The two-year programme focuses on the study of canon law and provides an introduction into the law of other religions (comparative law) and the study of capita selecta. The skills obtained will be applied during the internship and improved through personal research. This general experience will be reflected in a research paper.

What is the programme all about?

The two-year programme focuses on the study of canon law and provides an introduction into the law of other religions (comparative law) and the study of capita selecta. The skills obtained will be applied during the internship and improved through personal research. This general experience will be reflected in a research paper.

Assets: universally applied law, international environment, subsidized education, distant learning

The law of the Roman Catholic Church is universally applied. As a consequence, the Faculty of Canon Law calls on professors with an international reputation, and annually invites a wide range of international guest professors. The concentrated teaching weeks, organised once every semester, are an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with visiting professors and exchange information on issues that transcend national borders.

In addition, the faculty has a large number of international students, including students from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands and several African countries. This international orientation provides a broad perspective on the canonical issues discussed in class.

For nearly 600 years, the Faculty of Canon Law at KU Leuven has been recognised for its excellence in scholarship and teaching. This tradition continues today with a teaching staff made up of internationally recognised scholars.

The Faculty of Canon Law provides many opportunities to students wishing to combine study and work. Distance learning - combined with mandatory participation in the concentrated teaching weeks - is offered for students unable to live and study full-time in Leuven. 

The faculty's small scale creates a strong sense of community among students and creates the opportunity for students to meet personally with visiting professors from all over the world.

Is this the right programme for me?

Students in the Master of Canon Law programme:

• are fascinated by the law of the Roman Catholic Church and are familiar with its faith, organisation and mission.

• seek to study in an international environment drawing students from all over the world.

• Their mission is to serve the People of God as a judge, a promotor of justice or an advocate in an ecclesiastical tribunal, or as chancellor, judicial vicar or expert in canon law in the diocesan Curia.

• Success in this master's programme leads to the canonical degree 'Iuris Canonici Licentiatus' (JCL), having preliminarily completed a course of study in theology.

Career perspectives:

Graduates have been appointed as judges, promotors of justice and advocates in ecclesiastical tribunals. They have also been called to serve as chancellors, judicial vicars or experts in canon law in the diocesan Curia or in Catholic organisations. Others find employment as teachers in secondary schools, the seminary or the university.Successful graduates may also move on to the doctoral programme, where successful completion of specialised study leads to the degree of Doctor of Canon Law and the canonical degree of Iuris Canonici Doctor (JCD). These degrees bring with them the opportunity to serve the People of God as a canon lawyer.