Abu Dhabi University

What you'll study

The programme builds advanced knowledge of public law doctrines and their application across domestic, regional and international contexts. Core themes include constitutional law, administrative law, judicial review, public law remedies, and regulatory frameworks. Students also study public international law and human rights law, along with specialised topics such as constitutional design, public procurement law, anti-corruption law, and the interaction between Islamic law and modern public legal systems.

Teaching typically combines taught modules with a substantial research component or dissertation. Common modules and subjects include:

• Constitutional Law and Theory – separation of powers, constitutional interpretation, federalism and constitutional change.
• Administrative Law and Judicial Review – administrative decision-making, delegation, discretion, and remedies against public bodies.
• Public International Law & Human Rights – state responsibility, treaty law, regional human rights mechanisms and enforcement.
• Comparative Public Law – comparison of public law institutions and practices across jurisdictions, with attention to the Gulf and wider Middle East.
• Regulation, Governance and Public Policy – regulatory design, compliance, and the legal dimensions of public policy-making.
• Islamic Law and Public Institutions – interaction between Sharia principles and contemporary public legal systems (where offered).
• Research Methods and Legal Scholarship – methodologies for doctrinal and empirical legal research, culminating in a supervised dissertation or major research project.

Assessment is normally a mix of written assignments, case commentaries, exams, presentations and a final research thesis or capstone project. Practical learning may include moot activities, legal clinics, guest lectures from practitioners and engagement with public institutions.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised law degree (LLB or equivalent) or a related bachelor’s degree with relevant professional experience. Typical academic requirements include a good undergraduate degree in law; graduates with substantial legal or public-sector experience may also be considered.

Additional application requirements commonly include:

• Official transcripts and degree certificates from prior studies.
• A personal statement or statement of purpose explaining academic interests and career goals.
• A current curriculum vitae outlining professional and academic experience.
• Proof of English language proficiency if the applicant’s prior degree was not taught in English (accepted tests such as IELTS or TOEFL may be required).
• References or letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.

Meeting minimum entry criteria does not guarantee admission; selection typically considers academic record, relevant experience and the fit between the applicant’s goals and the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates of a Master of Public Law pursue careers across the public and private sectors. Common career paths include roles in government ministries and agencies, regulatory authorities, public prosecution services, and the judiciary. Graduates also work as in-house counsel for state-owned enterprises, policy advisers, compliance and regulatory specialists, and legal advisers to international organisations and non-governmental organisations.

The degree also prepares those interested in academia or legal research for doctoral study and teaching, and equips practising lawyers to take on more specialised public law litigation and advisory work.

Why study at Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi University offers regional insight into public law issues relevant to the UAE and the wider Middle East, taught by faculty with a blend of academic and professional experience. The university’s programmes emphasise applied learning, research supervision and links with local legal institutions, providing opportunities to engage with practitioners, regulators and government bodies.

Students benefit from campus facilities, a diverse student community and career services that support internships and employment connections in the region. The programme’s focus on comparative and international perspectives ensures graduates are prepared for public law work both locally and internationally.