International Relations and International Law, MSc

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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.

This course has both January and September start dates. Apply Now.

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
January or September
Location of Study
Aberdeen

Greek historian Thucydides (460-395BC) became the first academic to understand international relations. It is a highly interdisciplinary area to include areas such as technology, economics, history, geography, sociology, criminology, diplomacy, international security, finance, human rights and more. The oldest known peace treaty within international law dates from 3100BC between two Sumerian city states and a number of treaties in the Middle East.

There is an increasing need for governments to respond to complex international legal frameworks to manage inter-state relationships between countries. This innovative MSc programme, conducted jointly by the School of Social Science and the School of Law, provides you with an advanced understanding of International Relations and International Law and how their interaction impacts upon the political stage at a global level.

Drawing on the expertise of staff from the two Schools, this programme combines courses in the theory and practice of International Law and International Relations, offering you a unique interdisciplinary perspective on a range of contemporary issues related to the transformed nature of global governance.

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 will also be able to learn about the latest research in the field. You can also take part in a language course at the Language Centre.

Available Programmes of Study

MSc

International Relations and International Law

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month Location  
MSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen More
MSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January Aberdeen More

Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programme(s) above.

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

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 Tuition Fees page.

Scholarships

Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.

From September 2025 all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.

To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.

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. The dissertation is submitted at the beginning of September. Guidance on the writing of a dissertation is given.

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, where they intersect, and how they interact with one another to affect global governance
  • 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 Global Development; the Centre for Global Security and Governance; the Institute for Conflict, Transition, and Peace Research; and more
  • The University of Aberdeen has been ranked a Top 10 university for Overall Student Satisfaction for four consecutive years (National Student Survey 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)

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

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.

January 2025 September 2025

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.

Graduates also forge careers in the international media, the armed forces, international risk management, and international corporations involved in trade and finance.

Career Opportunities

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

Postgraduate Politics & IR at Aberdeen

Learn more about earning your Masters in politics and international relations at Aberdeen in this webinar - what you will study, the student experience in Aberdeen, and career opportunities.

Image for useful fact about this Subject

Useful Fact about this Subject

International Relations at the University of Aberdeen is ranked 8th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2025

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

Other Experts
Dr Ritu Vij, The University of Aberdeen
Prof Irène Couzigou, The University of Aberdeen

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

Features

The School of Law offers an extensive range of high quality, engaging and academically challenging programmes. The learning environment is one of support and personal development, leading to well-rounded and highly employable graduates.

The Institute For Conflict, Transition And Peace Research

ICTPR at the University of Aberdeen brings together a diverse and interdisciplinary group of scholars and students to develop in-depth theoretical understandings of the concepts and practices of transitions in terms of conflict and peace.

Find out more
Image for Cutting Edge Research-led Teaching
Cutting Edge Research-led Teaching

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

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX