Testimonials
My thesis is very close to my heart! I am writing about accountability for environmental damage caused during armed conflicts.
- Previous education
- Bachelor in Law (Khmelnytskiy National University, Ukraine)
- Nationality
- Ukrainian
- Programme
- International and EU Legal Orders
- Study start date
- Study end date
Master's student Angelina Karpenko is studying International and European Law Advanced at Radboud University.
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you (in relation to your previous education)?
Actually I love everything about it. It is a great experience, which I am grateful for. However, I am facing a lot of challenges, especially with writing legal papers. Nevertheless, I feel like I am improving, which makes me happy. Everyday is a new challenge and it’s exciting!
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
The atmosphere in the class could not be better. The connection with teachers is very easy to establish, which makes it easier and more pleasant to learn.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
The most challenging for me is to keep up with all the work and extracurricular activities. However, if you plan on working part-time - it is definitely possible.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
I have participated in the Radboud Law Clinic, which was an incredible experience. I have learned a lot and made new connections, and also friends. So I would consider it an internship.
My thesis is very close to my heart! I am writing about accountability for environmental damage caused during armed conflicts. The most interesting part is the case study of Ukraine- Russia armed conflict, which I am including. I am happy that I can write a thesis related to my nationality, as my research allows me to contribute to my country as well. It is difficult to write, however, super exciting and interesting!
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 that education is the best investment anyone can make. Personally, I chose to pursue this Master’s degree to deepen my knowledge in subjects that truly interest me. After my graduation, I plan to keep on working to contribute to my country - or perhaps do a PhD. Life is an adventure and I will trust the process.
And speaking of rewards, few things are as fulfilling as seeing our alumni plead major cases before the EU courts.
- Nationality
- Romanian
- Programme
- International and EU Legal Orders
Catalin Rusu is an associate professor at Radboud University.
Can you introduce yourself?
I came to the Netherlands over 20 years ago, as an exchange student, to study European law. After obtaining my law degree from Cluj-Napoca (Romania), I returned to the Netherlands for a Master’s in international and European legal studies and later completed a PhD on EU merger control, both at Utrecht University.
Since 2010, I have been working at Radboud University, where I am currently an Associate Professor of European law. I teach both Bachelor’s and Master’s courses in EU law, with a primary focus on competition law and EU internal market law: “European competition law and evolving markets" and “Substantive Law of the EU”.
Additionally, I frequently teach similar courses as a visiting professor, most recently at the University of Parma and Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca. Beyond academia, I occasionally contribute to projects such as assessing the implementation of EU directives or serving as a non-governmental advisor to the European Commission.
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
I am fascinated by the interaction between different areas of law. My interest in European law began during my undergraduate studies, at a time when Romania was contemplating joining the EU. Back then, I was particularly intrigued by how EU law shapes the national legal order during the accession negotiation process.
Fast forward a couple of decades, and I remain captivated by the dynamic between EU and national law, though from different perspectives. For example, the multi-level enforcement system that EU competition law is based on brings about interesting issues, ranging from institutional cooperation between the Commission and national authorities, to pre-emption mechanisms regarding the substantive application of EU and national competition norms, and to intricate procedural and sanctioning mechanisms in different jurisdictions.
Adding to this complexity are modern challenges such as digitalisation, sustainability, and globalisation, which further shape the interaction between institutions, objectives, legal mechanisms, and regulatory approaches. Understanding this evolving legal landscape is crucial to addressing contemporary issues effectively.
What are you currently doing your own research on?
EU competition law is a highly dynamic field, with authorities actively enforcing both EU and national rules. National and EU courts frequently hand down significant rulings, shaping its development. I consider myself fortunate to work in such a stimulating area of law.
Aligned with my broader interest in the interaction between different areas of law, my current research focuses on the interaction between traditional competition law instruments and connected novel instruments, such as the Digital Markets Act and the Foreign Subsidies Regulation.
I am also a co-author of the European competition law textbook used by most law schools in the Netherlands. Now in its second edition, the book places the link between EU and national competition law at the heart of its analysis. Additionally, I serve as a co-editor of the forthcoming Encyclopaedia of competition law, a major project featuring approximately 300 entries contributed by over 150 authors from around the world.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
Make choices that will enable you to thrive in diverse work environments. In other words, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. The labour market is dynamic, and adaptability is key. Developing expertise across multiple, interconnected legal fields will make you a more versatile professional. Aim to build a coherent professional profile — one that tells a compelling and well-rounded story.
What is the best part of working with students?
I love being in the classroom. Engaging with students, especially in an international setting, is incredibly rewarding. It is always fascinating to see how students from different legal backgrounds approach similar challenges.
European law evolves rapidly, so my teaching often changes from year to year. I consider students’ feedback — both on what I teach and how I teach it — an essential factor in shaping my lectures and tutorials. The rewards of teaching are both meaningful and motivating. It’s gratifying to witness the progress students make during the one-year Master’s programme — how their legal argumentation becomes more structured and eloquent, and how their reasoning sharpens and grows more critical.
