Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development 2027–2029: Scholarships to Study Across Europe
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development (ILSPSD) is a two-year international master’s programme designed for students who want to develop advanced expertise at the intersection of international law, security, peace, sustainability, politics and global governance.
The programme brings together six European degree-awarding higher education institutions and a wider network of 30 associate partners to prepare the next generation of international lawyers, policymakers and professionals capable of addressing complex global challenges.
For the 2027–2029 intake, prospective students can apply either for an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) Scholarship or as self-funded students. The scholarship application deadline is 4 January 2027 at 23:59 CET, while self-funded applications remain open until 31 March 2027 at 23:59 CEST.
The programme is particularly distinctive because students do not remain at a single university throughout their studies. Instead, mobility is central to the programme, with students studying in three or more countries over 24 months and completing different components of the programme at participating European institutions.
What Is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development?
The ILSPSD programme was established in response to the increasingly interconnected challenges facing the international community.
Contemporary global challenges such as armed conflict, terrorism, forced migration, climate change, biodiversity loss, hybrid threats and democratic backsliding often overlap rather than occur independently. The programme describes these interconnected challenges as contributing to a global “polycrisis” that creates significant challenges for security, peace and sustainable development.
Addressing such challenges requires professionals who can understand more than one dimension of an international problem.
For example, a contemporary conflict may involve:
- International and domestic law
- Human rights
- Security concerns
- Political institutions
- International organizations
- Migration and displacement
- Environmental pressures
- Economic development
- Sustainability
- Global governance
The ILSPSD programme therefore adopts a multidisciplinary approach that combines international law with politics, sustainability and security studies.
Its objective is to equip students with the knowledge and analytical skills required to understand and contribute to solutions for complex global problems.
A Two-Year International Master’s Programme
The ILSPSD is a 24-month, full-time master’s programme with an October intake.
One of its defining features is international mobility.
Rather than completing the entire degree at one institution, students move between participating European universities as they progress through different stages of the curriculum.
According to the programme, students study in three or more countries during the 24-month programme.
This structure allows students to experience different academic environments, legal traditions, policy perspectives and European contexts.
For students interested in international careers, the mobility component can also provide an opportunity to develop an international professional and academic network.
The Six European Degree-Awarding Universities
The programme is delivered through a consortium of six European degree-awarding partner institutions.
The participating universities are:
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Germany
- Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals (IBEI), Spain
- University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Université libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
- Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal
- University of Tartu, Estonia
The programme also has a network of 30 associate partners, extending its academic and professional connections beyond the six degree-awarding institutions.
The participating institutions bring different academic strengths and international perspectives to the joint programme.
How the ILSPSD Programme Is Structured
The programme begins at Leuphana University of Lüneburg, 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, where they study Theories of International Security.
After this foundation, students choose from four specialization tracks.
1. International Law and International Security
This specialization is offered at the University of Glasgow.
It is designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of the relationship between international law and international security.
2. Security and Conflict
This track is offered at the Université libre de Bruxelles.
It provides an opportunity to focus more closely on issues surrounding security and conflict.
3. Globalization, Law and Security
This specialization is offered at Universidade NOVA de Lisboa.
It provides a focus on the relationship between globalization, law and security in an increasingly interconnected world.
4. International Law and Human Rights
This specialization is offered at the University of Tartu.
Students choosing this pathway can develop deeper expertise in international law and human rights.
The four tracks give students an opportunity to shape their studies according to their academic interests and professional ambitions.
Final Semester: Research Dissertation and Work Placement
The final semester of the programme is dedicated to a research dissertation.
Students also have the option of completing a work placement, providing an opportunity to connect their academic training with practical professional experience.
The dissertation component allows students to undertake independent research on an issue related to the programme’s broader areas of law, security, peace and sustainable development.
For students planning careers in research, academia, policy analysis or international organizations, this research component can be particularly valuable.
Practical and Experiential Learning
The ILSPSD programme extends beyond traditional classroom teaching.
Students can benefit from several practical and experiential learning opportunities, including:
- Summer schools
- Legal clinics
- Guest lectures
- Direct interaction with practitioners
- Optional work placements
- International academic mobility
- Research dissertation work
These activities are designed to complement formal academic study with practical exposure to professional environments.
The programme therefore combines academic knowledge with opportunities to engage with professionals and real-world issues.
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Global Challenges
One of the strongest features of the ILSPSD programme is its interdisciplinary structure.
