Leiden University - Leiden Law School

A Leiden tradition - signing the wall after graduation.

Regular LL.M. Programmes

European Law
The LL.M. Programme European Law focuses on various areas of Community Law such as the internal market and the Union's external relations, both from a substantive and institutional law perspective. Thus the programme aims to equip the students with the necessary skills and knowledge for a future career as a European law expert.

Governance of Migration and Diversity
This master's programme will provide you with advanced knowledge of the legal aspects of migration, asylum, non-discrimination, immigrant ‘integration’, and diversity. The GMD-Legal programme is embedded in the multidisciplinary programme Governance of Migration and Diversity (GMD) and offers you insights from different academic disciplines at Leiden University, Delft University, and Erasmus University Rotterdam. 

Public International Law
By providing a combination of training in the theoretical aspects of public international law and in practical professional skills, the LL.M. Programme Public International Law programme is of particular interest to students wishing to pursue a career in international organisations, governmental institutions, international non-governmental organisations, or within an academic setting.

LL.M. Advanced Studies Programmes
Leiden offers a number of specialised degree programmes in Law for candidates with a full degree in Law (offering access to legal practice) and/or relevant work experience. Advanced Masters programmes are substantially more in-depth and demanding. In just one academic year they offer a thorough and focused education on a specific area of legal expertise. These are specifically designed for excellent students with legal experience and for qualified lawyers who wish to enhance their career prospects. Classes are small and the programmes cater exclusively for a group of students who benefit from close contact with their professors and with expert practitioners from the relevant legal field

Air and Space Law (Advanced LL.M.)

Which laws govern the commercial use of outer space? Are States responsible for mitigating space debris? Which rules apply onboard an aircraft? Who is liable for accidents that happen onboard the aircraft? In the Advanced Studies in Air and Space Law programme, you will study a combination of public air law, private air law and space law, examining them from both an international and a European perspective.

European and International Business Law (Advanced LL.M.)

What is the impact of the European Union, the most influential international organisation in Europe for the purposes of business law, on government and enterprise in a global economy? And how does EU law play together with that of other international organisations? In the European and International Business Law programme, you will examine the interactions between international, European and national business law in multi-level jurisdictions, learning from some of the leading experts in academia and legal practice.

International Children’s Rights (Advanced LL.M.)

What are the rights of the child when it comes to forced marriages or protection against violence or exploitation? Which rights do refugee children have in their host communities? And how can children’s rights be legally enforced in various countries across the globe? In the Advanced Studies in International Children’s Rights programme, you will explore complex legal questions like these and you will develop an understanding of the legal processes for making children’s rights a reality.

International Civil and Commercial Law (Advanced LL.M.)

What effects has globalisation had on international trade? What are the essential elements of international business contracts? When there is a dispute concerning a cross-border business transaction, which country’s or region’s laws apply and which court has jurisdiction? In the International Civil and Commercial Law programme, you will explore this complex, multi-layered discipline and will develop an understanding of the legal implications for conducting commerce across national borders.

Public International Law (Advanced LL.M.)

Which organisations have the authority to intervene when violations of human rights occur? Which legal means can be used to combat international terrorism? How can the international community develop effective governance mechanisms, including law, to deal with problems such as global climate change? In the Public International Law programme, you will gain a thorough understanding of the legislation that governs international relations in an increasingly complex global society. You will be also challenged to develop your own views on the role and functioning of Public International Law. Students can specialise in one of two areas: International Crime Law or Peace, Justice and Development.

European and International Human Rights Law (Advanced LL.M.)

When human rights are violated by a particular state, is it more effective to use the national, regional or international human rights protection mechanisms to address the issue? And what mechanism will probably be most effective in addressing specific types of human rights violations?  In the European and International Human Rights Law programme, you will explore these complex issues and will develop an understanding of the legal processes for protecting human rights around the world.

Law and Digital Technologies (Advanced LL.M.)

As the growing use of digital technologies leads to new vulnerabilities (e.g. identity fraud, information security), how can regulations evolve to better protect individuals and organisations? How do new possibilities for the digitisation and mass distribution of creative work affect intellectual property rights? In the Law and Digital Technologies programme, you will explore the legal and regulatory implications of developments in digital technologies, acquiring theoretical knowledge and professional skills in an interdisciplinary and international environment.

Law & Finance (Advanced LL.M.)

Which financial supervisors have authority over how companies operate? How do national and international financial regulations interact? How do you structure international financial transactions? What makes good financial regulations and how shall financial integrity be maintained? In the Law & Finance programme, you will explore the complex, international and multidisciplinary questions facing the financial sector. You will be taught both theoretical knowledge and professional skills from leading experts in the field.  

International Dispute Settlement and Arbitration (Advanced LL.M.)

