Private law in Europe has undergone rapid transformation during the last two decades. From a branch of law that was scarcely affected by EU legislation, it has become the object of a multitude of harmonisation measures. The intervention of the EU legislature has evolved from a horizontal approach, to the point that the adoption of a comprehensive European Contract Law instrument is now high on the political agenda. As a result of this development, there is a growing demand in legal practice, national and EU institutions and academic research for lawyers with a thorough understanding of existing European private law and the ongoing Europeanisation process.

The European Private Law programme provides a thorough understanding of the developing multi-level system of private law in Europe. In addition, relevant insights from other disciplines (e.g. economics, politics) are integrated into the discussion of legal questions to broaden and deepen the debate.

Studying European Private Law at the University of Amsterdam

This Master's programme provides students with a unique opportunity to specialise in European private law, with a coherent set of courses covering the issues central to the Europeanisation of private law. The University of Amsterdam houses the Amsterdam Institute for Private Law (AIP), which conducts research specifically on the consequences of European integration and globalisation for private law. The AIP has two research programmes, European Contract Law and Dutch private law in an international legally comparative perspective. It collaborates closely with other law schools in the Netherlands, and with individual researchers around the world.

European Private Law as a part-time programme

It is possible to complete the Master's programme in European Private Law through part-time study. However, classes are only given during the day. Part-time students can complete the programme in two years.