MASTER IN “INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN LAW”

In the age of globalization the domestic legal systems cannot be perceived without a solid component of international and European law. The activities of international or European organizations, as well as procedures of international dispute resolution have become part of many areas of contemporary life, especially in protection of human rights, economic cooperation and social integration, international business and sphere of emerging technologies.

The purpose of the study programme is to train legal experts and legal service professionals with:
– the comprehensive and profound knowledge about international and European legal  norms  that  influence  the  most  important  areas  of  national  legal  systems,  as  well  as  development, interpretation and application practice of these legal norms;
– abilities to identify, analyse and solve complex problems related to law-making and legal application in the contexts of international and European law;
– abilities to apply the acquired knowledge in professional practice in an innovative and integral way in order to settle disputes and legal conflicts that arise in international environment;
– critical approach and skills to carry out independent research and provide suggestions based on scientific analysis.
See detailed learning outcomes of the study programme here.

A full-time study programme lasts three semesters (1.5 years, 90 ECTS). At the beginning of the studies, each student chooses the track he or she is interested in from three options:

• International Law and Human Rights;
• Tech Law;
• Business Law.

Students study two general compulsory courses (20 ECTS) that represent the core of the programme, as well as four compulsory courses (20 ECTS) in the selected track of interest. The remaining credits (20 ECTS) are allocated for the student’s free choice. These optional courses (4 electives) provide an opportunity to design individual studies’ profile within the areas of student’s concern and needs and to pursue personal education agenda. Each course includes lectures as well as practical instruction time (seminars, workshops, moot activities, etc.). Like all masters, this study programme is concluded by the preparation of Master Thesis (30 ECTS) on a scientifically and/or practically relevant topic. Students attend seminars, which are designed to provide them with additional methodological assistance and guidance as regards the preparation of the thesis.

The programme is designed for persons who have obtained a recognized qualification of a Bachelor of Laws or an equivalent qualification of a jurist from institutions of higher education. The procedure of admission is competitive; it is based on the candidate’s application supported by required documents and the outcome of an interview, if needed.

Proficiency in English is required to ensure proper participation in lectures, workshops and seminars (e.g., sufficient skills for reading relevant literature and normative acts or for essay writing). The proficiency level not lower than B2 (following the Common Framework of Reference for Language approved by the Council of Europe), proof of proficiency in English: IELTS 5.5+, iBT TOEFL 65+; The requirement does not apply to those who have graduated from the studies delivered in English or if it is a native language of a candidate.

The deadline for submission of application for applicants from non-EU/EEA countries for academic year 2025 is May 1. 

The deadline for submission of application for applicants  that are not required to obtain a national visa for arrival to Lithuania, as well as for non-EU/EEA applicants with Lithuanian Embassies in their home countries for academic year 2025 is July 1. 

Apply here.

In case of your graduation from your school/university in Summer please consult Admission Officer if it is possible to submit a final diploma later (each case will be considered individually).

The academic year starts in September.

Tuition fee waivers and scholarships to apply for during the admission procedure

Scholarships to get during study period

The main forms of class activities are lectures and seminars. Essential methods of study used during lectures and seminars are interactive; they include problem solving, discussions, case study analyses, group work, essays or short papers, simulations, moot activities, presentation of arguments in writing or orally, reflections on accumulated experience. The major attention is given to student’s individual work. Students are engaged in self-study of compulsory and recommended scientific and methodological books, legal sources, prepare for assignments.

Academic progress may be assessed in different ways; several methods are combined, such as continuous and final assessment. Usually the final mark for the course is cumulative, calculated based on the proportions specified in the course unit description. The interim tasks that are necessary for accumulation of the final assessment can include a research project (work), presentation, essay, active participation in class activities, solution of problems, etc. Every course concludes with either a written or written and oral examination assessed on a ten-point scale.

The qualification enables graduates to be legal experts (advisers) to both public and private entities, engage themselves as problem analysts or researchers in academic institutions as well as to work in all major legal professions in national and international, governmental and non-governmental organizations and companies. A possibility of holding an office in regulated professions (judges, solicitors, prosecutors, civil servants etc.) will depend on qualification requirements applicable in a particular country and the recognition of foreign studies.

Graduates of the programme will be able to pursue academic career in Lithuania and abroad in continuing their studies in PhD programme in social sciences, mainly in law.

Description of the tutoring procedure of the Faculty of Law of Vilnius University

Study Regulations of Vilnius University
Learning Achievements Assessment Procedure
Procedure for Recognition of Learning Outcomes
Procedure for Repeating a Course Module
Description of the Procedure for Renewing Studies at Vilnius University
Code of academic Ethics of Vilnius University
Regulation of the Academic Ethics Commission of Core Academic Units of Vilnius University
Description of the Procedure of Payment, Reimbursement, and Recovery of Tuition Fees at Vilnius University
Methodological Requirements for Research Paper and Master’s Thesis Preparation
Harvard style rules for the compilation of the List of sources
Procedure for the preparation, defence, assessment, and storage of course papers and Master’s theses
Graduation clearance procedure at Vilnius University
Regulations of the Dispute Resolution Commission of Core Academic Units of Vilnius University

Regarding the specification of the subject of the Master’s Thesis
Regarding the independently proposed subject of the Master’s Thesis
Regarding the deferment of the tuition fee
Regarding the reduction of the tuition fee
Regarding the payment of the tuition fee in instalments
Regarding the termination of the Study Agreement
Regarding the renewal of the studies
Regarding the academic leave
Regarding the return after academic leave
Regarding the suspension of studies
Regarding the return after suspension of studies
Regarding repeating a course
Regarding a permission to study selected study units as an unclassified student
Regarding the recognition of course units

Autumn Semester 2024/2025

Exchange programmes

Erasmus traineeship

The Student Scientific Society of the Faculty of Law of Vilnius University

Vilnius University Students’ Representation (Lith. acronym. VU SA)

Summer Schools

Vilnius University Centre of Culture

Vilnius university Health and Sport center

Brochure with information for degree students at Vilnius University 2020