Master in International Law, International Relations and Diplomacy

•    Programme duration: 2 years
•    Delivery language: English
•    Degree awarded: Master in International Law, International Relations and Diplomacy
•    Accreditation: The curriculum follows the European ECTS system and the degree is awarded by Université Paris Cité. This programme is accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation.
•    Admission deadline: 25 August 2024
•    Interview dates: TBA

The Master in International Law, International Relations and Diplomacy has two concentrations: International Law, International Relations and Diplomacy and Defence and International Security. These study options prepare students for global careers in international law, international relations, security and defence. The multidisciplinary curriculum introduces the core frameworks underlying law, international relations, diplomacy and defence, providing students with a well-rounded and comprehensive study programme.

The concentration in International Law, Diplomacy, and International Relations introduces students to the frameworks and processes underlying international relations. Students will learn the key intellectual tools of contemporary international relations. Specialist study modules focus on the forms of organisation, dispute settlement, the law of treaties, law of the sea and rules governing diplomatic relations. Additionally, students will study economic and financial relations, international trade, economic law in its institutional aspects followed by international criminal and human rights law, environment and sustainable development and nuclear law. Students also explore the historical and geopolitical contexts of international relations, providing a working knowledge of tried and tested diplomatic techniques.

The concentration in Defence and International Security will introduce students to the history of national and international security. Students will learn the key tools about war mechanism, security policies and doctrines to better understand defence issues. The study programme teaches students theoretical and technical knowledge, along with an overall vision of the issues involved in defence, peace keeping, intelligence services, international security and diplomacy. Starting with the History of Defence, National Security and History of War and Peace, students will explore topics including the Law of Armed Conflict and Security and Geopolitics of Conflicts, to the modern question of Cyber security. These major themes are taught to a very high level of expertise by academics and practitioners with links to international military institutions.

There are abundant and rewarding opportunities at a regional and global level for our graduates. This programme prepares students for careers in international diplomacy within governmental and non-governmental organisations, public administration, think tanks, NGOs, risk analysis and research agencies as well as media consultants. There are several further enriching career opportunities in political spheres and foreign affairs departments from public figures, diplomats, legal advisors and consultants to research consultants. Graduates can secure prominent positions in embassies and governmental institutions and agencies all over the world. Moreover, our degree in Defence and International Security is designed for students planning careers in the fields of national security policy, international security affairs, defence analysis, arms control, and education. With this degree, students also have the option of pursuing a Ph.D. in Paris.

At the end of their studies at SUAD (Master 1 required), students have the opportunity to present the Bar exam at the Université Paris Cité. The courses of the Institute of Judicial Studies (IEJ) are now also given in a dematerialized way and can thus be followed in addition to the completion of their Master.

Typical delivery format of the courses*
M1 and M2

Day Evening
Monday 4:30pm – 8:00pm
Tuesday 4:30pm – 8:00pm
Wednesday 4:30pm – 8:00pm
Thursday 4:30pm – 8:00pm
Friday 4:30pm – 8:00pm

*This is the usual pattern of the courses, changes may sometimes occur.

Year 1 – Public Law

Semester 1

Modules Courses
UE 1
  • History of Legal and Political Systems
  • International Public Law
UE 2
  • International Affairs
  • International Dispute Settlement
UE 3
  • Comparative Law
  • International and EU Taxation

Semester 2

Modules Courses
UE 1
  • Advanced Public Law
  • International Humanitarian Law
UE 2
  • International Organisations
  • Space, Telecommunications and Media Law
UE 3
  • Public Business Law
  • International Trade Law

  • Bachelor in a relevant field with a CGPA of 3 out of 4 or equivalent.
    Candidates with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 (or equivalent scores as per the equivalency table) may be conditionally admitted under probation during the first semester. The student will be authorized to continue in the program only if they secure an average of at least 12 out of 20 which is obtained by the end of the first semester. The decision is based on academic performance and will be made official after the completion of the first semester
    or Bachelor with minimum of 2nd class honours
    or Bachelor with an average of 12 out of 20
    • Bachelor students with a GPA below 3 may be admitted on the ground of their professional and/or personal experience, in case they are granted a VAPP by SU’s or UP’s VAPP commission
  • IELTS certificate with minimum overall band of 6.0 with a validity of 2 years or TOEFL certificate with minimum score of 79 (or equivalent) with a validity of 2 years or Minimum EmSAT English score of 1400 with a validity of 18 months or, Native English speaker who completed 3 full years in an English-medium institution within a maximum period of 3 years

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend an interview to assess the candidate’s motivation, career expectations and relevant professional experience in the degree area.

Applicants who earned their undergraduate degrees from universities outside the UAE must present a Certificate of Equivalency for their graduation certificates from the UAE Ministry of Education. Applicants, who are holders of undergraduate degrees issued by a licensed higher education institution in the UAE, are required to submit a copy of their degrees attested by the UAE Ministry of Education. For details on requirements, kindly visit the Ministry’s website: Ministry of Education.

•    Programme tuition fees (over 2 years):
AED 166,400 (approximately US$ 45,344)
•    Payment of fees:
Click here

Scholarships*

25% academic excellence scholarship

New joiners are eligible to 25% scholarship on tuition starting from the 1st semester. To be eligible, applicants are required to meet one of the below criteria:

  • Bachelor CGPA average of 3.6/4.0 and above, or equivalent
  • Bachelor with Final Average of 15/20 above
  • Bachelor with first class honors
  • Candidates graduating as the top of class, despite the average

A minimum average of 14/20 is required to maintain the scholarship for the following semesters.

For programmes taught in English: an English Proficiency level with a minimum of 7.0 for IELTS or 94 for TOELF IB

Preferential rates

20% Alumni preferential rate

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi alumni are eligible to a 20% waiver on tuition fee.

25% preferential rate upon enrolment on a second master’s degree

Applicants holding a master degree from SUAD and enrolling for a second master degree at SUAD are entitled to a 25% waiver on tuition.

5%-15% corporate rate

Companies and organizations benefit from a special discount, based on the number of employees enrolling in programmes. For more details, please contact +971(0) 2-6569311

10% Family discount

Students who have a first-degree relative currently enrolled in an undergraduate or a postgraduate programmes are eligible for a 10% discount.

*Conditions apply