Navigating tomorrow's competition and regulation challenges

In the past two decades many aspects of business and social life have been affected by high-growth corporates like Google, Apple and AirBnB, and by developments on financial markets. Think about the emergence of new crypto currencies and the (so far, unchallenged) hierarchy of Facebook as a leading social media platform. Should firms that agree to raise prices because of sustainability concerns be applauded, or fined as a cartel?
Market power of corporate organisations is based on brilliant but sometimes debatable strategies, which brings challenges to policy makers, regulators and supervisors like the national enforcement authorities and the European Commission. How can markets and organizations function effectively, while taking into account legal, economic and societal challenges? Why do companies behave (or misbehave) the way they do, and to what extent is this behavior acceptable? In this highly international environment of powerful corporates and policy makers, competition, regulation and supervision challenges require profound expertise in both economics and law. This LLM Master programme prepares you for addressing these challenges in present or future markets. 

Bridge the common gap between law and economics

In this LLM programme in Law and Economics we focus on the practical and academic toolkit to operate in the world of leading corporates, law firms, policy-making organisations, regulatory and supervisory bodies, and economic or legal consulting. You will focus on such issues as the economic and legal aspects of market regulation and supervision, competitive strategy, competition policy, private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and finance and banking. You will learn from an interdisciplinary team of legal experts and economists who enhance the challenging course content with both theory and real-world knowledge. The interdependence of and useful interplay between economics and legal perspectives is the prime focus of the programme and is discussed  from both the perspectives of the regulator and of the regulated. As a graduate of this programme, you will be uniquely prepared to bridge the gap between law and economics and contribute to addressing the relevant challenges of public and private organisations. 

If you are more interested in pursuing a Master of Science in a comparable field, have a look at this Master's Programme: Strategy, Competition and Regulation.

I support students' initiatives to do more with their interesting research findings and knowledge gained during our programme. I facilitate students' blogging, vlogging, making podcasts, building Wikipedia pages and publishing an academic article experiences. Bring your ideas on and utilize your new knowledge for more than your grades only: contribute to the society!

Real interaction between two disciplines

The unique aspect of this programme is the good interaction between students, professors and professionals from both legal and economics disciplines. This is facilitated by a number of joint courses and educational activities such as guest lectures, study visits and internships. Utrecht University’s Law and Economics professors – recognised as leading academics in their fields – investigate EU as well as international regulation and governance, and offer academic and real-life insights on the most relevant regulatory challenges. We are proud to have the Utrecht University School of Economics involvement in our curriculum, which makes the programme truly multidisciplinary and unique in strategy, competition and regulation.

Focused on both the legal and economic perspectives

The curriculum will provide you with the academic knowledge, interdisciplinary understanding and research, analytical and legal skills required for either a legal professional or academic career at the intersection of economics and law. You will also learn to communicate effectively with professionals from different disciplines.

Upon graduation, you will be:

  • Capable of conducting independent research in the areas of law and law and economics.
  • Able to solve problems in the areas of law by using economic theories, both independently and with others, while taking societal considerations into account.
  • Apply legal knowledge for the testing or the development of policies of firms, organizations, or governmental bodies.
  • Able to professionally collaborate with others in interdisciplinary teams while evaluating your own performances, and contribute to combining and generating new knowledge within the team.

Small scale and supportive

Each year, about 50 students enter this programme, giving it a small-scale feel. The mix of students from the Netherlands and abroad gives the programme a unique international environment that is ideal for developing an understanding of the perspectives and practices of other countries. The small scale of the programme encourages active participation during discussions in seminars and tutorials. In addition, alumni keep in touch with each other and with new students through a supportive international network; the student association of the Law and Economics programme actively pursues the development of these connections. Throughout your studies, you will work closely with the lecturers and have the opportunity to work on research projects with them, learning directly from leading experts in both fields.

Pursue your own research interests

The small-scale environment and the lecturers’ active involvement in your personal development will provide you with the ability to pursue your own research interests. In many courses, writing a research paper or an essay is mandatory, most often, you will have the opportunity to choose a specific subject for your papers. The professors who contribute to this Master’s programme have a strong link with the strategic research theme of Utrecht University: “Institutions of an Open Society” and the research centre Utrecht Centre for Regulation and Enforcement in Europe (RENFORCE). As a student in this programme, you will be able to immerse yourself in their latest research and easily find subject matter for your papers and thesis. Together with the research for your final thesis, this provides you with the opportunity to find your own voice and develop a personal portfolio of expertise and research work.

Do not waste good students’ research

In this Master's programme, we support an idea of doing more with good research done by students. Good students’ research can be used for students publishing academic articles, making education materials for future students and teachers, also in schools, and supporting the society. Watch our video about this idea, discuss this with the director of your programme and propose your own ideas.

Read the blog about the experiences of our previous Master's students Law and Economics

Key facts

Degree: 
Law and Economics
Language of instruction: 
English
Mode of study: 
Full-time
Study duration: 
1 year
Start: 
September
Tuition fees: 
Dutch and other EU/EEA students (statutory fee, full-time) 2024-2025: € 2,530

Non-EU/EEA students (institutional fee) 2024-2025: € 20,043

More information about fees
Croho code: 
60742
Accreditation: 
Accredited by the NVAO
Faculty: 
Law, Economics and Governance 
Brochure: 
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