Due to the Corona crisis, the requirements to enroll in this Master's programme have changed. For an overview of the requirements, we refer to the subsection ‘Corona crisis: from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s.
This one-year Master's programme aims at transferring to students the knowledge, skills and insight necessary to operate as a professional or academic researcher in the area of international peace of security. Issues of international peace and security are becoming increasingly important in legal, political and administrative practice. The concept of ‘international security’ is no longer confined to traditional issues of war and peace, but now also covers topics such as terrorism, criminal law, the protection of human rights and ‘human security’.
The programme is based on the assumption that international law cannot be properly understood outside its political context, whereas contemporary international politics cannot be fully grasped without a solid knowledge of international legal institutions. It offers a multidisciplinary approach to the rapidly changing field of international peace and security. It includes topics such as the United Nations system of collective security, the transformation of war (including catastrophic terrorism and other forms of political violence), human rights protection, the development of international criminal tribunals and humanitarian law.
The programme has three basic characteristics:
Are you looking for an extra academic challenge, next to this one-year Master's programme? Are you interested in research? The Research Talent Track might be a good fit for you as well.
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There is a close link between this multidisciplinary master's programme and research at the Centre for Politics of Transnational Law.
The Master’s programme in Law and Politics of International Security is an interdisciplinary, one-year programme that is offered jointly by the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Social Sciences.
In addition to lectures and seminars, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of all sorts of interesting activities that are organized regularly, such as guest lectures, conferences and excursions. Field trips to international organizations and international tribunals are an integral part of the programme. You will be encouraged to participate in extra-colloquial seminars with experts and practitioners in the field of international peace and security. The programme is taught entirely in English and consists of:
If you do not have sufficient background in International Relations Theory or Public International Law, then we strongly recommend selecting these two courses as electives.
PROGRAMME
The Master’s programme in Law and Politics of International Security offers a curriculum that focuses on international security from the perspectives of international law and international relations. Moreover, it provides insight into the common foundations of the two disciplines, the different methods and theories as well as the interplay between the two in the area of international security. Below you will find a couple of examples of topics that are covered in the programme.
| Civil wars and terrorism
The laws of armed conflict have been made by nations for nations. However, most armed conflicts these days are no longer inter-state wars but civil wars or armed repression of international terrorism. How can the laws of armed conflict be applied to these struggles? The United Nations and humanitarian interventions To what extent is the collective security system established under the UN Charter effective? Should the rules and principles governing the conduct of war be reconsidered in the light of new types of conflicts as they are taking place today? How should the international community deal with genocide or gross human rights violations? Other subjects:
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Credits and title
Credits are listed according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). This system is based on student workload, which includes hours spent in class, studying, writing papers and completing assignments. A full academic year is equivalent to 60 EC, one semester to 30 EC. The degree of Master in Law (LLM) is conferred upon students who satisfactorily achieve a minimum of 60 credits.
Schedule
The regular academic year in the Netherlands runs from September through June and is divided into a semester system. July and August are holiday months. Remember that all schedules are subject to change!
Law and Politics of International Security courses and year schedule in the study guide.
Earning a Master’s degree in Law and Politics of International Security means you will have a unique interdisciplinary qualification. Your knowledge of international public and humanitarian law will qualify you for a career in one of the many fields where the concept of security is most significant. At the same time, your analytical skills and understanding of international politics will make you uniquely qualified to find solutions to complex problems.
Graduates from the programme have found positions in the broad field of international security, such as:
Facebook and LinkedIn
Former and current students have created a Facebook group and a LinkedIn group for exchanging news, experiences and professional opportunities. Here you can see what students and alumni are up to.
International
The Master’s programme in Law and Politics of International Security brings together a select group of international students who share a keen interest in international law and international politics. It has attracted students from all over the world, including students from Afghanistan, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, Uganda and the United States. If you enjoy discussing international security in a truly international environment, then this is the ideal programme for you. Because of the limited number of students admitted each year, you will get to know your peers from many different countries very well.
Small-scale
Compulsory courses are delivered in a seminar-like format to classes composed of a limited number of students and have an interactive character. Students are expected to actively contribute to the discussions, to elaborate and present their personal views, to write assignments on specific topics and to make oral presentations.
Research-oriented
Research is emphasized throughout the programme. You will be introduced to different methodologies for carrying out independent research. Your Master’s thesis will give you the opportunity to really go in-depth in examining an international security topic that is of particular interest to you. Research is combined with practical activities and exercises such as role-playing and moot courts. You will be encouraged to become a member of the editorial board of the journal Amsterdam Law Forum.
Interdisciplinary
Contemporary issues in international security are impossible to understand without a solid understanding of both international law and international politics. This is why only an interdisciplinary programme is suitable for providing future analysts and practitioners with the skills needed to work successfully in today’s security environment. The Master’s programme in Law and Politics of International Security is unique in offering an interdisciplinary approach, taught by staff from the departments of international law, political science and criminology.
