LLB in International and European Law

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Groningen

Program Overview

The LLB in International and European Law at the University of Groningen is perfect if you're aiming for a career in global legal environments like diplomacy, EU institutions, or international business—it's designed from the ground up to give you a broad, practical understanding of law beyond any single national system, blending European and public international law with real-world applications. You'll build strong research skills, dive into Legal English early, and even have options like a Technology Law track in year 2 or a dual degree with Indonesia's Gadjah Mada University, all in a fully English-taught, three-year program that's challenging yet incredibly rewarding for ambitious students like you.

Curriculum structure
Year 1 lays a solid foundation by introducing you to the essentials of law using the Dutch system as a relatable example, while quickly expanding into global perspectives. You'll tackle Introduction to International and European Law (10 EC), exploring how international treaties and EU regulations shape everyday issues; Comparative Constitutional Law (10 EC), comparing legal frameworks across countries to see what makes systems tick; and Introduction to Technology Law (5 EC), getting a first taste of how tech intersects with legal rules like data privacy and cyber issues. It's an exciting start that builds your confidence in handling diverse legal contexts right away.

Year 2 lets you specialize, either sticking with core International and European Law or switching to the Technology Law track for a modern edge in areas like cybercrime and digital regulation. You'll deepen your skills through courses blending public international law, EU law, and practical problem-solving, working under pressure on real cases that mirror professional challenges. This year ramps up the mix of theory and application, helping you connect global policies to national impacts while honing your ability to read and analyze vast amounts of material efficiently.

Year 3 focuses on advanced integration and research, culminating in the full-semester Interdisciplinary Research Colloquium (10 EC) where you'll tackle complex, cross-cutting legal problems collaboratively. You'll refine expertise in fields like criminal law, contract law, administrative law, and constitutional law, applying them to international scenarios, with electives building on your track choice. By graduation, you'll have a thesis-ready skillset, ready to solve real-world legal puzzles with a broad, efficient perspective.

Focus areas
Public international law, European Union law, technology law (optional track), comparative law, legal research, and interdisciplinary applications in policy, economics, and global affairs.

Learning outcomes
Gain a deep understanding of international and European law's content, development, and real-world use in public, private, and policy settings; master legal English, research skills, and problem-solving across diverse systems; prepare for advanced studies or international careers without national law limitations.

Professional alignment (accreditation)
This 180 ECTS program follows the university's Teaching and Examination Regulations (TERs), ensuring high academic standards, though it doesn't grant Dutch *civiel effect* for bar/judiciary access—ideal for international paths, with options to qualify for bars in other countries post-graduation.

Reputation (employability rankings)
Graduates excel in diplomacy, EU/UN roles, NGOs like Amnesty or Greenpeace, and firms like Unilever or Shell, with even stronger prospects after a master's; the program's unique international focus and Groningen's top-tier Faculty of Law make it a launchpad for global success.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The LLB International and European Law is specifically designed for students who want to launch careers in international legal environments rather than being confined to a single national legal system. This isn't just theoretical study—you'll gain practical legal skills from day one through an integrated approach that combines lectures, working groups, and real-world case work.

The programme uses a hands-on educational model where you don't just read about law—you apply it. Beyond traditional lectures and seminars, you'll work through actual cases throughout your courses, giving you genuine experience solving real legal problems before you graduate. This approach spans all your coursework, whether you're studying European law, public international law, or your chosen specialisation in year 2.

Here's what makes the practical experience concrete:

- Web classes and case-based learning: Before you even enroll, you can take a four-week web class that walks you through the programme using real cases in criminal law, European law, public international law, and technology law—so you know exactly what to expect

- Research seminars: Year 2 includes dedicated research seminars where you develop investigative and analytical skills in your area of focus

- Study period abroad (exchange): A mandatory study abroad component is built into the curriculum in the first semester, giving you international exposure and cross-cultural legal experience

- Dual degree option: If you want even more immersive international experience, you can pursue a dual degree with Universitas Gadjah Mada in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, spending your third and fourth years there while earning both degrees

- Technology Law specialisation: Starting in year 2, you can specialise in Technology Law, a track that combines legal theory with modern digital contexts

- Flexible academic structure: The year is organised into two semesters with two teaching blocks per semester, typically featuring one 10-ECTS and one 5-ECTS course per block, allowing you to manage your workload effectively while maintaining depth

Progression & Future Opportunities

At the University of Groningen's LLB in International and European Law, you'll dive into practical skills right from year one through hands-on formats like working groups, research seminars, and real-world case studies that mirror international legal practice. These elements help you apply European and public international law concepts in simulated professional settings, building skills for careers in global policy, business, or advocacy—without getting bogged down in just one national system. You'll tackle actual cases in courses like the Research Seminar and Interdisciplinary Research Colloquium, sharpening your analytical and teamwork abilities in an international environment.

Here's how our program equips you with targeted experiential learning opportunities, drawing directly from the curriculum and faculty structure:
- Working groups and lectures blend: Courses use interactive working groups (WG) alongside lectures (HC) for collaborative problem-solving on topics like EU Law, Public International Law, and Administrative Law & Market Regulation, as detailed in Ocasys course descriptions.
- Research seminars for deep dives: Year 2's 10 ECTS Research Seminar and the final semester's Interdisciplinary Research Colloquium (10 ECTS) involve group-based research projects on contemporary international law issues, culminating in presentations and peer feedback.
- Case-based learning: Work on real legal cases in core modules like Law of the European Union (10 ECTS) and Public International Law (10 ECTS), fostering practical application skills taught by experts like Associate Professor Justin Lindeboom.
- Dual degree internships potential: The optional dual LLB with Universitas Gadjah Mada (years 3-4 in Indonesia) integrates practical exposure through electives and international coursework, enhancing global fieldwork experience.
- Technology Law track projects: From year 2, specialize in hands-on tech-related group work, including Introduction to Technology Law (5 ECTS) and Competition Law in the Digital Market (5 ECTS).