European Law (LL.M.)
European Law is a one-year Master’s specialisation at the internationally renowned Leiden Law School at Leiden University. The programme distinguishes itself by its broad intra-disciplinary approach, covering institutional, constitutional as well as internal market and competition law of the EU in addition to human rights from an EU perspective.
Part of
New specialisation Governance of Migration and Diversity_legal
As of September '24 you can join this specialisation of European law. You will become a master in the law of migration and diversity with a multi-disciplinary background! Click here for more information.
Stefaan Van den Bogaert
Professor
"Society needs lawyers who know how Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg work. It is our aim to train lawyers who can find their way in the European legal order."
"European law has an impact on almost every aspect of our daily lives. Much of this we take for granted or may not even realise. It is beyond doubt that Europe has faced major challenges over the past decade. The crisis have however also created opportunities. Even Brexit will prove to be a starting point for change and renewal."
Ries Kamphof
Alumnus
“The wide focus of the master is very interesting”
"
In September 2010 I received my degree from the Master specialisation European Law from the University of Leiden. The wide focus of this Master was what really caught my eye. European Law is constantly moving in many, if not all, the areas. Apart from the more EU-focused courses, there was enough room for attention to European Human Rights and the Council. The courses were not only theoretical, but also very practical. For the Moot Court, we had to cooperate in groups with students of multiple nationalities. I really learned a lot from this experience.
My thesis on a new diplomatic service of the EU; The European External Action Service, was supervised by prof. Brinkhorst. The founding of this Service is paired by interesting legal, but also political questions. During one of the interviews I came in contact with the Dutch Senate. For the Dutch Parliament the founding of this service, but also other European issues are very important. After finishing my thesis, I was able to apply for a job within the Parliament. I manage the parliamentary commission for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BDO) and European Cooperation Organisations (ESO).
The most interesting part of my job is to learn in practice how European issues are relevant for the national parliaments. It is also very interesting to see how parties of the parliament interpret the European issues differently. In the team that supports the Commission, everybody has a different nationality. This contributes to the variety of discussion and opinions."
Ries Kamphof is working at the Dutch Senate, department of Internal Support.
Why did Kaan choose the master European Law?
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Watch the video on the original website orScope of EU law
European law is an exciting and rapidly developing discipline. There are few areas of national law and policy within Europe that remain untouched by the influence of European legislation. The scope of EU law, however is even wider, as Europe is becoming an increasingly important actor on the international stage.
In this programme, you will focus on the various aspects of European Law, as well as the European protection of human rights. You will study topics ranging from EU competition law to EU external relations law, from European social policy to internal market regulations and EU institutional law. You will gain in-depth knowledge about these aspects, while at the same time developing the professional skills needed in a EU-related legal career.
International atmosphere
Our aim in this programme is to provide you with in-depth academic knowledge, and to equip you with the professional skills needed in a EU-related legal career. For this purpose, teaching is done in small, seminar-style classes, with ample attention for practical skills in special `privatissimum’ and `practicum’ classes. Our programme attracts students from within and outside of the EU, which makes for a truly international atmosphere.