Meet our students

Aleksandra Guzik, Master’s student PIL

‘Choosing the Public International Law Master's programme at the University of Amsterdam was an easy decision for me. Firstly, I found the curriculum to be genuinely interesting, and I was motivated and excited to learn more about subjects such as international responsibility and international human rights straight from experts in the fields. Secondly, I was impressed by the university's progressive outlook and its efforts to incorporate practical elements into the programme, such as the Amsterdam Law Clinics. Reflecting on my experience at UvA, I found it both challenging and inspiring. It has undoubtedly broadened my knowledge of international law and shaped my next career steps. It is also where I met many (hopefully life-long!) friends and benefited from everything that Amsterdam has to offer.'

Tomaz Monchique, graduate PIL

'After completing my Bachelor's degree in International and European Law, I knew I wanted to pursue an international legal and diplomatic career. For this reason, I applied to the Master's degree in Public International Law. Its focus was sufficiently broad not to limit my future professional opportunities, but enriching enough to acquire a detailed understanding of international legal processes and procedures.  

While in Amsterdam, the quality of the Faculty's members and the opportunity to engage in experiential education motivated me the most. Learning from world-renowned experts in the classroom while contributing to the development of International Law at the Amsterdam Law Clinics was extremely rewarding.  

Also, the study programme's flexibility allowed me to specialise in International Humanitarian and Military Law, a field I intend to pursue professionally. Besides acquiring extensive knowledge in International Law and politics, completing the 'Academic Excellence Track' honors programme and my Master's thesis equipped me with advanced legal argumentation, persuasive writing, and critical thinking skills. Therefore, I am confident this Master's programme paved the way for my professional success.'

Meet our staff

André Nollkaemper

University Professor of Public International Law and Sustainability

‘Our programme offers the best of both worlds: students discover the foundations of the international legal order and they experience what it takes to use and apply their knowledge in relation to concrete legal questions.’ 

André Nollkaemper is University Professor of Public International Law and Sustainability. He is member of the Institute de Droit International, of the Permanent Court of Arbitration and of the Royal Academy of Sciences of the Netherlands. He also is (external) Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

Professor Yvonne Donders

Professor of International Human Rights and Head of the Department of International and European Law

‘The programme brings together a diverse group of students in terms of background and interests. This international classroom allows us to analyse and discuss topical issues of international law from a variety of perspectives.’

Yvonne Donders is Professor of International Human Rights at the Department of International and European Law at the University of Amsterdam. She is elected member of the UN Human Rights Committee for the term 2023-2027. Her research and teaching focus on international human rights law, in particular economic, social and cultural rights, human rights and cultural diversity and the human right to science. She is currently Chair of the Steering Committee of the Netherlands Network of Human Rights Research (NNHRR), Member of the Editorial Board and Executive Editor of the Netherlands Quarterly of Human Rights (NQHR) and Chair of the Advisory Board of the “Shelter City” project for human rights defenders.