Bachelor of Arts in European and International Legal Studies

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in European and International Legal Studies at The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL) is a dynamic, English-taught program that builds a strong foundation in EU and international law while blending in politics, sociology, history, economics, and philosophy—perfect for students passionate about global careers in law, diplomacy, business, or public service. It's ideal if you're eager to understand how law influences society and international relations, equipping you with practical skills to thrive in Europe's legal landscape right from the start.

Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You'll kick off with the essentials of legal thinking and Europe's broader context, diving into European Union Institutional and Substantive Law to grasp how EU bodies operate and make decisions, alongside Introduction to International Public Law for a global perspective on treaties and state interactions. Courses like politics and history weave in to show law's real-world roots, setting you up to analyze legislation confidently from day one.

Year 2
Building momentum, you'll explore the EU's economic heartbeat through Law of the Internal Market, learning how goods, services, and people move freely across borders, paired with Protection of Fundamental Rights to tackle human rights in a European framework. Sociology and economics modules add depth, helping you connect legal rules to social and business impacts in practical scenarios.

Year 3
The final year sharpens your expertise with advanced topics like Intellectual Property and Digital Market Law for navigating tech and innovation challenges, Environmental and International Energy Law to address sustainability on a global scale, and Personal Data Protection for mastering privacy in the digital age. You'll wrap up by applying everything—drafting documents, negotiating, and simulating EU policy—to launch into careers or our MA in European Union Law.

Focus Areas
Sharpen your skills in EU institutional law, internal market dynamics, fundamental rights, international public and private law, intellectual property, environmental law, data protection, and EU funds management—all tailored for the global legal stage.

Learning Outcomes
Graduates can analyze EU and international legislation, draft legal and business documents, apply EU policies, manage funding compliance, mediate disputes, advise on migration rights, and engage as active EU citizens—ready for immediate impact.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This first-cycle BA from KUL's prestigious Faculty of Law, Canon Law, and Administration is fully recognized, serving as a direct pathway to professional law-related roles or second-cycle studies like our MA in European Union Law, with a curriculum aligned to EU standards and practical demands.

Reputation (Employability)
KUL's Faculty is a top Polish center for international and EU law since 1918, with English programs since 2011 and strong student praise for practical, interactive learning that boosts critical thinking and employability in EU institutions, NGOs, and business—backed by Erasmus+ exchanges and internships at leading legal bodies.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Let me be straight with you: this program isn't just about reading cases and memorizing law. The Bachelor of Arts in European and International Legal Studies at KUL puts you in the thick of real-world legal work from day one. You'll develop practical skills by analyzing actual EU legislation and court rulings, drafting legal documents and business communications, and engaging in hands-on problem-solving that mirrors what working lawyers and policy professionals do every day. The curriculum is built around preparing you for immediate impact—whether that's managing EU funding, advising on cross-border issues, or engaging in international mediation.

KUL doesn't cut corners when it comes to infrastructure. The university boasts modern lecture halls, libraries, research labs, and dedicated spaces for study and project development. This means you're not just sitting in outdated classrooms—you have access to contemporary research facilities designed to support serious academic and professional development. The Faculty of Law, Canon Law, and Administration has been a leading educational and research center in Poland since 1918, and that legacy shows in the quality of physical spaces and resources available to you.

Beyond the basics, here's what students get access to:

- International exchange programs and Erasmus+ – Study abroad opportunities to deepen your European legal knowledge across different countries
- Internships at renowned legal institutions – Real work experience with top organizations across Europe, not just theoretical assignments
- Interactive, discussion-based learning environment – Professors actively encourage critical thinking and practical applications rather than rote memorization, pushing you to debate different viewpoints and apply concepts to real cases
- Library and research facilities – Comprehensive academic resources to support your coursework and independent research
- Two specialized institutes within the Faculty – The Institute of Law and Institute of Canon Law, giving you access to expert faculty and specialized research centers
- Diverse, international academic community – Study alongside students and instructors from across Europe and beyond, which enriches classroom discussions and builds your global professional network

Progression & Future Opportunities

The European and International Legal Studies BA at KUL isn't just about lectures and textbooks—it's designed to transform you into a capable legal professional through hands-on learning and real-world application. You'll develop practical skills in analyzing EU legislation, drafting legal documents, and engaging in international negotiation while working alongside experts who actively practice law. The university provides an excellent infrastructure to support your growth, including modern lecture halls, libraries, and research labs where you can dive deep into complex legal cases and projects.

Here's what makes the experiential learning at KUL truly exceptional:

- International exchange programs and Erasmus+ opportunities to study abroad and gain cross-border legal perspective

- Internships at renowned legal institutions across Europe, giving you real professional experience in your field

- Interactive classroom approach where professors encourage discussions, critical thinking, and practical applications rather than memorization—you'll debate different viewpoints and apply concepts to real-world issues

- Modern research labs and study spaces specifically equipped for project development and legal research

- Comprehensive university libraries supporting your coursework across European law, international law, and specialized legal topics

- Access to the Faculty of Law, Canon Law, and Administration—one of Poland's leading educational and research centers with two dedicated institutes

- Courses covering practical competencies including understanding EU institutional law, internal market regulations, fundamental rights protection, and digital market law

- Skill-building in legal English applied to real-world scenarios, business negotiation in international contexts, and public speaking for legal communication

You'll be part of a diverse international learning community where intercultural exchange and collaborative learning happen naturally. The program is fully taught in English and situated in Lublin, a historic academic city at the heart of Europe, making it accessible regardless of your background.