European Private Law: University of Amsterdam

Course Description

The Master's programme in European Private Law gives students a thorough understanding of this developing multilevel system of private law in Europe. Relevant insights from other disciplines such as Economics and Political Science are integrated into the discussion of legal questions, thereby broadening and deepening the debate.

This Master's programme provides students with a unique opportunity to specialise in European private law, with a coherent set of courses covering the issues central to the Europeanisation of private law. The University of Amsterdam houses the Amsterdam Institute for Private Law (AIP), which conducts research specifically on the consequences of European integration and globalisation for private law.

Career prospects

This programme is intended for candidates with an interest in pursuing a career in various legal professions, whether inside or outside the European Union. Employment opportunities open to graduates include jobs in internationally-oriented law firms, in-house law departments in multinational companies around the world, European Union institutions and governmental institutions responsible for private law legislation and adjudication.

Some graduates also choose to pursue careers in academic research. There is a high demand in the current labour market for lawyers with a specialisation in European private law, on account of their unique familiarity with both EC private law and leading systems of national private law.

Admission requirments

Academic background in law:

• An academic level comparable with a Dutch Bachelor of laws diploma.
• Basic knowledge of European law is required. The Amsterdam Law School offers a deficiency course in European Union Law. This course is provided by the Law School in September.
• Credits earned in this courses are not included in the required 60 ECTS credits.

English language proficiency

A good command of the English language is a prerequisite. The Amsterdam Law School accepts the following tests:

• TOEFL (minimum score of 600-603, 250 computer based, or 100 internet based)
• Cambridge examination: Certificate of Proficiency in English  (CPE, minimum level C)
• IELTS Test  minimum score of 6,5 (with a minimum of 6.0 for writing, speaking, reading and listening)

The Amsterdam Law School only accepts English language proficiency test results that are no more than one year old at the time of application.