Masters programmes

Riga Graduate School of Law (RGSL) offers legal education at an advanced level. The teaching methodology is research-based and extends beyond the field of law itself, offering access to related fields such as economics, business, and policy. Current degree courses include LL.M in International and European Law, LL.M in Law and Finance, and MA in Legal Linguistics, LL.M in Public International Law and Human Rights, LL.M in Transborder Commercial Law, and MA in European Union Law and Policy.

As a centre of excellence, RGSL is an independent institution within the University of Latvia and teaching is conducted exclusively in English. RGSL boasts an international student body, from the various European Union member and non-member states, the Balkans, CIS states, and the Americas. The international aspect of student life is a core element of RGSL development and diversity.

The RGSL faculty is an important part of RGSL’s standing as a reputable institute of higher learning. The resident members of faculty offer in-depth knowledge in their respective fields of competence. Visiting professors from internationally recognised universities and organisations conduct much of the teaching. Leading practitioners from institutions such as the European Court of Justice and the EU Trade Marks and Designs Office appear as guest speakers on courses. In addition, the library facilities at RGSL are recognised as representing the very top level of law libraries.

Riga Graduate School of Law offers the following accredited Masters programmes:

LL.M in International and European Law
(academic programme and professional programme)
The programme in International and European Law integrates Public International Law, International Trade Law, and European Union Law, preparing students for careers in practice or administration at national or European level. The programme comprises both theoretical study and class work, followed by a Master’s thesis. The teaching methodology is interactive and based on a mix of lectures and seminars.

LL.M in Law and Finance
The programme is designed with regional, European and international needs in mind and aims to address this challenge by arming both law and finance specialists with relevant knowledge in both areas to facilitate mutual understanding.

MA in Legal Linguistics
The programme is designed as an interdisciplinary programme, covering a range of legal and linguistic skills useful for lawyers and language specialists working with legal texts. The interdisciplinary approach allows development of comparative legal and linguistic analysis skills in national, multilingual and international contexts. The programme is directed to the Latvian market and to the EU-related market where law and language inter-relate.

LL.M in Public International Law and Human Rights
The programme is intended for students who are interested in pursuing their professional carriers in international organisations, private law firms, public authorities, or in academia.  The programme allows for a combination of courses from three tracks: European Union Law, International Commercial Law, Public International and Human Rights Law.

LL.M in Transborder Commercial Law
The programme is designed to focus on practical aspects of transborder trade within the European Union and on international conditions framing European Union trade. It is designed to meet the needs of lawyers working in the private sector.

MA in European Union Law and Policy
The programme is designed to promote highly qualified experts with theoretical knowledge of both European Union law and policy issues. It covers integration, the role of the European Court of Justice, selected aspects under the second and third pillars, as well as policy implementation and negotiation.