Hi everybody. I'm a 2nd year student in European studies in the University of Maastricht (Netherlands). After some introductory courses in European law, I consider doing a LLM in European law. Though some LLM are opened to European studies students, I wonder if we can really make it without any law diploma. Should I take extra law courses? Is it better to do a bachelor in law to do a LLM?

I'm waiting for your advice. Do I need strong basis in law to apply for a LLM in European law?

I think you generally do not need a strong basis in law to be able to successfully participate in LLM courses about European Law. Many lawyers who take LLM courses in European Law did not do much EU Law before. As EU Law is quite different from the national legal systems, most LLM students do not have an advantage to someone with a degree in European studies.

However, LLM programmes (at least in the UK) are usually open to applicants with a basic degree in law only, but this may be different from country to country. Did you already check the websites of the universities you are interested in what they say about the entrance requirements?

I know that some LLMs in continental Europe only require a law degree or an "equivalent degree". Where do you plan to apply?

You also have Msc and other Master degrees which are open to non-lawyers as well. There is a thread about the Edhec MSc in international business law where this issues has been addressed, see http://www.llm-guide.com/board/856

By the way, I noticed that you can search for non-llm programs on this website: http://www.llm-guide.com/search (you have to go to "subject area" and select "other degrees").

Hi Russ!

Thx for your help.
I'm mainly looking for universities in continental Europe as I can't afford a master in UK. I visited several universities website, and actually I'm rather limited. Most of them require a degree in law to apply to their LLM or Master in European Law. My university in Maastricht offers an LLM in European Law, I just have to take an entrance test, but I'm still looking for other universities.

Ideas and sugestions are welcomed ;).

Mimi, if you want to get more input about European programmes, you should probably post again in the "Europe" section of this board!