Either way, this multi-disciplinary Master’s programme that combines the study of law and politics with a focus on international security may be just what you’re looking for.
War and peace, terrorism, human rights, criminal law – these are all fascinating areas of research that have never been more pertinent than in today’s global society. Which makes the career prospects afterwards just as interesting.
The law of politics; the politics of law
Both of these sides of the debate are translated into legal claims, but which should we follow? If a state is attacked by a terrorist group, does it have the right to use military force in self defense? Is it politically prudent to do so? Should we use force against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, for example? How does law limit hostilities from being carried out? How are legal requirements translated into the military? How are these rules affected by politics?
In this one-year interdisciplinary Master’s programme, you’ll learn how to ask the right questions to increase your understanding of the complexities involved in these dilemmas. These questions are legal, political and ethical at the same time. International law is not treated as an abstract set of rules, but as a professional practice. You’ll therefore study what it is to be a lawyer in a variety of professional contexts, including litigation, legal advisory and diplomatic negotiations.
The programme is made up of four compulsory core courses, two electives and a Master’s thesis. We also offer interesting, related, extracurricular activities, such as the opportunity to be on the editorial board of the Amsterdam Law Forum.
