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 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.
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
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.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Strategic Studies and International Law
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen MoreMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £23,800 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year UK £11,100 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year Stage 1
Information for part time students: Students must undertake courses as follows...
- January to August: PD5506, LS553X and LS551T, plus one course from the strategic studies or law electives (see Stage 1 optional courses)
- September to August: PI5001 or LS510U, plus one course from the strategic studies or law electives (See Stage 1 optional courses), plus PI5901 (dissertation)
- September to December: PI5001 or LS510U
Compulsory Courses
- Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS551T)
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This course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which will be required for LLM-Taught courses. The course is delivered as a series of five interactive lectures with two individual assessments designed to encourage critical thinking and provide opportunities for early feedback. It also incorporates a library workshop to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.
- Foundations of International Law (LS553X)
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The course introduces students to the basics of International Law. It will describe the international legal system, the sources of International Law and the law of treaties.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5506)
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This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
Optional Courses
Candidates must select ONE Strategic Studies course and ONE Law course from the following:
- International Energy Security (PI5518)
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30 Credit Points
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
- Terrorism and Counter - Terrorism (PI5520)
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30 Credit Points
International terrorism and counterterrorism dominate both contemporary scholarly debates in International Relations (IR) and policy discussions. This course examines these debates by focusing, on the one hand, on the (individual and/or structural) causes and different manifestations of terrorism and, on the other hand, on debates on how to respond to terrorism not only effectively but also without violating humanitarian principles and international law. Overall, the course aims to provide students with an overview of current research on international terrorism and counterterrorism in IR and its neighbouring disciplines and to enable them to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of core aspects of the issue.
- The use of Force in International Law (LS5549)
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30 Credit Points
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)
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30 Credit Points
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.
- Chinese Security Issues (PI5521)
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30 Credit Points
The focus of this module is the key approaches, institutions, and contemporary issues in global security relating to the rise of China. Set in the context of broader global security issues, this module offers students an introduction to Chinese security policy and approaches to international relations. It lifts the vale on a very misunderstood, controversial, and increasingly critical feature of global security and world affairs. It will explore debates on China's rise, China's growing involvement in international politics, and global security.
- International Humanitarian Law (LS551G)
Stage 2
Compulsory Courses
- Dissertation in Strategic Studies (PI5901)
-
60 Credit Points
The Strategic Studies dissertation is a compulsory element of the MSc Strategic Studies, Strategic Studies & International Law and Strategic Studies & Management degree programmes.
Stage 3
Assessment: 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.
Compulsory Courses
Candidates must undertake:
- Strategic Theory (PI5001)
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30 Credit Points
This core module considers the contribution of strategy, as the mechanism for the application of power and force, to national, regional, and international security. It explores what strategy is (the pursuit of continuing advantage) and how to think clearly about it. Topics addressed include the nature of strategy, deterrence, arms control, strategic stability, nuclear policy, and emerging technology and future warfare.
- International Law: A Time of Challenges (LS501U)
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30 Credit Points
The course analyses recent developments in public international law. It first considers the sources of public international law. The question is then asked whether traditional public international law can regulate pressing issues on the international plane. Examples of these problems are: international terrorism, nuclear weapons proliferation, protection of human rights, ethnic conflicts, climate change. The course encourages the participant-student to think creatively as an international lawyer to resolve contemporary international dilemmas.
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.
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Funding Opportunities
The James Carnegie maintenance scholarship for postgraduate students is available with this degree.
Scholarships
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.
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.
- This programme 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 top 10 in the UK for Law by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
- 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.
- Strategic Studies convenes a Wargaming Club that students can participate in to sharpen their skills in strategic thinking, tactics, diplomacy, communication, & team-work.
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
International Applicants
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
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 ScholarshipsCareers
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.
Possible career opportunities include:
- Military Officers
- Intelligence Analysts
- Political Analysts
- University Lecturers
- Journalists
- Law enforcement Officers
- Senior Associates
- Senior Research Officers
- Freedom of Information Officers
Our Experts
Who teaches on the programme?
- Strategic Theory: Dr Jim Johnson
- International Human Rights Law: Prof Matyas Bodig
- Chinese Security Issues: Dr Jim Johnson
- Terrorism and Counter - Terrorism: Dr Eva Herschinger
- Use of Force in International Law: Prof Irene Couzigou
- International Humanitarian Law: Prof Zeray Yihdego
- Summer dissertation coordinator: Dr Jim Johnson
- Other Experts
- Prof Mervyn Bain
- Prof Irène Couzigou
- Prof Zeray Yihdego
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr James Johnson
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
We provide a wide range of related research centres, which include:
- Centre for European Survey Research
- New Europe Centre - housing a variety of projects looking at values and behaviour
- Centre for Global Security and Governance
Politics & International Relations Society
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 more
Cutting Edge Research-led Teaching
PIR 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 more
Regular Seminar Series and Guest Speakers
We have regular seminar series hosted by the department of Politics and International Relations along with guest speakers throughout the year.
Find out moreGet in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX