The web portal Study in Greece is campaigning for the promotion and international visibility of Greek Universities and the comparative educational advantages of our country. In particular, the campaign focuses on the foreign language study programs that Greek Universities offer to Greek and international students. The initiative is supported by the General Secretariat of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs and the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. In this context, a number of educational programs and actions are presented in detail on a regular basis, such as undergraduate and postgraduate programs, summer schools etc, to inform international students about the many foreign language options offered by Greek Universities.

Study in Greece interviewed Professor Constantine Antonopoulos on the LL.M. in International Studies offered at the Democritus University of Thrace, its features and what it has to offer to international students.

Constantine Antonopoulos is Professor of Public International Law at the Faculty of Law of the Democritus University of Thrace, where he also serves as Dean of the Faculty (2024–2027) and Director of the LL.M. Program in Public International Law. He is a member of several academic societies, including the British Institute of International and Comparative Law, the American Society of International Law, and the European Society of International Law.

Dr Antonopoulos, please provide us with an overview of the new LL.M. in International Studies, its structure and its main research areas.

The LL.M. in International Studies offered by the Law Faculty of Democritus University of Thrace (DUTh) is a one-year postgraduate program. This LL.M. is fully taught in English.

The program is designed to provide students with a wide range of knowledge on certain areas of Public International Law (PIL), such as the humanitarian law of armed conflict, international protection of human rights, refugee protection, as well as international criminal justice. During the winter and spring semester students are enrolled in three classes each, while during the third semester they are required to complete their master’s dissertation.

The courses are designed in such a way to guarantee internal cohesion; they allow students both to delve into traditional matters of PIL, as well as to explore cutting-edge instances of recent state practice. During the third semester, students undertake independent research supervised by members of our academic staff.

The program’s structure is carefully designed to balance academic research and other practical skills, which will allow our students to adjust effectively to all professional environments.

International Law is a subject inherently aimed at international students. What sets your program apart from others?

Indeed, programs in international studies are offered worldwide by esteemed universities. Although our LL.M. is recently established, it is the outcome of years of thorough analysis on students’ needs. Our LL.M.’s comparative privilege is analyzed in three key points.

First, the program is 80% taught online, while students are required to be present at the city of Komotini approximately twice per semester. This will enable them to visit our region and explore Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Komotini lies at the crossroads of Balkans and students’ visit is expected to be a lifetime experience, as they will come across our multicultural environment.

Second, the program is structured in such a way that students will receive solid doctrinal foundations and at the same time they will gain experience in practical questions. Weekly lectures are the core of the program; however, workshops, mock sessions and debates are also part of the teaching itinerary.

Finally, our faculty has a long-standing tradition in international studies. For over half a century, the Law Faculty is pioneering in international studies. Our undergraduate and postgraduate students have been taking part in international competitions, such as moot courts, and have received numerous awards. Therefore, we are confident that we offer studies of high standards, suitable for international students.

What types of students are you expecting to attract? What backgrounds and disciplines may benefit from the program, apart from legal professionals?

We expect to attract any student who is passionate about and interested in international law and justice. For this reason, the program is open not only to law graduates, but also to graduates from related disciplines, such as international relations, political science, European, or security studies, who have a wide idea over international law. Moreover, the course is open to commissioned officers of the Hellenic Armed Forces.

Our staff will provide to students of all the above backgrounds with the necessary legal tools, to interpret critical legal questions, resolve issues regarding international law. Finally, they will be able to adjust to any international environment. Thus, our LL.M. program is an excellent option also for those wishing to work in the diplomatic service, NGOs or intergovernmental organizations. 

How does this program align with DUTH’s broader vision and goals for internationalization?

During the last years, DUTh has designed and now applies a comprehensive internationalization strategy. Our university is a front runner among Greek universities regarding its international presence. Our LL.M. is a flagship initiative for DUTh, given that we admire to enhance our faculty’s global visibility, encourage networking and set the standards for further collaboration with other institutions.

What are the practical aspects of the LL.M. in International Studies and what professional prospects does it offer?

Apart from legal research, our students will have the opportunity to create all those skills necessary for their future professional careers. From this perspective, our LL.M. is also oriented towards students’ practical engagement. During lectures we emphasize on simulations, research projects and mock sessions.

Our faculty also holds the privilege to host the Krateros Ioannou Institute of Public International Law. This research institute is an active center for the promotion of international law, engaging in multiple projects and conferences every year. Thus, prospective LL.M. students will have the opportunity to get involved with the institute’s activities if they so wish.

What advice would you offer to potential students who are considering choosing the LL.M. in International Studies for their postgraduate studies?

Offering advice is an inherently difficult task, even more when addressed to LL.M. candidates. I guess my advice is simple enough: to be passionate about PIL and take a deep dive into the field. PIL is a magnificent scientific field which can offer both excitement and disappointment. We hope that new scholars will have a significant input in ameliorating and transforming PIL.

We are delighted to welcome new students to our LL.M. program the next academic year.

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