Experienced lecturers
Lecturers are primarily drawn from the Faculties of Law and Social Sciences of the VU Amsterdam. International scholars, senior professional and recognized experts in the field of security participate both as regular lecturers and as guest lecturers.
Unique location
VU Amsterdam benefits from its unique location, right in an international city in the heart of Europe and a few miles from The Hague, where the Peace Palace, the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and many international courts and tribunals are located.
"You study armed conflicts both from an international relations angle and an international law angle. That's what makes the programme so interesting."
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION
English
DURATION
1 year
TUITION FEE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
1 May for international degree holders from non-EU/EEA countries. 15 July for degree holders from EU/EAA countries.
START DATE
1 September
STUDY TYPE
Full-time
SPECIALIZATIONS
FIELD OF INTEREST
Economics, Business and Law
Behavioural and Social Sciences
The Master’s programme in Law and Politics of International Security is an integral part of a vibrant research community at VU Amsterdam. We bring together scholars from a wide range of disciplines. Regular workshops, guest lectures and staff presentations will provide you with opportunities to gain insights into cutting-edge research on international security.
There is a close link between this multidisciplinary Master's programme and research at the Centre for Politics of Transnational Law.
At VU Amsterdam we regularly organize interesting activities for our students, like guest lectures, conferences and excursions.
Upcoming and past guest lectures
Conferences
Competitions
Frits Kalshoven Competition
Three students attending International humanitarian law will represent VU Amsterdam at the Frits Kalshoven Competition. The competition is organized every year in The Hague by the Dutch Red Cross, with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the T.M.C. Asser Institute, and the Ministry of Defense of The Netherlands. It is and aims to be a practical experience of the application of international humanitarian law in various situations of an imaginary armed conflict and includes a moot court competition. Teams representing Dutch universities – including VU Amsterdam – take part in the competition.
More information on the competition
Frits Kalshoven Competition 2010:
Amsterdam Law Forum
Students enrolled in the Master's programme can join the editorial board of the VU Amsterdam international and European law journal, the students-run online journal of the Faculty of Law.
More information on the Amsterdam Law Forum
"Coming from a background in international relations, the Law and Politics of International Security Master's programme was the ideal way to build on my political science knowledge and to explore a field completely new to me: international law. While I thoroughly enjoyed learning new theories, it was especially the way the programme is taught, which made it stand out for me. The focus is on critical thinking and understanding how law, politics and security are not separate spheres, but all influence each other. At the same time, the programme was flexible enough for me to discover and pursue my own interests through electives and the final thesis. The professors were incredibly engaged and constantly encouraged us to think outside the box and apply what we learnt through case studies, discussions and a moot court. Since completing the course, I have undertaken an internship in international criminal law and am currently doing research work."
Eva Entenmann, former Law and Politics of International Security student
"I took part in the programme as an officer in the Royal Netherlands Navy and even as an active military employee, I felt the content of the courses were ever relevant to my work. I have worked for the navy ever since and I will be assigned a post as Legal Advisor to the Commander of the Royal Netherlands Maritime Forces as of January 2013. This means working in an environment where legal knowledge and political insight into complex international matters is required. The programme as well as the many possibilities we got to participate in extra curricular activities (such as seminars, competitions like Kalshoven/WorldMUN/SIMOTAN, excursions to NATO Headquarters, etc), prepare you for responsible jobs like this in a professional way."
Freek Marchal, former Law and Politics of International Security student
"A year and a half after graduating from the Master's programme, I can say the programme is of a very high standard. I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in international affairs who is not only keen to gain new knowledge and insights but also to develop skills such as critical thinking, writing and debating. After I finished my courses, I did a fulltime internship at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs which gave me the opportunity to put my newly gained knowledge into practice. Writing my thesis was probably the most challenging, but also the most enjoyable part of the programme. It allows you to explore a topic of your interest in-depth and become an expert in the field. I was so proud when I handed in my final version! My supervisor was equally enthusiastic and together we have successfully applied for a research grant. I am currently finishing up my second Master's programme at the London School of Economics, but I will be back at VU Amsterdam in September. This time not as a student, but as a researcher!"
Sofie Dreef, former Law and Politics of International Security student
"As a German lawyer with professional experience in the field of development cooperation, the Law and Politics of International Security Master's programme was the perfect contribution to both my theoretical and practical background. On the one hand, I could deepen and extend my knowledge about international law, and on the other hand, I could fill the gap in regard to contemporary international politics and its underlying theoretical background. Throughout the programme I discovered my strong interest for International Humanitarian Law - and luckily was able to participate in the 'Frits Kalshoven Competition on IHL', promoted by the Faculty of Law and organised by the Netherlands Red Cross. As a logical consequence for me, I finalised the programme by writing my thesis on a topic related to the International Committee of the Red Cross. After having completed the programme, I directly entered a position in the field of development cooperation, and am currently working as a Project Manager for EU funded legal reform projects all over the world."
