Law and Politics of International Security
Student experiences
As a German lawyer with professional experience in the field of development cooperation, the programme 'Law and Politics of International Security' was the perfect contribution to both my theoretical and practical background. On the one hand, I could deepen and extend my knowledge about international law, and on the other hand, I could fill the gap in regard to contemporary international politics and its underlying theoretical background. Throughout the programme I discovered my strong interest for International Humanitarian Law - and luckily was able to participate in the 'Frits Kalshoven Competition on IHL', promoted by the Faculty of Law and organised by the Netherlands Red Cross. As a logical consequence for me, I finalised the Master by writing my thesis on a topic related to the International Committee of the Red Cross. After having completed the programme, I directly entered a position in the field of development cooperation, and am currently working as a Project Manager for EU funded legal reform projects all over the world.
Amina Nfidi, student of Law and Politics of International Security
I was lucky enough to choose the Law and Politics of International Security programme in the first year of its existence. I choose the word 'lucky' carefully, because the programme had no reputation and, aside from the course description on the VU University website, I had little knowledge about what I was about to experience. I took a chance; it has been a chance that has changed my life and career. The fusing of legal and political studies, centred upon the study of conflict between states - one could hardly wish for a more fascinating area of study for a Master's degree. The professors and tutors were excellent, open both to criticism and to new ideas, and the multi-disciplinary background of my fellow students made for some lively exchanges, as lawyers and political scientists challenged - and learned from - one another through open debate in seminars. My year in Amsterdam opened my mind to a world of possibilities and I will never forget it.
Since leaving the VU, I was accepted to complete a doctorate at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy, with a thesis which builds upon work completed in the LPIS programme. I have also been engaged in work projects for the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, the ICMPD, FRONTEX, as well as working as a legal consultant for studies focussing on the French and Scottish police forces, amongst a number of other projects.
Ciarán James Burke, student of Law and Politics of International Security
Facebook and LinkedIn
Former and current students have created a Facebook group and a LinkedIn group for exchanging news, experiences and professional opportunities. Here you can see what students and alumni are up to.
