If you have the ambition to work for an organization (business, public, (non)-profit, NGO, etc.) with international (legal) contacts in Europe, our minor ‘EU Law and Human Rights’ is an excellent choice for you! This minor program (in English) is particularly suited for Law, Social Legal Services, Political Science, Sociology, International Relations, Journalism and Management, Economics & Law students. As this minor program is also open to exchange students, you will work in a truly international environment in which you learn about other cultures and where teamwork and team effort are important. This minor program will also prepare students who want to study European Law at University at master level (in English).  

Admission 

To enter this program, you need a background in legal studies and a sound basis in European law. Additionally, we recommend you have attained English CEFR level B2 (for Dutch students: havo niveau), but it is up to you to decide if your level of English is adequate. If you are unsure if your legal basis or level of English is sufficient; please contact: martijn.wools@hu.nl. Other conditions, such as an internship or employment are not applicable.   

Content 

Increasingly, our national laws originate from EU Institutions in Brussels and are influenced by (human rights) case law by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU or ECJ) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). The influence of European law (EU and ECHR) is clearly visible in many legal fields, from Labour and Environmental law, to f.i. Asylum law and Human Rights law. The ‘EU Law and Human Rights’ program explores the practical and legal implications of this development.  

During class, the emphasis will be on solving case questions, as well as reading and analysing case law from the European Courts of Justice and Human Rights. Additionally, you will learn how to find your way in the tangle of European institutions and, EU Regulations and Directives, etc. You will monitor current legal developments in European law and legislation and will interpret those developments for a (fictive) client in a mostly Dutch setting.  

The courses in this minor are predominantly legal, practical and topical in nature. If our minor is too legal for your taste or you prefer classes in Dutch; you can check out our Dutch minor on human rights: ‘Mensenrechten voor de praktijk’.  

If possible and if sufficient students register, visits will be organized to the European institutions in other member states and Dutch institutions dealing with EU and/or human rights law on a daily basis.  

You may also choose one or more and not all of the courses.  

Courses

The programme takes place during one semester (two blocks: term A and term B) and consists of the following courses (30 EC in total):  

Block A: September - November

* Law of the European Union: EU institutions, the internal market and Competition law (basics).
* Human Rights Law in Europe: f.i. freedom of speech and belief, freedom of religion and right to education.
* Moot Court Skills: Moot court skills and English legal terminology on EU/ECHR law. Students will learn the proper knowledge of analysing relevant case law, preparation of legal documents, arguing the case, art of cross-examination, etc. in a moot court setting with their fellow students. This Moot Court presents students with the opportunity to work as part of a team to argue the facts of a fictional case on either EU law or ECHR law before a (student) Court. English Legal terminology (specifically on EU law and ECHR law), presentation skills, peer feedback, teamwork and ‘how to moot’; will be part of this course.

Block B: November - January

* EU Social Law: EU labour law, EU social security law and (non)discrimination. 5 EC
* EU Asylum Law: Entry in EU as an asylum seeker, the State responsible, reception, procedure, return, and human rights incorporated.
* EU law for sub-central Authorities: EU State Aid Law,  EU public procurement law and SGEI as well as Legal Design Thinking (basics).

You may also swap one or more of the courses above. You can choose one of the following courses offered in collaboration with partners (subject to availability). If you want to know more, please contact our International Coordinator: bart.hoeijmaekers@hu.nl.

* International week Germany: Join the International week of Heidelberg College, Germany: 3EC
* Dutch as a second language: Available to international students only: 5EC

After completion of this minor, you will distinguish yourself because you have learnt to (better) recognize signals indicating the applicability of European law and Human Rights. This will enable you to better assess the concrete consequences of European rules for everyday legal practice. 

To enter this program, you need a background in legal studies and a foundation in European law. Additionally, you are expected to have attained English CEFR level B2 (for Dutch students: havo niveau). If you are unsure if your legal basis or level of English is sufficient; please contact: martijn.wools@hu.nl. Other conditions, such as an internship or employment are not applicable. 

Term A: 

- Howard Davis, Human Rights Law Directions, Oxford University Press, last print 

- EU law Directions, Nigel Foster, Oxford University Press, last print 

- Blackstone’s EU Treaties & Legislation (2025-2026), Oxford University Press, last print  

Term B: 

- Jaspers c.s., EU Labour Law, Intersentia, last print 

The teaching days are on: Monday (sometimes), Tuesday (standard: full day), Wednesday (sometimes) and Thursday (standard: from 13.00-17.00 hours). There are ten to fourteen contact hours a week. In addition, you will work on assignments, individually or in groups. 

There is no general obligation to be present in class. Though in some courses, there are obligations like fulfilling the compulsory role of a chairperson or to hold a (group) presentation (on your written assignments). 

With the exception of the first teaching period of the academic year (starting September), the lesson and test schedules are always posted on Mijn Rooster four weeks before the start of each teaching period. The schedule for the first teaching period of the academic year can be found on the site three weeks before the start. The most up-to-date schedule is always visible on Mijn Rooster

At HU, full-time education may be scheduled between 08:30 and 19:00.

Assessment of most courses takes place through a written exam (exam1: 70% of your grade) as well as one or more written assignments (exam 2: 30% of your grade). Or f.i. for Moot Court Skills through a written part (50% of your grade) and an oral part (50% of your grade). You need to pass all exams and assignments in order to pass a course (and receive 5 EC). For all exams you have two opportunities (1st attempt and resit)

Signed learning agreements can be uploaded up to and including July 4th 2025 in Osiris Registration, see the instructions on the learning agreement or check our site. Learning agreements that are received after July 4 will not be processed. 

Please note: Learning Agreements will be considered in order of entry in Osiris Application (first come, first serve). A submitted learning agreement will not entitle you to a spot within a minor unless the following is the case:

* The minor is not yet full: each minor has a maximum number of places per period

* The student has submitted the learning agreement in full (including his/her own details and signature and the stamp of the examination board).

* HU has signed and stamped the learning agreement