdego
- Law of International Organisation: Dr Irene Couzigou
- Summer dissertation coordinator: J.H. Wyllie
- Other Experts
- Dr Mervyn Bain
- Dr Irène Couzigou
- Dr Zeray Yihdego
- Programme Coordinator
- Mr James Wyllie
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.
Facilities
The Department of Sociology is held within the School of Social Science. All of our degrees provide thorough advanced level training in the principles of social science with a wide choice of specialised subjects in preparation for the practice of social research and a wide variety of career opportunities.
Centre for Global Security and Governance
The Centre for Global Security and Governance brings together academic experts, policy makers, and students to define, analyse, and propose remedies to the most pressing security and governance challenges the world faces in the 21st century.
New Europe Centre
The New Europe Centre represents a group of researchers at the University of Aberdeen with projects from a number of different funding sources. We are committed to doing quality research in order to better understand the world around us.
Centre for European Survey Research
The ECSR has Associate Survey Agencies in more than 100 countries worldwide and can offer basic and applied research in form of quantitative and qualitative surveys as well as other empirical research tools in the social and economic sciences.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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School of Social Science
University of Aberdeen
Edward Wright Building
Dunbar Street
Aberdeen
AB24 3QY