European studies in Brussels Law l Politics l Economics

The Institute for European Studies at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel Awarded the title of Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in 2002, the Institute for European Studies (IES) offers advanced master’s programmes and focuses on interdisciplinary research in European Studies - more specifically on the role of the EU in an international setting. With this scope, it provides academic services to scholars, policy makers and the general public. Founded in 2001, the IES, recognized and endorsed by the government, is an autonomous interdisciplinary research centre at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Its central location in Brussels makes it an outstanding workplace for students and scholars who wish to conduct research in an international setting.

Summer School Each year in July, the IES also organises an inter-university Summer School on the European Decision Making Process. The Summer School is open to 35 students and is organised for one week in Brussels and one week in Vienna in collaboration with the University of Vienna and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. More information at www.ies.be/summerschool

PhD research

More information at www.ies.be

Two advanced master programmes The IES is home to two advanced master programmes: the prestigious LL.M. in International and European Law (full time law programme, 35 years in existence) and the renowned Master of European Integration and Development (politics and economics evening programme). Both one-year programmes are international by nature and boast a study body of over 80% foreign students. More information can be found in this brochure, or at www.ies.be/masters

Annually, the IES initiates calls for PhD projects and selects the candidates with the best proposals to embark on our PhD research programme. To date, the IES is home to over 25 PhD or postdoctoral researchers. Research at the IES focuses on the EU in an international context. It explores EU institutions, policies and law within the context of globalisation and international law and politics. Research projects analyse the role of the EU as a global actor and the interaction between the internal and external dimensions of EU policies. They also address the interrelationship between the EU and international organisations. To this end, the Institute favours an interdisciplinary approach, involving legal, economic, social and political expertise. More information at www.ies.be/research

E-learning Since 2006, the Institute offers introductory courses on European Institutions and on European Law through its advanced E-learning platform. Based on content developed by our research team, students can learn about all aspects of the EU, wherever they are and whenever they like. More information at www.ies.be/e-learning

European and International Law: the Master of Laws (LL.M) in International and European Law A window of opportunities

Applications

The LL.M. in International and European Law has been a successful master’s programme at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel for over 35 years. The Institute for European Studies organises the programme together with the Faculty of Law. The programme, also known as the Programme on International Legal Cooperation (PILC), is geared to law graduates from all over the world. Focusing on European and international law, its method of interactive training and teaching for a select student body (40 students are admitted) is unique and guarantees a high-quality output. The international teaching staff consists of high-ranking academics and leading practitioners from renowned law firms and European institutions.

The LL.M in International and European Law is a demanding programme with high academic admission requirements. To qualify for admission you must possess a university law degree, excellent scholastic marks and certified proficiency in English. A limited number of scholarships (in the form of tuition fee waivers) may be obtained on the basis of need and merit.

Programme of excellence For more than 35 years, the LL.M has been the university’s top-quality law programme. International audits have continued to emphasize the excellence of the programme, which is now imbedded in the Institute for European Studies, and have ranked it as the top programme on European and international law in the country. With well over 1000 alumni working on all continents in international organisations, national administrations, law firms and non-governmental organisations (ngo’s), the LL.M has a legacy of quality and success that encourages students from all over the world to seek admission each year. The full programme can be found on our website.

For further information and the application procedure: [E] [email protected] [W] www.ies.be/pilc

“The Law master’s programme has proven to be very useful for my career. During my three years of professional working experience, I have discovered the European Union to be a key actor in international legal relations. The Law master provided me with a unique opportunity to obtain deep academic knowledge on EU law, especially on EU trade law. In addition, PILC’s multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment will polish every student’s social skills, which is very helpful for a future career in international communities.” Guoyu Zhang Shanghai WTO Affairs Consultation Center

“The Law master programme was the best year of my academic career by far. The level of instruction was very high, with a great mix of professors and practitioners, and spending a year in Brussels was a wonderful experience. More than a decade later, I am still in Brussels, only now as a practitioner specializing in EC law. I remain actively involved in the PILC programme to this day, and it remains without a doubt one of the top LL.M. programmes in Europe.” Porter Elliott Partner at Van Bael & Bellis in Brussels

European Politics and Economics: The Master of European Integration and Development In-depth knowledge about the European Integration Processes The Master of European Integration and Development provides an in-depth analysis of the European integration process for advanced students and practitioners. It is organised in collaboration with the Faculty of Economics, Politics and Sociology and is an interdisciplinary programme geared to an international student body. This advanced master’s programme combines academic excellence with practical experience – an element that is reflected in its teaching staff, which is a meticulous mix of renowned academics and carefully selected practitioners in EU policy-making.

Background The Master of European Integration and Development is designed to provide graduate students of different backgrounds with an expert knowledge of European legislation, European institutions and the economic integration process. Depending on their backgrounds and interests, students can choose between a profile on Economic Integration and a profile on Politics and Social Integration.

Evening courses In order to allow students to combine this Master’s programme with their professional activities, classes are organised in the evenings between 18h and 21h, and the standard one year programme can be spread out over two years.

