Students and lecturers will tell you what you can expect from this programme. They will discuss career opportunities once you have graduated.
The study programme
International and Transnational Criminal Law starts its first semester - together with track 1 / the joint program - at the University of Amsterdam. It includes procedural and substantive law courses regarding the law of international courts and tribunals. You will have the opportunity to meet and hear from internationally renowned practitioners, including International Criminal Court judges and prosecutors. There will also be courses on Jurisdiction and Cooperation in Criminal Matters, Comparative Criminal Law and Procedure and Global Justice sessions to provide a comprehensive foundation for future learning. Additionally, we offer a range of elective courses such as international humanitarian law, human rights law and international refugee law and law of military operations. During the second semester you will expand your knowledge to transnational criminal law and European criminal law, in addition to having the opportunity to do an internship or participate in the ICC Moot Court Competition (applications to which will take place during Block 1 of Semester 1).
At least one course in your curriculum is part of the Amsterdam Law Practice, our unique, award winning experiential education programme. A contemporary way of learning, in which you learn by doing and develop your professional identity by reflecting on who you are as a legal professional. The Amsterdam Law Practice received a Higher Education Award in 2022.
Is this programme for you?
- You are interested in international and transnational criminal law as distinct fields of legal study.
- You are eager to meet and hear from internationally renowned practitioners.
- You like the fact that the programme combines the study of theoretical aspects and foundations of International Criminal Law with its practical application.
The Master's programme in ITCL is a selective, specialised programme open to a limited number of motivated, ambitious students. A selection procedure applies whereby students with the most competitive applications will be admitted to the programme.
While there is a focus on theory, you have ample opportunity to apply it to real case scenarios.Francesca, student International and Transnational Criminal Law Read the more stories of students
Develop a broad and deep understanding of relevant issues and academic skills
Learn from leading professionals in the field
Expand knowledge to transnational criminal law
Have the opportunity to take internships or conduct (interdisciplinary) research
Discover the Master’s programme and tracks
The University of Amsterdam offers two tracks under its Master's programme in International Criminal Law. The other track offered by Amsterdam Law School is a joint programme in International Criminal Law. Whilst the first semester is shared with students in the ITCL programme, those enrolled in the joint program will spend the second semester at Colombia Law School in New York.
After graduation
The LLM programme in International and Transnational Criminal Law prepares students for a career in international criminal law. Graduates will be singularly qualified to assume leadership roles in the world of international criminal courts and tribunals, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), national legal institutions and law firms, and international criminal law academia and ministries of foreign affairs, justice and defence.
For Dutch students with a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) that qualifies for the requirements of the 'civiel effect’ from a Dutch university, completion of the Master’s programme in International and Transnational Criminal Law fulfils the requirements for ‘civiel effect’. For more questions about civiel effect you can contact our study advisors.