Amina Nfidi, former Law and Politics of International Security student
This Master is selective and open to a limited number of students only. The Admissions Board selects on merit.
Factors which will be taken into account are:
These criteria are of equal importance.
Due to the Corona crisis, the requirements to enroll in this Master's programme have changed. For an overview of the requirements, we refer to the subsection ‘Corona crisis: from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s.
Applicants with a Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) can apply.
Due to the Corona crisis, the requirements to enroll in this Master's programme have changed. For an overview of the requirements, we refer to the subsection ‘Corona crisis: from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s.
Applicants with a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences or Liberal Arts and a basic knowledge of international law or international relations theory may apply.
Applicants who do not have a background in either International Law or International Relations requirement(s) are also invited to apply, provided that they have good grades, considerable experience in the field of Law, Social Sciences or Liberal Arts and can show their interest in the subject field of the programme.
You cannot apply on the basis of an HBO degree. The faculty does not offer a pre-master for the LPIS Master.
ADMISSION WITH A DUTCH DEGREE - CORONA MEASURE
If you will have nearly completed your Bachelor's degree on August 31 2020, then you may be able to start the Master's degree programme on September 1 2020 if you meet the conditions of the corona measure.
You will be required to complete your Bachelor's degree during the 2020-2021 academic year. Completing your Bachelor while starting a Master is difficult. Please consider carefully whether this is a good option for you. Seek guidance from your academic advisor if you are unsure. You can also opt to apply again next year.
Conditions you must meet to be eligible for the measure:
- you have been selected for the programme; and
- the missing credits are corona related; and
- you will meet the language requirements by August 31 2020; and
- you have obtained at least 162 ec of the curriculum of your Bachelor's degree.
Additionally the following stipulations apply:
- the provisional admission is only valid for academic year 2020-2021;
- before you can start the Master thesis, you must demonstrate to the thesis coordinator that you have successfully completed your Bachelor thesis;
- the Master's degree can only be obtained after you have formally completed your Bachelor's degree;
- if you do not complete your Bachelor's degree by Augustus 31 2021, you cannot continue with the Master's programme until you do; completed courses will remain valid for 4 years.
Submit a request:
Do you meet these conditions or do you expect to meet these conditions by 31 August at the latest? If so, you can request exceptional admission no later than 1 August. You can do this by completing and submitting the form.
For the master Law and Politics of International Security a minimum C1 proficiency in English is required. This requirement is met if no longer than two years before the start of the programme, the applicant has successfully completed one of the following examinations with at least the scores indicated:
Exemption is granted to students who:
The proof of English proficiency can be submitted after the application deadline, but must have been received by the faculty before the start of the programme. Without an English proficiency test score which meets the specifications mentioned above or a waiver, you cannot start the programme.
Application is possible from 1 October. The application deadline is:
15 July for Dutch degree holders (extended)
Application steps
You will receive practical information regarding the start of the programme during the summer.
Decision schedule
The Admissions board starts reviewing applications and accepting students in February.
As this is an interdisciplinary Master with a limited number of students, the admission board pays special attention to the heterogeneity of the cohort. An overall balance in terms of disciplinary and geographical origins is a specific consideration for selection. In order to achieve this balance, the board can decide to put their decision on a specific application on hold.
| Application dossier complete by 1 February | decision in week 7 |
| Application dossier complete by 1 March | decision in week 11 |
| Application dossier complete by or on hold on 1 April | decision in week 15 |
| Application dossier complete by 1 May | decision in week 19 |
| Application dossier complete by or on hold on 1 June | decision in week 24 |
| Application dossier complete by 15 July | decision in week 30 |
| Admission / Application | admission.law@vu.nl |
| Details programme | contact@vu.nl |
| Contact programme
| Prof. dr. W.G. (Wouter) Werner Dr. M. (Marijn) Hoijtink |
| Tuition, Studielink, VUnet | Student Desk |
| Information days, general questions | contact@vu.nl |
Information days
Visit our VU Master's event and get acquainted with our Master's degree programmes. Our students and staff are available to help you with all your questions during the information sessions and at the information market.
This Master is selective and open to a limited number of students only. The Admissions Board selects on merit.
Factors which will be taken into account are:
These criteria are of equal importance.
Due to the Corona crisis, the requirements to enroll in this Master's programme have changed. For an overview of the requirements, we refer to the subsection ‘Corona crisis: from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s.
Applicants with a Bachelor's or equivalent degree in Law (LLB) can apply.
Your bachelor education is compared to and valued through the UK Naric comparison system and, if necessary, through the Nuffic comparison and validation programmes. Especially students from non-EU countries should factor in the possibility that a relevant Bachelor’s degree could not be sufficient to enter into this LLM programme and their application could result in a rejection.
