The Brussels School of Governance (BSoG) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has announced a significant overhaul of its English-taught LLM in International and European Law programme. The change is set to take effect in the 2024-25 academic year. From then on, classes in this LLM will be conducted in the evenings. This scheduling change will allow recent law graduates and professionals to pursue their LLM without disrupting their daytime commitments.
New curriculum
The updated curriculum of this 52-year-old LLM will focus on core European and international law topics, with an added emphasis on contemporary global challenges. It will offer flexibility, accommodating both one-year and two-year tracks.
A notable feature of the new curriculum is its blend of traditional legal education with a focus on current global challenges. Capitalising on the core areas of the BSoG’s research portfolio, it zooms in on EU external relations, sustainability, migration, human rights, economy, and the evolving landscape of digital law.
The new curriculum of the LLM in International and European Law of the VUB Brussels School of Governance, applicable as of the 2024-25 academic year:
- CORE AREAS OF INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN LAW – 12 ECTS
- EU History and Law
- Policy-making and interest representation
- EMERGING GLOBAL CHALLENGES – 30 ECTS
- EU External Relations Law
- EU Migration and Human Rights Law
- EU and Global Sustainability Law
- The Law of the Transforming EU Economy
- EU Data Law: Data Protection, AI and Beyond
- RESEARCH (THESIS) – 18 ECTS
Diploma requirements
To be eligible for this LLM, applicants must have obtained or will obtain before the programme starts: an MA in Law, or an MA in a related area (preferably with a legal component), subject to an assessment by the selection committee. Those who obtained, in accordance with the regulations of the country where the degree is issued, a final Law degree that provides access to the legal profession or to the qualifying exams for admission to the Bar, may also apply.
Sven Van Kerckhoven, Vice-Dean for Education at the BSoG and Programme Director of the LLM, commented on these developments: 'Our LLM programme, with its 52-year legacy, has established a strong international legal reputation. Recognising that the legal landscape is continuously evolving, it's imperative that our educational programmes adapt accordingly to meet the demands of both employers and potential students. This reform is aimed at providing an interactive and thought-provoking learning experience that broadens students' career prospects. The shift to evening classes addresses a growing market demand which we have observed in recent years. It is also a change that aligns with the increasing emphasis on lifelong learning and is designed to facilitate legal professionals who are eager to pursue an LLM.'
More information
More about this programme: LLM in International and European Law
