EU Law and Human Rights

European law and courts significantly influences national laws, impacting fields such as Labour, Environmental, Asylum, and Human Rights law. This practical, legal minor explores these effects, focusing on case law analysis and navigating EU institutions and regulations. It prepares you to interpret European legal developments, with opportunities for visits to relevant institutions and a multicultural learning environment.

Any questions? Please contact the programme coordinators: Martijn Wools (martijn.wools@hu.nl) or Bart Hoeijmaekers (bart.hoeijmaekers@hu.nl).

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

Erasmus students may also swap one or more of the above courses. You may (also) choose one of the following courses offered in collaboration with partners (subject to availability).

If you want to know more, please contact Bart Hoeijmaekers: bart.hoeijmaekers@hu.nl. 

In our Course Guides you can find all relevant information about the programme. Download the PDFs:

• Study guide Law of the EU
• Introductory text for EU Social Law
• Introductory text for Human Rights Law
• Introductory text for EU Asylum Law
• Guidelines for Moot Court Skills
• Learning outcomes of EU law for sub-central bodies

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.

Dutch students are allowed to take the tests, which are set in English, in Dutch.

After completion of this minor, you will distinguish yourself because you have learnt to better recognize 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 course takes place through a written exam (70% of your grade) as well as one or more written assignments (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).

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 (first attempt and resit).

The teaching days are:

• Mondays (sometimes)
• Tuesday: standard, full day)
• Wednesdays (sometimes)
• Thursdays: standard: from 13.00 to 17.00

There are 10 to 14 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 role of a chairperson or to hold a (group) presentation (on your written assignments).