You cannot apply on the basis of a degree from a University of Applied Sciences alone. The faculty does not offer a premaster for the LPIS Master.
Due to the Corona crisis, the requirements to enroll in this Master's programme have changed. For an overview of the requirements, we refer to the subsection ‘Corona crisis: from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s.
Applicants with a Bachelor's degree Social Sciences or Liberal Arts and a basic knowledge of international law or international relations theory may apply.
Applicants who do not meet the abovementioned requirement(s) are also encouraged to apply, provided that they have a sound academic background and considerable experience in the field of Law, Social Sciences or Liberal Arts (which they can support with documentary evidence).
Your previous education is compared to and valued through the UK Naric comparison system and, if necessary, through the Nuffic comparison and validation programmes. Especially students from non-EU countries should factor in the possibility that a relevant Bachelor’s degree could not be sufficient to enter into this LLM programme and their application could result in a rejection.
You cannot apply on the basis of a degree from a University of Applied Sciences alone. The faculty does not offer a premaster for the LPIS Master.
LPIS/ADMISSION WITH AN INTERNATIONAL DEGREE - CORONA MEASURE
This measure only applies to students, who are pursuing a Bachelor's degree in an EEA country. All other students must have obtained their Bachelor’s degree before starting a Master’s degree programme at our faculty.
If you will have nearly completed your Bachelor's degree on August 31 2020, then you may be able to start the Master's degree programme on September 1 2020 if you meet the conditions of the corona measure.
You will be required to complete your Bachelor's degree during the 2020-2021 academic year. Completing your Bachelor abroad while starting the LPIS Master is very difficult, we do not recommend it. We advice you to complete the Bachelor first and apply again next year.
Conditions you must meet to be eligible for the measure:
- you have been selected for the programme; and
- the missing credits are corona related; and
- you will meet the language requirements by August 31 2020; and
- you have obtained at least 162 ec (or 90%) of the curriculum of your Bachelor's degree.
Additionally the following stipulations apply:
- the provisional admission is only valid for academic year 2020-2021;
- you have obtained your visa/resident permit no later than August 31 2020;
- before you can start the Master thesis, you must demonstrate to the thesis coordinator that you have successfully completed your Bachelor thesis;
- the Master's degree can only be obtained after you have formally completed your Bachelor's degree;
- if you do not complete your Bachelor's degree by Augustus 31 2021, you cannot continue with the Master's programme until you do; completed courses will remain valid for 4 years.
Submit a request :
Do you meet these conditions or do you expect to meet these conditions by 31 August at the latest? If so, you can request exceptional admission no later than 1 August. You can do this by completing and submitting the form.
For the master Law and Politics of International Security a minimum C1 proficiency in English is required. This requirement is met if no longer than two years before the start of the programme, the applicant has successfully completed one of the following examinations with at least the scores indicated:
Exemption is granted to students who:
The proof of English proficiency can be submitted after the application deadline, but must have been received by the faculty before the start of the programme. Without an English proficiency test score which meets the specifications mentioned above or a waiver, you cannot start the programme.
Application is possible from 1 October. The application deadline is:
1 February for international students applying for one of the VU scholarships.
1 May for international degree holders from non-EU/EEA countries (extended)
15 July for degree holders from EU/EAA countries (extended)
International students applying for university accomodation are strongly advised to apply before 1 April.
Application steps
You will receive practical information regarding the start of the programme during the summer.
Decision schedule
The Admissions board starts reviewing applications and accepting students in February.
As this is an interdisciplinary Master with a limited number of students, the admission board pays special attention to the heterogeneity of the cohort. An overall balance in terms of disciplinary and geographical origins is a specific consideration for selection. In order to achieve this balance, the board can decide to put their decision on a specific application on hold.
| Application dossier complete by 1 February | decision in week 7 |
| Application dossier complete by 1 March | decision in week 11 |
| Application dossier complete by or on hold on 1 April | decision in week 15 |
| Application dossier complete by 1 May | decision in week 19 |
| Application dossier complete by or on hold on 1 June (EU/EEA only) | decision in week 24 |
| Application dossier complete by 15 July (EU/EEA only) | decision in week 30 |
Our International Office will assist you during the application process. They have assembled important information for you on:
| Admission / Application/ International services
| masters.law@vu.nl |
| Details programme | contact@vu.nl |
| Contact programme
| Prof. dr. W.G. (Wouter) Werner Dr. M. (Marijn) Hoijtink |
| Tuition, Studielink, VUnet | Student Desk |
| Information days, general questions | contact@vu.nl |
Information days
Visit our VU Master's event and get acquainted with our Master's degree programmes. Our students and staff are available to help you with all your questions during the information sessions and at the information market.
