Unique in Belgium, the English-taught Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International and European Law (180 ECTS) at the Brussels School of Governance provides the knowledge, skills and foundations needed for an international career related to law, combining a deep knowledge of international and EU law with a knowledge of the basics of international affairs, economics and communications, following the liberal arts tradition. The resulting interdisciplinary orientation of this international and European law Bachelor is much sought after in the international and EU arena since most of the pressing international and European problems and concerns require such an approach. Hence, the curriculum does not concern courses focused on a particular national legal system, but rather courses with either a focus on international & EU law or with a broad comparative law perspective. The latter courses introduce our students to the central concepts and doctrines, general principles etc. The foundational courses of international and EU law acquaint students with the international system, the European integration process, and European and international law-making.
In addition, the programme of this BA includes courses in several major fields at the intersection of international and EU law, such as human rights, legal aspects of migration, international trade law and sustainable development law. Courses with a more comparative law focus include business law, criminal law and comparative constitutional law. The programme also encompasses a well thought-out practical skills trajectory that is systematically rolled out in the law courses, in addition to a proper introduction to social science research and writing skills. In the former, specific attention goes to reading, analysing, reporting and synthesising cases (case law), historical and recent legal materials etc. Students will also learn to write legal texts, papers, case notes, pleading notes, and policy briefs, as well as deliver oral presentations, and pleadings in fictitious cases. Throughout the programme, students learn to work individually as well as in teams.
Our law students work together on common projects with students who opted for another major, for example international affairs, allowing them to look at issues from different angles – a great asset in any corporate or public sector career.
Students can choose from a variety of prestigious internships in the Brussels area where they can apply legal concepts and tools in a practical international working environment. Prior to entering the workforce, graduates are able to pursue studies in a range of Master’s programmes in various fields (business, competition law, European integration, European law, environmental law, global banking & finance, human rights, international law, IP & information law, journalism, etc.). Graduates will be prepared for careers in the public sector, international organisations, diplomacy, public affairs, lobby organisations, NGOs, think tanks, international businesses, banks and consultancies. Entry into traditional legal graduate programmes is not guaranteed upon completion of the programme, as such entry depends on national requirements. Several countries now do have ‘one year conversion programmes’ that enable to do so.
The Brussels School of Governance is an alliance between the Institute for European Studies (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Vesalius College. This BA in International and European Law is a programme of which the degree will be awarded by Vesalius College.