This program is offered at the ELGS campus in Cascais, Portugal.
The Program
This newly founded one-year ELGS degree program offers a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks, principles and practices governing International Organizations.
Developed by the European Public Law Organization (EPLO), an international organization, this program aims to share the knowledge and expertise accumulated over nearly 20 years of its involvement in the fields of international law and diplomacy.
The curriculum covers critical topics, including international organizations (such as the UN, EU, African Union, WTO), institutional frameworks, dispute resolution mechanisms, human rights law, international economic law, and the evolving role of international organizations in global governance. This LLM provides students with the necessary tools to navigate the complex legal environments of these organizations, understanding the intricate balance between international organizations, diplomacy, and state sovereignty.
The program is delivered in English through a combination of lectures, case studies, and field visits, ensuring that students are exposed to the practical workings of international institutions. Field visits to key institutions in Lisbon, including the European Union institutions, the Council of Europe, and the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, further enrich this hands-on learning experience.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Understand the legal frameworks and principles governing international organizations;
- Analyze the role of international organizations in addressing global challenges;
- Develop practical skills in legal research, drafting, and dispute resolution;
- Gain specialized knowledge in areas such as human rights, environmental law, or economic law;
- Be prepared for careers in international organizations, legal practice, academia, or diplomacy.
To whom it is addressed
Whether you are a recent graduate in law, international relations, or political science, or a legal professional, policy maker, researcher, or a professional working in an international environment, the LLM in International Organizations will equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex legal landscape of international institutions. Through rigorous academic training and practical insights, you will be prepared to tackle global challenges, advocate for justice, and contribute to the development of international law.
It is ideal for:
- Law graduates
- Legal professionals
- International Relations Graduates and Professionals
- Researchers and academics
- Policy Makers and Diplomats
- NGO and Civil Society Professionals
Study Options:
- One-year taught program in Cascais at the EPLO/ELGS premises followed by one semester of independent research.
Program Benefits
The program is not only created by an International Organization -EPLO- but is also supported by the expansive ELGS International Faculty network of over 100 legal and governance scholars and practitioners worldwide, the ELGS’ Partner Universities across Europe and the world, and the EPLO itself.
The program, which takes place in Cascais, Portugal, emphasizes academic excellence and practical experience to ensure graduates are ready to navigate the complex legal frameworks that govern these entities. Due to its strategic location near Lisbon, it provides an ideal setting for international legal studies. Rich in history and culture, Cascais is also a hub for international diplomacy, offering students unique opportunities to engage with global legal practitioners, diplomats, and policymakers.
Key benefits also include:
- Students can have access to the EPLO contacts & networks, functions, events, and seminars.
- Students will participate in hands-on learning experiences, including:
- Case studies focusing on the legal challenges faced by organizations
- Simulations such as drafting international agreements, mediating disputes, or presenting arguments before a mock international court.
- Workshops to build specialized skills in advocacy, negotiation, and legal drafting for global contexts.
Bridging Theory with Practice
- Students will be able to
- Understand the legal frameworks and governance structures of international organizations.
- Develop strategies to address challenges faced by these organizations in a rapidly changing world.
Career-Ready Preparation
- Graduates will emerge well-prepared for diverse and competitive roles, including:
- Legal counsel for international organizations (e.g., International Criminal Court, World Trade Organization).
- Policy advisors in intergovernmental bodies and think tanks.
- Consultants on international law and governance for multinational corporations and law firms.
- Specialists in dispute resolution, arbitration, and international compliance.
Program Content
The LL.M. in International Organizations is a one year taught degree program with a thesis requirement, earning a total of 90 ECTS credits. An internship at the EPLO is optional and can be offered upon a selection process. Courses are led by key academics and practitioners in their fields, and delivered through lectures and interactive tutorials.
Students must successfully complete 6 compulsory modules and 2 optional modules, followed by a 15,000-word thesis.
The list of available courses is as follows:
Courses
Diplomacy and International Organizations (compulsory)
This course introduces students to the principles, practices, and challenges of diplomacy related to international organizations (IOs). It explores the role of diplomacy in fostering cooperation, resolving disputes, and achieving global governance goals. Students will examine the structure and functions of IOs, the intersection of state interests and multilateral diplomacy, and the challenges posed by globalization and shifting power dynamics.
The Law of the United Nations (compulsory)
This course examines the legal framework of the United Nations (UN), focusing on its Charter, organs, and functions. Students will explore the UN’s role in maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights, and advancing sustainable development. Topics include the legal principles governing the use of force, the powers and limitations of the Security Council, and the relationship between the UN and international law. The course incorporates case studies of UN interventions and initiatives, providing students with a practical understanding of its legal and operational challenges.
