The minor International Law and Relations is about international legal dimensions in the EU and beyond, the globalized world.

The program consists of topics that individuals and companies may have to deal with, when operating in an environment that is becoming increasingly international. Subject knowledge will be taught alongside the projects throughout the semester while students work in small groups independently under the guidance of coaches to complete their tasks. The program consists of two blocks, both consisting of one project and two courses.

International Organisations and Contracts (Block 1)

International Law Project A

In this project, the students and their team are employed in an internationally oriented legal consultancy firm. The team deals with various practical cases, which focus on international trade law.

International Business and European Law

This course equips students with the skills to prevent and tackle legal issues in international business. With a proper education on relevant EU legislation and case law, students will explore the arena of (phases of) negotiations, from civil and common law perspective. Ultimately, students will be able to deal with business related matters and advise on basic legal issues regarding International Business law to their clients.

International Relations and Organisations

This course provides an in-depth introduction to the minor International Law and Relations. Topics of study are the development of international organisations before 1919, the League of Nations, such as the United Nations and the European Union. Furthermore, recent threats to the post-1945 liberal world order, such as climate change, international terrorism, the migrant crisis, and Brexit will be addressed.

Freedoms and Individuals (Block 2)

International Law Project B

The teams of students are assigned roles (Legal Counselor, opposing party, or Judge) in order to reflect on a specific cross-border case which has gone to court. Through the exchange of written documents and an oral proceeding, the students will attempt to successfully conclude the case.

Human Rights Capita Selecta

This course will provide a study of international human rights. Human rights are defined as rights inherent to all human beings. They are rights that every person has simply because they are human. Human rights are thus conceived as universal, inalienable and equally applicable to all. Besides these general topics, the content of various types of human rights  and current issues will be topic of discussion.

Internal Market Law

The heart of the European Union is the legislation on the internal market, substantially consisting of economic affairs, the four freedoms: free movement of goods, persons, services and capital. Besides the rights of natural persons, the course also addresses the rights of legal persons.

During the semester students develop skills regarding analyzing, advising and legal English, negotiating as well as cross cultural competences. Practical applicability of the knowledge and skills acquired is central in our students learning process.

Students with a basic knowledge of or interest in law and in the possession of a propadeutic diploma (propedeuse) are welcome to enroll in this minor.

The literature (both mandatory and optional literature) will be announced, well before the start of the minor.

The minor consists of two blocks. After each block the student’s progress will be assessed through one exam, through various presentations and written reports/assignments. Some elements will be assessed individually (such as the exam and individual assignments), for other elements group marks will be given (group assignments).