Testimonials
I think most students would agree that each class brought us to reflect on aspects of the International and European Human Rights regimes, that we wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for the approach the lecturer led us into.
- Programme
- Human Rights and Migration
- Country of previous education
- Spain
Why did you choose Human Rights at Radboud University?
Compared to other programs, the one at this faculty invites students to explore human rights in International and European law from both practical and critical perspectives. The courses provide comprehensive knowledge of the International human rights system while encouraging an understanding of its application within the specific context of migration policies in the European Union.
How did you find housing in Nijmegen?
I found housing through the university's one-year housing service. Based on my budget, they connected me with a student accommodation in the city. This service relieved me from worrying about the housing crisis that longer-term students often face.
What was your favourite course?
Choosing between the different syllabuses was a challenge. Even now, without regretting any of my choices, I sometimes wish the Master's program could be two years long because of how compelling many courses were. If I had to highlight one, it would be European Immigration Law. It has been the most comprehensive law course I have attended, combining a "legal to practical" approach with a critical analysis of the intentions behind various migration policies. I will forever be grateful to the professors leading this course, as their passion shone through in every lecture.
Can you describe the atmosphere in class?
In one word, insightful. As I said, this programme has provided space to grow not just as academically but also at a personal level. I think most students would agree that each class brought us to reflect on aspects of the International and European Human Rights regimes, that we wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for the approach the lecturer led us into. Additionally, students were always respectful, and discussions would happen from a genuine thirst for knowledge and understanding. I can say I have become friends with some of the smartest and kindest people I have ever met.
What was most challenging about studying the LL.M.?
The biggest challenge has been balancing other aspects of life to invest fully in the experience. As someone working through most of the year, I missed being able to, for instance, do every reading with more time, patience, and insight. While I was still able to participate in and understand the class discussions, I would have preferred to be better prepared for my classes without jeopardizing the work-study balance I am accustomed to.
How would you describe studying in Nijmegen?
An incredible learning experience, as I feel like I have travelled around the world through the different nationalities and cultural backgrounds who live in this city. I am glad I met other Radboud students supporting Human rights causes outside the Law faculty too. For example, Raffia Magazine brings to light women's empowerment through poetry events I've taken part of.
What is your advice for future students?
I encourage future students to keep an open mind. It’s important to be patient with yourself and understand your working style without comparing yourself to others. I hope they allow themselves to explore what they want from this program, not just academically but also on a personal level. To truly enjoy the critical aspects of many courses and literature, it's essential to be conscious of your place in society and the diverse perspectives we encounter.
What are your plans for the future?
I aspire to pursue a career as a lawyer in Spain. I expected this LLM to equip me with the ability to apply and interpret human rights obligations and EU immigration policies, and it has successfully done so. I plan to use these skills to handle individual cases within Spain and advise NGOs assisting migrants. By doing so, I aim to help these entities develop programs that consider not only Spanish law but also the broader Human Rights framework in which it operates.
It was a pleasure to write this and have a moment to reflect on the last year. I would love to thank appreciate once again for all the work the International Office has done to help us.
This programme has made me think deeply about the practical usage of International and European law in the context of migration.
- Previous education
- LLB Law (University of Leeds)
- Nationality
- British
- Programme
- Human Rights and Migration
- 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)?
This programme has made me think deeply about the practical usage of International and European law in the context of migration. It has built upon my prior more abstract legal knowledge with practical insights. I’ve particularly enjoyed learning about fundamental rights protection in the context of migration and its theoretical strengths and practical weaknesses.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
I have always felt that asking questions is encouraged. There’s certainly a mix of teaching styles which keeps it interesting. All the students on the course have been very friendly. There are events organised which allow for greater informal interaction with staff members and other students.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
The most challenging aspect has been handling the workload of the first semester. After passing that hurdle it only gets easier.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
My thesis is about human rights and climate change: Can the current approach of the ECHR reckon with such a global issue?
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?
I think it’s important that people do a degree in a subject they are passionate about. I didn’t want to be led by what would earn me money, but rather by what I knew I would find interesting. And where there is passion, there is (hopefully) a job somewhere at the end of it - one you will enjoy more than one you do for the financial prospects.
Migration law is a dynamic and rapidly growing area of law that is largely influenced by current social developments.f
- Programme
- Human Rights and Migration
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Paul Minderhoud. I am an associate professor at the Centre for Migration Law at the Radboud University and a part-time professor Regular Migration at Utrecht University. I teach part of the courses 'Nederlands Migratierecht' and 'European Immigration Law' in Nijmegen. I am the managing editor of the European Journal of Migration and Law. And I am the chair of the Master's specialisation Human Rights & Migration.
