Masters in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programme
Tackle global challenges at the intersection of international law and international relations, with a focus on security, peace and sustainability with the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development (ILSPSD). This multidisciplinary two-year programme unites six European Higher Education Institutions and associate 30 partners worldwide to train future lawyers and policy-makers.
Through study and mobility across several countries, students gain a deep understanding of international law, politics, and sustainability. Combining theory with practical experience, the ILSPSD prepares graduates for careers and leadership in international organisations, governments, NGOs, and beyond.
For detailed information, please visit the ILSPSD Consortium website.
©Leuphana
©Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals
©University of Glasgow
©Université libre de Bruxelles
©Universidade NOVA de Lisboa
©University of Tartu
At a Glance
- Degrees awarded: Joint, double or multiple degrees depending on the partner institution you choose for Semester 3. For a detailed overview of degree combinations, see website of the Consortium
- Highlights: Multidisciplinary programme at the forefront of international law, security, peace, and sustainability; study across leading European universities with extensive mobility opportunities; comprehensive multidegree combining international law, sustainability, peace, security, and human rights; enriched by summer schools, guest lectures, legal clinics, internships, and practitioner engagement; prepares future leaders for complex global challenges in law and international affairs
- Is aimed at: Graduates of law or other disciplines (e.g. European Studies, International Relations, War Studies, Political Science) as long as they aquired enough ECTS from the area of law
- Application deadline: see website of the Consortium
- Application via: Website of the Consortium
- Start date: October 2026
- Extent: 120 ECTS
- Duration: 4 semesters
- Language: English
- Location: Lüneburg (semester 1), Barcelona (semester 2) and Glasgow, Brussels, Lisbon or Tartu, depending on your choice (semester 3 and 4)
- Tuition fees: Please note that there are tuition fees for this programme. For further information please visit the website of the Consortium
©European Union
International Law of Security, Peace & Sustainable Development - The Programme
Content
This programme stands at the forefront of innovative legal education with its multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach to the international law of security, peace, and sustainable development. As part of an integrated, team-delivered curriculum, students study at leading European universities and benefit from extensive mobility opportunities. The degree unites all major international legal regimes relevant to security, peace and sustainability, offering specialisations in human rights, international security, law and conflict, and law in globalized contexts.
Through summer schools, guest lectures, legal clinics, internships, and practitioner engagement, students gain both academic depth and practical experience. Designed for an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the programme equips graduates with the expertise and leadership skills needed to excel in international law and global affairs.
For detailed information, please visit the ILSPSD Consortium website.
Structure
All students of the ILSPSD spend Semester 1 at Leuphana University of Lüneburg (to pursue either an LL.M. or M.A. degree in International Law of Security, Peace & Sustainable Development) and Semester 2 at Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals (to study Theories of International Security).
Semester 3: Students select one of the semester 3 partners, which offer these study tracks:
- University of Glasgow International Law & International Security
- Université libre de Bruxelles: Security & Conflict
- Universidade NOVA de Lisboa: Globalization, Law & Security
- University of Tartu: International Law & Human Rights
Semester 4: Students remain at their respective semester 3 location to write their dissertation. Supervisor allocation will be based on staff subject background and research interests.
For detailed information on the structure of the programme, study tracks and modules, please visit the ILSPSD Consortium website.
Specifics
Dates of Studies
| Semester | Institution | Time Period (Subject to Change) | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leuphana University of Lüneburg | September | ILSPSD & International Orientation Week |
| October - January | Courses | ||
| 2 | Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals (IBEI) | February | Orientation Week |
| February - June | Courses | ||
| Mid-June - early September | Summer Break / Summer School | ||
| 3 | Chosen Partner University | September | Orientation Week |
| September - December | Courses | ||
| 4 | Chosen Partner University | January - August | Research Period for Master's Thesis |
©Leuphana/Jannis Muser
Study Regulations and Subject-Specific Schedule
The following link provides access to documents which set out the general conditions for examinations, an overview of the curriculum, as well as detailed and legally binding regulations.
General Assessment Regulations and the Subject-Specific Schedules
Programme Directors
Leuphana University of Lüneburg
Director
- Prof. Dr. Valentin Schatz
Co Director
- Prof. Dr. Jelena Bäumler
Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals (IBEI)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Robert Kissack
Université libre de Bruxelles
Prof. Dr. Vaios Koutroulis
University of Tartu
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Katre Luhamaa
University of Glasgow
Dr. Asli Ozcelik Olcay
Universidade NOVA de Lisboa
Dr. Laura Íñigo Álvarez
Dr Felipe Pathé Duarte
Career Prospects
This Master’s programme serves as a launchpad for a career in law, policy, and international relations. Students gain multidisciplinary expertise, transferable skills, and valuable professional experience through internships and work placements. Graduates are well prepared for roles in international organisations such as the United Nations, government ministries, and policy institutions at both global and national levels. The programme also provides a strong foundation for pursuing doctoral research and an academic career.
Admission Requirements and Application
In order to enrol in the ILSPSD, applicants need to have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (a minimum of 180 ECTS – within the European Higher Education Area – or its equivalent) from a fully accredited institution of higher education (within or outside the EHEA), provided that this undergraduate degree grants access to master’s level studies in the country in which the undergraduate degree diploma was issued. Applicants must have successfully completed 60 ECTS in relevant subjects, of which at least 30 ECTS must have been acquired in law. Beyond that, different requirements apply, depending on the study track the applicant wants to pursue.
All applicants must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of English, with the exception of native speakers and graduates of an undergraduate degree from a Institution in an English-speaking country.
You can apply as an Erasmus Mundus scholarship-funded student or as a self-funded student. There are separate application procedures for scholarship and self-funded students.
All applications for the ILSPSD programme and Erasmus Mundus scholarships must be submitted online to Leuphana. Applications are not accepted in any other way.
For detailed information on entry requirements, application and admission procedures and fees for the Masters in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development, please visit the ILSPSD Consortium website.
International Students
This study programme matches your interests? Then you will find further information for prospective international students on residence and social matters, such as visa, residence permit, health insurance or finding accommodation, on the following pages.
Please note that the information for incoming exchange students and international degree-seeking students differs slightly.
Contact and Counselling
First contact point
The Information Office (Infoportal) is your contact point for
- general information on the application procedure
- initial questions about the study programmes offered at Leuphana
- making an appointment with the Graduate School Student Counselling Service.
Information Office
Building 8, Ground Level
Fon +49.4131.677-2277
studierendenservice@leuphana.de
Campus opening hours
Mon - Thu 9.00 am - 4:00 pm
Fr 9.00 am - 12 noon
Student Counselling
To make an appointment with our Student Counselling Service, please use our booking tool on our website.