Overview This Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's programme combines international law, sustainability and international relations into a multidisciplinary curriculum focused on global security, peace and sustainable development. The course takes a comprehensive approach to contemporary legal challenges at the intersection of security and development, preparing you to analyse and respond to complex transnational problems.
Taught in English and delivered by a consortium of partner institutions, the programme emphasizes cutting-edge teaching across legal, political and policy perspectives. On successful completion you receive a joint degree in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development awarded by Leuphana University Lüneburg and the Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals (IBEI), together with a third partner university chosen as part of the consortium arrangement.
Why this matters for international students Studying in this Erasmus Mundus programme offers exposure to multiple academic environments and a clearly international cohort, which can broaden professional networks and perspectives relevant for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, research and policy-making on security and sustainable development. The English-language instruction makes the programme accessible to a wide international applicant pool.
Key facts and admission notes
This curriculum is organised across four consecutive semesters at partner institutions, combining a shared core foundation with a specialist pathway and a final research thesis. You begin at Leuphana University Lüneburg, where the programme grounds you in the legal dimensions of security, peace and sustainable development. In the second semester you move to the Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals (IBEI) to study theoretical approaches to international security, preparing you to apply conceptual frameworks to real-world legal questions.
In the third semester you join one of the partner universities to follow a tailored study track that deepens a specific area of expertise: University of Glasgow (International Law & International Security), Université Libre de Bruxelles (Security & Conflict), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (Globalisation, Law & Security), or University of Tartu (International Law & Human Rights). The fourth semester is spent at that same institution producing your Master’s thesis, enabling focused research under the supervision of faculty familiar with your chosen specialisation.
Key learning outcomes include mastery of international legal regimes governing security, peacebuilding and sustainable development; ability to critically evaluate and apply theories of international security; specialised competence in one of the programme’s elective tracks; and independent research skills demonstrated through a substantive master’s thesis. The programme also develops comparative and interdisciplinary perspectives, cross-jurisdictional analysis skills, and professional networks across several European institutions.
Requirements and structure (concise)
The consortium’s website contains the definitive and most up-to-date list of admission requirements and application instructions for this Erasmus Mundus Joint Master. International applicants should consult that site first, since it will detail eligibility rules, document checklists, deadlines, application procedures and any programme-specific conditions.
Before applying, review the consortium pages carefully and prepare accordingly—documents often need certified copies and official translations, and processing times (for admission, scholarships and visas) can be significant. If anything is unclear, contact the consortium’s admissions team directly via the contact information provided on their site.
Key items to check on the consortium website:
Winter Semester (International)
Please check the following website for details on scholarship and programme application deadlines:https://master-international-law-erasmusmundus.eu/step-by-step-application-guide/
Graduates are prepared for careers that require expertise in international law and security, such as positions in international organisations, governmental and diplomatic services, NGOs, policy and advocacy groups, and research institutes. The combination of legal training, security studies and practical intercultural experience also supports progression to doctoral studies or legal practice with an international focus.
Mobility through partner universities and exposure to multiple legal and political traditions enhance employability in transnational roles and international networks across Europe and beyond.
University of Mannheim — Mannheim
University of Hamburg — Hamburg
Goethe University Frankfurt — Frankfurt am Main
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin — Berlin