Direct answer
The University of Aberdeen offers an MSc International Relations and International Law as a distinct interdisciplinary pathway within the MSc International Relations programme. For 2026/27 entry, the standard academic requirement is a relevant Honours degree with a 2:2 standard from a recognised university. The official page does not publish a separate China-specific grade equivalency; applicants must use the country selector on the university’s entry requirements page to view the applicable conversion. The international tuition fee is £23,000, reduced to £15,000 for self-funded students who receive the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship. The minimum English language requirement is IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with no sub-skill below 5.5 in Listening and Speaking, and no sub-skill below 6.0 in Reading and Writing.
What the official page establishes
The MSc International Relations and International Law is described as a pathway that combines the study of global politics, diplomacy, security, and conflict with training in international law and human rights. The programme is available on campus full-time or part-time, with start dates in September and January. Duration is 12 or 24 months.
Academic entry requirements
Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:2 standard from a recognised university or body. The university also states that an applicant without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. The trajectory of results is taken into careful consideration; an applicant without an overall 2:2 but with 2:2 results in their final two years of study may be admitted.
China-specific entry requirements
The official programme page does not display a fixed China-specific grade equivalency. It provides a country and territory selector for applicants to view relevant entry requirements. The page instructs applicants to select their country or territory to obtain the applicable conversion. The exact Chinese qualification equivalency must be rechecked live using that selector.
English language requirements
The minimum English language scores for this degree are:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5, with Listening 5.5, Reading 6.0, Speaking 5.5, Writing 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 90, with Listening 17, Reading 21, Speaking 20, Writing 21.
- PTE Academic: Overall 62, with Listening 59, Reading 59, Speaking 59, Writing 59.
- Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: Overall 176, with Listening 162, Reading 169, Speaking 162, Writing 169.
Tuition fees and Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The published tuition fee for EU and international students for the 2026/27 academic year is £23,000. The official page states that the fee for self-funded students is £15,000, which includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply. The page does not state that the scholarship is guaranteed; it says all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive it, and directs applicants to the dedicated scholarship page for eligibility details.
Document requirements
Applicants must supply the following documentation as proof they meet the entry requirements:
- Degree Certificate showing qualifications.
- Degree Transcript showing all subjects studied and marks achieved, with an original and official English translation.
- Personal Statement explaining motivation for the programme.
- Two reference letters, one of which should be from the applicant’s university discussing academic ability. If the applicant has been out of education for a long time, current or recent employers or other professional individuals may be used.
What still requires live rechecking
The official page does not publish a static China-specific grade equivalency on the programme page itself. Applicants must use the country selector on the university’s entry requirements page to obtain the current conversion for Chinese qualifications. The exact terms and conditions of the Aberdeen Global Scholarship also require checking on the dedicated scholarship page, as the programme page states full terms and conditions apply.
FAQ
Is the MSc International Relations and International Law a separate degree from the MSc International Relations?
No. The official page describes it as a distinct and interdisciplinary pathway within the MSc International Relations programme.
What is the minimum UK degree classification required?
A relevant Honours degree with a 2:2 standard from a recognised university or body is normally expected.
Can I apply if I do not hold a 2:2 Honours degree?
Yes. The university states that applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. An applicant without an overall 2:2 but with 2:2 results in their final two years of study may also be admitted.
What is the international tuition fee for 2026/27?
The international tuition fee is £23,000. Self-funded students receive an £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship, reducing the fee to £15,000.
Does the £8,000 scholarship apply automatically?
The page states that all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive the scholarship. Full terms and conditions apply, and applicants should consult the dedicated scholarship page for eligibility details.
What IELTS score is required?
IELTS Academic overall 6.5, with Listening 5.5, Reading 6.0, Speaking 5.5, and Writing 6.0.
How many reference letters are required?
Two reference letters are required. One should be from the applicant’s university discussing academic ability.
Official sources
The information in this article is drawn exclusively from the University of Aberdeen’s official postgraduate taught degree programme page for International Relations, which includes the International Relations and International Law pathway: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/156/international-relations-and-international-law/
For broader context on UK higher education, see our related articles on the University of East London 2026 guide, the 2026 Russell Group agency recommendations, a geographic agency comparison, and a guide to agency fees and rankings.