About the programme:

The advanced Master of Law (LL.M.) programme at KU Leuven has a marked international dimension with European law being an important focus, given KU Leuven's close proximity to the central EU institutions in Brussels. The programme taps into the knowledge and expertise of a large network of legal professionals who have close links to the European institutions.

The advanced LL.M. programme includes visits to:  the Court of Justice of Justice in Luxembourg, the European Institutions in Strasbourg (attending hearings at the European Court of Human Rights, the Council of Europe, and the European Parliament); and The Hague, where our students visit the International Court of Justice (UN) and other international institutions.

Areas of specialisation and master classes:

You can select an area of specialisation of your choice:

• International and European Business Law

• International and European Public Law

For students in both specialisations, it is possible to enrol in additional courses from the alternative specialization within your choice as elective courses. Each specialisation includes eight 'master classes' led by distinguished legal and business practitioners. These exclusive master classes illustrate the 'law in action' and allow you to engage with prominent legal experts. Students will also be required to write and defend a Master's dissertation.

Strengths:

• Rigorous academic tradition, a world leading position in legal scholarship and courses taught by top specialists and distinguished professionals.

• Close links with legal practice and EU institutions.

• The ideal location of the campus allows visits to European and international institutions. The historic student city of Leuven is only 20 minutes by train from EU Capital Brussels.

• Free participation in our Summer School, which takes place the week preceeding the start of the academic year 

• A small and selective academic programme withwhere you can connect and exchange with excellent students from across the globe. Become a member of the LL.M. network.

Professors:

The LL.M. programme is taught by world-renowned academics, as well as the President of the Court of Justice of the EU, judges of the General Court of the EU and the European Court of Human Rights, practitioners at ‘Magic Circle’ law firms, international arbitrators, and officials of the European Commission.

LL.M. Summer School:

All admitted LL.M. students can participate, free of charge, in the KU Leuven LL.M. Summer School, which takes place over a week immediately preceding the start of the academic year. During the Summer School, you will be immersed in European and International Law with a dynamic group of students from all over the world.

Law at KU Leuven: internationally praised:

• 34th in the 2022 QS World University Rankings for Law studies

• 10th in the 2022 Times Higher Education Rankings

Study Trips:

The LL.M. programme includes*:

• attending hearings at the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg. 

• attending hearings at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

• discussing current issues in international affairs with the staff of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

*Court hearings are subject to change.

Community Feeling:

The LL.M. is a small selective academic programme.  Every year, the staff of the LL.M. programme organises a welcoming event for incoming exchange students and a Christmas dinner with the Dean of the Faculty.

Law in Action:

The LL.M. Master Classes are Clinics that bring the "law in action" in the classroom: meet prominent practitioners and establish a network.

Student profile:

As the main prerequisite, you must possess a law degree which allows you to practice law in your country of origin and should also have a good knowledge of European Institutional Law. For students wishing to strengthen this knowledge, self-study reading materials are available from the beginning of the academic year.

Ideally, you should have:

• already obtained a master's degree (or equivalent) in law;

• received training in legal principles;

• the ability to think critically about the nature and purpose of rules;

• the analytical skills needed to assess factual situations;

• have a general understanding of the operation of law in society.

Career perspectives:

Given its philosophy grounded in European law, its highly skilled teaching staff and its openness to the study and practice of various types of law, this in combination with its close proximity to Brussels, the KU Leuven LLM adds significant value for students seeking legal careers in Europe.