Hello everybody!

I have narrowed down my options for LL.M (Uva - European Competition Law and Regulation and Utrecht - Law and Economisc).

I would like some insight form people who have attended any of these 2 or even both (that would be even better) :D
What would you pick I you were me? why?
Can anybody tell me which university is better in general? (I am familiar with all the rankings there are)
The teaching: where are the professors better? more approachable? the way of teaching - what are the differences?
Administration - is Uva really that bad? what about Utrecht?

Anything else, any suggestions would be much appriciated!! :)

thank you :D

Hey, I hope this post will be helpful for you to make a good decision.
I am currently studying at UvA (LL.M. European Competition Law and Regulation Track), and in the beginning I was also in a dilemma between Utrecht and UvA, but chose UvA in the end. The main factor that motivated my choice was that the European Competition law and Regulation Track is more specialized and offers an in-depth study of Competition law all year long, whereas in Utrecht (as it seemed to me), the program is dealing with EU law in general, with a possibility to choose a few modules on Competition law. Therefore, if you have interest in Competition law and would like to specialize in this field, I would definitely advise to choose UvA. One of the biggest advantages in the possibility to choose different electives which are very interesting (e.g. Globalization of Cartel law, Advanced Competition law) as well as cross-over elective ( from another track).
With regard to teaching staff, I am very satisfied with the quality of the lectures and expertise of the professors. Many of them are also professionals (work in law firms, etc), and can offer valuable advice on future career opportunities or are helpful in answering any questions in general.
Personally, I did not encounter any problems with administration.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me. Good luck with your choice and application! :)

hello all

I am considering the same two courses myself. both do seem very interesting and valuable in different ways.

your comments offer very valuable insight, Evija, so thank you for those.

if at all able, are you able to comment at all on the competitiveness of the two LLMs at UvA and Utrecht respectively? For example, if I had to guess I would assume the competition LLM at UvA is more competitive than Utrecht law & economics given the specialised nature of the course and the stature of Amsterdam as a city and UvA as a university? Furthermore, Utrecht accepts applications far later than many LLM degrees do (1 June I think) - do you think this is an indicator of a less competitive course?

thanks!
John

Hey John,

I think competitiveness is a bit subjective concept, and I cannot compare it to Utrecht since I have never studied there. But so far, I think that the LLM at UvA is competitive - there are students with different backgrounds, many of them have already completed a different LLM or were practicing law before they started this LLM. During the seminars we have interesting discussions and you feel that there is a lot to learn from other students (get inspired in a way).
I hope that answers your question, and if you have more- don't hesitate to ask :)

regards,
Evija

Evija,

Thank you for your advice once again. I understand that it is a very difficult question to answer given how it can vary form university to university, and from year to year. But the details you have provided are still very useful in order to get a general idea of things.

Thanks once again,
John