International problems rarely fit neatly within one academic discipline. A security crisis may have legal, political, economic, environmental and humanitarian dimensions.
The programme consequently integrates:
- International law
- International security
- Peace studies
- Politics
- Sustainability
- Human rights
- Globalization
- Conflict studies
- Global governance
The programme describes its approach as a holistic combination of law, politics, security and sustainability, supported by international mobility and hands-on experience.
This interdisciplinary foundation can be particularly useful for students who want to work on complex international issues rather than specialize exclusively in one narrow field.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Opportunity
The ILSPSD programme offers applicants the opportunity to apply for an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship for the 2027–2029 intake.
The programme website states that there are 70 Erasmus Mundus scholarships associated with the programme.
Applicants can choose between applying for the scholarship route or applying as self-funded students.
The two routes have different application deadlines.
EMJM Scholarship Deadline
The application platform for the 2027–2029 intake with an EMJM Scholarship is open until:
4 January 2027 at 23:59 CET.
Self-Funded Application Deadline
Students who intend to fund their studies themselves can apply until:
31 March 2027 at 23:59 CEST.
Applicants interested in scholarship funding should therefore pay particular attention to the earlier January deadline.
What Students Can Gain From the Programme
The ILSPSD programme is designed to prepare graduates for careers that require an understanding of international law, global security, peace and sustainable development.
The programme identifies potential career pathways including:
- International courts
- International organizations
- European Union institutions
- Government ministries
- Government agencies
- Non-governmental organizations
- Think tanks
- International policy environments
- Other organizations involved in global affairs
Graduates can develop multidisciplinary expertise, practical experience and an international professional network.
The programme’s emphasis on the intersection of law, security, peace and sustainability can therefore be relevant to students interested in international careers.
International Mobility and Global Networking
International mobility is not simply an additional feature of ILSPSD; it is central to the programme.
Students study in at least three countries during their two years and interact with students, academics and practitioners from different backgrounds.
This can help students develop:
- Cross-cultural communication skills
- International academic networks
- Exposure to different legal and political systems
- Understanding of European and international policy environments
- Professional connections across countries
- Adaptability in different academic and cultural settings
For students seeking careers in international organizations, diplomacy, global policy or international law, such exposure can be particularly relevant.
The Six Partner Universities
Leuphana University of Lüneburg
Leuphana University of Lüneburg is located in Germany and is described by the programme as a modern, innovative and internationally oriented university. It serves as the starting point for the programme’s academic journey.
Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals
The Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals, or IBEI, is presented as an internationally recognized academic and research centre. Students study Theories of International Security at this institution during the programme.
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow hosts the International Law and International Security specialization. Its international law school has a long academic history and teaches students from more than 140 countries.
Université libre de Bruxelles
The Université libre de Bruxelles hosts the Security and Conflict specialization. The university is described as multicultural, with approximately one-third of its students and researchers coming from abroad.
Universidade NOVA de Lisboa
Universidade NOVA de Lisboa hosts the Globalization, Law and Security specialization. The university emphasizes creative teaching and research and aims to create value for society.
University of Tartu
The University of Tartu hosts the International Law and Human Rights specialization. Established in 1632, it is described by the programme as Estonia’s leading centre for research and training.
Who Should Consider the ILSPSD Programme?
The programme is particularly relevant for prospective master’s students who are interested in the relationship between law, security, peace and sustainable development.
Potential applicants may be interested in areas such as:
- International law
- International security
- Human rights
- Peace and conflict
- International relations
- Global governance
- Sustainable development
- International politics
- European affairs
- Security studies
- Diplomacy
- Policy development
The programme’s multidisciplinary structure means that students interested in the broader relationship between legal, political and security systems may find it especially relevant.
Preparing for the Application
The programme strongly advises prospective students to read the Step-by-Step Application Guide carefully before starting their application.
Applicants should therefore avoid beginning the application process without first reviewing the official instructions.
A sensible preparation process includes:
- Reviewing the programme structure and specialization tracks.
- Understanding the difference between the scholarship and self-funded application routes.
- Reviewing the entry requirements.
- Studying the application guide carefully.
- Identifying the specialization that best matches academic and career goals.
- Preparing application materials well before the deadline.
- Checking the appropriate deadline for the intended funding route.
- Submitting the application through the designated platform.
