Master's programs

Top-level Master's programs within an international environment prepare you for a responsible position in society.

Program structure

The masters in International and European Public Law comprises a minimum of 60 ECTs. Two specializations are available:

  • International Law and Human Rights
  • European Union Law

Students must follow three compulsory courses (18 ECTS) in their specialization. Four optional courses (24 ECTS), three of which must also be in the field of their specialization, can be selected from a list of electives. One elective (6 ECTS) can be selected from any of the courses on offer at Tilburg Law School.
All students must participate in the Research Lab (3 ECTS) course and work on developing a Master thesis (15 ECTS) in the field of their specialization. This is worked on throughout the year under the supervision of a professor from the European and International Law Department.
For those students applying for the program who have insufficient knowledge of either International or European law, an introductory course (3 EC) must be completed in addition to the requisite 60 ECTs.

Two Specializations

  • The International Law and Human Rights specialization focuses upon current issues in the field of international and human rights law. Students learn about the latest developments within international organizations such as the United Nations and the Council of Europe, as well as legal supervisory bodies such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. Examples of these issues include the role of the United Nations in a divided world, the balance between the fight against terror and human rights, and human trafficking. All issues are taught from a legal perspective, and within the societal and political context within which they occur ('law in context'). The program thus aims to develop outstanding legal knowledge combined with a deep awareness of its societal relevance and implications.
  • The European Union Law specialization offers in-depth knowledge on the constitutional and economic foundations of the European integration process. Students gain a broad understanding of not only the EU itself, but its relation to member States and the rest of the world. This specialization offers advanced knowledge of the most significant EU policies, including competition, immigration, environment, social, and sport policies, also within the societal and political context within which they occur ('law in context'). Students thus analyse the European integration process and policy-making from a perspective beyond its purely legal aspects.