Utrecht University

Legal Research, LL.M.

  • Application Deadline
  • 24 months
    Duration
  • English
    Language

About

The LLM in Legal Research is offered by the Utrecht University. 

Are you curious, analytical and ready to take on new challenges in a dynamic academic environment? Are you interested in writing academic texts, engaging in debate, and tackling complicated legal issues? Would you like to be given the opportunity to complete an in-depth Master’s-level programme in law that extends beyond the standard one-year period? If so, the two-year Legal Research Master’s at Utrecht University may be the perfect choice for you!

Take Advantage Of A Growing Need For Legal Researchers

For legal practitioners and academics alike, legal research skills are increasingly important. Law firms have a growing need for thorough, well-trained lawyers with excellent writing skills and a research-oriented mindset. 

Become A Perceptive And Analytical Thinker

Legislative, judicial and executive bodies at the international, national and local levels as well as companies, non-profit organisations and universities need sharp analytical thinkers. Traditional law courses do not always provide graduates with the required knowledge and skills to meet this demand. Utrecht University developed the two-year Legal Research Master’s programme to fill this need.

The Legal Research Master’s programme offers you an excellent foundation for further studies at the PhD level as well as prepares you for a legal career as a practitioner in the commercial, public service or academic sectors. As part of this programme, you will complete courses in legal research skills as well as in your chosen field. You will also spend approximately one year engaged in legal research projects and writing a Master’s thesis.

Career

After finishing this Master’s programme in Legal Research, you can pursue a career in legal research, finding a research position at a university or in one of the major law firms, the research departments of Supreme Courts in various parts of the world, or, in the Netherlands, at the Supreme Court of the Netherlands, Council of State or the Research and Documentation Centre (Wetenschappelijk Onderzoeks- en Documentatiecentrum) of the Ministry of Justice. You also will be well prepared for legal practice at a national or international law firm, at a company or in a non-governmental organisation, in the judiciary, or in a government or non-governmental position. 

Accreditation

Accredited by the NVAO - Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.

Programme Structure

Courses include:
  • Constitutional Law and Public Administrative Law
  • Private Law
  • Methodology: Internal Perspective
  • Methodology: Comparative Perspective
  • Methodology: External Perspective
  • Law As An Academic Discipline, Science and Humanities
  • Academic Writing and Presentation Skills

Detailed Programme Facts

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English Language Requirements

You only need to take one of these language tests:

  • Minimum required score:

    7

    The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

    Schedule IELTS

  • Minimum required score (Grade B):

    193

    The CAE test – or the Cambridge Advanced English – is an exam for applicants who wish to get a Certificate in Advanced English. To receive the Advanced certificate, test-takers must score between 142 and 210 on the Cambridge English: Advanced test.

    Note: degree programmes and applications may require a more specific minimum score for admission.

  • Minimum required score:

    100

    The TOEFL – or Test Of English as a Foreign Language – offers an internet-based test (iBT). The final, overall iBT score ranges between 0 and 120, and includes a scaled average from the four components (reading, listening, speaking, and writing). Read more about TOEFL (iBT).

Academic Requirements

  • Besides TOEFL, IELTS and CAE, also Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE - at least Grade C) is accepted as a proof of English Proficiency.
  • You have a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Law with a minimum grade average of 7.0 on a scale from 1 to 10.
  • You are able to express yourself in proficient English, both orally and in written text, as evidenced by your motivation letter and/or writing sample, and the interview that is part of the selection procedure.

Tuition Fee

  • International Applies to you

    15575 EUR/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 15575 EUR per year and a duration of 24 months.

  • EU/EEA Applies to you

    2060 EUR/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 2060 EUR per year and a duration of 24 months.
We've labeled the tuition fee that applies to you because we think you are from and prefer over other currencies.

For more information about tuition fees and exemptions have a look at the programme website.

Living costs for Utrecht

  • 900 - 1450 EUR/month
    Living Costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Scholarships, fellowships, and grants offered by Utrecht University, the Dutch government, and other organisations can help fund your studies at the university.  You can begin your search for funding by reviewing the list below, which contains some of the scholarships and loans available to international students:

  • Utrecht Excellence Scholarships
  • Holland Scholarships
  • Orange Tulip Scholarships
  • Canadian student loans
  • Fulbright / NAF
  • US Federal Loans
  • Erasmus+ Master loans

StudyPortals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.

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