Hello,

Does anyone heard something about LL.M program Peace, Justice and Development at Leiden University? Please share some experience and opinions about this program.

https://studiegids.leidenuniv.nl/studies/show/2210/public_international_law_advanced_master_programme_peace_justice_and_development

And generally what do you think about Leiden University law school?

Hi Armanius,

Foremost, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands, which has been able to make a good name and reputation for itself. From what I've read, Leiden is arguably the second best law school in Continental Europe and has a strong Public International Law program. The professors in the advanced PIL program (including the specialization on Peace, Justice and Development) are experts in the field, such as Blokker, Schrijver, Dugard, Schabas, among others. Hope that helps. :)

P.S. Its close proximity to the Hague also gives students the opportunity to network with people from various courts and international organizations such as the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. If I am not mistaken, students at Leiden Law School also have access to the library at the Peace Palace, and practitioners in the abovementioned courts are generally invited to become guest lecturers at Leiden Law School.

Thank you :)

Thank you :)

I did this masters program last year. Reputation schmeputation 25 out of the 30 students from last year's class are either unemployed or doing unpaid internships in the Hague. The program offers zero career perspectives. When we asked the program director for Leiden University to be more engaged with our career prospects, she replied that Leiden essentially offers an academic program. So, my advice is if you have 15 000 to spend, spend it at a university that will maximizes your career perspectives.

I did this masters program last year. Reputation schmeputation 25 out of the 30 students from last year's class are either unemployed or doing unpaid internships in the Hague. The program offers zero career perspectives. When we asked the program director for Leiden University to be more engaged with our career prospects, she replied that Leiden essentially offers an academic program. So, my advice is if you have 15 000 to spend, spend it at a university that will maximizes your career perspectives.

@Agent Smith

In Europe, it is the process to gain an internship then a traineeship before becoming a full-time employee. Most internships are unpaid and the ones that are paid only pay very little. So if you do not have experience to move differently in your career (and if you do not have a work permit that is a whole different story because you are essentially limited to unpaid internships), this is what you are left with either way.

I've spoken to students and I have only heard great things about Leiden, especially regarding the excellence of the faculty.

Thank you guys for replying on my post, but honestly after reading your responses I'm a little confused...

@LLMstudent: I did the masters after I did several unpaid internships in the Hague. Chances of getting a job in one of those organizations in the Hague are 1 in a 1000.

More about the program, they may have a good reputation and famous professors, but what's their purpose if they don't endorse their students?

I believe it is really hard to get into international organizations, even in the US. My friends who completed their LLM from Columbia and NYU Law (with scholarship grants) also had a hard time getting into the UN. In fact, some didn't even get unpaid internships. But it would have been nice if at least the law school could assist in career development.

But apart from career development issues, I have only heard good feedback particularly about the advanced LLM, for its extensive coverage on International Law and excellent professors, which would mean that the students will certainly learn from the program. I hope this is accurate.

I believe it is really hard to get into international organizations, even in the US. My friends who completed their LLM from Columbia and NYU Law (with scholarship grants) also had a hard time getting into the UN. In fact, some didn't even get unpaid internships. But it would have been nice if at least the law school could assist in career development.

But apart from career development issues, I have only heard good feedback particularly about the advanced LLM, for its extensive coverage on International Law and excellent professors, which would mean that the students will certainly learn from the program. I hope this is accurate.

Hi,

I've been accepted to the Advanced PIL- Intl criminal law in Leiden, as well as to the HR programs in Maastricht and Tilburg.
I understood so far that Leiden is the best University by far.

Assuming I am not of European nationality the tuition fee in the funded programs is about 12k-13k, so the difference in tuition is minor to the 15k in Leiden and Utrecht.

Do any of you know if by chance Maastricht, Tilburg (or Utrecht- still waiting for their answer) are more helpful in career prospective after graduation?

Thank you all

Hi,

I've been accepted to the Advanced PIL- Intl criminal law in Leiden, as well as to the HR programs in Maastricht and Tilburg.
I understood so far that Leiden is the best University by far.

Assuming I am not of European nationality the tuition fee in the funded programs is about 12k-13k, so the difference in tuition is minor to the 15k in Leiden and Utrecht.

Do any of you know if by chance Maastricht, Tilburg (or Utrecht- still waiting for their answer) are more helpful in career prospective after graduation?

Thank you all

Agentsmith,

What about the PCA located at the peace palace. How are the internships or prospects there?

Do you have an opinion about the other courses at Leiden?

Do you have any opinion about Utrecht, and would you go there over Leiden?

Did you have a hard time getting an accommodation?

Kind regards.

Agentsmith,

What about the PCA located at the peace palace. How are the internships or prospects there?

Do you have an opinion about the other courses at Leiden?

Do you have any opinion about Utrecht, and would you go there over Leiden?

Did you have a hard time getting an accommodation?

Kind regards.

Interesting.

I have been to both unis and you are right about Utrecht. Utrecht is much livelier than Leiden. I even checkout Amsterdam. Amsterdam did not strike me as being a place to study. Mostly a getaway from everything kind of city (weekend hangout). But the history of Leiden is what makes Leiden an overall brand for specialising in international law. Despite Utrecht, Amsterdam etc. having the same links with national/international organs.

The train can be expensive depending on where you stay and how you use it. The only good deal you get out of the trains in the Netherlands is the weekend deal that covers the entire weekend costs (Fri-Mon).

Is there any group on Facebook for the admitted students of this course for the coming session 2013-2014?