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Education Bachelor's degree programmes International and European Law
Header image International and European Law
Bachelor - full-time

International and European Law

Are you interested in global challenges, international relations, and the role of law across borders? Then the International and European Law bachelor's programme is the perfect choice for you!

How are international human rights protected? How does European Union legislation affect businesses and citizens? Lawyers specializing in international and European law play a key role in answering these questions. During this programme, you will develop the legal knowledge and skills needed to work in an international legal environment.

✓ Build a strong foundation in international law, European law and comparative legal systems
✓ Apply legal knowledge in an international and practice-oriented learning environment
✓ Possibility to choose the Technology Law track from your second year onwards

During this programme, you will develop a broad understanding of how law functions in different legal systems and contexts. Rather than focusing on one national legal system, you will study how international and European law is created, interpreted and applied in public, private, economic and policy-making settings. From your second year onwards, you can choose to specialize in:
  • International and European Law
  • Technology Law

For Dutch-speaking students, please note this programme is different from the 'Internationaal en Europees Recht' track within the Rechtsgeleerdheid programme and does not offer civiel effect in the Netherlands.

More information

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Facts & Figures
Degree
LLB in International and European Law
Course type
Bachelor
Duration
36 months (180 EC)
Croho code
56829
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Law
Studie in Cijfers
Apply now

Why study this programme in Groningen?

✓ International legal perspective: instead of focusing on one national legal system, this programme offers a broad understanding of international and European law, preparing you for legal careers in an international environment.

✓ Specialize in Technology Law: from your second year onwards, you can choose the Technology Law track and explore legal challenges related to digital innovation, technology and society.

✓ International experience: all students spend a full semester abroad at one of the Faculty's partner universities around the world. You can also choose to pursue a dual degree with Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia.

✓ Excellent preparation for further study: after completing the programme, you will have direct access to the University of Groningen's specialized English-taught LLM programmes.

✓ Develop valuable professional skills: alongside legal knowledge, you will strengthen your analytical thinking, legal reasoning, research, communication and intercultural skills; essential for working in international organizations, governments, NGOs and multinational companies.

Please visit the webpages of this LLB programme for full information on the programme.

Programme

The programme touches upon all fields of law, starting with a general introduction into law in which the Dutch system is used as an example, an introduction into Legal English and research skills and in year 1 you will already be taught the basics of European law and public international law.

You can find the entire schedule of courses and the build-up of the programme on this page, including the description of all courses taught in the LLB programme.
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Introduction to Legal English and Research Skills (5 EC)
Law and Legal Skills: the Dutch example (10 EC)
Criminal law (10 EC)
Legal History (5 EC)
Contract and Tort Law (5 EC)
Introduction to International and European Law (10 EC)
Comparative Constitutional Law (10 EC)
Introduction to Technology Law (5 EC)

In year 2 students pick a specialisation: either they continue with International and European Law or they choose to join the Technology Law track.

You can find the entire schedule of courses and the build-up of both tracks on this page , including the description of all courses taught in the LLB programme.
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Law of the European Union (10 EC)
Property Law (5 EC)
Law, Power, and Politics (5 EC)
Public International Law (10 EC)
Administrative Law and Market Regulation (10 EC)
Research seminar (10 EC)
Markets and Regulation (5 EC)
Private International Business Law (5 EC)

All students spend the first semester of year 3 at one of our partner institutions, which are located all over the globe. When returning to Groningen in semester 2, they continue in their chosen track and write a Bachelor's thesis dealing with a topic of their choice within the scope of the programme.

You can find the entire schedule of courses and the build-up of both tracks on this page , including the description of all courses taught in the LLB programme.

If you are curious about the partner institutions of the Faculty of Law you can go to in year 3, please check our International Exchange Search Engine ( IESE ). For more information about the semester abroad, please check this page .
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Semester abroad (30 EC)
Commercial Dispute Resolution (5 EC)
Competition Law in the Digital Market (5 EC)
Research Colloquium (10 EC)
European Judicial Protection (5 EC)
The Contemporary Value(s) of International Law (5 EC)

Study load

40 hours of class and self-study per week on average

The programme is only available in full-time mode.

Programme options
Technology Law (graduation track)

The Technology Law track, together with the general legal knowledge in international and European law, covers a wide range of technology related legal topics.

The track is designed in light of the understanding that technology operates across jurisdictions and, as a result, regulatory responses have to occur at the interface between domestic, regional and international law.

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is required
  • For an average of 20 weeks

Every student goes abroad in the first semester of year 3.

The semester abroad, together with the Bachelor's thesis, is where you get to shape the programme to your preferences. The programme has no optional courses as such, but the semester abroad is free for you to fill with (law) courses. The only condition: you cannot have taken similar courses in Groningen already. Do check out the partners abroad to see if they have courses available of your interest.

