| Application Deadline: | For Spring 2012: 15 October 2011; For Fall 2012 - 15 April 2012; For Spring 2013 - 15 October 2012 | ||
| Tuition Fee: | ≈ € 6,999 - | ||
| Location: | Maastricht / Netherlands / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | Start Date: | January, August | |
| Educational Form: |
| ||
| Education Variants: |
| ||
| Languages: | English | ||
In an ever more globalised world of converging cultures and different legal systems, human rights issues have assumed greater importance. The European Law & Human Rights, programme gives students insight into the complex European matrix of national, international and supranational laws and important human rights issues. The programme is intended for students who want to add an international element to their law studies or who are interested in the legal framework of human rights in the European Union.
The Netherlands holds an unparalleled position in the international legal universe and is at the forefront of civil liberties and human rights. The Hague has become the global capital for international legal institutions such as the International Criminal Court (ICC). At the same time, the Netherlands is facing increased scrutiny by human rights organisations for alleged discrimination against immigrants. This paradox highlights some of the pressing legal issues faced by many European countries. Picture-perfect Maastricht is located close to the European capital Brussels, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg and the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg. The Maastricht Treaty established the European Union, whose Justice and Home Affairs pillar extended cooperation in criminal justice, asylum and judicial affairs between EU members. Maastricht is the perfect environment to cultivate the legislators and advocates of the future.
Each CES semester is 18 weeks long and starts with an extensive 2-week introduction. This is followed by 16 weeks of classes, divided into two ‘block periods’ of 8 weeks each (block period 1 and 2 in Fall; block period 4 and 5 in Spring). During each block period, students take two regular courses (of 5-6.5 ECTS each) or one intensive course (of 9-12 ECTS). In addition, students participate in the mandatory Core Seminar course, which runs alongside the courses for the duration of the semester.
Core Seminar: integrated study trips and unique hands-on experiences
The Core Seminar is a 6 ECTS course that forms the backbone of the programme. It combines strong academics with integrated study trips and unique hands-on experiences. The Core Seminar begins with the European Study Trip, which provides a vivid European context for the central programme theme.
The seminar runs for the duration of the semester and includes two Euregional field trips that highlight local achievements and allow students to have discussions with experts. True to Maastricht University’s philosophy of active and self-directed learning, students are encouraged to pursue their own academic interests and add these to an academic portfolio that they compile under the guidance of a professor. The Core Seminar concludes with a Symposium where students present their independent research.
The European Law & Human Rights programme offers you, for example, visits to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague or a local Asylum Seeker Centre. You can also attend a variety of guest lectures on aspects of European law and draw on the resources of the university’s School of Human Rights.
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.
Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.
More informationAdmission
Acceptance to the open enrolment programmes is competitive and early application is recommended. Undergraduates at the junior or senior level may apply.
You should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in order to apply for a CES Open Enrolment Programme. If you have a lower GPA you can request to be considered if you can show a recommendation from a professor or academic advisor at your home university or college with specific details about your academic development so far.
Applicants must be proficient in English. Non-native speakers are required to demonstrate proof of English language proficiency.
Students with an International Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate diploma are exempted, as are EU-nationals. International students who are enrolled as fulltime students at university or college in a native-speaking country where English is the language of instruction are also exempted.
All other prospective students must present a current TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Testing System), score before they can be admitted.
Your TOEFL test score has to be at least:
Your IELTS test score must be at least 6.5.
Application procedure
Complete and submit the online application form and send all additional information mentioned below via email / regular mail to your coordinator.
Your CES coordinators will contact you within a week after receiving your application and additional information to assist you in the registration process and the preparations for your stay in Maastricht.
Additional required information
Law and Human Rights from a European Perspective
Within the European Law & Human Rights programme, you are directly enrolled at Maastricht University (UM) and able to take select classes from the internationally renowned European Law School. The programme also offers courses from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Center for European Studies (CES), and the highly selective liberal arts and sciences programme from University College Maastricht.
The fields that are marked with a red star (*) are required.