International Relations and Legal Studies, MA

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Aberdeen

Program Overview

The International Relations and Legal Studies degree at the University of Aberdeen is perfect if you’re curious about how law and global politics intersect. It gives you a solid foundation in understanding international affairs while exploring the legal frameworks that shape the world, preparing you for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, or law.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
Your first year introduces you to the essentials. You’ll explore Introduction to International Relations to understand how countries interact, and Legal Systems and Legal Reasoning to get a handle on how law works in practice. Law in Society also helps you see the role of law in everyday life, connecting theory to real-world contexts.

Year 2:
In the second year, you dive deeper. Theories of International Relations and Public International Law broaden your understanding of global politics and the laws that govern nations. European Union Law examines the rules and structures of one of the world’s most influential political and economic unions, giving you practical insights into international law.

Year 3:
By the third year, you start applying what you’ve learned. International Human Rights Law and International Conflict and Security let you tackle pressing global issues, while Comparative Politics teaches you to analyze political systems across different countries, sharpening your analytical skills.

Year 4:
The final year is about specialization and independent work. International Political Economy explores how politics and economics shape the world stage, and Advanced Legal Research equips you with practical research skills. You’ll also complete a Dissertation in International Relations or Legal Studies, giving you the chance to focus deeply on a topic you’re passionate about.

Focus Areas:
International Relations, Legal Studies, European Union Law, Human Rights, International Security, Comparative Politics, International Political Economy

Learning Outcomes:
Critical thinking about global political systems, understanding international legal frameworks, strong research and analytical abilities, tackling complex global issues, and communicating ideas effectively.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
This program aligns with professional standards in law and international relations, preparing you for roles in diplomacy, international organizations, or legal practice.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Aberdeen is consistently ranked highly for graduate employability, with alumni finding success in law, diplomacy, and international organizations around the world.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Aberdeen, studying International Relations and Legal Studies isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about gaining real-world experience that prepares you for the professional world. From internships and collaborative projects to field trips and hands-on research, you’ll develop practical skills while exploring global politics and law in action. The program gives you access to excellent facilities, expert guidance, and opportunities to connect theory with practice, ensuring you leave university career-ready and confident.

Here are some of the key experiential learning opportunities you can take part in:

Internships and Work Placements: Gain real-world experience through placements with international organizations, law firms, or government bodies.
Field Trips and Study Visits: Visit courts, legal institutions, and international organizations to see law and diplomacy in action.
Specialized Facilities: Take advantage of dedicated law libraries, research centers, and institutes to support your studies and projects.
Digital Tools and Software: Learn to use professional tools relevant to law and international relations for research and analysis.
Group Projects and Collaborative Learning: Work with classmates on practical projects, building teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the International Relations and Legal Studies program leave Aberdeen ready to make an impact in the professional world. With a strong mix of legal knowledge and understanding of global politics, typical roles include: diplomat, human rights advocate, policy advisor, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) manager. The program equips you with practical skills, analytical thinking, and a professional network that opens doors to exciting career paths:

University Support Services:

Careers and Employability Service: Personalized guidance on CVs, interviews, and job applications to help you land the right role.
Internships and Placement Opportunities: Access to placements with governmental bodies, NGOs, and international organizations for hands-on experience.
Networking Events and Career Fairs: Meet industry professionals, potential employers, and alumni to build connections.

Graduate Employment and Salary:

The University of Aberdeen consistently reports strong employability across its programs, with graduates finding success in law, diplomacy, international organizations, and global business.
Salaries vary depending on role and sector, but many graduates start with competitive entry-level positions in their chosen field.

University–Industry Partnerships:

Collaborations with international organizations, law firms, and NGOs provide students with real-world project opportunities, placements, and professional connections.

Long-Term Accreditation Value:

The degree meets professional standards in both international relations and legal studies, ensuring your qualifications are respected by employers worldwide.

Graduation Outcomes:

Graduates go on to work in diplomacy, NGOs, international law, public policy, and corporate sectors. Many also pursue advanced study in areas such as International Law, Diplomacy, or Public Policy.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MLC2 program, you can continue your studies at postgraduate level within the University of Aberdeen, pursuing master’s degrees in International Law, International Relations, or Public Policy. This allows you to specialize further and deepen your expertise for high-level career opportunities.