Master of Canon Law

Master of Canon Law

The two-year programme focuses on the study of canon law and provides an introduction into the law of other religions (comparative law) and the study of capita selecta. The skills obtained will be applied during the internship and improved through personal research. This general experience will be reflected in a research paper.

About the programme

The two-year programme focuses on the study of canon law and provides an introduction into the law of other religions (comparative law) and the study of capita selecta. The skills obtained will be applied during the internship and improved through personal research. This general experience will be reflected in a research paper.

Assets

The law of the Roman Catholic Church is universally applied. As a consequence, the Faculty of Canon Law calls on professors with an international reputation, and annually invites a wide range of international guest professors. 

In addition, the faculty has a large number of international students, including students from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands and several African countries. This international orientation provides a broad perspective on the canonical issues discussed in class.

The Faculty of Canon Law provides many opportunities to students wishing to combine study and work. Distance learning - combined with mandatory participation in the concentrated teaching weeks - is offered for students unable to live and study full-time in Leuven. 

The faculty's small scale creates a strong sense of community among students and creates the opportunity for students to meet personally with visiting professors from all over the world.

Career perspectives

Graduates have been appointed as judges, promotors of justice and advocates in ecclesiastical tribunals. They have also been called to serve as chancellors, judicial vicars or experts in canon law in the diocesan Curia or in Catholic organisations. Others find employment as teachers in secondary schools, the seminary or the university.Successful graduates may also move on to the doctoral programme, where successful completion of specialised study leads to the degree of Doctor of Canon Law and the canonical degree of Iuris Canonici Doctor (JCD). These degrees bring with them the opportunity to serve the People of God as a canon lawyer.