Legal Research

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  Specialise in different legal research methodologies and gain expertise in the area of law of your interest

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  Excellent possibilities to develop yourself and pursue a career in academia or legal practice

Are you curious, analytical and ready to take on new challenges in a dynamic academic environment? Are you interested in writing academic texts, engaging in debate, and tackling complicated and societal legal issues? Would you like to be given the opportunity to complete an in-depth Master’s-level programme in the area of law that interests you that extends beyond the standard one-year period? If so, the two-year Legal Research Master’s at Utrecht University may be the perfect choice for you!

As a student in the Legal Research Master’s programme, you will:

• Acquire legal and academic skills by actively conducting research on topics that interest you the most;
• Develop advanced expertise in a chosen area of law as part of your research ‘profile’;
• Learn to produce texts that are relevant to legal academics and scholars;
• Study different methods of legal research (e.g. empirical methods, doctrinal methods, comparative methods) and learn to apply them;
• Participate in and carry out research projects;
• Be part of a small, supportive and engaged community of diverse and ambitious students, alumni and teachers.
   

During your Legal Research Masters, you may, for example:

• Perform part or all of an academic study funded by a third party;
• Write an extensive academic case note;
• (Co)-organise an academic seminar in your area of expertise;
• Cooperate in the preparation of international academic conferences;
• Publish an article in an (international) scholarly journal;
• Write a PhD proposal, so that it is ready for submission after your studies
• Conduct an empirical or comparative legal study.

Take advantage of a growing need for legal researchers

For legal practitioners and academics alike, legal research skills are increasingly important. Universities and research centres, but also law firms, companies, courts, non-governmental organisations and public authorities all have a need for thorough, well-trained lawyers with excellent writing skills and a research-oriented mindset. The Legal Research programme will not only help you to become the type of well-rounded lawyer that our changing society needs needs but also help you stand out from the crowd.

Become a perceptive and analytic thinker

Our complex, pluralist, and constantly developing society is in clear need of sharp analytical and critical thinkers. Traditional law courses do not always provide graduates with the required knowledge and skills to meet this demand. Utrecht University developed the two-year Legal Research Master’s programme to fill this gap, in the knowledge that a longer programme provides the time for more skills training, more ‘learning by doing’ and more professional development. This programme offers both an excellent foundation for further PhD studies and a strong preparation for a career as a legal practitioner in the commercial, public service, NGO or academic sectors. As part of this programme, you complete courses in legal research methods as well as take substantive courses that help you develop a specialized research profile, as well as understanding the dynamics of legal research. 

The perfect location

Utrecht offers more than our well-established university. It is a vibrant town where Dutch history, a cosmopolitan population and an active and diverse student network meet. Every year, students from all over the world come to Utrecht and have the experience of a lifetime. Why not join them?