European Legal Studies

Overview

The Master of Arts in European Legal Studies 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 which is not 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 second aim is to prepare successful students for a specialist career, whether in the European Union Institutions, in other international organizations, as advisors to government and other entities in Malta and abroad.

European Union law is an all-embracing, rapidly developing, and ever more significant and fascinating area of 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. As this programme is intended for non-law graduates, it includes a study-unit which introduces students to EU legal methodology and research and a number of compulsory study-units that focus primarily on the understanding of the EU Legal order.

Career opportunities and access to further studies

This postgraduate academic programme provides students with an in depth education in European law. The degree establishes a balance between providing knowledge of the core economic/social and the constitutional/institutional aspects of European law and allows for specialization in a number of areas of law which are fundamental to the European Union such as competition law, aspects of the law of the internal market, judicial protection among other.

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 of similar degrees have gone straight into high level employment with the European Institutions, often directly in the field of specialization on which they focused while pursuing the degree. 

Many have done the same with Maltese companies, 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. For those aiming for an academic career, the degree provides an excellent basis for the pursuit of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in law.