Applications are open for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development (ILSPSD), a two-year international master’s programme designed to prepare the next generation of lawyers, policy-makers and professionals working at the intersection of international law, security, peace and sustainable development.
The programme brings together six European degree-awarding universities and 30 associate partners, giving students the opportunity to study across multiple European countries while developing multidisciplinary expertise in international law and global governance.
For the 2027–2029 intake, applicants can apply for an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) Scholarship or choose the self-funded route.
Programme Structure
The ILSPSD is a 24-month programme built around international mobility. Students study in three or more European countries during the programme.
The programme begins at Leuphana University of Lüneburg in Germany, where students study International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development through either an LL.M. or M.A. study track.
Students then continue to the Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals (IBEI) in Spain to study Theories of International Security.
During the specialisation stage, students choose one of four academic tracks:
- International Law and International Security – University of Glasgow
- Security and Conflict – Université libre de Bruxelles
- Globalization, Law and Security – Universidade NOVA de Lisboa
- International Law and Human Rights – University of Tartu
The final semester is dedicated to a research dissertation, with an optional work placement also available.
Areas of Study
The programme takes an interdisciplinary approach to major global challenges, including armed conflict, terrorism, forced migration, climate change, biodiversity loss, hybrid threats and challenges to democratic governance.
Students explore how international law interacts with:
- Peace and security
- International relations
- Sustainability
- Human rights
- Global governance
- Conflict and security
- International policy
- Climate and environmental challenges
The programme combines academic study with summer schools, legal clinics, guest lectures and interaction with practitioners.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
The programme offers 70 Erasmus Mundus scholarships as part of the current intake.
Applicants seeking an EMJM Scholarship must submit their applications by 4 January 2027 at 23:59 CET.
The scholarship route is separate from the self-funded application route, and applicants should carefully review the programme’s official application guide and scholarship requirements before submitting their application.
Self-Funded Applications
Applicants who do not apply for, or are not selected for, an Erasmus Mundus scholarship can apply as self-funded students.
The self-funded application deadline for the 2027–2029 intake is 31 March 2027 at 23:59 CEST.
Applicants should carefully consider the programme’s tuition and living costs and consult the official programme information for the applicable fees and financial requirements.
Career Opportunities
The ILSPSD is designed for students who want to develop careers involving international law, global governance, peace, security and sustainable development.
Graduates can pursue professional opportunities in areas such as:
- International courts and tribunals
- International organisations
- European Union institutions
- Government ministries and agencies
- Non-governmental organisations
- Think tanks
- International policy organisations
- Research and academia
- Human rights and humanitarian organisations
The programme’s international mobility also enables students to build professional and academic networks across multiple European countries.
Partner Universities
The six degree-awarding institutions participating in the consortium are:
Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Germany
Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals, Spain
University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
Université libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal
University of Tartu, Estonia
Together, these institutions provide the academic foundation and international mobility structure of the joint master’s programme.
How to Apply
Applicants should begin by carefully reviewing the official Step-by-Step Application Guide and the programme’s entry requirements.
Those seeking an Erasmus Mundus scholarship should select the EMJM Scholarship application route, while applicants intending to finance their studies independently should use the self-funded application route.
The programme advises applicants to review all requirements carefully before beginning the application.
How to Strengthen the Application
Applicants should demonstrate a clear academic and professional interest in the relationship between law, peace, security and sustainable development.
The application should present a coherent academic profile and explain how the multidisciplinary programme fits the applicant’s future career objectives.
Because mobility is central to the ILSPSD experience, applicants should also demonstrate their readiness to study in different European academic and cultural environments.
Applicants should ensure that all supporting documents are complete, accurate and submitted before the relevant deadline.
Why This Programme Is Valuable
The ILSPSD offers an international and multidisciplinary approach to some of the major challenges facing the global community. Instead of focusing exclusively on international law, the programme combines legal studies with politics, security, sustainability and international relations.
Its multi-country structure gives students exposure to several European higher education institutions while allowing them to specialise in areas such as international security, conflict, globalisation or human rights.
For students interested in international organisations, governments, NGOs, policy institutions, research or international legal careers, the programme provides a structured pathway for developing specialised knowledge and an international professional network.
Key Details
Programme: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development
Degree: LL.M. or M.A. study track
Duration: Two years
Intake: 2027–2029
Study locations: Three or more European countries
Degree-awarding partners: Six European universities
Associate partners: 30
Erasmus Mundus scholarships: 70
Scholarship application deadline: 4 January 2027, 23:59 CET
Self-funded deadline: 31 March 2027, 23:59 CEST
Study areas: International law, peace, security, sustainability, human rights and global governance
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
Interested applicants should review the official ILSPSD Step-by-Step Application Guide, entry requirements and scholarship information before submitting an application.
