Faculty Introduction - Faculty of Law
Welcome to the Faculty of Law! From 25 to 29 August, we warmly welcome all our new students during the Faculty Introduction Week. Participation is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. You'll get to know your fellow students, become familiar with our teaching approach and the campus, and get a head start on your studies at our faculty.
📝 Don't forget to register!
All new students were sent an email inviting them to register (or deregister) for the Faculty Introduction Week. The deadline for this has now passed.
If you did not receive the email, or forgot to register or deregister in time, please see the instructions for late registration in the FAQ. This ensures you can still be assigned to a tutorial group and start your courses on 1 September.
🎓 Attention bachelor students!
Registration is especially important for bachelor's students. If you don’t register or deregister, you will not be assigned to a tutorial group for the start of the academic year. So make sure you have registered — even if you’re unable to attend the introduction week.
ℹ️ What to expect
The Faculty Introduction Week is designed to give you a strong start to your studies. Whether you're beginning a bachelor’s, master’s, or exchange programme, this week will help you get to know the faculty, your fellow students, and the education system at Maastricht University. We’ll make sure you're not only well prepared, but also feel at home on campus.
During the introduction week, you will:
- Meet your fellow students, teaching staff, and tutor
- Learn how Problem-Based Learning (PBL) works
- Discover where to find your books and study materials
- Get practical guidance on using Canvas and checking your schedule
- Work on your first legal case
- End the day with drinks and bites in the Faculty garden
📅 Faculty Introduction Programmes
Bachelor's students European Law School
Note: the schedule below is subject to change.
A more detailed and up-to-date version of the programme – including locations – can be found in the Canvas environment of the Faculty Introduction Week, which will be accessible from 18 August.
| Date | Programme | Optional programme |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 18 August (publication of Canvas environment) | Start your online preparation: Videos and other content about Maastricht University, University Library, Student Services Center, the Faculty of Law, Problem Based Learning, Student Portal & Canvas and the study associations. Learn more about the Problem Based Learning system (PBL) | |
| Monday August 25 | No programme | |
| Tuesday August 26 | 10.15 - 11.15: Meet fellow students in your tutorial group and discover the inner city 11.30 - 13.15: Introduction (word of welcome Dean Jan Smits & Introduction Director of Studies Nicole Kornet, code of conduct, international classroom, Problem Based Learning) 14.45 - 15.15: Are you okay? lecture – Be(come) an ally against sexual violence and find out where you can get support at UM 15.30 - 17.30: Working on ‘Challenge’ in your own group, introduction to the building and book market | 17.30 - 19.30: Drinks and bites in the garden of our Faculty |
| Wednesday August 27 | Preparing for post-discussion ‘Challenge’ (individual) | |
| Thursday August 28 | Between 9.00 - 15.00: Post-discussion ‘Challenge’ (2 hours) with tutor in your tutorial group at our Faculty + evaluation Explanation of Student Support and systems Group allocation on Canvas | Between 10:00 and 15:00: A selection of various mini-lectures. (please register through Canvas) |
| Friday August 29 | 9.00 - 15.00: Post-discussion ‘Challenge’ (2 hours) with tutor in your tutorial group at our Faculty + evaluation Explanation of Student Support and systems Group allocation on Canvas | Between 10:00 and 15:00: A selection of various mini-lectures. (please register through Canvas) |
Master's students European Law School, Forensics Criminology & Law, Globalisation and Law, International & European Tax Law, International Laws
Note: the schedule below is subject to change.
A more detailed and up-to-date version of the programme – including locations – can be found in the Canvas environment of the Faculty Introduction Week, which will be accessible from 18 August.
| Date | Programme | Optional programme |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 18 August (publication of Canvas environment) | Start your online preparation: Videos and other content about Maastricht University, University Library, Student Services Center, the Faculty of Law, Student Portal & Canvas and study associations. Learn more about the Problem Based Learning system and start with your preparation of the PBL case | |
| Monday August 25 | 09.30 - 16.30 Introduction to the building, get to know each other, and book market Become acquainted with Problem-Based Learning & Thesis kick off | 16.30 - 18.30: Drinks and dinner in the garden of our Faculty |
| Tuesday August 26 | No programme | |
| Wednesday August 27 | Working on case study with your own group | |
| Thursday August 28 | Tips & Tricks study in Maastricht, Q&A and system explanation with current students Explanation of Student Support and systems | Between 10:00 and 15:00: A selection of various mini-lectures. |
| Friday August 29 | All other programmes: Post-discussion case study (1,5 hour) with tutor in your own group at our Faculty + evaluation Group allocation will follow | Between 10:00 and 15:00: A selection of various mini-lectures. |
Exchange students Bachelor's and Master's
Note: the schedule below is subject to change.
