Irena Ferčíková Konečná, Milena Lahutová, and Marta Lidia Dubel can now add the title LL.M. to their names. They became the first graduates of the online Master of Laws International and European Law course offered by the Faculty of Law in Olomouc.
When evaluating their year of study, the graduates agreed on several advantages of this new program. They liked the online format. They highlighted the possibility of tailoring the program largely to their professional focus. They were satisfied with the level of teaching, with the added bonus of instruction in English. They also appreciated that a law degree is not a prerequisite for admission to the program. “Personally, I was very satisfied with all the teachers, and I believe that the program has the potential to attract many foreign students. This is thanks to the teachers’ excellent language skills, as well as their high level of expertise, quality, and individual approach, which I greatly appreciate,” said Irena Ferčíková Konečná, who completed the LL.M. in European Human Rights Law module.
What motivated you to study the LL.M. course at the UP Faculty of Law?
Irena Ferčíková Konečná (IFK): Although I originally studied Special Education at UP, I have always been closely involved with legal issues in my work. From asylum and migration to human trafficking and topics related to the human rights aspects of sex work, bodily autonomy, and rights in the digital space. For the past seven years, I have been closely following the development of European legislation in these areas. So, when my alma mater opened an LL.M. program that is distance learning and also open to people without a legal education, I didn’t hesitate.
Milena Lahutová (ML): Since 2007, I have been working in European funds and focusing on public support, which is part of European competition law. I had been considering pursuing an LL.M. or an MBA for a long time. I was looking for a program that would allow me to study European law. It was quite a long search. European universities offer European law programs, but LL.M. programs often require in-person attendance, which was out of the question given my workload. Then I came across the program at the Faculty of Law of Palacký University.
How did you like the flexibility in subject choices, course modules, and the online format?
IFK: It was exactly what I was looking for. The opportunity to study online and tailor the program to a large extent to my expertise was great.
ML: It was possible to choose from several modules and then specific subjects within each module. I chose the LL.M. in European Law module. Within this module, it was necessary to complete eight subjects plus a final seminar. Two subjects were compulsory and the others could be chosen according to my own preferences. For example, I chose the subjects EU Institutions and Regulation of Digital Markets. I also found the International and European Environmental Law course very interesting. The EU Competition Law course was essential for me, as competition law also covers the area of state aid, which I deal with. Although state aid is not the subject of the course (and is often not taught at other European universities), the principles are the same. That is why I chose the topic of “business” in EU competition law for my final seminar. The topic was challenging, and the teachers were demanding. Which is perfectly fine. In addition, the entire course was conducted in English. It was a great opportunity for me to develop my professional English.
I also liked the online format. I could study according to my own schedule, on weekends, holidays, evenings, whenever it suited me. I could divide the material into shorter blocks as needed and return to topics or review them several times.
Did the program meet your expectations?
IFK: Definitely. After so many years of practice, I welcomed the opportunity to sit down at a virtual desk and continue my education. I really appreciated the opportunity to reflect on my practical knowledge with the teachers and have interesting discussions. Thanks to my studies and the excellent methodological guidance, I was also able to write three professional articles – a positive side effect of my studies.
ML: It met my expectations exactly. This was mainly because I was able to choose the module and subjects according to my focus.
Would you recommend this program to colleagues who are considering applying?
IFK: Without a doubt. Similar programs can be found elsewhere, but I’m not sure if they can offer the same quality as the Faculty of Law in Olomouc. I appreciated the individual approach of the teachers, the opportunity for consultations, and the space for professional discussion. ML: Yes, and not only to those who are involved in anything related to the European Union in their practice. But actually to anyone. I feel that European law is still somewhat neglected in our country, even though it affects us in our everyday lives. The program is designed to last one year, with four courses per semester. It is quite time-consuming. However, the program can be extended to two years, which may suit many people.