Students seeking the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship should particularly prioritize the 4 January 2027 deadline because the self-funded deadline is later.
Scholarship Applicants Should Plan Early
The EMJM Scholarship deadline is significantly earlier than the self-funded application deadline.
This creates an important distinction for applicants:
Scholarship applicants: 4 January 2027, 23:59 CET
Self-funded applicants: 31 March 2027, 23:59 CEST
Students who need financial support should therefore not assume that they can wait until the March deadline. The January deadline is the relevant date for the EMJM Scholarship application.
A Programme Designed for the Future of Global Governance
The challenges facing the international community are increasingly interconnected.
Conflict can influence migration. Climate change can intensify resource pressures. Political instability can affect development. Environmental degradation can create security concerns. Technological and hybrid threats can create new challenges for states and international institutions.
The ILSPSD programme is designed around precisely this type of interconnected problem.
By bringing together law, security, politics and sustainability, the programme seeks to prepare students to understand complex global challenges and contribute to solutions.
The programme’s emphasis on training the next generation of lawyers and policymakers reflects its broader objective of developing professionals who can operate across disciplinary and national boundaries.
Career Prospects After Graduation
Graduates can use the knowledge and experience gained from ILSPSD in a range of international and policy-oriented careers.
Potential professional environments include:
International Courts and Legal Institutions
Students specializing in international law and human rights may find the programme relevant to careers involving international legal institutions and related organizations.
International Organizations
The programme’s focus on global governance, peace, security and sustainable development can provide relevant preparation for work in international organizations.
European Union Institutions
The programme’s European mobility and focus on international governance can be useful for students interested in European policy and institutional environments.
Government Ministries and Agencies
Graduates may apply their policy, legal and analytical skills in government ministries and agencies working on foreign affairs, security, development, justice or related policy areas.
NGOs and Civil Society Organizations
Organizations working on human rights, peacebuilding, conflict, migration, sustainability and international development can also benefit from professionals with interdisciplinary expertise.
Think Tanks and Research Organizations
The research dissertation and analytical foundation can provide useful preparation for policy research and think-tank environments.
The programme itself identifies international courts and organizations, the EU, ministries, government agencies, NGOs and think tanks among the potential professional destinations for graduates.
Key Facts About the ILSPSD 2027–2029 Intake
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development |
| Duration | 24 months |
| Study format | Full-time |
| Intake | October |
| 2027–2029 intake | Second intake |
| Erasmus Mundus scholarships | 70 |
| Degree-awarding institutions | 6 |
| Associate partners | 30 |
| Study locations | Three or more countries |
| Scholarship application deadline | 4 January 2027, 23:59 CET |
| Self-funded deadline | 31 March 2027, 23:59 CEST |
| Specialization tracks | 4 |
| Final semester | Research dissertation and optional work placement |
The programme’s official information confirms the 24-month full-time structure, six degree-awarding partners, 30 associate partners and 70 Erasmus Mundus scholarships.
How to Apply
Prospective students can apply through the programme’s official application platforms.
For students seeking an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship, the application deadline is 4 January 2027 at 23:59 CET.
Students applying as self-funded candidates have until 31 March 2027 at 23:59 CEST.
The programme specifically advises applicants to carefully read the Step-by-Step Application Guide before beginning the application.
Conclusion
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development 2027–2029 offers an international and multidisciplinary master’s experience for students interested in the increasingly important relationship between law, peace, security and sustainable development.
Its structure distinguishes it from a conventional master’s programme. Students study across three or more European countries, begin their academic journey at Leuphana University of Lüneburg, continue at the Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals, and then specialize at one of four partner universities in Glasgow, Brussels, Lisbon or Tartu.
Beyond academic coursework, the programme incorporates research, legal clinics, summer schools, guest lectures, practitioner engagement and an optional work placement. Students also complete a research dissertation during their final semester.
With 70 Erasmus Mundus scholarships available through the programme and an application deadline of 4 January 2027 at 23:59 CET for scholarship applicants, prospective students who require financial support should begin preparing early. Self-funded applicants have a later deadline of 31 March 2027 at 23:59 CEST.
For aspiring international lawyers, policymakers, researchers and professionals interested in global affairs, the ILSPSD programme provides an opportunity to build multidisciplinary expertise, gain international academic experience and develop networks across Europe.
Prospective applicants should carefully review the official entry requirements and step-by-step application guide before submitting an application.
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