Studying

In the Master's Programme in Global Governance Law, you will:

• Increase and deepen your knowledge and understanding of global governance law and basic knowledge of the relevant key fields of law, such as legal theory and history relating to your field of study, European Union law, various aspects of public international law and specific fields of global governance law such as finance and the environment.
• Further develop your analytical, legal argumentation and communications skills.
• Develop research skills and legal knowledge in order to continue your studies in .
• Study in an international and multicultural environment with students and staff from all over the world.
• Complete the degree of Master of International and Comparative Law (MICL).
• Become an internationally-oriented professional well-qualified for a career in international organisations, legal practice, various expert positions in the public sector as well as legal academia both in Finland and abroad.

Please note that the degree of Master of International and Comparative Law (MICL) does not provide qualifications for positions which specifically require a Finnish Master of Laws (oikeustieteen maisteri, OTM) degree.
Essentially, the GGL Programme exceeds both national and international boundaries and raises the ambition to the global level with a broad scope.

The scope of the Master's Programme in Global Governance Law is 120 credits (ECTS) to be completed in two academic years. It comprises compulsory and optional studies, seminars and research work culminating in the production of a Master’s thesis. You can also include and a as part of your degree.

The programme is aimed at students who have completed a first-cycle degree (e.g., bachelor’s degree) or second-cycle degree (e.g., Master’s degree) or a postgraduate degree in Finland or abroad.

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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, and for example include a semester abroad or law courses taught in Finnish or Swedish.

The teaching of Global Governance Law is research-based. Accordingly, teachers of the Programme are distinguished scholars, at the forefront of their research fields, and committed to the personal and professional development of students. Many of the teachers in the programme invoke methods that enrich their research with a critical, comparative, empirical or multidisciplinary approach.The teaching

The courses and teaching in the Master's Programme in Global Governance Law include the following themes:

• Global Governance Law: History and Theory
• Public international law
• European Union law
• Global administrative law
• Advanced Human Rights law
• International institutions
• Economic & financial, environmental and private global governance
• Security and transnational crime governance
• Human Rights, Global and Regional Challenges
• Business and Company Law: Governing Economics

You can also check out courses in the for University of Helsinki students in the Studies Service.

The University of Helsinki also offers Finnish courses for international students. Information about the in the Studies service.

The Master's thesis is an integral part of your degree. You will attend a Master's thesis seminar consisting of a research seminar essay and research seminar (5 ECTS), an introductory legal thinking and methodology course (5 ECTS) as well as completing your Master's thesis (30 ECTS).

During this year-long project, you participate in seminar meetings, complete seminar assignments, write your Master’s thesis and present your findings in research seminar meetings. In the seminar meetings, you get regular feedback about your work from your supervisor and fellow students.

Upon completing your Master's thesis, you will have advanced academic argumentation and writing skills, as well as a thorough understanding of your thesis topic.

The degree of Master of International and Comparative Law (MICL) provides general eligibility for postgraduate studies and a solid foundation for doctoral studies.

At the University of Helsinki, doctoral education is carried out in four doctoral schools. The Doctoral Programme in Law by the Faculty of Law is part of the University of Helsinki’s . Some 15–20 doctoral students graduate each year. Doctoral dissertations are mostly written in English.

Building your career begins already during your studies. From the start of your studies until one year after the completion of your degree, the give guidance and support, including career guidance and counselling, courses and events, and facilitation of mentoring groups.

Upon graduation you will become an internationally oriented professional who is well-qualified for careers in international organisations, legal practice (such as law firms and corporate legal departments), various expert positions in public sector as well as legal academia both in Finland and abroad.

The degree of Master of International and Comparative Law (MICL) provides general eligibility for postgraduate studies and qualifies you 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.

Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland. Also at the University of Helsinki, more than 250 student organisations operate within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY), ranging from faculty and subject organisations to political and societal organisations, and from choirs and orchestras to sports and game clubs. Their activities include anniversary celebrations, academic dinner parties, cultural events, get-togethers and excursions.

As a student and member of the Student Union (HYY), you are entitled to many benefits and services. For example, affordable student housing, low-cost sports services and student-priced meals. You also get numerous discounts, for example on public transport fees across the country. 

Read more about when studying at the University of Helsinki.

Do you have questions about studies or student life? You can get answers to your questions by chatting directly with University of Helsinki students.