International Relations & International Law

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Students study the role of the state and international organisations within the international community. It addresses global societal problems such as armed conflicts, human rights violations, terrorism, migration and climate change. It focuses on how states interact with each other, how they balance their national interests and global needs and it studies what the role of international law is. It aims to find means by which international political leaders can come to effective policymaking on the international level.

International global challenges are complex and solving them takes an inter- and multidisciplinary approach. Solutions must take international law into account but also understand the political issues at stake. During the courses, students will study how the law works on an international level and analyse how this frames international policy making. Students will need to identify the main global challenges and discuss how to effectively address these challenges.

Core courses are "International and European law", "International Relations" and "International Politics". Questions addressed are: Does international law affect the behaviour of international political leaders? What are or should be the rights of migrants and how can we balance their rights and the interest of states? How can we tackle political or religious extremism? During their study students will get interactive lectures and practical seminars in which active class participation is required. Assessments methods include writing essays, papers, legal notes and policy documents, a written exam, oral presentations or participate in moot courts.

Students can continue their studies in public international law, human rights law, criminal law, conflict studies and international relations and can get to work in international organisations and institutions such as the United Nations, the European Union, the International Criminal Court or non-governmental humanitarian organisations.

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