European Legal Studies
Presentation
The European Legal Studies programme is a 2nd-cycle (master's) programme offered by the Faculty of Law of the University of Maribor. It is designed for graduates wishing to develop in-depth expertise in European Union law and its interaction with national legal systems. The programme is internationally oriented, with course leaders who are internationally recognised researchers and legal experts holding important positions in judiciary and EU institutions.
The programme offers a double degree in cooperation with Wayne State University (USA) and participates in the Erasmus+ network with prestigious European universities.
Main Objective
The main objective is to provide students with a thorough understanding of the link between national and EU legislation, preparing them for careers in EU institutions, international law firms, judiciary, public administration, and any entity that values expertise in European law. The recently updated curriculum covers both traditional and emerging areas of EU law, including digital economy, circular economy, and fundamental rights.
Competencies
- Analyse and apply EU constitutional, administrative, and substantive law
- Understand the relationship between EU law and national legal systems
- Navigate EU judicial protection mechanisms and cross-border legal cooperation
- Apply EU competition law, labour law, and internal market principles
- Conduct independent legal research and draft legal documents
- Communicate professionally in an international legal environment
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will possess advanced knowledge of EU law, including constitutional and administrative law, fundamental rights, internal market law, EU competition law, and EU foreign policy. They will be equipped to work in EU institutions, national courts and ministries, international organisations, and private law practice with a European dimension.
Qualification
Graduates receive the academic title Master of Laws in European Legal Studies (magister prava). The programme lasts 2 years (120 ECTS) and leads to a Bologna 2nd-cycle degree. A double degree option is available in partnership with Wayne State University (USA), leading to a dual LL.M.
Structure and Distribution of Credits
The programme lasts 2 years and comprises 120 ECTS credits. Core courses include: EU Constitutional and Administrative Law (8 ECTS), European Judicial Protection (8 ECTS), Legal Principles and Economic Policy of the EU Internal Market (8 ECTS), Citizenship and Protection of Fundamental Rights in the EU (8 ECTS), EU Foreign Policy (8 ECTS), Arbitration Law and ADR (8 ECTS), European Labour Law (8 ECTS), EU Competition Law (8 ECTS), and Cross-border Cooperation in Civil Matters (8 ECTS). Additional elective courses and a master's thesis complete the programme.
Courses
1st term
| Code | Name | Year | Term | ECTS | Type | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEPŠ1 | EU CONSTITUTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW | 1º Year | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| MEPŠ2 | EUROPEAN JUDICIAL PROTECTION | 1º Year | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| MEPŠ3 | LEGAL PRINCIPLES AND ECONOMIC POLICY OF THE EU INTERNAL MARKET | 1º Year | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| MEPŠ7 | CITIZENSHIP AND PROTECTION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS IN THE EU | 2º Year | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| MEPŠ8 | EU FOREIGN POLICY | 2º Year | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| MEPŠ9 | ARBITRATION LAW AND ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION | 2º Year | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
2nd term
| Code | Name | Year | Term | ECTS | Type | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEPŠ4 | Cross-border cooperation in civil matters | 1º Year | 2º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| MEPŠ5 | EUROPEAN LABOUR LAW | 1º Year | 2º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| MEPŠ6 | EU COMPETITION LAW | 1º Year | 2º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
1st term
| Code | Name | Year | Term | ECTS | Type | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEPŠ1 | EU CONSTITUTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW | 1º Year | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| MEPŠ2 | EUROPEAN JUDICIAL PROTECTION | 1º Year | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| MEPŠ3 | LEGAL PRINCIPLES AND ECONOMIC POLICY OF THE EU INTERNAL MARKET | 1º Year | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| MEPŠ7 | CITIZENSHIP AND PROTECTION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS IN THE EU | 2º Year | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| MEPŠ8 | EU FOREIGN POLICY | 2º Year | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| MEPŠ9 | ARBITRATION LAW AND ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION | 2º Year | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
2nd term