Applications To qualify for admission, you must possess a university master’s degree (consisting of at least four years of study or 240 ECTS), excellent scholastic marks (or relevant experience) and certified proficiency in English. A limited number of scholarships (in the form of tuition fee waivers) may be obtained on the basis of need and merit. More information can be obtained: [E] [email protected] [W] www.ies.be/euromaster

“Based on my personal experience, the Master in European Integration and Development has proven to be a programme of great utility, aimed not only at professionals dealing with European affairs but also at students interested in continuing their academic careers. The foremost quality of the programme is undoubtedly the high standards of the teaching staff. Highly motivated students from all over the world and a well-grounded curriculum make it a must for anyone conducting business in or with the EU.” Branislav Radeljic, PhD Candidate, Student Ambassador, University of London

“The best part of studying European Integration and Development at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel is the creative approach to the issues discussed and the cultural diversity of the programme which is attended by students from all over the world. The topics I have learned about in depth have proven to be excellent theoretical underpinnings for my job. Great friendships developed through the frequently required group work.” Maja Prelog Parliamentary Assistant to MEP

Summer School on the European Decision-Making Process Every year, the Institute for European Studies teams up with the University of Vienna and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna to organise the inter-university Summer School on the European Decision Making Process. This intensive two week programme is held one week in Brussels and one week in Vienna. Packed with lectures, study visits and simulation games, this programme aims at attracting students and young professionals who wish to broaden their knowledge of the European institutions, European law and the European decision-making process in general. Aside from being a valuable asset in professional life in general, the Summer School has proved to be a great help in preparing for the “concours” organised by the European institutions to select future officials. Our alumni can be found not only in the European institutions but also in national administrations, law firms and academia.

The programme In Brussels, students gain an insight into the functioning of the European institutions, including the European Parliament, the Commission and the Council. The week in Brussels emphasizes on the various decision-making actors and also looks at the implementation process at national level. Study visits are mixed with lectures by senior academics and by high-level officials from the Brussels-based European institutions. In Vienna, a team of experts offer an in-depth knowledge on the decisionmaking processes in various fields, such as Foreign and Security Policy, Monetary Policy, Constitutional issues etc.

The Summer School concludes with two simulation games: typically we conduct one in the field of health and safety policy and one in the field of foreign and security policy. Throughout the programme, students are coached and guided towards effectively “playing” these simulation games.

Applications In order to keep the teaching as interactive as possible, we accept a maximum of 35 students. Students are selected on the basis of study background, motivation and level of English. Application forms can be found on our website and need to arrive at the IES before 1 April each year. A limited number of scholarships (in the form of tuition fee waivers) may be obtained on the basis of need and merit. More information can be obtained from: [E] [email protected] [W] www.ies.be/summerschool

E-Learning at the IES

Training EU Training sessions On a regular basis, the IES organises training sessions on European Union institutions and policy processes. The sessions are designed for students and professionals seeking a better understanding of the European structures and the EU decision-making process. The training sessions, built on the outstanding academic expertise of the Institute, offer an intensive programme, designed to cover the essentials of the European Union. The IES training concept promotes a balanced approach, where theory and practice complement each other to facilitate the learning experience. We also organise more specialized seminars, with a focus on specific policy fields, including: • The EU in Close-Up (Intensive seminar on EU institutions and policy process) • Global governance in migration issues: the role of the EU • EU-China relations • Climate change policies in the EU: a fresh assessment of the impact of Copenhagen • … Drawing on its well-known academic expertise in EU matters, the IES furthermore organises customized training sessions and seminars for national governments, companies and organisations. For more information on customized training, please contact the IES E-Learning and Training Team directly at: [email protected]

The IES developed a distance-learning tool to teach yourself about Europe. This is an interactive e-course offering researchers, policy advisors, lawyers, marketers and people involved in EU-matters/business in general the knowledge and skills to fully understand the European influence in their field of interest. Three modules are available to students and other users. Registration is possible for a single module or a package of 2 or 3 modules: • Module 1: European History, Institutions and Decisionmaking How did the European integration take place? And how does the European Union work? What is the role of the EU institutions and how do they interact? This module looks at the history and nature of the European institutions, and places them in a wider context. It also focuses on the decision-making processes in the EU, how policy is made, and how politics is practiced. • Module 2: European Union Law What are the characteristics and sources of European Union law? What are the competences of the European Union and what does it do? What are the implications of European Union law for EU citizens and companies? This module focuses more in detail on European Union Law, and its implications for the daily functioning of the EU, its citizens and companies. The various community policies are explained, as well as the foreign and security policy (second pillar), and the police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters (third pillar). • Module 3: European Information Sources on the Internet What kind of information is available on the Internet? How to retrieve information on the EU on the Internet? This module aims to train the skills of EU information retrieval through the use of practical exercises and real life situations. It not only explains what types of information can be found, but also how this information can be retrieved. More information can be found on our specific website www.emodules.be

Thrilling Campus Life The Vrije Universiteit Brussel is host to more than 10.000 students who are earning their BA, MA and PhD programmes in almost every scientific discipline possible. Its main campus is a green oasis in the city of Brussels where the international atmosphere and diversity of the European capital are reflected on campus. With its 30-plus nationalities, the two programmes offered by the Institute for European Studies are as cosmopolitan as they can be. The Vrije Universiteit Brussel and its partners offer a full and sparkling campus life that meets every student’s needs, from affordable housing to banks, libraries, on-campus cafeteria, music, film, culture and leisure to a complete sports facility including one of the largest fitness clubs in the Brussels area, an exclusive athletics field, indoor football field, basketball, volleyball, badminton and squash courts and a swimming pool... all are at your disposal on the university premises.

Of course, students can also benefit from the broad cultural programme of cosmopolitan Brussels. After all, the main university campus is only a few metro or tram stops away from the “old” town centre. And if that is not enough, you can always explore the many neighbouring cities that are easily accessible by Belgian Inter City rail, such as Antwerpen, Gent, and Namur (30 min); medieval Brugge and the Flemish coast, Liège and Paris (approx. 1 h); and Amsterdam, Köln, London and Luxemburg (2 h).

Institute for European Studies Vrije Universiteit Brussel Pleinlaan 2 B-1050 Brussels Belgium Europe Visiting address: Pleinlaan 15 (5th floor) B - 1050 Brussels Belgium [T] +32 (0)2 629 12 22 [F] +32 (0)2 629 18 09 [E] [email protected] [W] www.ies.be

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