Program Overview

Strategic Studies and International Law, MSc

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.

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 world.

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.

You will develop key skills regarding critical legal and political analysis of current international issues. With the option to attend research seminars organised by the Centre for Global Development and Centre for Global Security and Governance, you are able to learn about the latest research in the field.

Programme Fees

Stage 1

Compulsory Courses

• Strategic Theory (PI5001): This core module considers the contribution of strategy, as the mechanism for the application of power and force, to national, regional, and international security.
• Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS501T): 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.
• International Law: A Time of Challenges (LS501U): The course analyses recent developments in public international law.
• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006): This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online.

Optional Courses

Students are required to take one law (LS) course and one strategic studies (PI) course from the following:

• LS5549 The Use of Force in International Law: The course aims to develop an in-depth and critical appreciation of current issues in the area of the use of armed force in International Law.
• LS5590 International Human Rights Law: The course was designed to help students build competence in dealing with the doctrinal issues about international human rights.
• PI5520 Terrorism and Counter Terrorism: International terrorism and counterterrorism dominate both contemporary scholarly debates in International Relations (IR) and policy discussions.
• PI5521 Chinese Security Issues: The focus of this module is the key approaches, institutions, and contemporary issues in global security relating to the rise of China.
• PI5541 Political Psychology of Climate Change: This course examines the psychological factors that influence climate change attitudes and behaviors.

Stage 2

Compulsory Courses

• Dissertation in Strategic Studies (PI5901): 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

Compulsory Courses

• Strategic Theory (PI5001): This core module considers the contribution of strategy, as the mechanism for the application of power and force, to national, regional, and international security.
• International Law: A Time of Challenges (LS501U): The course analyses recent developments in public international law.
• Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS501T): 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.

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?

• You will be taught by experts from the School of Social Science and the School of Law, gaining a truly interdisciplinary perspective on the fields of strategic studies and international law, where they intersect, and how they interact with one another to affect global governance.
• 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. Students can also take part in a language course in the Language Centre.
• Scrutinise salient, real-world strategic and legal issues that affect a range of sectors around the world while developing the methodology and knowledge needed to interpret strategic situations that present in these areas.
• Gain 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.
• The unique combination of specialisms this programme focuses on provides you with specialist expertise in strategy and legal systems.
• Develop the capability to analyse and research situations before they present with an ability to interpret legal, diplomatic, and strategic frameworks.
• Study at a nationally recognised university for politics and international relations. The University of Aberdeen is ranked 8th in the UK for International Relations (Guardian University Guide 2025) and 3rd in Scotland for Overall Student Satisfaction in Politics (National Student Survey 2024).
• Learn from experts actively involved in research. The University of Aberdeen is home to several research centres and institutes, including the Centre for Energy Transition; Centre for Global Development; the Centre for Global Security and Governance; the Institute for Conflict, Transition, and Peace Research; and more.
• Take part in the Wargaming Club, a group convened by the Strategic Studies programme leaders, to sharpen your skills in strategic thinking, tactics, diplomacy, communication, and teamwork.

Careers

This programme’s unique combination of specialisms provides you with specialist expertise in strategy and legal systems.

Graduates will be well-placed to pursue a career in government departments, foreign and security policies, international organisations, international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), commercial risk assessment companies and the armed forces.

Graduates may also forge careers in the international media, international risk management, and international corporations. The programme may also serve to engage in an academic career and prepare a PhD.

Career Opportunities

• Government Officer
• Intelligence Analyst
• Journalist
• Law Enforcement Officer
• Lecturer
• Military Sector
• Policy Advisor
• Political Analyst
• Research Associate

Entry Requirements

Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:2 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.

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

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.