ILSPSD
Master's in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development (ILSPSD)
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programme
The two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development (ILSPSD) addresses global challenges at the intersection of international law and international relations, focusing on security, peace and sustainability.
Bringing together six European higher education institutions and 30 associated partners worldwide, the programme aims to train future lawyers and policymakers capable of addressing complex global issues such as international conflicts, security, sustainable development and human rights.
As one of the institutions responsible for the academic development of the programme, NOVA School of Law is part of this international consortium, contributing its recognised expertise in the areas of international law, global security and human rights. The school offers a specialised track in Globalisation, Law and Security, combining a strong practical element with access to international networks, research opportunities, and internship possibilities. This provides students with an international, interdisciplinary academic framework geared towards critically analysing contemporary legal and political challenges.
Programme objectives
The ILSPSD trains professionals capable of working at the intersection of international law, global security, peace, and sustainable development, combining a solid legal foundation with political, social, and environmental perspectives.
The programme’s main objectives include:
- Developing advanced skills in international law, including regimes applicable to armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, and conflict resolution mechanisms;
- Promoting an interdisciplinary approach by integrating international relations, public policy, human rights and sustainability.
- Empowering students to analyse contemporary global challenges such as migration, cybersecurity, climate change, and global inequality.
- Articulating theory and practice through international mobility, applied projects, advanced seminars, and research or internship opportunities.
- Preparing professionals for international careers with critical thinking and leadership skills and the ability to work in global organisations.
For more information, visit the official website of the ILSPSD Consortium.
Structure and Mobility
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development comprises four semesters., which are distributed across different institutions in the consortium. This allows students to acquire advanced academic training and extensive international experience.
The academic programme includes:
- First semester: all students attend Leuphana University of Lüneburg (LL.M. or M.A. in ILSPSD).
- The second semester involves studies at the Barcelona Institute of International Studies, focusing on international security theories.
- In the third semester, students choose one of the partner universities to follow a specialisation track, including:
- University of Glasgow: International Law and International Security
- Université Libre de Bruxelles: Security and Conflict
- University of Tartu – International Law and Human Rights
- At NOVA School of Law, students can opt for the Globalisation, Law and Security track, which includes practical training, legal laboratories, participation in research projects and connections to international networks.
- In the fourth semester, students write a final dissertation at the same institution as in the third semester, under the guidance of consortium faculty.
Mobility is mandatory and structured to ensure that all students experience mobility in at least three consortium institutions over the 24 months of the programme. This allows them to benefit from diverse academic perspectives, international teaching teams and opportunities for professional integration in different contexts.
For detailed information on the programme structure, study paths and modules, please visit the official ILSPSD Consortium website.
Admissions
Candidates wishing to apply for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development (ILSPSD) must have completed a recognised bachelor’s degree that qualifies them for master’s studies in the country where the degree was obtained. They must also demonstrate proficiency in English.
Applications can be made either as an Erasmus Mundus scholarship student or as a non-scholarship student; different procedures apply to each category.
Applications for the current programme are now open, in accordance with the consortium’s defined calendar. Applications must be submitted exclusively via the programme’s official website, where you can also find detailed information on admission requirements, procedures, deadlines and tuition fees: https://master-international-law-erasmusmundus.eu/.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition fees:
Tuition fees are set annually by the consortium and cover enrolment, as well as access to the infrastructure and services of partner universities.
Find out more about tuition fees: https://master-international-law-erasmusmundus.eu/tuition-fees/
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
The programme offers full Erasmus Mundus scholarships, which cover tuition fees and contribute towards living costs, travel, accommodation and health insurance.
Applications for scholarships are made using the same form as programme applications and there is no separate process.
For detailed information on the selection criteria, the number of scholarships available and the deadlines, please see: https://master-international-law-erasmusmundus.eu/step-by-step-application-guide/
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development (ILSPSD) acquire the legal, political and analytical skills necessary for working in complex, multidisciplinary international contexts.
The programme prepares graduates for careers in international organisations, governments, non-governmental organisations, research centres and companies with global operations.
Main career areas:
- International organisations (UN, European Union, Council of Europe, OSCE, etc.);
- Ministries and government agencies (foreign affairs, defence, migration, environment, international development);
- Non-governmental and humanitarian organisations working in areas such as human rights, refugees, peacebuilding and sustainable development.
- Think tanks and research centres specialising in areas such as international security, public policy and global governance
- The international private sector, including consultancy in political risk, compliance, ESG and sustainability.
- Academic careers through further study at PhD level.
Key skills developed
- Interpretation and application of international law in contexts of conflict, crisis and global governance.
- Political and strategic analysis in security, peace and development;
Interdisciplinary and intercultural work enhanced by international mobility. - Advanced research skills and critical knowledge production.
- Leadership and decision-making skills in global environments.
Applications and Deadlines
Applications for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development (ILSPSD) are made entirely online using the form provided by the consortium. Applications open annually and follow a common calendar for all partner institutions.
Applications for the current edition are now open. Submissions must be made exclusively through the programme’s official portal.
For details on deadlines, requirements and procedures, please visit:
https://master-international-law-erasmusmundus.eu/step-by-step-application-guide/
Coordination
The programme’s academic coordination is overseen by an international consortium led by Leuphana University of Lüneburg. NOVA School of Law is responsible for the Globalisation, Law and Security specialisation track.
Coordination at NOVA School of Law
Felipe Pathé Duarte
Laura Íñigo Álvarez