And speaking of rewards, few things are as fulfilling as seeing our alumni plead major cases before the EU courts — cases that may very well shape the future of European law for decades to come.
I love the variety that international law offers.
- Nationality
- British (Scottish)
- Programme
- International and EU Legal Orders
Sarah (Sally) Thin is an assistant professor at Radboud University.
Can you introduce yourself?
I am originally from Scotland and studied law and international law in the UK, first at Durham University (LLB) and later at the University of Nottingham (LLM). I then moved to the Netherlands in 2018 for a PhD position at the University of Maastricht, before moving to Nijmegen for my current role in 2022. I teach in a variety of courses in the ELS Bachelor's and in the IEL Master's programmes, including "International Law and Crisis" and "Global Environmental Justice" (both LLM courses). In addition, I am the Managing Editor of a law journal, the Hague Yearbook of International Law, and a member of the University Works Council.
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
I chose to specialise in international law partly because I find the subject so interesting, and partly because you can study and work in international law anywhere in the world. Being originally from Scotland, and having studied in the UK, I would never have been able to come to the Netherlands to live and work if I had specialised in domestic law. International law is hugely diverse and constantly evolving - it covers everything from the law of war to environmental protection to indigenous rights and far, far more. One day I can be presenting a paper on human rights and the climate crisis, the next I can be teaching students about the intricacies of the rules on jurisdiction before the International Court of Justice. I love the variety that international law offers.
What are you currently doing your own research on?
My current research focuses on treaty interpretation and the jurisdiction of international courts and tribunals. For example, I recently explored how international environmental law can be used to interpret human rights treaties, improving human rights protection in cases of environmental harm. I'm also starting a project examining how and when international courts can exercise jurisdiction over historic wrongs like enforced disappearance and torture that happened many years ago. I tend to focus on general international law issues (like treaty law, the law of international courts and tribunals, or of state responsibility) and then applying that law in different areas, from human rights to sport law or the law of the sea. In this way, my research allows me to be constantly learning and exploring, and it keeps my work varied and engaging.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
Focus on what interests you, what you enjoy, and what you're good at. Do your research to make sure that you have a good idea as to what subjects are covered in a particular Master's programme, and what they are all about. It is good to think about the job market afterwards (particularly things like "where do I want to live?") but don't tie yourself down to a particular career path. The job market changes constantly, and there will always be new opportunities for skilled graduates.
What is the best part of working with students?
I love that teaching is always a mixture of give-and-take: I bring the expertise and knowledge of the law, but students always come with new ideas and perspectives. It keeps the subject fresh, interesting, and relevant. It is also important for students to know that whatever they go on to do after their study (whether they become lawyers, work for NGOs, go into academia, journalism, or something else), they can have an impact on international law. I try to teach students to think critically about international law, where it comes from, how it is used (and abused), and their own potential role in that: I see this as an important part of my responsibility as a teacher.
In a time when legal systems are increasingly interconnected, especially in Europe, it's important to have legal professionals who understand both national and supranational frameworks.
- Previous education
- University Bergen
- Nationality
- Norwegian
- Programme
- International and EU Legal Orders
- Country of previous education
- Norway
- Study start date
- Study end date
Sofie Tallberg was a Master's student in International and European Law Advanced at Radboud University.
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you (in relation to your previous education)?
One of the things I really appreciated about the programme was the variety of courses offered. It gave me the flexibility to explore different areas of law while also allowing me to tailor the programme to my own interests through elective courses. This balance made the academic experience very engaging.
Coming from a legal education at the University of Bergen, where we usually study one course at a time, I initially found it challenging to follow multiple demanding courses in parallel. However, I quickly adapted to the rhythm.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
The atmosphere in class was very positive. The lecturers were passionate about their subjects and highly engaging, which made even the most complex topics enjoyable to learn. My fellow students also created a supportive and open learning environment where I experienced a safe and inclusive space for learning and discussion.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
One of the main challenges was adapting to a different academic structure than I was used to. However, it was also a very interesting experience and it taught me to approach learning in a new and more dynamic way.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
I did not do an internship during the programme, but after completing my studies in the Netherlands, I will begin working at the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.
My thesis focused on the principle of ne bis in idem (protection against double sanctioning) and how it applies in situations where the European Commission does not formally recognize decentralized competition law enforcement by the EEA EFTA States. Here, I explored the relationship between EU law and EEA law.
Why do you think it is important that there are people with this degree?
In a time when legal systems are increasingly interconnected, especially in Europe, it's important to have legal professionals who understand both national and supranational frameworks. International cooperation is always important, and especially so in today’s global context. The LL.M. in International and European Law Advanced provides valuable insight into how both EU and international law interacts with other legal orders and their complex nature.