The first semester provides you with theoretical knowledge of global governance and basic knowledge of relevant key fields of law. You are introduced to various aspects of global governance law, starting from its historical and theoretical aspects, and then moving to the broader legal framework consisting of public international law, European Union law, global administrative law and advanced human rights law. You attend interactive lectures that are supported by small-group tutorials led by post-doctoral researchers and doctoral students. The latter consist of assignments and readings with ample opportunity for discussion.
The second semester will deepen your understanding of global governance law through group work and essay writing. You will examine international institutions, decision-making and governance in the EU, and governance in various specific fields including economic and financial governance, environmental governance, private global governance and security and transnational crime governance.
The second year involves the Master’s thesis seminar. It consists of a research seminar essay and research seminar (5 ECTS), an introductory legal thinking and methodology course (5 ECTS) as well as completing the Master's thesis (30 ECTS).
During this one-year-long project, you participate in seminar meetings, complete seminar assignments, write your Master’s thesis and present your findings in research seminar meetings. You get regular feedback about your work from your supervisor and fellow students. Upon completing the seminar, you will have advanced academic argumentation and writing skills as well as a thorough understanding of your thesis topic. In addition, you take 20 optional credits for example from other Faculty of Law programmes, studies on student exchange, language courses offered by the University Language Centre, and/or an internship. You can also take optional courses from the Master's Programme in Global Politics and Communication.
See the current list of courses in the Master's Programme in Global Governance Law here.
Please note that the programme is designed to be completed in two years on a full-time basis, and comprises a lot of teaching where attendance is mandatory. All courses are taught once per academic year.
The teaching language of the programme is English. At least 75% of the degree must be completed fully in English (e.g. seminars, seminar papers and similar written work, exams and the Master’s thesis). However, you can also study in other languages, for example, include a semester abroad or law courses taught in Finnish or Swedish.
You will complete the degree of Master of International and Comparative Law (MICL). It provides general eligibility for postgraduate studies and qualifies for positions which require a Master’s level education. However, it does not provide qualifications for positions which specifically require a Finnish Master of Laws (oikeustieteen maisteri, OTM) degree.