EU Law and Human Rights

This Erasmus+ sponsored summer school explores how the interplay between corporate practice, economic freedoms and human rights shapes the EU’s global role. In the aftermath of Brexit and the election of Donald Trump, the EU faces challenges to its role as a powerful global economy and a promoter of human rights. This unique, credit-bearing summer school, invites participants to engage with and learn from European academics and professionals as we consider how these two forces are shaping the EU and its relationship with other countries and regions.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to meet some of Europe’s most influential advisors, attorneys and professors, and hear them debate the relationship between European integration and the EU's actions to promote international justice.




The programme allows students to earn 5 ECTS in a supportive, structured and open academic environment.

We especially welcome students with learning needs, disabilities and non-native English speakers

Students will foster the skills to critique, analyse and problem-solve through class discussions and debates. A Maynooth University PhD candidate will provide support as class tutor.

Lectures take place from 9am until late afternoon, with a break for lunch. Evening activities include wine receptions, round tables, and guest lectures, with excellent opportunities for networking.

Course leader

Dr. Delia Ferri (lecturer in the Law Department) and Professor John O'Brennan (Director of the Maynooth Centre for European and Eurasian Studies and the European Studies Programme)

Target group

Postgraduate students, final year undergraduates, legal professionals, and researchers would find the course most suitable. This would suit students interested in international relations, European studies, law, human rights, international politics, international economies and business, and globalism.

Course aim

On completion of the course, scholars and participants will be able to:

* Understand the evolution of the protection of human rights within the EU legal order

* Understand the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in protecting human rights

* Critically analyse interrelations between different sources of law in the EU legal system and their role in the protection of human rights

* Demonstrate awareness of and critically evaluate the evolution of human rights promotion as an EU objective

* Understand deeply the role of the EU as a global human rights promoter

Credits info

5 EC
5 ECTS available which normally translates as 2.5-3 US semester credits

Fee info

EUR 850: Includes:


Tuition and transcript

Networking events

Guest speaker workshops and seminars

on-campus single-room accommodation

lunches Monday-Saturday

Dublin orientation day

airport transfers (at fixed times)