European and Comparative Law

Overview

The Master of Laws in European and Comparative Law from University of Malta  includes an important dissertation component. The first aim remains that of providing postgraduate specialization in European Union Law and related comparative law to holders of a good first degree in law. 

The programme of studies ranges over a large list of subject areas which are sub-disciplines of European Law and often overlap with their counterpart domestic law, and from which the student chooses a number of study units. In principle, the comparative (national law) dimension is worked into most subjects, while also being the principal methodology employed in a number of study units. 

The level of the degree compares with the level of leading LL.M. programmes in other European universities, this being certified on an annual basis by an external examiner from a European university, with this appointment alternating every three years. The second aim is to prepare the successful students for a specialist career, whether in the European Union Institutions, in other international organizations, as advisors to government and other entities, or in private practice in Malta and abroad.

European Union law is an all-embracing, rapidly developing, and ever more significant and fascinating area of the law. A solid and in-depth knowledge thereof is essential in all areas of legal practice today. 

The programme provides an in-depth education in European Union law. It establishes a balance between the economic and the constitutional aspects of European law, and emphasizes both the increasing complexity of EU law and the context in which it is evolving.

Career opportunities and access to further studies

This postgraduate academic programme provides students with an in depth education in European law. The degree is generally known in Europe as the Master of Laws (LL.M.). It establishes a balance between providing knowledge of the core economic/social and the constitutional/institutional aspects of European law and allows for specialisation in a number of areas of law such as competition law, aspects of the law of the internal market, company law, consumer law, trade law, justice and home affairs law and several others.

LLM European and Comparative Law graduates have privileged access to high level practice, national and international, and to a large number of positions requiring expertise in European Law. Many graduates have gone straight into high level employment with the European Institutions, often directly in the field of specialization on which they focused while on the degree. Many have done the same with Maltese law firms, while others have gone into employment with the government or parastatal bodies, often in their chosen field. Others have found that their already existing career has benefited. A number have found employment with law firms in other Member States. A significant number of the students on the degree take the programme over two academic years on a part-time basis. For those aiming for an academic career, the degree provides an excellent basis for the pursuit of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree in law.