MSc International Relations and International Law

The MSc International Relations and International Law at the University of Aberdeen is structured not just to deepen your understanding of global politics and legal frameworks, but also to help you gain practical analytical skills and real-world research experience that employers value. You’ll benefit from interdisciplinary teaching drawn from both the School of Social Science and the School of Law, and gain access to seminars and events that connect you with cutting-edge thinking in both fields — helping you apply theoretical learning to current global challenges. This blend of academic rigour and practical engagement ensures you graduate confident in your ability to analyse, communicate and think critically about contemporary issues. 

Here’s how your experiential learning pathway is supported on this programme and at Aberdeen:

• Interdisciplinary research seminars: You’ll have the option to attend research events and seminar series organised by centres such as the Centre for Sustainable International Development and the Centre for Global Security and Governance, where you can engage with current research and meet scholars working on real world issues. 

• Collaborative law and politics learning environment: Because the programme is delivered jointly by the School of Social Science and the School of Law, you benefit from cross-disciplinary activities and discussions that enhance both legal reasoning and political analysis skills in contexts like human rights, use of force and global security issues. 

• Dedicated law resources: Students also have access to the School of Law’s Taylor Library, which includes extensive collections on law and politics and collaborative study spaces — ideal for preparing legal analyses and comparative research for coursework and dissertation projects. 

• Dissertation experience: A major part of the programme is the master’s dissertation, where you independently design and conduct a research project on a topic that links international relations theory with legal principles. This is a key practical learning experience that demonstrates real research capability to future employers. 

• Career & employability support: The University of Aberdeen’s Careers & Employability Service offers practical help throughout your studies — from workshops on CVs and interviews, to access to internships, placements and employer networking — helping turn your academic skills into professional opportunities (e.g., in policy, legal advisory, NGOs or international organisations). 

• Language and transferable skill development: Students can also benefit from language courses and other skill development opportunities offered by the university’s Language Centre to enhance communication skills that are valuable in international careers.

Graduates of the MSc International Relations and International Law leave Aberdeen with the critical thinking, legal analysis and global perspective that employers value in roles such as policy analyst, diplomatic service officer, international law consultant or international development specialist. Because the programme is interdisciplinary — combining political science and legal training — and supported by strong careers services, you’re well positioned to move confidently into professional practice or further study after graduation: 

• University careers support: The Careers & Employability Service offers dedicated support throughout your studies — from one-to-one career coaching and CV/interview workshops to employer networking events and guidance on international career pathways tailored to your interdisciplinary skill set. 

• Graduate outcomes: Official data shows that around 94.8 % of law graduates from Aberdeen secure employment or go on to further study within 15 months of completing their degree, demonstrating the strong employability outcomes for students developing skills in law-related fields. 

• Work experience and placements: The university offers support for part-time employment, internships and placements that help you build professional experience while you study — and access to networking events where you can connect with potential employers and organisations operating in global affairs. 

• Industry engagement: Although not tied to a specific accreditation, the programme’s joint design by the School of Social Science and the School of Law reflects Aberdeen’s commitment to real-world relevance, preparing you with analytical and legal reasoning skills that are sought after by government, international organisations, NGOs and consultancy employers. 

• Overall university reputation: Aberdeen is ranked 6th in the UK for Politics & International Relations in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, underlining the strength of the subject area and its connection to meaningful career outcomes. 

Further Academic Progression:

If your ambitions lean toward research or academia, this MSc lays a solid foundation for PhD study in International Relations, International Law or related interdisciplinary areas, supported by your dissertation experience and access to research seminars at Aberdeen.