ObjectivesThe programme is run jointly by the University of Portsmouth and the Haggse Hogeschool/HEBO (The Hague University of Professional Education). The course is taught in English and involves the study of European law and the nature and process of policy-making within the European Union. It also deals with issues which are seen as central to the formation of contemporary Europe. The fact that the course is taught in two European universities means that students gain experience of two educational systems and societies. They also have access to facilities and libraries in both The Hague and Portsmouth. In the former students have access to the library of the International Court of Justice and the Asser Institute for International Law. In Portsmouth, students are taught by members of the Centre for European Studies Research which brings together some 40 researchers in the European area. SOCRATES student mobility grants may be available for students who are EU nationals to assist towards the cost of travel between the two countries and cover some subsistence costs.
Entry requirementsThe course is not aimed specifically at lawyers but rather at those who feel the need to a detailed knowledge of European Law and the formation of policy within the EU because of their work or future career plans. The course will be of benefit to those who wish to work or are already employed in industry or the public sector where a detailed knowledge of the operation and law of the European Union is necessary. As political and economic integration occurs within Europe, such expertise is becoming increasingly valuable.
Academic titleMA European Law And Policy (The Hague University)
Course descriptionRun jointly with The Hague University of Professional Education, this course involves the study of European law, EU institutions, policies and policy-making processes and the EU as an international actor.
Full-time students spend the first semester studying in The Hague, where they concentrate on the more legal aspects of the course. There is an introductory course on European law and international public law for those without prior knowledge. Students then take a core unit that looks at the various treaties that have influenced the development of the EU and their legal consequences. Another core unit, judicial protection, examines the way in which individual rights are protected within the European Community. Optional units exist in human rights in Europe, environmental law and policy, EU immigration and refugee law and European competition law.
The second semester is spent in Portsmouth where you study the more policy-oriented units. There are core units on governing Europe and policy-making in the EU. The other core unit, external relations of the EU, looks at the legal, political, trade and security aspects of the EU's relations with the wider world.
All students have to write a dissertation on a theme related to European law and policy and take a research management course. Part-time students spend most of their two years in The Hague with the above units being spread over the two years. Dissertation work is concentrated in the second year and you will spend a period of two weeks studying on an intensive course in Portsmouth.