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
Migration law is a dynamic and rapidly growing area of law that is largely influenced by current social developments. It can be divided into regular migration law on the one hand and asylum and refugee law on the other. Regular migration law, which is my specialisation, deals with the admission and legal position of foreign nationals (not being asylum seekers) in the Netherlands and the EU.
Almost all aspects of Dutch migration law are now governed by European legislation. These international rules and agreements raise important questions of a legal nature. Important subjects that are addressed in this context are: free movement, labour migration, border control, family reunification, study, long-term resident status and return.
What are you currently doing your own research on?
My research focuses on topics like free movement and EU citizenship, the social rights of EU migrants and third country nationals, the nexus between migrants and social security in the Netherlands and in the EU and the position of undocumented migrants in the Netherlands, but also in the EU.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
I would advise students to follow their interests and ambitions. The choice for the Human Rights & Migration specialisation in Nijmegen assumes a kind of active involvement in human rights and migration law issues. Such a choice is mostly driven by a certain idealism to contribute to a better world.
What is the best part of working with students?
Working with students gives me the opportunity to see the world through their eyes. It also means that I make sure to be clear and concise in my texts. And I think it is very important that younger generation are going to carry on the important work of checks and balances regarding free movement of people in Europe.
What does your work in practice (outside your role as a lecturer/researcher at Radboud University) bring to your academic work, and vice versa?
Being involved in migration law is not an ivory tower topic. It provides me with the possibility to influence legal developments and political debates by teaching lawyers and judges, writing case notes and reports for national and international organisations and be a member of relevant advisory committees.
Human rights and migration law serve to understand what happens in the world: they are topics that dominate the news, where events, policies and laws develop very fast.
- Nationality
- Dutch & French
- Programme
- Human Rights and Migration
Can you introduce yourself?
I have been working at Radboud University since 2020. I am involved in teaching in the LLM International and European Law and the European Law School Bachelor's. I thus coordinate the LLM courses "International Human Rights Law" and "Litigating Human Rights" (a new course that I am setting up with my colleague Jasper Krommendijk), and I supervise Master's theses.
Before joining Radboud University, I worked at Tilburg University, where I obtained my PhD on human rights in the context of migration deals. Before that, I studied Dutch law at Utrecht University, and social sciences and international human rights law in the UK.
I am a member of the Radboud Young Academy and of the editorial board of the Netherlands Yearbook of International Law.
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
Human rights and migration law serve to understand what happens in the world: they are topics that dominate the news, where events, policies and laws develop very fast. Studying and working in this field enables me to understand these developments. As an academic, I can also contribute to public debates, for instance by sharing my expertise with journalists and the Dutch and European parliaments.
In addition, the intersection between human rights and migration raises many very interesting legal questions, such as: should we distinguish refugees from (economic) migrants? Do states have human rights obligations towards persons outside their territory? Can a state be held accountable for providing support to another state that commits human rights violations?
What are you currently doing your own research on?
I do research on various topics related to human rights and migration. I still work on migration deals, or what is commonly called "externalisation" of asylum and migration, i.e. when states try to shift migration control and asylum outside their own territory (e.g. the UK-Rwanda deal). I research whether such deals are legal under international and European law, and who can be held accountable for human rights violations suffered by people on the move. I also work on the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, that contains the new European laws on asylum that all EU Member States must implement.
Beyond migration, I look at different ways to hold actors that contributed to human rights violations accountable, for instance during a war. It is fascinating to look at the interaction between national, European and international law, and think about how accountability gaps can be filled.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
Choose a programme that suits you, both in terms of the content (what area do you want to specialise in? what courses does the programme offer?) and the institution (how big are the classes? do you like the city?)
While your study choice often influences what job you will have in the short term, it becomes increasingly less relevant as you progress in your career. Ultimately, it is important to develop skills that will serve you in your future career.
What is the best part of working with students?
Teaching is by far the most rewarding part of my job. I really enjoy guiding students through their journey across human rights and migration law, witnessing how they learn, and - crucially - engaging in discussions with them. I try to not only teach "how the law works" but to also critically examine its grey areas and shortcomings. Often there is no straightforward "right" or "wrong" answer, and we all learn a lot (myself included!) from discussing complex issues.