Advanced Legal Studies

Introduction

The master's degree in Advanced Legal Studies is addressed to lawyers from Spain and abroad, including recent graduates and experienced professionals, who would like to receive additional research-oriented training and to refresh their knowledge of recent and innovative trends in law.

Some 18 credits are dedicated to fundamental knowledge and methodology, 24 credits to a specialization (Public Law or Private Law), and 18 credits to the final project.
The master's degree in Advanced Legal Studies is a university master's degree course offered by the University of Barcelona, one of the top 100 universities in the world according to the Shanghai ranking. It is designed for lawyers from Spain and abroad, including recent graduates and experienced professionals, who would like to receive additional research-oriented training and to refresh their knowledge of recent and innovative trends in law. It comprises 18 credits of core training in fundamental knowledge and methodology: in terms of knowledge, comprehensive, cross-disciplinary training in comparative law and the foundations of law; in terms of methodology, since the master's degree grants access to doctoral studies, the course teaches the skills required to complete a research project or doctoral thesis.

Additionally, 24 credits correspond to a specialization, which is chosen from among a number of key areas at the cutting edge of either Public Law or Private Law.

Finally, 18 credits correspond to the final project, in the chosen specialization.

Teaching staff for the course meet the required levels of excellence, skill and expertise, and belong mainly to the University of Barcelona's Faculty of Law. The teaching methodology is both theoretical and practical. Classes are held in the afternoon where possible.

Learning objectives

The master's degree in Advanced Legal Studies offers legal training focused on research, providing students up-to-date knowledge of the main and most innovative areas of the discipline. It is therefore addressed to three main groups of learners: graduates in disciplines related to law and legal practice; experienced legal professionals (lawyers, magistrates, judges, advisors and consultants, civil servants and researchers); and those interested in developing a doctoral thesis or a legal research project, which would include those interested in pursuing an academic career at university level.

In this context, the master's in Advanced Legal Studies is primarily designed to provide solid cross-disciplinary training as well as specialized training in the different disciplines of law, and in-depth analysis of the most contemporary legal issues. The topics covered in each specialization largely coincide with the many recognized research projects undertaken by the staff who teach the programme.