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.

This BA is a remarkable introduction to the legal and academic community, owing to thorough assignments and feedback. Studying in the capital of Europe also enables unique internships, higher education, or career opportunities, on account of easy access to the major courts and institutions involved in legislative processes, as well as guidance from guest lecturers, professors, and advisors working for said entities. With a little proactivity and interest in EU or international law, students will no doubt, as I have, leave the BSoG with a broader academic and professional horizon.
Student looking at camera
Colin Truong
BA alumnus

Key features

  • Unique international and interdisciplinary ‘law meets practice’ approach to law
  • Tailor your curriculum: 30 ECTS (core courses) + 108 ECTS (major requirements) + 24 ECTS (major electives) + 18 ECTS (free electives) = 180 ECTS 
  • There are at least 84 ECTS law courses (major requirements - 24 ECTS of the major requirements are non-law courses) with the possibility to expand that with 24 + 18 ECTS in law through the electives. This BA programme thus enables you to follow between 84 and 106 ECTS law courses.
  • Practical skills training is systematically rolled out in the law courses, in addition to a proper introduction to social science research and writing skills. Students are trained to analyse and synthesise case law, to write legal texts, papers, case notes, pleading notes, and policy briefs, as well as deliver oral presentations, and pleadings in fictitious cases. 
  • Small, interactive classes  
  • Brings together students and faculty of truly versatile international backgrounds
  • Prestigious internship opportunities
  • Fall & Spring intakes
  • Unique educational experience based on the STEP approach to teaching and learning
  • Supported by the extensive expertise of our Office for Teaching, Learning and Innovation to accommodate sophisticated blended teaching methods
  • Individual career advice sessions offered to students throughout their academic experience and beyond
The programmes' emphasis in terms of their pedagogical approach (STEP) means that they put the support of each individual student at the centre of teaching and learning. Students are encouraged to take up an active role in their learning process and the relatively small size of the programmes also allows for good and often informal interactions between students and staff. (...) The panel praises how this student-centredness also extends to the academic guidance and student support offered by the programmes.
Audit report by independent panel of experts of VLUHR QA (Flemish Universities and Colleges Council Quality Assurance), March 2023
VLUHR quality assurance