Introduction
How do governments influence the effects of digitalization, such as cybercrime and breaches of privacy? And how can governments make better use of the benefits that digitalization has to offer?
In the modern globalized world, privacy and security are two topics that do not lose their relevance. On the contrary, incidents demonstrate how they affect our daily life. This LLM program discusses the need to protect the privacy of citizens online, the influence of the private sector, and the effectiveness of law enforcement.
Our students have a variety of backgrounds. What they have in common is that they are interested in studying how governments deal with the challenges of digitalization. They use their background knowledge of the legal frameworks and governance structures in order to develop this interest.
Consequently, if you are a law student, in addition to your degree, you will need an understanding of governance theories and social research methods before you commence with the degree. If you do not have prior knowledge in this area, you can acquire it by following our online, premaster program offered between February and May. Successful completion of this program provides you with proven knowledge of these domains, making you eligible for this Master’s degree.
If you have a social science background, it might be necessary to develop a greater understanding of the law before the start of the Master’s program. You can acquire this knowledge by completing the premaster during the spring semester. After successfully completing the program you have proven knowledge of the relevant areas of law, such as European and international law, and will be eligible for the Master’s program. A similar premaster is offered for students of International Relations, which deepens the knowledge of governance structures and legal frameworks.
This master’s program degree offers you current academic insights to develop knowledge about the topics discussed. In addition, by means of guest speakers, excursions, internships, and research, you will gain practical experience with digitalization issues in a public sector context. After this study, you will have all the necessary skills allowing you to successfully pursue a meaningful career in this highly dynamic and complex environment.
This master responds to the increasing demand of the labor market since there is a great need for lawyers with knowledge of public administration to deal with the issues of digitalization. As a graduate of this program, you will be highly demanded by employers.
Why study this program in Leeuwarden?
The English-taught LLM Governance and Law in Digital Society combines two distinctive disciplines: Law and Public Administration in order to study the consequences of IT (including privacy, safety, and security), making it unique in the Netherlands.
Further, the LLM is taught at the University of Groningen's Campus Fryslan in Leeuwarden, offering a chance for a more personalized study experience within a small classroom setting.