Entry requirements

Admissible Dutch diploma profiles

  • VWO Natuur & Techniek
  • VWO Natuur & Gezondheid
  • VWO Economie & Maatschappij
  • VWO Cultuur & Maatschappij
  • HBO propedeuse

    International and European Law (Haagse Hogeschool)

  • academic propedeuse

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

You can find the previous education requirements here: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llb/application/

language test

You can find the English language proficiency requirements, and situations where exemption may be considered, here: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llb/application/

other admission requirements

The programme has a compulsory matching activity. If you are interested, the (online) matching activity will help you in deciding if our LLB programme is a good fit for you.
You can find more information about the matching here . Please make sure to click the English flag at the top. The Dutch information on this page is applicable to the 'Rechtsgeleerdheid' programme.

Choice of degree programme check

The degree programme will organize a matching procedure. Attendance is compulsory. The advice is not binding.

Registration procedure

Please make sure to apply in Studielink before 1 May and upload your documents before that time. You will also have to join the compulsory matching activity .


Selection procedure

In addition to meeting the admission requirements , students need to upload the necessary documents and join the compulsory matching activity .


Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202701 September 2027
EU/EEA students01 May 202701 September 2027
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202701 September 2027

Please make sure to have uploaded all your documents before 1 May.

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

You can find the previous education requirements here: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llb/application/

language test

You can find the English language proficiency requirements, and situations where exemption may be considered, here: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llb/application/

other admission requirements

The programme has a compulsory matching activity. If you are interested, the (online) matching activity will help you in deciding if our LLB programme is a good fit for you.
You can find more information about the matching here . Please make sure to click the English flag at the top. The Dutch information on this page is applicable to the 'Rechtsgeleerdheid' programme.

Registration procedure

Please make sure to apply in Studielink before 1 May and upload your documents before that time. You will also have to join the compulsory matching activity .


Selection procedure

In addition to meeting the admission requirements , students need to upload the necessary documents and join the compulsory matching activity .


Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202701 September 2027
EU/EEA students01 May 202701 September 2027
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202701 September 2027

Please make sure to have uploaded all your documents before 1 May.

Tuition fees

NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2026-2027€ 2694full-time
non-EU/EEA2026-2027€ 14000full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch studentsInternational students

After your studies

Most students continue with a one-year Master's programme after completing their bachelor's degree. An LLM allows you to specialise further in a particular area of law and significantly broadens your career opportunities.


Around 97% of graduates continue their studies with an LLM, either at the University of Groningen or at another leading university in the Netherlands or abroad. After completing the bachelor's programme, you have direct access to all English-taught LLM programmes offered by the Faculty of Law.

Job prospects

Graduates of International and European Law are well prepared for careers in an international legal environment. They work for governments, international organisations, NGOs, multinational companies and academic institutions around the world. Please note that this programme does not provide civiel effect in the Netherlands and therefore does not grant direct access to the Dutch legal professions (such as lawyer, judge or public prosecutor).

The Faculty regularly conducts alumni research to gain insight into where graduates work and how they look back on their studies. The results show that graduates pursue careers across a wide range of international organizations, businesses and public institutions.

Would you like to know more about the career opportunities after this programme? Take a look at our alumni survey results and discover where our graduates work and how they have built their international careers.

Job examples

  • Diplomat
  • Policy advisor for national governments or the European Union
  • Legal advisor at international organizations (e.g. the UN)
  • Legal advisor at NGOs
  • Human rights specialist
  • Compliance officer
  • Researcher or lecturer in higher education
  • Policy consultant
  • International relations advisor

Research

Research

Law is constantly evolving. Digital technologies, international cooperation, climate change and geopolitical developments raise new legal questions every day. At the Faculty of Law, research plays a central role in both our teaching and our contribution to society. As a student of International and European Law, you will not only learn what the law is, but also critically examine how it develops and how it addresses global challenges.

Our researchers study a wide range of legal topics within international, European and comparative law. Current research themes include:

✓ Human rights and the rule of law: protecting fundamental rights in a rapidly changing world.
✓ Digitalization and technology: legal challenges surrounding artificial intelligence, data protection and cybersecurity.
✓ European and international governance: the role of international organizations and European institutions in addressing global issues.
✓ Sustainability and climate law: how law contributes to the energy transition, environmental protection and sustainable development.


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More events
Testimonial of Ivy Adusei
I have always wished to study law. I have also always wanted to be international; these two motivating factors are the main characteristics of the International and European Law LLB programme.
– Ivy Adusei

I guess it is safe to say that these two factors fused into one programme fulfilled my dreams. There are many aspects pertaining to the content of the academic programme of the Faculty of Law that attracts me. Among others are the diverse nature of the students. This reflects in their contribution in class which I find very amazing. Another interesting aspect worth mentioning is the qualitative character of the literature being used in the courses..


