University of Amsterdam (Faculty of Law)

The Amsterdam Law School is a major European hub for legal education, enrolling around 5,000 students and employing 500 staff. Located in central Amsterdam, it integrates law with fields such as psychology, economics, sociology, and health, promoting a distinctly international outlook. Its mission is to deliver high-quality, globally oriented teaching and research that prepares graduates for complex cross-border legal issues.

Students benefit from an ecosystem that blends academic rigor with practical relevance. The school offers three Bachelor’s programs and numerous specialized Master’s tracks, cultivating lawyers equipped for modern legal challenges and active engagement in societal issues.

Graduates enter diverse fields, from international law firms and EU institutions to NGOs, multinationals, and financial regulators. The school’s strong employability stems from faculty who combine academic expertise with experience in courts and corporate practice, ensuring a direct link between theory and real-world application.

Partnerships with organizations like IBFD and Columbia Law School expand professional networks and internship pipelines. Alumni gain access to a broad international community, supported by practice-centered clinics, skills modules, and events that connect students with sector specialists across Europe and beyond.

The Amsterdam Law School stands out for its global reputation and its commitment to interdisciplinary learning. Students benefit from nine English-taught LLMs, internationally recognized expertise, and programs that merge law with economics, psychology, and technology. This creates a strong foundation for careers in increasingly complex legal markets.

Small-group learning, simulations, and research-driven teaching ensure a practical, skills-focused experience. The central Amsterdam location offers exceptional access to networks, institutions, and employers, while the school’s diverse community and emphasis on societal impact deliver a comprehensive environment for academic and professional growth.

The school contributes to major UvA research priorities, including Humane AI, Global Health, sustainability, and organizational ethics. Projects such as ALGOSOC and SGEL advance understanding of algorithmic fairness, inequality, and global economic governance. These initiatives integrate legal scholarship with pressing societal challenges.

Innovation thrives through institutes focused on information law, public law, and private law, as well as collaborative hubs like SEVEN for climate solutions. Students engage with cutting-edge topics through advanced tracks and public events at SPUI25, reinforcing the school’s role as a leader in ethical and future-oriented legal research.

What English-taught Bachelor’s programs are available? The main English Bachelor’s option is PPLE, a multidisciplinary program integrating law, politics, psychology, and economics. It provides a strong foundation for international pathways or entry into selective Master’s programs.

How does the academic calendar work? Teaching follows a block-based system with seven-week modules followed by exams. Two semesters run from September to June, with a shorter third block and dedicated resit periods in summer, supporting a structured and focused learning rhythm.

Are there honours and research opportunities? Yes. Students can join the Amsterdam Honours College for enriched coursework or pursue the Academic Excellence Track aimed at developing research skills for PhD-level study.

Admission to most Master’s programs requires a Bachelor’s in law; applicants from other backgrounds may complete a tailored Pre-Master’s. Applications include academic records, a motivation letter, CV, and English proficiency. Deadlines differ by nationality and program selectivity, with early submission encouraged for competitive tracks.

EU tuition is comparatively low, while non-EU rates vary by LLM. Scholarships such as the UvA Excellence and Amsterdam Merit support outstanding candidates. Students receive assistance with accommodation, visas, and orientation, ensuring a smooth transition to life on the centrally located Roeterseiland Campus.