Peace, Security and International Law

Entry requirements

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree (or equivalent) in International Relations, Politics, Economics, Law, Geography, History or cognate disciplines. Relevant practical experience in a related field will also be beneficial.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

With the combined strength of the School of Law and the School of Social Science, this programme explores the use of force by international and transnational actors to achieve political and security objectives. It allows a focused appreciation of the legal considerations that frame many contemporary conflicts. Students will have the opportunity to develop critical thinking and analytic skills through studying courses such as International Law: A Time of Challenges and International Humanitarian Law.

This programme was designed with the assistance of external contacts within the fields of International Law and Strategic Studies. With the combined input from several expert lawyers, you will gain unique insights into both subjects and will advance your understanding of their relationship. Alongside the expert knowledge of our internal staff at the University, the programme aligns with the competencies required for today’s international job market.

The University of Aberdeen has a reputation for attracting world-class teaching staff with unrivalled experience and knowledge in their specialist subjects. You will have access to first rate teaching from globally respected staff with a range of expertise including: researching and lecturing at international universities such as Columbia University, University of Paris II, and Heidelberg University; serving as Assistant to Counsel at the International Criminal Court; and more.

With full- or part-time study options available, and start dates in September or January, you can tailor your studies to fit your lifestyle.

Information for international students

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

Fees and funding

Please visit the university website for more information on fees for this programme.