Program Overview

Law and Politics of International Security Programme

The Law and Politics of International Security programme is a one-year interdisciplinary Master's programme that delves into the complexities of legal, political, and ethical dilemmas in international security. This programme is designed to increase understanding of the intricacies involved in these dilemmas, exploring legal, political, and ethical questions simultaneously.

Curriculum

The programme consists of four compulsory core courses, two electives, and a Master's thesis. The core courses include:

• Theories and Approaches to War and Collective Security: This course explores the transformation of war as a legal concept and political reality, from Medieval just war theories to the collective security system of the United Nations.
• International Humanitarian Law: This course covers the laws applicable in times of armed conflict, including targeting and protection of civilians, the law of military occupation, humanitarian aid in conflict, and environmental protection in war.
• International Security Studies: This course discusses the potential and limits of competing theoretical approaches to international security, focusing on specific problems such as terrorism, new forms of warfare, surveillance, migration, and private security.
• The Politics of International Law: This course examines the interaction between law and politics, with special attention to the political role and ethical dilemmas of legal advisors, considering postcolonial perspectives.

In addition to these core courses, students select two electives from a range of topics, including international criminal courts and tribunals, terrorism and security, and the philosophy of international law and migration. For students without a background in International Relations Theory or Public International Law, it is recommended to choose these two courses as electives.

Master's Thesis

The Master's thesis begins with a thesis market where faculty staff present their research. Students propose their own thesis topics and work on the selected topics in small groups, presenting their research through a series of ongoing meetings.

Subjects

The programme covers the following subjects:

• Master's Thesis - Law and Politics of International Security
• Theories and Approaches to War and Collective Security
• International Humanitarian Law
• International Security Studies
• The Politics of International Law

Research Talent Track

For students seeking an extra academic challenge, the Research Talent Track is a selective programme aimed at motivated and talented Master's students who wish to further develop their analytical research skills. This track helps students decide whether to pursue a career in academia and improves their opportunities on the labour market outside academia.

Career Prospects

Upon completing the Law and Politics of International Security programme, graduates can pursue careers as legal advisors for various organisations, engage in humanitarian work for NGOs, work in foreign ministries, or become litigation lawyers if they have a legal background from their Bachelor's. Alternatively, graduates can continue their research with a PhD after completing their Master's.