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Public International Law (International and European Law)

Study programme

This Master's programme consists of a core of compulsory courses that ensure an in-depth knowledge of general international law and the development of the skills required for a career in international law. In addition, it allows you to tailor it to your personal interests by enrolling in various elective courses.

Programme structure

The Public International Law track has 4 compulsory courses (24 EC). You also have to take the course Practising International Law, but this course may be replaced with one of the Amsterdam Law Practice courses (6 EC). In addition, you choose 3 elective courses (18 EC). The programme concludes with a thesis of 12 EC.

Students are taught not only in lectures but also in small-group seminars. In these seminars you exchange views and debate solutions to complex legal issues. Lectures and seminars are taught by top researchers and practitioners. Many of them have experience at international institutions, international tribunals, and other public institutions or top law firms.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Principles and Foundations of International Law
    6
  • Processes and Procedures of International Law
    6
  • International Law and Contemporary Challenges
    6
  • International Responsibility
    6
  • Restricted-choice electives: Amsterdam Law Practice
    6
  • Restricted-choice electives
    18
  • Free-choice electives: Extracurricular
    —
  • Master's thesis
    12
UvA Course Catalogue: Public International Law
  • Compulsory courses (24 EC)
  • Experiential education: the Amsterdam Law Practice (6 EC)

    You can choose from different skills courses that are part of the Amsterdam Law Practice, our unique, award winning experiential education. A contemporary way of learning, in which reflection on your own experiences and the development of a professional identity are central. The education programme received for this a Dutch Higher Education Award 2022 for innovative higher education. 

    You will have to choose one of the following courses. Since the moot courts and the Amsterdam Law Clinics are selective courses in which only a few students can participate, you are advised to always also register for the course Practising International Law.

    • Amsterdam Law Clinics (6 EC)
    • International Law Moot Court: Philip C. Jessup (6 EC)
    • WTO Moot Court (6 EC)
    • ICC Moot Court (6 EC)
    • Internship (6 EC)
    • Frits Kalshoven International Humanitarian Law Competition (6 EC)
    • International Investment Arbitration Moot (6 EC)
    • Practising International Law (6 EC)
    • Justice Entrepreneurship (6 EC)

    You can find the specific course information in the Course Catalogue.

  • Elective courses (18 EC)

    You must choose courses from this list with a total value of 18 EC. An Amsterdam Law Clinic is in principle a Restricted-choice elective: Amsterdam Law Practice course that students can choose instead of the course Practising International Law. Only in exceptional cases, and with permission of the track coordinator, can students be admitted to an Amsterdam Law Clinic as an elective course. Students who wish to enrol, even though they are also enrolled in one of the other Restricted-choice elective: Amsterdam Law Practice courses should contact the track coordinator Dr. R. van Alebeek.

    You can find the specific course information in the Course Catalogue.

  • Master’s thesis (12 EC)

    The Master’s programme is concluded with the writing and presentation of a Master’s thesis.

The information on this website is valid for the current academic year and may change for next year. In May the Course Catalogue is updated for the next academic year.

Discover the Master’s Honours programme

Are you looking for more challenge and academic depth? In that case the new Honours programme Academic Excellence track could be interesting for you!

More about the Academic Excellence Track
The atmosphere at the university is international, with students from all over the world. You share different perspectives. That really helped to widen my scope. Max van Rij, student Public International Law Read more stories from students

Experience the programme

Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is the Amsterdam Law Practice?

    The Amsterdam Law Practice (ALP) is a unique experiential education program for all law Master's students. In the Amsterdam Law Practice, you learn by reflecting on who you are as a lawyer and how you want to contribute to society in the future. You apply your academic knowledge of law and your learned skills by stepping into the shoes of a lawyer in real or simulated cases.

    As part of your LLM programme, you must take at least one ALP course of 6 ECTS and a maximum of 12 ECTS. You can take these ALP courses in the form of clinics, where you participate in real cases, or in a moot court or law Lab, where practice is simulated.

    The Amsterdam Law Practice won a Dutch Higher Education Prize for innovative education in 2022.

  • Can I follow this Master’s part-time?

    It is also possible to follow the Master's programme Public International Law on a part-time basis; the programme then lasts two years. Most courses, however, are not offered in the evening. For more information, please contact the Education Desk.

  • What is a track?

    Public International Law is a side track in the Master’s programme International and European Law which you can choose. Other tracks of this Master’s programme are European Competition Law and Regulation, European Union Law and International Trade and Investment Law.

  • What does an academic year at the UvA look like?

    The education days and holidays can be found in the academic calendar. The academic year at the UvA is divided into 2 semesters, each with 3 blocks of classes and exams. Most courses are offered once a year. Check the academic calender