Program Overview

Introduction to the Law in Society Programme

The Law in Society programme at VU Amsterdam offers a unique and groundbreaking approach to studying law. By combining empirical research with insights from social sciences, students can develop a broad legal perspective and learn how to apply laws and regulations in practice.

Programme Overview

The programme is structured around four highly relevant themes: security, migration, sustainability, and the globalisation of markets. Students will explore how laws and regulations impact these themes and what to do when good legislation is lacking.

Interdisciplinary Approach

In addition to law-related subjects, students will also study criminology, sociology, psychology, and artificial intelligence (AI). They will learn the finer points of both quantitative and qualitative research, enabling them to look at complex issues from both data and social sciences perspectives.

Mixed Classroom

Lectures will be held in a mixed classroom, and students will carry out research in small groups. This will provide great preparation for working in an international environment with people who have diverse worldviews and approach issues from different perspectives.

Who is the Programme For?

The programme is designed for students who want to develop a broad legal perspective and are socially engaged. It is ideal for those who want to tackle major issues and fight injustice, and who are open-minded when it comes to people with other opinions and ideas.

Programme Structure

The programme consists of three years, with each year focusing on a different theme.

1st Year

In the first year, students will dive into the theme of security. They will explore how to combat terrorism, defamation, and assault, and will be introduced to empirical research and subjects like criminology, legal philosophy, and diversity.

• PPI LIS year 1
• Defamation and Assault
• Methodology and Empirical Research
• Diversity
• Criminology
• Terrorism
• Philosophy of Law and Security
• Amsterdam and the Platform Economy
• Statistics & SPSS
• Multinationals and the Platform Economy
• Psychology

2nd Year

In the second year, students will study migration from multiple legal perspectives, including migration law, family law, and criminal law. They will also learn qualitative research methods, like interview techniques and negotiation skills.

• PPI LIS year 2
• Global Migration Governance
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Migration Law and the Nation State
• Sociology
• Negotiations, Mediation and Dispute Solution
• Climate Change
• Evaluation Research
• (Un)sustainable Amsterdam
• Artificial Intelligence
• Law Ethics and Sustainability

3rd Year

In the third year, students will have the opportunity to go abroad for their minor. Those who stay in Amsterdam can choose from a range of interesting English- and Dutch-language minors at VU Amsterdam. Students will also write their thesis and recap several subjects to further deepen their legal knowledge.

• Recap: Criminal Law
• Recap: Public Law
• Bachelor's Thesis
• PPI LIS year 3
• Recap: Private Law

Future Prospects

The Law in Society programme will give students the tools to pursue a legal career in the Netherlands or internationally. Some students may want to improve human rights in their home countries, reform the refugee system, or work for the UN. Others may wish to become corporate lawyers. The programme's interdisciplinary approach and focus on practical application will prepare students for a wide range of career paths.