Master of Laws in Advanced Studies in European Law

The Master of Advanced Studies in European Law is dedicated to the legal environment of the European Union. That environment consists of EU-law as such, but also of international law and of member state law. Through a combination of these fields, the programme offers a unique in-depth study that encompasses relevant branches of contemporary law, within the context of the EU. As far as member state law is concerned, emphasis is put on a comparative approach that fathoms for common characteristics and possible harmonisation.

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The LLM-programme's mission is to provide each student the opportunity to pursue, in his or her field of preference, both
introductory and advanced studies of the law in the European Union. With an ever expanding and further integrating European Union, and in an ever more global legal environment, it offers an additional law degree that is instrumental for today's lawyers around the world.

The Ghent Law School is a European 'Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence' recognized for its expertise and resources in European Union Law.

Course structure

Students need to obtain 60 credits, over a period of two semesters. There is great flexibility in shaping one’s own curriculum. Only 9 credits cover compulsory courses, all of which are supporting courses,dealing mainly with various skills for lawyers. Students are also required to write a 15 credit LLM-paper in connection with one of their classes. The bulk of the credits is filled with elective courses on a variety of topics from the following fields: European Law, Private Law in Europe, Economic and Social Law, Environmental Law, Transport Law, Public International Law, Criminal Law and Criminology.

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Students can choose from approximately forty different courses, all of which are exclusively taught in English. Teaching is generally done interactively, requiring advanced reading and class participation. The programme typically hosts several internationally reputed guest professors.

Organised social activities are an important part of the LLM-experience, and not all are extracurricular. Curricular activities include guided visits to important EU and international institutions, and participation in several colloquia.

The master dissertation is a requirement for every candidate to obtain a master degree. The master dissertation is an original piece of research work. It aims to develop and strengthen the research capacity skills of the students. The student selects a topic and is given guidance by a promoter or supervisor.