Welcome to HU

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Students sitting on the grass at HU Campus

During class, the emphasis will be on solving case questions, as well as reading and analysing case law from the European Courts of Justice and Human Rights. Additionally, you will learn how to find your way in the tangle of European institutions. You will monitor current legal developments in European law and legislation and will interpret those developments for a client.

Useful to know

Start	September
Number of ECTS	30 Dutch Education System
Programme level	Minor
Programme code	ADR-MINOR-10-09
Language of instruction	English
Year of study	Year 3 or 4
Practical Matters	Housing and Immigration
Location	Utrecht Science Park

What do you need to enter this programme? And what can you expect when you apply? In this section you'll find all you need to know!

Increasingly, our national laws originate from EU Institutions in Brussels and are influenced by (human rights) case law by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU or ECJ) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). The influence of European law (EU and ECHR) is clearly visible in many legal fields, from Labour and Environmental law, to f.i. Asylum law and Human Rights law.

This programme explores the practical and legal implications of this development. During class, the emphasis will be on solving case questions, as well as reading and analysing case law from the European Courts of Justice and Human Rights.

Additionally, you will learn how to find your way in the tangle of European institutions and, EU Regulations and Directives, etc. You will monitor current legal developments in European law and legislation and will interpret those developments for a (fictive) client in a mostly Dutch setting.

The courses in this minor are predominantly legal, practical and topical in nature. If possible, visits will be organised to the European institutions in other member states and Dutch institutions dealing with EU and/or human rights law on a daily basis.

The programme takes place during one semester (two blocks) and consists of the following courses:

Period	Title	Subject	ECTS
A Sept.- Nov.	Law of the European Union	EU institutions, the internal market and competition law (basics).	5
	Human Rights Law in Europe	E.g. freedom of speech and belief, freedom of religion and right to education.	5
	EU Moot Court Skills	Moot court skills and English legal terminology on EU/ECHR law. Students will learn the proper knowledge of analysing relevant case law, preparation of legal documents, arguing the case, art of cross-examination, etc. in a moot court setting with their fellow students. This Moot Court presents students with the opportunity to work as part of a team to argue the facts of a fictional case on either EU law or ECHR law before a (student) Court. English Legal terminology (specifically on EU law and ECHR law), presentation skills, peer feedback, teamwork and ‘how to moot’; will be part of this course.	5
B Nov.- Jan.	EU Social Law	EU labour law, EU social security law and discrimination.	5
	EU Asylum Law	Entry in EU as an asylum seeker, Turkey-deal, procedure, return, and human rights incorporated.	5
	EU law for sub-central Authorities	EU State Aid Law, EU public procurement law and SGEI as well as Legal Design Thinking.	5

Erasmus students may also swap one or more of the courses above. You can (also) choose the following courses offered in collaboration with partners (subject to availability). If you want to know more, please contact our International Coordinator: bart.hoeijmaekers@hu.nl.

Title

Subject

ECTS

Dutch as a second language

Available to international students only

5

In our Course Guide you can find all relevant information about the programme. Download the PDF:

Course guide EU Law and Human Rights

To enter this programme, you need a background in legal studies and a sound basis in European law. Additionally, we recommend you have attained English CEFR level B2.

If you are unsure whether your legal basis or level of English is sufficient; please contact Martijn Wools (martijn.wools@hu.nl) or Bart Hoeijmaekers (bart.hoeijmakers@hu.nl). Other conditions, such as an internship or employment are not applicable.

English CEFR level B2.

Please note: you may be asked to take a language assessment test before the start of the programme. If your English language skills are below the required level, you may not be able to enter the course, as you need to be able to actively participate in (parts of) the programme. In all cases, the programme manager makes the final decision.

After completion of this minor, you will distinguish yourself because you have learnt to (better) recognise signals indicating the applicability of European law and Human Rights. This will enable you to better assess the concrete consequences of European rules for everyday legal practice.

Assessment of most courses takes place through a written exam (exam1: 70% of your grade) as well as one or more written assignments (exam 2: 30% of your grade). Or e.g. for Moot Court Skills through a written part (50% of your grade) and an oral part (50% of your grade). Other exams will count for 100% (exam1). You need to pass all exams and assignments in order to pass a course (and receive 5 EC). For all exams you have two opportunities (1st attempt and resit).

For more (basic) information on these courses (and compulsory literature): see the course guide above.

The teaching days are on: Monday (sometimes in Term B and online), Tuesday (standard: full day), Wednesday (sometimes) and Thursday (standard). There are ten to fourteen contact hours a week. In addition, you will work on assignments, individually or in groups.

There is no general obligation to be present in class. Though in some courses, there are obligations like fulfilling the compulsory chairperson role (hereafter: ‘CCPR’) , the compulsory peer reviewer role (hereafter: ‘CPRR’) or to hold a (group) presentation (on your written assignments).

With the exception of the first teaching period of the academic year (starting September), the lesson and test schedules are always posted on Mijn Rooster four weeks before the start of each teaching period. The schedule for the first teaching period of the academic year can be found on the site three weeks before the start. The most up-to-date schedule is always visible on Mijn Rooster.

At HU, full-time education may be scheduled between 8:30 am and 7:00 pm.

€ 250,- (books, etc.) + additional (travel) expenses for possible (optional) excursion(s)

When you move to a different country to study, there are lots of things to arrange. For instance, where will you live, what are the costs? Visit our practical information page to help you prepare your stay. It is also important to start arranging a living space as soon as possible. Our housing pages will help you on your way. A student living in the Netherlands needs about € 800 to 1000 a month to cover living expenses, such as housing, food and transportation. This includes insurances – health insurance is mandatory.

Find out how to apply

Ready for an international adventure?

Connect local and European laws

Concentrating on the implications of European legislation and its ever-increasing presence, the courses in this minor are predominantly legal, practical and topical in nature. With your fellow students you will study cases, learn how to advise clients and monitor developments.
Inspiring international setting

HU supports your ambitions. During your time in Utrecht, you will meet students from all over the world and make connections to last a lifetime.
Utrecht Science Park Campus Benefits

On USP Campus, you'll find the universities' buildings, student housing, cafés, a sports centre, and much more. With excellent transport links to Utrecht and beyond.
- Read more about Utrecht Science Park
Vibrant university city Utrecht

Beautiful Utrecht has lots of young people and excellent facilities for student life. It has a mediaeval city centre which is small enough to explore by foot or bicycle.
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