Why this programme?

Globalisation and Law

Our world is globalising at an astonishing rate. This has an enormous influence on the legal systems of individual nations, yielding new challenges in all fields of the law. Law firms, governments and international organisations alike are in growing need of lawyers who can navigate through the legal complexities of this globalising world. The master's in Globalisation and Law is a unique one-year English-taught programme designed to fulfil that need.

Diversity and debate

At Maastricht University’s Faculty of Law, we embrace a diversity of viewpoints, and debate is central to our curriculum. Instead of taking a ‘globalist’ or ‘anti-globalist’ stance, issues are discussed from different angles. You'll be invited to consider the arguments and make up your own mind. We also encourage you to participate in our moot courts and practice your argumentative reasoning skills. You’ll learn how to think ahead and respond quickly to situations - skills that will be invaluable later on in your legal career.

Excellent staff

The staff of the Globalisation and Law programme do not only have a high level of expertise in the fields of international law, European law and comparative law, they also have many years of experience in key organisations such as Amnesty International and the WTO. This gives them a special edge in teaching. Their international perspective, combined with a strong understanding of the needs of legal training of the future, has resulted in a programme that approaches the subject of globalisation from an entirely new perspective.

Problem-Based Learning

In our education Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is central. It requires you to be proactive in setting learning goals and encourages you to work with your fellow students on legal issues. In this way, you build up the social skills you need for future legal practice. What do our students think about Problem-Based Learning? They explain it in this video!

Our students on Problem Based Learning - UK - interactive

Personalise your programme

The Globalisation and Law programme includes 12 ECTS in elective courses, which means that you will have the opportunity to tailor your degree to your needs and wishes. You could, for example, complement your programme with some courses from the other Globalisation & Law specialisations. But you can also take related courses at our faculty, another faculty or another university, do an internship or participate in one of Maastricht University’s moot courts. So whether you’d like to expand your knowledge by taking a related course at the School of Business and Economics, perfect your rhetorical skills in one of our moot courts or decide to get some practical work experience at an internship, the flexibility of the programme provides you with the freedom to get all you want out of your time at our university.

Internships

You can choose to do an optional 6 ECTS internship to gain professional experience and give you an edge when looking for a job. In fact, many graduates end up working at the organisation where they did their internship.

Our differences are our greatest strength

Maastricht University is focused on the development of its International Classroom, a place where our differences become our strengths. From day 1, you’ll be challenged with differing viewpoints and experiences as you interact with staff and students from all over Europe and the world. Your preconceptions and worldview will be enhanced by this interaction, bringing you closer to the programme’s goal of teaching students not only facts and concepts but also international accessibility and understanding. Roughly 80% of the students in this master’s programme come from outside the Netherlands. Such diversity creates an international atmosphere that is strengthened by the international orientation of the programme.

Moot court competitions

Each year, student teams from the UM Faculty of Law participate in the most prestigious national and international moot courts competitions, where teams vie against each other in simulated proceedings to present a convincing legal case to an expert jury. Our Law Faculty has built an excellent reputation for performing outstandingly and has been awarded the first prize in competitions such as the European Law Moot Court Competition, the VAR Moot Court Competition and the National Round of the Philip Jessup Moot Competition.

Participation in moot courts and legal clinics is extracurricular, no credits are granted within the programme.

Honours programmes

Premium
Want to gain that extra edge by getting real-world experience during your studies? The PREMIUM honours programme will help you gain the experience and develop the skills employers are looking for. As part of a team of students and under the guidance of our academic staff, you’ll spend about three months working on a real-world assignment for a company, NGO or educational institution. It will take about 250 hours, but it will give you a lifetime of benefits.
More about PREMIUM

Master Honours Research Track
Are you thinking about going into research after you graduate? Then you should consider applying for our Master Honours Research Track. In addition to your regular studies, you’ll spend a year writing an extended master’s thesis in the fields of European comparative law and human rights law. You’ll be familiarised with the main methodologies used in academic research in this field and you'll improve your practical research skills. The track will give you the experience you need to be a successful PhD candidate.
More about the Master Honours Reseach Track