The European Union has had a significant impact on the legal profession. To be a successful lawyer in an integrating Europe, you'll have to be familiar with both European law and the national legal systems of the main European countries. 

The European Law School programme at Maastricht University is an ambitious programme. You’ll study traditional legal subjects from a European and comparative perspective and you’ll gain a deep understanding of how European law interacts with national law.

Unique expertise:

Maastricht’s Faculty of Law has unique expertise in the field of international, European and comparative law. Staff members include (former) officials of European institutions and international organisations.

They have worked at research institutes connected to the European Commission, at think-tanks and NGO’s and at private practices. They will be able to give you a first-hand account of the workings of European organisations, bringing the world right into your classroom. The courses are taught by scientists from Maastricht Centre for European Law (MCEL), which is one of Europe’s largest and most prestigious centres for research in this field.

Problem-Based Learning:

In our education Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is central. It offers a practical, case-based learning approach that will make your learning more relevant and easier to apply in real situations.

It requires you to be proactive in setting learning goals, fosters independent research and critical thinking, and encourages you to work with your fellow students on legal issues. In this way, you build up the social and legal skills you need for future legal practice.

Study abroad:

As a European Law School student, you can spend a semester abroad. This will allow you to broaden your knowledge of the legal system of another country and develop your language skills.

You go on an exchange at one of the faculty's partner universities, or go abroad under the Socrates/Erastumus programme. You'll also have the experience of a lifetime: travelling the world, meeting new friends and learning about different cultures.