Program Overview

Master of Laws (LL.M.) Programme in EU and EEA Law

The Master of Laws programme in EU and EEA Law provides in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of both institutional and substantive aspects of EU and EEA law. The programme is worth 90 credits, distributed over three semesters.

Duration and Study Places

• Duration: 3 semesters
• Study places: 20
• ECTS credits: 90
• Start of study: Autumn
• Teaching language: English

Programme Description

Today's Europe requires experts who possess a thorough knowledge of European law. Specialist legal knowledge of how the international and national systems interact, influence, and develop dynamically in tandem with each other, is increasingly in demand. The LLM in EU and EEA law is unique, and the first of its kind in the world, given its emphasis on the intricacies and peculiarities of EEA law.

The programme is designed to prepare students for a wealth of theoretical, but also practical EU/EEA legal issues that they may encounter, for example, when working in the public administration, as a corporate lawyer, as a judge, or in academia.

At the end of the LLM journey, students will have thorough knowledge of EU and EEA internal market law and be skilled to navigate through complex EEA law material.

Student Life

Students will spend most of their time at the Faculty of Law in Bergen, meeting an international community of staff and students in an informal atmosphere and taking part in academic and social events. The Faculty of Law is situated on the Bergen University Campus, located within walking distance of most attractions in the city centre.

As an LLM student, they will be invited to events in the Research Group for European Law (BERG) and the EEA Law Centre at The Faculty (CENTENOL), and have access to working areas at the Faculty of Law, such as the Law library and the many reading rooms.

In the courses, students will work both independently with literature and assignments, and in groups. All lectures and seminars will be in English.

Career

The Master of Laws programme in EU and EEA law offers a study path of clear relevance to the pursuit of a wide variety of professions – primarily in law, as a legal practitioner or judge, but also in other fields where such specialist legal knowledge may prove helpful.

The programme is also a relevant recruitment arena for international organisations such as:

• the European Union
• European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
• United Nations
• World Trade Organization

Admission Requirements

• Grade requirements: C (2.5)
• Requires a minimum average grade of Norwegian grade C (2.5) or the equivalent, to be eligible for admission.
• Students with citizenship from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland must pay tuition fees. Some applicants may be exempted from this rule.

To apply for the Master of Laws Programme in EU and EEA Law, students must have:

• Obtained a bachelor's degree in law (3- or 4-years' duration) or have completed law studies equivalent to a bachelor's degree (first degree) in law.
• Documented a minimum average grade of Norwegian grade C or the equivalent, in their previous law studies (The Norwegian grade C equals the grade C in the ECTS system or to the US grade B.)

Language Requirements

• Proficiency in English (former Erasmus+ exchange students to the Faculty of Law meet the requirements)

Obligatory Programme-Specific Entry Requirements

Applying to all applicants, the following documentation must be submitted by the application deadline:

• A letter of motivation, stating why they are applying for this programme. One page maximum.
• CV (Curriculum Vitae) documenting relevant experience/practice.

Study Plan

The study plan must provide a clear framework for the study, describe the learning goals students will achieve, and how the study is structured.

Study Structure

The LLM programme in EU and EEA Law is a one and a half year programme starting every August.

• First semester (Autumn I): Mandatory courses
  • JUS3500 - EU and EEA Institutional Law and Policymaking (10 ECTS)
  • JUS3501 - Free Movement under EU and EEA Internal Market Law (10 ECTS)
  • JUS3515 - EU and EEA Public Procurement Law (10 ECTS)
• Second Semester (Spring): Students will study at least two of the following three courses
  • JUS3502 - EU and EEA State Aid Law (10 ECTS)
  • JUS3509 - Competition Law (10 ECTS)
  • JUS330-A - EEA Moot Court (10 ECTS) They may choose to study all three of the above-mentioned courses, or exchange one of them with either of these elective courses:
    • JUS3503 - Privacy and Data Protection - GDPR (10 ECTS)
    • JUS3514 - EU Copyright Law (10 ECTS)
    • JUS3511 - International Climate Law (10 ECTS)
    • JUS3512 - Legal Philosophy (10 ECTS)
    • JUS3522 - Health and Human Rights (10 ECTS)
• Third semester (Autumn II): Students will be writing their master's thesis.
  • LLM399 - Master's Thesis (30 ECTS)

Further Studies

The Master of Laws programme in EU and EEA Law will also prepare its students for potential future academic careers at universities and colleges.