European Law or European Legal Studies focuses on the European Union (EU) legislation, treaties, and policy-making. It is a highly specialised discipline that allows future lawyers to understand how law and order are maintained in such a complex political and economic union. European Law helps students familiarise with a series of rules, directives, treaties and rulings settled by the European Court, which all EU-member countries must abide. It aims to teach students how to safeguard the core principles of the European Union.
European Law is more common at the postgraduate level (Master’s), where universities generally offer it under the umbrella of LL.M. (Master of Laws) programmes.
European Law students take classes in Global Politics, EU Constitutional Law, EU Criminal Law, Business Law, Legal Aspects of Migration, International Protection of Human Rights, EU Economic Law, EU External Relations, EU Environmental Law, etc.
During Europen Law classes, professors also cover aspects like EU treaties or the European policy-making process. Students will better understand how EU decisions are made and how regulations, directives, and legislation are implemented.
European law studies offer an overall look on countries and states in an international context and, also, a deep analysis of European Union’s structure. Graduates can apply their knowledge with careers as lawyers or legal consultants at the European Union, in state agencies or even in private companies. As a result, European law graduates have significant flexibility in choosing a country they want to practice in.
Read moreCheck out our list of Master's degrees in European Law. Keep in mind you can also study an online Masters in European Law.