A more detailed and up-to-date version of the programme – including locations – can be found in the Canvas environment of the Faculty Introduction Week, which will be accessible from 18 August.
| Date | Programme | Optional programme |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 18 August (publication of Canvas environment) | Start your online preparation: Videos and other content about Maastricht University, University Library, Student Services Center, the Faculty of Law, Problem Based Learning, Student Portal & Canvas and the study associations. Start to prepare for your first PBL case: the ‘Challenge’! | |
| Wednesdag 27 August | 13.15 - 13.30: Get your UM card 13.30 - 14.15: Welcome word by the dean and introduction by Nicole Kornet and Sarah Schoenaekers 14.15 - 14.30: PBL explanation 14.30 - 15.15: Tips & Tricks and ESN presentation 15.15 - 15.40: Get to know each other & break 15.40 - 16.10: Faculty tour or book market 16.20 - 16.50: Are you okay? lecture – Be(come) an ally against sexual violence and find out where you can get support at UM (location: SBE) 17.00 - 17.30: Faculty tour or book market 17.30 - 18.15: Challenge in groups | 18.15 - 20.00: Bites and drinks in the Faculty garden |
| Tuesday August 27 | No programme Preparing for post-discussion ‘Challenge’ (individual) | |
| Thursday August 28 | Between 9.00 - 15.00: Post-discussion ‘Challenge’ (2 hour) with tutor in your own group at our Faculty + evaluation Group allocation will follow | Between 10:00 and 15:00: A selection of various mini-lectures. |
| Friday August 29 | Between 9.00 - 15.00: Post-discussion case study (2 hour) with tutor in your own group at our Faculty + evaluation Explanation of Student Support and systems Group allocation will follow | Between 10:00 and 15:00: A selection of various mini-lectures. |
🎓 Mini-Lectures
On Thursday and Friday, we offer a series of mini-lectures that cover a variety of engaging legal topics. We invite you to deepen your knowledge beyond your programme's curriculum!
English-taught mini-lectures:
- Thursday 28 August
- 11:15–12:00 – Netherlands Narcostate? by Hans Nelen
- 13:00–13:45 – Intersectional Discrimination by Nozizwe Dube
- Friday 29 August
- 11:30–12:15 – Hugo and the Law, by Livia Solaro & Odin Essers
- 11:45–12:30 – Insane enough? The impact of differences in the insanity defence on the population in forensic mental health clinics, by Astrid Bastiaens
- 12:45–13:30 – International Criminal Law by Rebecca Heemskerk
📬 Questions?
Do you have a question about the Introduction Week? First, check the FAQ section below — your answer might already be there. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Feel free to contact us at:
introduction-law@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Please mention whether you are a bachelor’s, master’s or exchange student in your email. This helps us assist you more efficiently.
If you have questions about your study programme or another education-related topic, check the student intranet, or submit your question via AskLAW.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Faculty Introduction Week mandatory?
No, participation is not mandatory, but we strongly recommend it. During this week, you’ll meet your tutorial group for the rest of the year, get to know the faculty and campus, receive instructions on the online learning environment and other practical matters, and work on a case together with your group. This way, you’ll get a first taste of our Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system and start your studies well-prepared.
Please note:
Although participation is not mandatory, you are required to fill in the registration form. Haven’t done so yet? Read below to find out what steps to take to ensure you can start your education from 1 September.
I forgot to register or deregister, but I will be studying in Maastricht. What should I do?
Fill in the late registration form as soon as possible.
If you complete it no later than 09:00 on the day your programme’s introduction starts, you can still participate in the Faculty Introduction.
After this deadline, participation in the introduction will no longer be possible, but we will still assign you to a tutorial group so you can start your education on 1 September.
How do I get access to the Canvas environment?
Once your student details have been processed, you can log in to Canvas using your UM account. The exact timing may vary per student, so don’t worry if you don’t have access yet — just check back regularly.
On 18 August, a dedicated Introduction Week group will be published in Canvas, containing all essential information, including the finalised programme.
Having trouble logging in or experiencing technical issues? Visit the ICT Service Centre for help and support.
Where does the Faculty Introduction take place?
At the Maastricht University campus, Faculty of Law (Bouillonstraat and surrounding buildings). Exact locations can be found in the programme on Canvas or will be shared with you on the day itself.
How do I know my group number?
Bachelor’s students: You can find your group number in Canvas, the digital learning environment. Log in and go to the Faculty Introduction Week page — your assigned group will be listed there.
Master’s and exchange students: You will be informed of your group assignment on Monday 25 August or Wednesday 27 August, at the start of the programme. No action is required beforehand.
Do I need to bring anything?
You don’t need to bring a laptop. Don’t forget to bring your own lunch!
I can only attend part of the programme. What should I indicate on the form?
If you’re unable to attend the main programme day for your study programme (Monday for master’s students, Tuesday for bachelor’s students, and Wednesday for exchange students), it’s best to indicate that you will not participate in the introduction week.
If you are available for (part of) the main day, but can’t attend on Thursday or Friday, then please indicate that you will attend.
I’m not yet sure if I’ll be able to study in Maastricht. What should I indicate on the form?
If you haven’t been officially admitted yet, or are still sorting out practical matters like housing, but do intend to study in Maastricht, it’s best to already indicate that you will attend the introduction week.