Utrecht University

Overview

The Master's program in Law and Technology in Europe at Utrecht University delves into the interplay between European Union regulations and rapidly evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital market structures. This program equips students with the knowledge to understand how these advancements impact essential legal principles like privacy, due process, and the rule of law, while also honing research skills to tackle emerging legal issues.

What you'll study

This one-year program, accredited by NVAO, comprises 60 ECTS credits and is delivered on-campus in English. The curriculum includes:

• Core courses focusing on the intersection of law and technology in Europe, covering topics such as market technologies, digitalisation in law enforcement, consumer protection in a digital age, and the relationship between technology and the rule of law.
• Capita Selecta modules that enable students to engage in advanced courses and develop a research proposal, allowing for an in-depth exploration of specific interests within the field.
• Research and thesis component, culminating in a master's thesis centered on a chosen topic related to law and technology in Europe.

Assessment methods include written assignments, examinations in taught courses, and evaluation of the research proposal and thesis based on academic quality and legal analysis.

Entry requirements

Academic background

• Applicants must hold a law degree, having completed the foundational curriculum in law from their home country. This does not necessarily require additional state or professional examinations for bar admission.
• Graduates with a Liberal Arts Bachelor’s degree may qualify if they possess a robust background in law, evidenced by a minimum of 45 ECTS in law-related courses at either the undergraduate or graduate level, including foundational courses in public international law and/or European Union law.

Career prospects

Graduates of this program will be well-prepared for diverse career paths in legal practice, compliance, policy-making, and academia, particularly in areas concerning the regulation of technology and digital innovation. The skills acquired will enable them to navigate the complexities of law in a technology-driven landscape.

Upon completion of the master's degree in the Netherlands, graduates may be eligible for work permits under various schemes, including the orientation year (zoekjaar), allowing them to seek employment that aligns with their qualifications.