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University of Aberdeen: Strategic Studies and International Law

Institution University of Aberdeen View institution profile
Department School of Social Science
Web https://www.abdn.ac.uk
Email pgadmissions@abdn.ac.uk
Telephone 01224 272090
Study type Taught

Summary

Our MSc Strategic Studies and International Law provides you with the opportunity to explore the interaction between strategy and international law wherever it occurs. This programme explains how the use of force and power interface with the requirements and expectations of the body of international law, which addresses the conduct of conflict at international and sub-national levels.

An understanding of the theory and practice of the uses of power and force by states to achieve national and international security objectives will be combined with an appreciation of the development and implementation of international law as it attempts to control coercion and to limit violence in the international arena.

This programme, conducted jointly by the School of Law and the School of Social Science, provides you with an advanced understanding of the interaction of Strategic Studies and International Law and how this impacts upon the prevention, control and conduct of the use of state and non-state coercion in conflicts in the modern word.

Drawing on the expertise of staff from the two schools, this innovative programme combines Strategic Studies courses in the theory and practice of the use of force by international and transnational actors to achieve political and security objectives. International Law courses allow a focused appreciation of the legal considerations which frame many contemporary conflicts.

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 are able to learn about the latest research in the field while studying at a Top 20 UK University (Guardian University Guide 2024).

MSc

University of Aberdeen

Overview

The University of Aberdeen is Scotland’s third oldest university and the fifth  oldest in the UK. Founded by Bishop William Elphinstone in 1495, the beautiful campus attracts a diverse international community of over 14,000 students from over 130 countries.

The University of Aberdeen is ranked as a Top 15 UK university by the Guardian University Guide 2025 and Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. It also ranks second across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for student satisfaction in The National Student Survey 2024.

University of AberdeenUniversity of Aberdeen

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