LL100: European Union Law

This course outlines the structures of the European Union, its law-making processes, judicial architecture and its most important policy domains.

It does so by focusing on both the law of European integration and the political, social, and cultural context within which it operates. Students will tackle questions about the dynamics and direction of integration, including the existential challenges posed by Brexit, the rule of law crisis and the refugee crisis.

The course focuses on three dimensions of EU law:

• Constitutional issues: how the European Union has developed into a unique supranational system, how its political and legal authority is shaped and challenged, and how it has responded to issues of fundamental rights, democracy and constitutional identity.
• Institutions and Law-Making: a detailed legal and political analysis of the role and functions of the EU institutions, the legislative process, and the judicial architecture of the European Union.
• Substantive fields of EU law: in-depth analysis of the case law on free movement of goods, free movement of services, and citizenship.

The course concludes by exploring the EU’s current problems and its future trajectory.

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.

Level: 100 level. Read more information on levels in our FAQs

Fees: Please see Fees and payments

Lectures: 36 hours

Classes: 18 hours

Assessment: One examination and one essay

Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU)

Please note: Assessment is optional but may be required for credit by your home institution. Your home institution will be able to advise how you can meet their credit requirements. For more information on exams and credit, read Teaching and assessment

This course will suit you if you are interested in the EU – whether your starting point is law, history, politics, social sciences or economics. This course introduces the crucial dimensions of EU law in a contextual fashion, allowing all students to engage with it. It is also suitable in case you are planning to study EU law in greater depth. It will offer you an in-depth analysis not just of EU law, but also of how EU law relates to other processes that govern the integration project.

You should consider taking this course if you are interested in pursuing a career in (EU) law, policy, administration, or government. The content of the course should help students in the pursuit of careers in these fields.

The course will challenge you not only to understand, but also to critically assess the structures, methods and content of EU law. It will include discussion of the various crisis of the EU and its future trajectory, and involve practical problem-solving skills such as moot court exercises and simulation of inter-institutional dialogue.

The course is therefore aimed at those interested not only in the law of the EU, but also in understanding the functioning of the EU institutions and the current political problems that Europe faces. It will interest those with a background in law and will also appeal to those with an interest in European politics, history, economics and international relations.

The design of this course is guided by LSE faculty, as well as industry experts, who will share their experience and in-depth knowledge with you throughout the course.