Are you inquisitive, analytical and internationally-minded? Do you like coming up with creative solutions to complex legal questions? And can you see yourself providing clients with legal advice on European tenders, or migration to the EU? European Law School may be the programme you're looking for. It offers a broad range of courses on different areas of European law, such as competition law, criminal law, family law and financial regulation. You'll also be familiarised with the methods and content of legal argumentation. Upon graduation, your deep understanding of EU law will make you an excellent candidate for a legal position at an international organisation or a government institute. But your analytical skills and quick legal reasoning will also be an asset if you choose to pursue a career in national law.
The European Union has had a significant impact on the legal profession. To be a successful lawyer in an integrating Europe, you'll have to be familiar with both European law and the national legal systems of the main European countries. The European Law School programme at Maastricht University is an ambitious programme. You’ll study traditional legal subjects from a European and comparative perspective and you’ll gain a deep understanding of how European law interacts with national law.
Specialisations
European Law School
The ELS programme comprises two specialisations: European Law and Market Integration and European Public Law and Governance. There is no obligation to follow either one of these specialisations, students may opt for a General Programme, which allows them to combine courses of the two specialisations.
Unique expertise
Maastricht’s Faculty of Law has unique expertise in the field of international, European and comparative law. Staff members include (former) officials of European institutions and international organisations. They have worked at research institutes connected to the European Commission, at think-tanks and NGO’s and at private practices. They will be able to give you a first-hand account of the workings of European organisations, bringing the world right into your classroom. The courses are taught by scientists from Maastricht Centre for European Law (MCEL), which is one of Europe’s largest and most prestigious centres for research in this field.
Your future
As a graduate of the European Law School master's programme, you'll be able to transition easily from university to a professional career. You'll be educated in comparative law, including European and major national legal systems. You'll have learned the methods and content of legal argumentation and will be able to communicate effectively with colleagues from across the international legal world.
Career paths
As a graduate of the European Law School, you’ll be equipped with essential legal and linguistic skills to thrive both in an institutional setting and in the world of private practice. You’ll grasp transnational and European legal issues quickly and have no trouble communicating with foreign colleagues. Graduates of the European Law School master’s programme may consider careers in the following areas:
Expected September 2022
Maastricht University
Minderbroedersberg 4-6,
MAASTRICHT,
Limburg,
6211, Netherlands
You are also eligible for admission if you have a non-Dutch university bachelor’s degree in Law. Excellent students with a university of applied sciences degree (e.g. HBO/ Hochschule), or an academic BA or BSc bachelor in a field that does not grant direct admission into this programme, have to pass the Entrance exam in European Law School. For these candidates a Major in Law is recommended.
A minimum level corresponding to academic IELTS 6.5 (IELTS test: minimum score overall 6.5 & writing 6.5, or an overall score of minimum 7) is required for this study programme.
