Nienke Heijne Makkreel completed the Bachelor’s programme in Law in Society as well as the Voorbereidend Civiel Effect (VCE), where she developed a strong interest in criminal and labour law. She’s now pursuing a Master’s degree in Law and is interning at the International Legal Assistance Centre of the Public Prosecution Service.
Nienke: “When I had to choose a study programme, I found everything I was looking for in Law in Society: an English-taught, internationally oriented course with a clear focus on law, alongside some social sciences and research subjects. I’m still very happy with my decision and I look back on that time with fond memories. The lecturers know you, they’re approachable, and the contact with fellow students is warm – it’s a close-knit group.”
Programme highlights
“One of the most exciting parts of the course was a ‘moot court,’ where you roleplay a courtroom session with a team of prosecutors and a team of defence lawyers. That experience sparked my interest in (international) criminal law, where careful consideration is needed to determine what’s fair and humane for all parties involved. I also enjoyed working on my thesis about the labour law protections for workers employed by meal delivery platforms. The research modules and legal knowledge I gained in the globalisation of markets theme were very useful for this. The thematic approach is a definite plus point: in themes like migration and security, you learn how various areas of law interact with, and influence, each other. These are complex issues that can only be tackled with an interdisciplinary and broad legal perspective. The course prepares you for that, partly because you work with students who have different backgrounds and worldviews. It’s both fun and educational at the same time.”
Civiel Effect pre-Master’s programme
Nienke also completed the Voorbereidend Civiel Effect (VCE), which Dutch-speaking students can take during or after their Law in Society degree. “I wanted to keep my options open for a legal profession (e.g. barrister, public prosecutor or judge) and I also had plans to go abroad during my minor. Due to the uncertainty around travel caused by the pandemic, I didn’t end up going. Instead, I completed the VCE in two parts: during my minor in the third year, and in the second semester of the following academic year, after taking an (extra) minor in forensic criminology. In hindsight, I would have preferred to do it in one extra year after Law in Society. It was challenging but manageable. Although I did have to adjust to a different way of attending lectures – larger-scale classes and subjects focused on one (Dutch) area of law.”