Diplomatic and Consular Law (compulsory)
The course provides an in-depth analysis of the legal principles governing diplomatic and consular relations. Students will study the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations, focusing on the privileges and immunities of diplomats and consular officials, the functions of diplomatic missions, and the legal protections afforded to them. The course also addresses contemporary issues such as the role of diplomacy in conflict resolution, diplomatic immunity controversies, and the evolving practices of consular assistance in a globalized world.
Conflict resolution & Crisis management through IOs (compulsory)
This course explores the role of IOs in conflict resolution and crisis management. Students will learn how IOs mediate disputes, deploy peacekeeping missions, and implement diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian strategies to manage crises. The module also examines the effectiveness and limitations of IOs in preventing and mitigating global conflicts. Through simulations, policy analysis, and critical discussions, students will develop a nuanced understanding of the political, legal, and ethical challenges involved in global crisis management.
Regional Integration Organizations (compulsory)
The course examines the legal, economic, and political dimensions of regional integration organizations, such as the European Union (EU), the African Union (AU), and ASEAN. Students will study the institutions underpinning regional cooperation, the challenges of policy harmonization, and the impact of regional organizations on global governance. Topics include trade liberalization, regional security, and human rights protection, with a focus on comparative analysis and case studies of integration successes and setbacks.
The International Civil Service as a career path (compulsory)
This seminar-based course offers an in-depth exploration of the international civil service, drawing on the insights of experts with practical experience in international and regional organizations. Through interactive discussions, guest lectures, and case studies, students will examine the legal, ethical, and operational dimensions of working in international governance. Topics include recruitment processes, institutional structures, policy implementation, diplomatic challenges, and the evolving role of international civil servants in a complex global landscape. By engaging directly with practitioners, students will gain first-hand perspectives on career pathways, bureaucratic dynamics, and the impact of international civil servants on global policymaking.
Skills Course I & II (elective)
The course will run throughout the academic year and will be consist of two parts. The first one, running in the Fall term, aims at providing students with the necessary skills to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses in the use of quantitative research methods and how to apply the appropriate ones according to the research demands. The second part of the course aims at familiarizing students with qualitative research methods such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participant-observation, as well as with research design, ethical issues, data analysis, and preparation of findings for publication.
The second part, which will take place in the Spring semester, introduces students to rhetorical and strategic skills. This course will be based on a mock trial competition, demanding active student participation. Moreover, the course aims to develop critical, listening, writing, and organizational skills, as well as build transferable skills such as teamwork and public speaking, which will enable students to achieve their goals, adapt faster in a future work environment and excel in whatever career they choose to follow after graduation.
Admissions Requirements and Procedures
Academic Requirements
Students are admitted following a rigorous application process. Prospective students for the LL.M. in International Organizations should have an undergraduate degree in law, governance or a relevant field of studies, or a Master’s degree in a relevant field. Highly qualified students with a background in a different field of studies or that have a particularly competitive profile with relevant professional experience and long-term dedication to the field will also be considered. Due to the international nature of the program, degree equivalencies will be determined by the Faculty Board.
Language Requirements
All courses of the program will be taught in English and non-native speakers must prove their proficiency in accordance with the following:
- TOEFL Internet, Score of 90 or above
- IELTS, 5.5
- Duolingo, 95
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency, Grade B or above
- Any other internationally recognized test with equivalent marks
Students intending to study at a partner institution for their second semester must clearly demonstrate their ability to attend courses in the relevant language of instruction at the host university they wish to attend.
Application
To apply for a program, students must first review the application form and its requirements to ensure the collection of appropriate material.
By the time they have gathered all documentation, they should proceed with payment of the one-time application fee either at the relevant online portal or via a bank transfer.
Students should always add their surname, initial letter of their first name and Degree title in the deposit description. They can then proceed with their application which can only be conducted online and submit it along with the supporting documentation, listed below.
Students applying for this program must select ‘Cascais’ when asked to.
All support documents must be in electronic format and uploaded to be sent with the application, except for the 2 reference letters, which should be emailed directly from Referees to admissions at info@elgs.eu.
Students may be invited to be interviewed.
Deadline
Tuition and Aid
Tuition for both EU and International students for the LL.M. in International Organizations program is 5.600 euros.
Please be advised that there are other direct and indirect costs related to attendance, in addition to tuition fees, such as books, supplies, accommodation and living expenses which must be taken into consideration by students when applying.
Scholarships are available for a select number of students and take into consideration merit. If you are interested in receiving a scholarship, the appropriate box should be selected on the application form and a 400–600-word personal statement must be submitted, outlining the ways in which you satisfy the criteria.