馬斯特里赫特大學

The European Law School (ELS) bachelor's programme combines courses in European law with courses on comparative law and deals with the legal systems of some of the major EU Member States. The ELS programme is taught completely in English by expert staff members. The programme will give you a thorough understanding of EU law and national legal systems as well as contemporary skills and excellent legal English skills.

You will primarily be taught in small groups using the Problem-Based-Learning method and you will be trained in many different skills, such as writing briefs and academic papers, presenting and pleading cases. There is a lot of emphasis on developing contemporary skills such as mediation, negotiation and leadership.

The Maastricht University law School has a strong reputation in international moot court competitions (in several languages), which demonstrates the effectiveness of this way of teaching. At Maastricht University, we offer you guidance and counselling to help you choose a career path and the master’s programme that will help you reach your goals. Please note that when you follow a route that leads to professional qualifications to become a lawyer, public prosecutor or judge, your choice of a master’s programme will usually be bound to a certain country or continent.

Career prospects

When you graduate, you can start working in a legal environment in positions such as company lawyer, adviser or policy officer. However, most of our students go on to earn a master’s degree.

With a bachelor’s degree from the European Law School (usually followed by a corresponding Master of Laws), you have a qualification that is unique in Europe. You show that you have thorough knowledge of the concepts underlying legal systems and the way these concepts have been implemented in the major legal traditions in Europe (major civil law and common law systems). Moreover, you have deep knowledge of the law and functioning of the European Union. You are at home in a multi-linguistic and multi-cultural environment, and you have the ability to think and act flexibly across national borders.

Globalisation and the further development of the European integration process create a demand for graduates with a European Law School profile. After graduation, you can work in a legal environment, for example as a policy advisor or working for the government. When you gain access to the professional qualification process, you may also become a lawyer, public prosecutor or judge, but additional training will be needed for that. Please be aware that certain activities, such as giving legal advice and in-house counselling, are reserved for fully qualified lawyers in many jurisdictions.

Most of our students continue their legal education and specialise in a specific area, such as European law, business law, criminal law or tax law. Other graduates move outside the legal field and pursue a master’s degree in an area like political science, economics or international relations. We strongly recommend you think about your career prospects before entering any law school.