Master of Laws (LL.M)

Master of Laws (LL.M.)

The Master of Laws is is a world-renowned programme that provides an advanced focus on international and European law, and is taught by top specialists in their fields. With two distinct specialisations, Business Law and Public Law, students are exposed to an innovative legal curriculum through a broad range of elective courses. Through our rigorous academic programme, the LL.M. provides graduates with a well-rounded foundation to pursue an exciting global career.

The programme is aimed at students who’ve already graduated in law and law professionals.

About the programme

The advanced Master of Law (LL.M.) programme at KU Leuven has a marked international dimension with European law being an important focus, given KU Leuven's close proximity to the central EU institutions in Brussels. The programme taps into the knowledge and expertise of a large network of legal professionals who have close links to the European institutions.

The advanced LL.M. programme includes visits to:  the Court of Justice of Justice in Luxembourg, the European Institutions in Strasbourg (attending hearings at the European Court of Human Rights, the Council of Europe, and the European Parliament); and The Hague, where our students visit the International Court of Justice (UN) and other international institutions.

Areas of specialisation and master classes You can select an area of specialisation of your choice:

• International and European Business Law
• International and European Public Law

For students in both specialisations, it is possible to enrol in additional courses from the alternative specialization within your choice as elective courses. Each specialisation includes eight 'master classes' led by distinguished legal and business practitioners. These exclusive master classes illustrate the 'law in action' and allow you to engage with prominent legal experts. Students will also be required to write and defend a Master's dissertation.

Strengths

• Rigorous academic tradition, a world leading position in legal scholarship and courses taught by top specialists and distinguished professionals.
• Close links with legal practice and EU institutions.
• The ideal location of the campus allows visits to European and international institutions. The historic student city of Leuven is only 20 minutes by train from EU Capital Brussels.
• Free participation in our Summer School, which takes place the week preceeding the start of the academic year 
• A small and selective academic programme withwhere you can connect and exchange with excellent students from across the globe. Become a member of the LL.M. network.

Career perspectives

Given its philosophy grounded in European law, its highly skilled teaching staff and its openness to the study and practice of various types of law, this in combination with its close proximity to Brussels, the KU Leuven LLM adds significant value for students seeking legal careers in Europe.