MA International Relations and Legal Studies
About this course
MA in Politics and International Relations and Law. Core topics include Legal Analysis, Global & Comparative Perspective, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL. SL in English is also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM in related subjects. Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.) GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3.
What students say
Based on about 15 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 83%
- Learning opportunities: 78%
- Assessment and feedback: 68%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 82%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 79 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 68%
- Working and studying: 13%
- Further study: 3%
- Unemployed: 4%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Customer service occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 83%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 78%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 76%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 235 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East of England: 1%
- London: 6%
- South East: 2%
- Scotland: 86%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 255 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 91%
- Baccalaureate: 2%
- A degree: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
Modules
- Academic Writing for Social Sciences
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Legal System
- Foundations of Private Law
- Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance
- Politics & International Relations 2: Power and Conflict
- Criminal Law
- Contract
- Delict and Unjustified Enrichment
- UK Constitutional Law
- Foundations of Common Law with English Criminal Law
- A World Full of Law: Legal Cultures Before the Age of Exploration
- Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations
- Global Politics: Equality and Inequality
- Criminal Law
- Eu Institutions and Law
- The Law of Property
- Public International Law
- Administrative Law and Civil Liberties
- Contract
- Delict and Unjustified Enrichment
- UK Constitutional Law
- Commercial Organisations and Insolvency
- Family Law
- Introduction to Legal Theory
- Succession and Trusts
- Private International Law
- Business Law
- Introduction to Comparative Law
- Tort in A Comparative Context
- Foundations of Common Law with English Criminal Law
- A World Full of Law: Legal Cultures Before the Age of Exploration
- Law of Sales Honours
- Criminal Justice
- Gender, Law and Society
- Intellectual Property Law
- International Human Rights
- American Constitutional Law
- Company Law (Honours)
- Civil Law Honours
- Privacy and Data Protection Law
- Law and Artificial Intelligence
- Law and Economics: Selected Topics
- Delict
- Criminal Law
- Animal Welfare Law
- International Criminal Law
- International Law of the Sea
- Free Speech Honours
- The Legal Architecture of Global Commerce
- Copyright and Allied Rights
- Voluntary Scotland, Scottish Charities, Clubs, Community Organisations
- International Family Law (Honours)
- Criminal Evidence (Honours)
- Corporate Governance
- Children, Young People and Crime Honours
- International Cybersecurity Law
- Regulation of Biometric Data and Profiling: Social, Ethical and Legal
- Law of the Digital Economy
- Space Law: Public International Law
- Legal Storytelling
- Shipping Law
- Fundamental Issues in Environmental Law
- Principles of Tax Law
- Property Law (Honours)
- Scottish Legal History (Honours)
- Human Rights Law in the UK
- Dissertation
- Comparative Constitutional Systems
- Maritime Security
- Political Islam: Islamist Ideologies and Practices
- International Migration and Europe
- Gender and Politics
- Northern Ireland: Small, Dirty War
- Corruption and Good Governance
- US Presidents
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA International Relations and Legal Studies at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £40,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £33,000 and £48,000. The £40,000 median after five years is £6,000 more than the UK median for Politics.
What do graduates of MA International Relations and Legal Studies at University of Aberdeen do next?
84% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA International Relations and Legal Studies at University of Aberdeen?
83% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA International Relations and Legal Studies at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 192 UCAS points.
Does MA International Relations and Legal Studies at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA International Relations and Legal Studies at University of Aberdeen?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.