International Environmental Law
The leadership of tomorrow is facing many challenges. However, few of these have the scope and impact of global climate change and environmental degradation. Reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have given alarming information about global climate change due to human activities. The adoption of the Paris Agreement confirms that the international community is ready to take action. Ambitious targets now need to be set and maintained by the law to reduce our carbon footprint and increase the use of renewable energy. However, it remains to be seen whether international efforts can stave off the dangerous effects of climate change and preserve valuable ecosystems and biodiversity.
Strong legal frameworks are needed to combat environmental deterioration. Changing the way governments regulate business and the economy, and establishing international legal approaches which enforce environmental protection and regulation are paramount. Navigating human rights and varying national agendas requires visionary and optimistic people capable of working at the epicentre of a complex and ever-evolving set of issues. The International Environmental Law programme is designed for students whose goal is to work within the development of supranational environmental law, as policy and decision-makers in governments and businesses, for NGOs in the field of environmental law and sustainable development, as consultants, researchers and academics, or as corporate lawyers and barristers.
At the heart of the climate change issue
The programme takes a fundamental approach in discussing the role of international law to protect the environment and tackling the worldwide problem of climate change from the perspective of principles, environmental rights, and the choice and design of regulatory instruments. Although particular emphasis will be placed on the European Union (EU) and how it addresses environmental problems, students will also examine specific legal cases and questions dealing with international environmental protection and law.
These include topics such as the Paris Agreement, whaling in Antarctica, Multilateral Environmental Agreements, the legal aspects and ethics of market-based regulatory tools such as the international carbon market and the role of the International Court of Justice.
See European and international institutions at work
True to the tradition of applied learning, the International Environmental Law programme is not confined to the classroom. A field trip with a visit to an EU institution or a relevant international organisation in The Hague allows students to gain first-hand experience from a key-player within international environmental law.
They will also have the opportunity to wander through the quaint streets of Maastricht and to immerse themselves in European culture and tradition during their time off.
A challenging study experience
Maastricht is the birthplace of the European Union, where environmental protection was recognised as an EU objective. Located between two centres of international law and politics, The Hague and the ‘European capital’ of Brussels, Maastricht is the perfect setting for this programme.
“Maastricht has a strong community atmosphere and was an ideal place to learn about Environmental Law from a global leader. I participated in this programme in my final year and genuinely had one of the best experiences of my life.”
Max Harris , Deakin University
Academics
Credits
Maastricht University uses the European-wide ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) to measure academic progress. The total workload for this January programme is 36 class hours, during which time students earn 7.5 ECTS credits. How ECTS credits transfer back depends on their home university or college. Generally a 5 - 6.5 ECTS course is the equivalent of a full semester course (3 American credit hours).
Programme structure
The programme is an intensive three-week course and an immersive learning experience.
Students are required to:
• Do a set of readings prior to coming to the Netherlands;
• Do a presentation during the course;
• Submit a final paper, which is due three weeks after the end of the programme.
The following is included in the programme:
• An introduction to get to know the university and the city of Maastricht. This introduction includes a tour of Maastricht and the surrounding area;
• A field trip, which includes a visit to an EU institution or a relevant international organisation that complements and contextualises what is learned in the classroom.
Practical information
Programme dates
January 2025 Sunday 5 - Saturday 25 January 2025
Maastricht University Center for European Studies
T: +31(0)43 388 5282, E: ces.info@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Tuition
The tuition fee for January 2025 is € 2,245* and includes:
• Registration at Maastricht University;
• Course materials;
• Introduction;
• Field trip;
• CES services (such as support from a wellbeing officer and 24/7 emergency assistance).
Housing
Most CES students stay at the International Student Guesthouse of Maastricht University, where they have the following options:
• Single or double room (shared bathroom facilities);
• Private kitchen or communal cooking facilities.
Housing costs for January 2025 range from € 624 to € 871*.
Visa & residence permit
• A temporary residence permit is not needed for stays shorter than 90 days;
• Some students will need a visa (MVV) to enter the Netherlands (costs are not included in the tuition fee). Detailed information can be found on embassy websites.
Insurance
Students need sufficient health care, liability and travel insurance for the duration of their stay. Most students are covered through their home university. Please refer to the CES website for more information.
Application requirements
Applicants are required to:
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0;
• Be in good academic standing.
CES programmes are competitive. Therefore, early application is recommended. More information about the programme and the online application form can be found on the CES website.
Application deadline January 2025 Wednesday 16 October 2024
* For detailed and up-to-date tuition and housing fees, please check our website. Although this brochure was made with the utmost care, no rights can be derived from it.
@CESMaastricht www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ces