How do States settle their international disputes? How is litigation and arbitration at the international law level conducted ? Can investment disputes between a State and a foreign investor or between two States be arbitrated? What is the role of the International Court of Justice and other international courts and tribunals in international society? Learn how to answer and deal with these and other questions from an international law perspective in our new programme International Dispute Settlement and Arbitration.

leiden university flag - academy building

Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands. It was founded in 1575 and has since evolved into a world-famous centre of science and research, boasting 16 Nobel Prizes. Leiden University has seven faculties and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 250 master's programmes. It has approximately 33,000 students from 120 nationalities and 7,860 staff members.

KOG building leiden university

Leiden Law School is the oldest and one of the largest law schools in the Netherlands. During its history Leiden University has continuously managed to maintain its reputation in excellence by combining the highest level of academic teaching with that of acclaimed innovative and creative research. The Law School has a full-time teaching staff of approximately 300 and enjoys an undisputed international reputation in a great number of fields. Leiden Law School is located both in Leiden and The Hague (the international city of peace and justice).

Ranked #24 in the world, Leiden University is the top Dutch law school according to the QS Law Ranking (2021) and # 27 in the THES Law ranking (2022)!

"Excellent" reaccreditation of LLM Advanced Studies programmes

After finalising all official procedures, the NVAO formally announced in January 2019 that all Advanced programmes have been reaccredited for the coming six years, with the classification ‘excellent’. In other words, the highest classification that can be awarded. This echoes the results of the last reaccreditation visit in 2011, after which all evaluated Advanced LLM programmes were also classified as 'excellent'. It goes without saying that Leiden Law School is extremely proud of this achievement and the dedication and hard work of its teaching and support staff, without whom these outstanding results would not have been possible. Please also read full article.

Have you already checked out our Leiden Law Blog?

'Leiden is the place for Law and Criminology'

As a faculty, we are committed to achieving a just and safe society. Since 1575, we have built on our knowledge and expertise which is recognised throughout the world; a world which is changing and becoming increasingly complex. So we are constantly looking at what is needed now and in the future to meet the challenges we face in society.

Leiden university alumni event

With over 140,000 alumni from more than 160 countries, Leiden University is proud of its graduates. Alumni contribute in many different ways to the growth and development of the university. The university also supports the ongoing personal and professional development of its alumni. Leiden University actively seeks to prepare students for the labour market by:

• Maintaining a strong and active alumni network,
• Offering mentorship programmes,
• Organising events and reunions,
• Providing access to research and publications.

• Law degree from a recognised University.
• TOEFL score of 100 (internet) and an IELTS score of 7 (min bandscores of 20/TOEFL or 6.0/IELTS. Min. bandscore for writing 22 or 6.5)
• Two letters of reference attesting to good academic and/or professional ability
• Letter of motivation
• CV (work experience)

• Online application, read more
• Application deadline is 1 April (1 February LExS scholarship deadline)
• Leiden University will help international students with their visa, residence permit and enrollment at the University. Shortly after you have been admitted to Leiden University you will receive detailed information taking you step-by-step through the whole procedure from admission to enrollment. Read more

Your tuition fee depends on a number of factors. These are your nationality, your study programme and whether you have already obtained a Dutch higher education diploma. 

There are five categories of tuition fees:

• Dutch, EU/EEA, Swiss, and Surinamese nationals
• Non-government subsidised study programmes
• Other nationalities
• Second Dutch master's programmes
• Pre-master or conversion programmes

Please see our Tuition Fee page for more information on which tuition fee applies to you.

On our Scholarship page, you will find a wide variety of scholarships specifically available for master's students in the Law Faculty.

The Hague

Leiden city - A centre of academic excellence
Leiden is a typical university city, hosting the oldest university of the Netherlands (1575). The University permeates the local surroundings; University premises are scattered throughout the city, and the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. Leiden is a beautiful city with a rich history, canals, historic buildings, a lively atmosphere, and plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants with famous museums.

The Hague - International city of peace and justice

The Hague is home to the Peace Palace, and is also the headquarters of the International Court of Justice and many more international organizations and courts. The city has an attractive centre where you can enjoy a wealth of cultural events. The Hague has a mix of modern and historic architecture, with the beach only ten minutes from the city centre by public transport. The presence of numerous embassies and international institutions gives the city a unique, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Canals in Leiden

You will find the full application procedures for international student housing as well as ample information on rooms and apartments on our website International Student Housing.

Leiden and surrounding areas offer a wide range of cultural and recreational possibilities. You will find theatres, museums and a lot of small bars and restaurants. In the summer there are bands playing along the streets of the city and the city also has a special Jazz week. There are also many possibilities for sports activities including rowing, swimming, bowling, ice-skating, cycling, etc. And let's not forget the night life of Leiden: the city has many bars, clubs and cafe's where you can dance and listen to music.

The Hague has much to offer to international students: nice cafes, beautiful museums, good restaurants and it hosts a range of different festivals every year and has eleven kilometers of sandy beach within cycling distance of the historic city centre.

Leiden Law School offers several events during the summer months in cooperation with Columbia University, New York, and the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies in The Hague and Leiden.

Leiden and The Hague summer schools:

• Summer School programmes
• Partner summer schools in Leiden:
  • Columbia Summer Program