Master in International Law, Spaces and Sovereignty
- About the programme
- Programme structure
- Entry requirements
- Tuition fees & scholarships
- Career prospects
| • Programme duration: | 2 years |
| • Delivery language: | English |
| • Degree awarded: | Master in International Law, Spaces and Sovereignty |
| • 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 and the High Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (HCERES) in France. |
| • Admission deadline: | 29 August 2025 |
| • Interview dates: | TBA |
The Master in International Law, Spaces and Sovereignty prepares students for global careers in international law, diplomacy, international relations, security and defence.
In the current era of dynamic political forces and globalization, cooperative measures in politics and international security are at the forefront of global policy. With increased trade and communication across different channels and platforms, individuals with diplomatic competence and an international outlook are in high demand to address the many constant political and legal challenges. Diplomacy is a key skill, imperative to mediate conflicts and to regulate the escalating matters between states and major international actors. The various cultural, economic, historical, legal and political factors at play make this field a compelling career choice for astute and ambitious leaders, keen on peacefully shaping our world.
This multidisciplinary program introduces students to the frameworks and processes underlying international relations. You will learn the key intellectual tools that expose you to contemporary international relations. Specialist study modules focus on the forms of organization, dispute settlement, the law of treaties, law of the sea and rules governing diplomatic relations.
Additionally, you 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 working knowledge of tried and tested diplomatic techniques.
Students will additionally be introduced to the history of national and international security within a multidisciplinary framework. You will learn key tools about war mechanisms, security policies and doctrines to better understand defense issues in today’s world. It allows students to acquire theoretical and technical knowledge, along with an overall vision of the issues involved in defense, peacekeeping, intelligence services, international security and diplomacy. Starting from History of intelligence and national security, Geopolitics of conflicts, to the modern question of Cybersecurity. These major themes are taught to a very high level of expertise by academics and practitioners related to international military institutions.
Our faculty is composed of professors and law professionals from Université Paris Cité and from other prestigious European universities and academic institutions who have achieved worldwide acclaim. Highly specialized experts, diplomats and military experts will contribute to our students strategic thinking and planning.
With the participation of :
- Professor Frederic Charillon, Science politique, Université Paris Cité
- Erik Franckx, Professeur à la Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- Professeur invité à la Universiteit Gent
- Professeur honoraire à l’Université Nelson Mandela, Port Elizabeth, Afrique du Sud
- Professeur émérite à l’Université libre de Bruxelles Ancien Président de la Société belge de droit international (2017-2022)
- H.E. Éric Danon (TBC), French Ambassador
- Amiral Alain Oudot de Dainville, Former Chief of Staff of the French Navy
- Amiral Christophe Prazuck, Former Chief of Staff of the French Navy relations.
Enhancing individual & national development
Within the next decade, the UAE is poised to dedicate its focus towards socio-economic sustainability. The curriculum at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will be crucial in creating and encouraging a new generation passionate about national and international political stability and to refine their skills and career potential to complement the country’s rapid and ambitious progress.
International recognition
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi provides the combined experience of Sorbonne University and Université Paris Cité. This rich heritage of joint excellence is now available in Abu Dhabi under the Ministry of Education and is recognized worldwide.
Networking
Each class will have a reduced number of students from different countries. A strict entry selection procedure will guarantee the quality of the degree and will allow you to expand your personal network with high potential peers.
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.
The degree in International Law, Spaces and Sovereignty is taught in English and covers a total of four semesters across two years. The exclusively designed course schedule includes evening classes in consideration of students who intend to combine their studies with work.
Master’s thesis
Students have a choice to submit an essay based on their internship or a research-based thesis. For students wishing to enroll in a PhD program, the Master’s thesis is compulsory
Internship
For non-working students, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi recommends completing an internship in the second year. The internship will encourage critical thinking and improve students’ reasoning abilities by blending academic theory with real life work experience. Students will benefit from a greater depth of experience working in a professional environment.
The internship also provides an excellent opportunity to gain crucial insights and improve access to various career opportunities in the region and beyond. Students will discover that this collaborative learning process can lead to enduring professional relationships, which will open doors and forge new career paths.
The first year of the programme is common for students aiming to study the Master in International Law, International Relations and Diplomacy and the Master in Defence and International Security.
Year 1
Semester 1 / BLOC 1 – Remedial courses
| Modules | Courses |
|---|---|
| UE 1 Introduction to international relations |
|
| BLOC 2 – Specialised courses | |
| UE 2 – Legal international structures |
|
| Semester 2 / BLOC 1 – Fundamental courses | |
| UE 1 – General public law |
|
| BLOC 2 – Specialized courses | |
| UE 2 – International stakeholders |
|
Year 2
Semester 1 / BLOC 1 – Fundamental courses
| Modules | Courses |
|---|---|
| UE 1 – Diplomacy and international security |
|
| UE 2 – UE Sovereign issues and industries |
|
| UE 3 – Elective courses (1 choice out of 2) |
|
| BLOC 2 – Methodology | |
| UE 4 – Research methodology |
|
Semester 2
| Modules | Courses |
|---|---|
| UE 1 – International governance |
|
| UE 2 – Maritime issues |
|
| UE 3 – Elective courses (2 choices out of 5) : Sovereign issues and industries 2 |
|
| BLOC 2 – Research | |
| UE 4 – Final master project (1 choice out of 2) |
|
Admission to our master’s programs is selective and competitive and each applicant will be considered on his/her own merit. Our admissions process ensures that every course has an ideal mix of people with talent, impressive interpersonal skills and a positive attitude.
General entry requirements
- 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, Native English speaker who completed 3 full years in an English-medium institution within a maximum period of 3 years or equivalent
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.
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is committed to considering applications from all students regardless of their country of origin, income, gender, religion or physical condition.
Assessment & graduation requirements
Throughout the year, there will be frequent assessments and evaluations. Students will be evaluated on individual assignments, internships presentations, reports and examinations, which usually take place at the end of each course. Attendance to all classes is mandatory and it is important that students are punctual and comply with university regulations at all times.
|
• 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
There are abundant and rewarding opportunities at a regional and global level for our graduates. This program exceptionally prepares students for careers in international diplomacy, governmental and nongovernmental organizations, public administration, think tanks, 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 as well as planning careers in the fields of national security policy, international security affairs, defense analysis, arms control, and education.
At the end of their studies at SUAD (Master 2 required), students can 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. With the Master International Law, Spaces and Sovereignty, students also have the opportunity of pursuing a Ph.D.
