Program Overview

International Relations and International Law, MSc

Introduction

The MSc International Relations and International Law offers you an interdisciplinary perspective on a range of contemporary issues related to the transformed nature of global governance.

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

Programme Fees

Stage 1

Compulsory Courses

• Theories and Concepts in International Relations (IR5001)
• International Law: A Time of Challenges (LS501U)
• Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS501T)
• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)

Stage 2

Optional Courses

• Candidates must select at least ONE course from PI electives and ONE from LS electives:
  • PI5520: Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism
  • PI5521: Chinese Security Issues
  • PI5541: Political Economy of Climate Change
  • LS5549: The Use of Force in International Law
  • LS5590: International Human Rights Law

Stage 3

Compulsory Courses

• Dissertation in International Relations (IR5901)

Available Programmes of Study

• MSc
  • International Relations and International Law
    • Qualification: MSc
    • Duration: 12 months or 24 months
    • Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
    • Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
    • Start Month: September or January
    • Location: Aberdeen

Scholarships

• All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Related Programmes

• Climate Politics and Policy
• International Law
• International Relations
• International Relations and Management
• International and Comparative Law
• Strategic Studies
• Strategic Studies and Diplomacy
• Strategic Studies and International Law

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.

Why Study International Relations 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 international relations and international law.
• Aberdeen is ranked 8th in the UK for International Relations and 3rd in Scotland for Overall Student Satisfaction in Politics.

Careers

• Careers relating to international relations involve public sector research and policymaking in foreign affairs, defence, development and human rights.
• Many graduates now choose to do public advocacy, research, and project management work for non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and regional and global institutions such as the European Union or the United Nations.

Career Opportunities

• Foreign Office Diplomat
• Government Official
• International Consultant
• International Non-Governmental Officer
• Policy Advisor
• Postgraduate Researcher
• Strategy Analyst

Entry Requirements

• 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.

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: 6.5 with Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: 90 with Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
  • PTE Academic: 62 with Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 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:
  • Degree Certificate
  • Degree Transcript
  • Personal Statement
  • Reference x 2

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.