Testimonials
The combination of law and political science students, and the diversity of countries where they came from provided opportunity for good debate in the classroom.
- Previous education
- Bachelor in Political Science (University of Florence)
- Programme
- European Law and Global Affairs
- Country of previous education
- Italy
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why?
After finishing my Bachelor’s in Italy, I started looking for a study experience, possibly abroad and one that would provide me with a solid understanding of International and European law. After comparing different universities offering the LLM in EU Law, I decided to apply for the track in European Law and Global Affairs at Radboud University because of its unique approach in combining the study of law and social science.
I found the classes very stimulating because we had both law courses and two courses offered by the Faculty of Management. The combination of law and political science students, and the diversity of countries where they came from provided opportunity for good debate in the classroom. One of the aspects that I liked most about this track is that all courses were organised differently. Some were delivered in lectures while others included small group discussions and teamwork, which made the study of the subject more practical. For instance, as part of one of our Law courses, I had the chance to practice my oral and debating skills in a moot court. In other courses, instead, we also learned how to write a policy brief and how to make an informative scientific video.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
The programme was challenging in many ways. I had to get used to studying in a foreign language, and it took me a while to adjust to the education system, which is very demanding but in a positive way. You are required to prepare every lecture in advance and participation in class is highly encouraged. This has helped me a lot to develop my critical thinking and to be independent in my research.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
At the moment I’m working on my thesis which deals with the legal implications of foreign interference in elections through cyber operations. Working on such a political topic gives me the feeling that I am working on something that really matters, something that is currently the focus of worldwide debate. After completing my LLM, I would like to find a job that would allow me to continue my research in this area.
Why do you think is it important that there are people out there with this degree? What are your plans once have received your Master's degree?
I think that having a political perspective on what might appear to be a legal problem, provides an important value in your research or in your future career.
Global politics and the politics of the European Union cannot be understood properly without a solid knowledge of the legal foundations.
- Programme
- European Law and Global Affairs
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Henri de Waele, I studied Dutch, international, and European law in Nijmegen and at the KU Leuven in Belgium. Since my graduation, I have always worked in academia, starting with a PhD, being appointed full professor at Radboud in 2013, and currently also holding a part-time position at the University of Antwerp. I also teach in external modules for e.g. the academy for government lawyers in The Hague. Students may inter alia encounter me in the introductory course on international law in the first year, and the Master's course on EU external relations law within the specialisation 'European Law and Global Affairs'. I have been enjoying the life of an academic for more than 22 years now, and feel that my job exactly matches with the talents I have been given.
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
The relevance of European and international law is probably self-evident: many countries and individuals are affected by what goes on in these areas, and there are many new developments there practically every day. Global politics and the politics of the European Union cannot be understood properly without a solid knowledge of the legal foundations. Litigation and case law provide for exciting dynamics and special insight, and are perhaps underappreciated by the public-at-large, who may believe that lawyers only make life more complicated. The legal field is actually especially fascinating because it directly concerns real facts, real people, and very real opportunities for change.
What are you currently doing your own research on?
The first pillar of my research concerns EU institutional law in a broad sense, particularly the Union’s external relations, the design and functioning of the EU Court of Justice, as well as the effect of European norms in national legal orders, (instruments of) decision-making, democracy, and citizenship. The second one concerns the history of public international law, with a specific emphasis on the inter-war era (1919-1939), the League of Nations and the Permanent Court of International Justice.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
Do not worry too much about your job market perspectives - there are examples of students writing their final thesis on the law of the sea and ending up as a practising lawyer with a PhD in EU public procurement law. If you feel both EU and international law appeal to you, do not feel forced to drop the one or the other at a too early stage. Try to spend some time abroad, even if the curriculum makes that difficult - or pursue a subsequent degree after your first one. Do always look at the content, at what is actually on offer - sometimes you need not travel very far to find the best quality is right around the corner!
What is the best part of working with students?
Their curiosity and spectacular potential for personal growth - from knowing barely anything in the first year to becoming a fully-fledged expert at the end of their studies, even proving to be spectacularly helpful as student-assistants at my department in the meanwhile!
All courses encourage you to interact with a significant amount of literature, developing your analytical and academic reading skills.
- Previous education
- Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman
- Nationality
- Ukrainian
- Programme
- European Law and Global Affairs
- Study start date
- Study end date
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you (in relation to your previous education)?
The ELGA Master's programme at RU has already revealed what pure European education is, namely how material is presented, how students are engaged in a variety of activities, as well as providing me with more than sufficient facilities for studying. In contrast, my Bachelor’s programme lacked interactivity and a more student-friendly approach from the lecturers.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
The atmosphere in class is really pleasant. My fellow-students are usually open to teamwork and discussions and the lecturer is always trying to present the material in a way that everyone can understand, creating a comfortable environment and keeping students focused on a particular topic.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
I have noticed a stricter and simultaneously more efficient approach to evaluation, deadlines, and conditions for legal papers, for instance. All courses encourage you to interact with a significant amount of literature, developing your analytical and academic reading skills.
Why do you think it is important that there are people with this degree? What are your plans once you have received your Master's degree?
A lawyer needs to have a sufficient educational background in order to have a good shot at a professional career and obtain a solid theoretical foundation. Dutch education provides a solid foundation for future prospects. Also, the ELGA programme will definitely help me determine which area of law to pursue and progress as a practitioner, as I am considering both public and private law.