| Code | Name | Year | Term | ECTS | Type | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEPŠ4 | Cross-border cooperation in civil matters | 1º Year | 2º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| MEPŠ5 | EUROPEAN LABOUR LAW | 1º Year | 2º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| MEPŠ6 | EU COMPETITION LAW | 1º Year | 2º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
1º Year
| Code | Name | Term | ECTS | Type | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mepš1 | EU CONSTITUTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| Mepš2 | EUROPEAN JUDICIAL PROTECTION | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| Mepš3 | LEGAL PRINCIPLES AND ECONOMIC POLICY OF THE EU INTERNAL MARKET | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| Mepš4 | Cross-border cooperation in civil matters | 2º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| Mepš5 | EUROPEAN LABOUR LAW | 2º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| Mepš6 | EU COMPETITION LAW | 2º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
2º Year
| Code | Name | Term | ECTS | Type | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mepš7 | CITIZENSHIP AND PROTECTION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS IN THE EU | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| Mepš8 | EU FOREIGN POLICY | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| Mepš9 | ARBITRATION LAW AND ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
3º Year
| Code | Name | Term | ECTS | Type | Mobility |
|---|
4º Year
| Code | Name | Term | ECTS | Type | Mobility |
|---|
1º Year
| Code | Name | Term | ECTS | Type | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mepš1 | EU CONSTITUTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| Mepš2 | EUROPEAN JUDICIAL PROTECTION | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| Mepš3 | LEGAL PRINCIPLES AND ECONOMIC POLICY OF THE EU INTERNAL MARKET | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| Mepš4 | Cross-border cooperation in civil matters | 2º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| Mepš5 | EUROPEAN LABOUR LAW | 2º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| Mepš6 | EU COMPETITION LAW | 2º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
2º Year
| Code | Name | Term | ECTS | Type | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mepš7 | CITIZENSHIP AND PROTECTION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS IN THE EU | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| Mepš8 | EU FOREIGN POLICY | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
| Mepš9 | ARBITRATION LAW AND ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION | 1º | 8.00 | Optional | No |
3º Year
| Code | Name | Term | ECTS | Type | Mobility |
|---|
4º Year
| Code | Name | Term | ECTS | Type | Mobility |
|---|
Recognition of Prior Learning
Credits earned abroad through Erasmus+ are recognised on the basis of a Learning Agreement. Students participate in the Erasmus+ network with prestigious European universities. The faculty follows the Lisbon Recognition Convention and ECTS guidelines.
Qualification Requirements
Students must complete all prescribed compulsory and elective courses and successfully defend a master's thesis. The thesis involves in-depth legal research in an area of EU law agreed with a supervisor.
Assessment
Grading Scheme
Grades range from 6 (minimum pass) to 10 (excellent), with ECTS grades (A–F) used for international comparability. The minimum passing grade is 6.
Grading Distribution Table
| UM Grade | ECTS | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | A | Excellent |
| 9 | B | Very Good |
| 8 | C | Good |
| 7 | D | Satisfactory |
| 6 | E | Sufficient |
| ≤5 | F/FX | Fail |
Mobility
European Legal Studies students participate in the Erasmus+ network with partner universities. A double degree option is available with Wayne State University (USA). The programme is designed for an international environment, with students from across Europe and beyond. Contact: janja.hojnik@um.si | pf.um.si
Mobility Windows
Mobility windows are available in the 1st year of the programme. Students are encouraged to complete one semester at a partner university.
Work-based Learning
The programme includes participation in moot court competitions, legal clinics, and research seminars. Students have opportunities to work on research projects funded by the EU and the Slovenian Research Agency. The faculty hosts international conferences and cooperates with EU institutions, judiciary, and legal practice through visiting lecturers and joint events.
Occupational Profiles of Graduates
Graduates can work as:
- Legal advisors and lawyers in EU institutions (European Commission, European Parliament, Court of Justice of the EU)
- Judges, prosecutors, and court advisors
- In-house legal counsel in multinational companies
- Legal experts in government ministries and public administration
- International arbitrators and mediators
- Academics and legal researchers
- Lawyers in international law firms with EU practice
Access to Further Studies
Graduates may apply to the 3rd-cycle (doctoral) study programme in Law at the University of Maribor or other universities. The degree is also recognised for admission to doctoral programmes in European and international law across Europe.