Master in International Law, Spaces and Sovereignty

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

Program Overview

The Master in International Law, Spaces and Sovereignty at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is a two‑year, English‑taught postgraduate degree designed to give you a deep understanding of global legal systems, international relations, diplomacy, and security. It is ideal for ambitious students who are interested in international law, diplomacy, policy-making, defense, and global governance, offering both intellectual depth and professional readiness.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you will build a strong foundation in both international relations and law. Core courses such as History of Legal and Political Systems and Introduction to International Affairs, along with Advanced Public Law and International Environmental Law, will help you understand the legal frameworks shaping global governance. You will also study International Public Law, Public Business Law, International Trade Law, History of International Relations, and the role of International Organisations, giving you a strategic understanding of how states interact and how legal norms evolve.

Year 2
Your second year focuses on specialization and professional skills. You will explore courses such as New Diplomatic Practices, Law of Conflicts and Security, and Cybersecurity and International Space Law, preparing you to navigate modern sovereignty issues in technology, defense, and space. Electives like Geopolitics of Conflicts and Space Technologies and Regional Stakeholders let you tailor your studies, and you will also complete a Research Methodology course before finishing with a Master’s Thesis or professional Internship Report, combining practical experience with academic research.

Focus areas:
International legal systems, diplomatic practice and conflict resolution, governance of sovereign spaces including cyberspace and outer space, international security, maritime law, human rights law, and global institutional frameworks.

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to interpret and apply international legal norms, advise on policy in global organisations, engage in diplomatic negotiation, analyse geopolitical risk, and contribute to solutions around security, human rights, and cross-border governance.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This Master’s program follows the European ECTS credit system and is awarded by Université Paris Cité, ensuring high academic standards. It is fully accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation and the High Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education in France, giving you a qualification recognised both regionally and internationally.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Studying at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi connects you to the heritage and global reputation of Sorbonne University in France, which is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities in QS, THE, and ARWU listings. This network enhances your global credibility and supports employability, particularly in international organisations, government agencies, and diplomacy.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, this Master’s program goes beyond traditional lectures — it’s designed to help you develop practical, real-world skills. You’ll apply what you learn through internships, research projects, academic events, and access to campus resources that support your growth as a future diplomat, legal advisor, or policy expert. The modern campus provides facilities for collaboration, research, and study, including an extensive library and career services to prepare you for the next steps in your professional journey.

As part of your experiential learning experience, you can take advantage of:

Internships and Professional Experience: In the second year, students are encouraged to complete an internship to gain hands-on experience in legal, diplomatic, or policy environments, applying classroom knowledge in real-world contexts.
Internship Support and Career Centre: The university’s Career Centre helps students connect with employers, secure internships, and build a professional network.
Research Opportunities and Assistantships: Graduate research internships and assistantships allow you to work closely with faculty, enhance your research skills, and contribute to meaningful academic projects.
Library Resources: The university library provides a wide range of print and digital resources, including specialized materials in law and international relations, supporting your research and thesis work.
Collaborative Campus Facilities: Equipped computer labs, group study areas, and modern collaborative spaces make it easier to work on group projects, case studies, and presentations with classmates.
Events and Networking: Webinars, masterclasses, and discussions with faculty and professionals give you insight into current issues in diplomacy and law while helping you build valuable professional connections.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Master in International Law, Spaces and Sovereignty are prepared for impactful careers where legal expertise, diplomatic skill, and strategic thinking are essential. Many alumni go on to work in international diplomacy, government and public policy, or as legal advisors and researchers, while some find opportunities in security and defence sectors as well as with international organisations and NGOs. This degree equips you to make a meaningful contribution in both national and global contexts:

Career Centre and employability services: Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s Career Centre provides tailored support to help you identify your strengths, set career goals, and connect with employers. Services include one-on-one guidance, CV and interview preparation, job-search tools, and access to a global professional network.
Internships and work placements: The program strongly encourages internships in the second year, giving you hands-on professional experience that enhances your skills and expands your industry connections in law, diplomacy, and policy.
Employment sectors and roles: Typical roles graduates pursue include international diplomacy officer, legal advisor in public or private sectors, policy analyst in governmental and non-governmental organisations, and researcher or consultant in think tanks and international institutions.
Accreditation value and global recognition: The degree follows the European ECTS credit system and is awarded by Université Paris Cité, with accreditation from the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation and the French HCERES, offering a qualification recognised both regionally and internationally.
Bar and PhD pathways: After completing the program, students may be eligible to sit for the Bar exam at Université Paris Cité, and many continue their studies with a PhD to deepen their expertise in international law or relations.

Further Academic Progression:
After this Master’s, you could continue your studies through a doctoral program in international law or international relations, enhancing your research skills and academic profile. Some graduates also pursue specialised postgraduate diplomas or executive courses in diplomacy, security studies, or public policy to refine their professional focus and prepare for senior leadership roles.