Global challenges such as fast technological changes, climate change and societal transformation disrupt existing market structures and business models. They challenge our current understanding of how markets work. As businesses adjust their practices to the changing market environment, the boundaries of the law and existing models of regulation are greatly influenced. Can private sustainability initiatives of firms escape competition law control? How should EU law regulate the sharing and platform economy, for example Airbnb or Uber? You will learn to analyze and reflect on these issues in the LLM in European Competition Law and Regulation.

Why European Competition Law and Regulation at the UvA?

5 reasons to choose European Competition Law and Regulation at the UvA

• The study programme of European Competition Law and Regulation is a unique program among Dutch and European universities, where students can specialize in competition law and the broader regulatory framework applicable to economic activities in fast-moving and progressively digitalized markets. 
• The study programme of European Competition Law and Regulation goes beyond the black letter law. We study the law in its economic, political and societal context.
• We integrate current challenges to competition law and regulation in our curriculum. Students get the chance to study and analyze EU competition law and regulation ‘in action’. 
• Students participate in interactive courses and extracurricular activities. You will learn by doing and connect with society at large by working with fellow students towards the solution of social problems.
• You will be taught by renowned experts in their fields of specialization who are members of the Amsterdam Centre for European Law and Governance as well as by internationally renowned legal practitioners. There is also an academic partnership, the Amsterdam Centre for Law & Economics, whose staff lectures in the core courses. They will introduce you to the dynamic and fast developing practice of EU economic law and regulation as well as provide academic insights.

About the study programme

Our study programme is unique among European universities. It allows students to specialize in competition law and the broader regulatory framework applicable to economic activities in fast-moving and progressively digitalized markets. Students will fully understand and be able to explain the complex web of market processes in a European law context. You will obtain fundamental legal skills that allow you to master new legal fields and solve a diverse range of legal problems.

The experiential learning method of the Amsterdam Law Practice inspires our students to do research and increase their knowledge. They can take part in EU law negotiation exercises as well as in the European Competition Law Moot Court and the European Law Moot Court. Moreover, it creates the opportunity to establish contacts in the professional field, a very valuable prelude to a successful legal career.

Is this programme for you?

This track is particularly attractive if you are interested in European law, politics and economics of market regulation throughout the EU. Would you like to gain hands-on experience in tackling legal problems and be part of an international student community? If you also have a good command of written and spoken English and an international perspective this could be the right LLM programme for you.

International students: admission to the Master’s programme is based on your prior academic credentials.

Students with a Dutch degree: students with a Bachelor of Laws degree from a Dutch university and students with a PPLE or other interdisciplinary degree with a ‘major in law’ are eligible for admission.

English language proficiency

Both Dutch and international students need to provide proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge certificate). Dutch students are exempted if they passed English for their VWO diploma (sufficient mark, 6 or higher) or possess a VWO certificate in English.

Did you know …?

• that the Amsterdam Law School is located on Roeterseiland campus, in the centre of Amsterdam? On the campus you’ll find cosy cafés, libraries, labs, lecture halls and a large variety of nice study and workplaces. 
• that Amsterdam is a great city to experience the value of the Amsterdam Law Practice? There’s a large number of international law firms and global business headquarters. There are also several important EU institutions located close by.

Career prospects

Graduates of this Master’s track will in particularly be qualified for an international career. Either in the EU institutions or with NGOs of EU Member States dealing with economic regulation and competition law. As well as private practice, either as practitioner in national and international law firms or as in-house-lawyer in national and international companies.

Contact and location

Would you like to learn more about the programme, watch the Campus Tour or do you have a general question? Go to programme contacts.