Groningen is an international city. Living in such an environment meets my quest to be international. The people here are helpful, interactive and open; this makes it a warm place to live in, even though the weather can really be cold. Communication is also easy because everyone seems to understand and is willing to speak English. Moreover, it is very convenient to move around because institutions, organisations, shops and recreational facilities are easily accessible. The mere fact that Groningen is classified as an academic city in the Netherlands makes me feel good to be part of it. In tackling the question of how my experience here has helped prepare me for the future, I would say that in the first place, my way of thinking has drastically changed; I see things from different and broader perspective now. I am able to critically analyse issues around me, draw appropriate conclusions and make the right decisions all due to the nature of the course and the environment within which I live. I do not only think as a Ghanaian now, rather I think international.

Interested in reading more testimonials, also about the experiences of studying abroad for one semester? Please check this page .
Testimonial of Aprodytha Widya Oryza
Aprodytha followed the Dual Degree programme: "It was not always easy, but it was an incredibly rewarding journey"
– Aprodytha Widya Oryza

I am Aprodytha Widya Oryza, the first batch of the UG–UGM Dual Degree programme. I began my studies with one year at Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia, continued with two years at the University of Groningen, and then returned to UGM for my final year.

This journey allowed me to explore international, European, and Indonesian law, while learning from two different academic cultures and legal perspectives. Along the way, I also had the chance to meet many inspiring people, build meaningful friendships, and grow both academically and personally.

It was not always easy, but it was an incredibly rewarding journey that led me to earn two bachelor's degrees and gain a much broader perspective on law, culture, and education.

Study associations

Nexus

Nexus Student Association Groningen is the student association (studievereniging) for the LLB programme in International and European Law and related master programmes.
These programmes mainly consist of international students and, therefore, Nexus is very internationally orientated. Besides organizing activities to integrate internationals into Dutch culture, such as a political debate with local parties in English, Nexus also aims to provide members with the chance to obtain a social network, participate in the organization of guest lectures or informal activities, attend debating trainings, trips and workshops, all in a multicultural environment.
https://www.nexusstudentassociation.com/

DSLA

Decentralized Student Association (DSLA) is an association focused on curating and fostering the education and futures of students interested in Technology Law.
DSLA aims to connect law, computing science, and artificial intelligence students, therefore giving DSLA a cross-faculty element. DSLA is an internationally friendly association, and has a number of exciting tech-based events all year round including day excursions around the Netherlands, international trips, moot courts, pub quizzes, debates, monthly socials for our members, and more.
https://www.dslagroningen.org/

European Law Student's Association Groningen

ELSA Groningen is a Netherlands-based local group of the world's largest law student association. Serving more than 300 Dutch and international members, we help law students better integrate into our faculty and professionally develop into future lawyers or integrate into different legal pathways.
https://www.elsagroningen.org
Student profile

We are looking for students who are motivated to engage critically with (international and European) law. Our students are typically:

  • interested in what is going on in the world
  • keeping track of current events
  • socially committed
  • interested in law
  • willing to actively participate
  • keen to widen their knowledge
  • motivated to work in an international field
  • interested in history and social issues
  • able to transition to independence
(Binding) study advice
  • A minimum of 45 EC in the first 12 months (binding)

You will be offered study advice after the first year of study. You can expect a positive result if you have earned more than 45 ECTS credit points (out of a total of 60 ECTS). If you have earned fewer than 45 ECTS and are issued a negative result, you will not be allowed to continue with your degree programme.

You will receive preliminary study advice in December to make sure that you know where you stand. Please contact your study advisor as soon as possible if you have any questions about the BSA system. N.B. Some degree programmes use a tutoring system; please check with your study advisor.
Study support

To support you while studying, the Faculty ensures that the schedule is feasible, that mentors, lecturers, and the study advisers provide active study supervision, that exams are marked quickly and that lecturers and the study advisers are readily contactable. The programme includes a workshop Starting your Academic Career, in which you will be taught by a senior student, which aims to teach you good study behaviour right from the start of your degree.

The Faculty will offer a (compulsory) introduction session with all new students of the Faculty's English-taught programmes and induction sessions for you and your working group members. These are led by the study advisers.

The study advisers are available for all matters that might occur and will hinder your studying. These can be personal issues, unexpected circumstances, but also when you need some help in planning or time management. The study advisers will contact you every once in a while, but you are also more than welcome to join them during their office hours or to ask your question through email. If it looks like you will incur study delay, please contact the study adviser yourself. The study adviser can help you with your planning, and also advise you confidentially about study problems and/or personal problems.

If you are interested in making your social network at the start of your programme a bit bigger, the Faculty has a programme set up for this as well: the Buddy Network Law.
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