Leiden University - Leiden Law School

The University

Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands. It was founded in February 1575, as a gift from William of Orange to the citizens of Leiden. It was the first university in the Netherlands where freedom of belief and religion was practised, as reflected by the university’s motto, Praesidium Libertatis, Bastion of Liberty. It was in this atmosphere of freedom of speech that philosophers like Spinoza and Descartes were able to develop their ideas.

Leading university
In Leiden there are approximately 17,000 students and 4,000 staff members. The University consists of nine faculties, a School of Management and a School of Education. With this aim of promoting fundamental research, Leiden University has entered into an alliance with eleven other leading universities in Europe to form the League of European Research Universities. These universities are: Cambridge, Edinburgh, Geneva, Heidelberg, Helsinki, Karolinska Institutet, Leuven, Milan, Munich, Oxford and Strasbourg. In addition, Leiden University has reached agreements with numerous universities worldwide for the purpose of facilitating cooperation and the exchange of students and staff.

The Law School

Leiden University’s Law School is the oldest and one of the largest 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. The expertise of Leiden University’s Law School is combined with its Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies and other activities in The Hague which holds the Legal Capital of the World.

Important and highly regarded law journals
The Law School also publishes a number of important and highly regarded law journals amongst which are The Common Market Law Review, published by the “Europa Institute” and the Leiden Journal of International Law, which has gained an international reputation in the area of Public International Law.

Specialised libraries
In addition to its extensive main Law Library facilities, the Law School houses several specialised libraries: the Documentation Centre of East European Law, the European Documentation Centre, the library collection of the Van Vollenhoven Institute, and the United Nations depository library.

Furthermore, the Peace Palace in The Hague houses a large public library of materials on International Law and European Law. This library, open to all Leiden University students, serves the International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, as well as the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.

Research programmes
Research at the Leiden Law School is concentrated into six research programmes at the Research Institute. The Law School is renowned for research in the fields of private law and international law, but it also excels in criminal law, tax law and administrative law. Faculty research expands to embrace other disciplines, such as economics, sociology and philosophy. Students can participate in research projects in various ways and can follow a special research track. The Research Institute runs a talent programme for excellent Master students.

The Program

Law Programmes

• LL.M. Law: European Law (FT)


• LL.M. Law: Public International Law (FT)


• LL.M. Advanced Studies in Air and Space Law (FT) (PT) (Single Modules)


• LL.M. Advanced Studies in European and International Business Law (FT) (PT)


• LL.M. Advanced Studies in International Tax Law (FT) (Single Modules)


• LL.M. Advanced Studies in Public International Law (& International Criminal Law Specialisation) (FT) (PT) (Single Modules)

LL.M. Advanced Studies Laws Programmes
European Law
The LL.M. European Law programme 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. Read more

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. 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. Read more

LL.M. Advanced Studies Laws 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.

LL.M. Advanced Studies in Air and Space Law (FT) (PT) (Single Modules)
This programme is intended to be practically oriented, yet it also pays due attention to fundamental and theoretical notions in a combination of public air law, private air law and space law, both from an international and European perspective. The programme, internationally accredited in early 2007, is unique in the world. It has a clearly defined European dimension and, without neglecting academic levels, pays specific attention to professional applications, particularly through its internship requirements. Read more

LL.M. Advanced Studies in European and International Business Law (FT) (PT)
Combining public, private and economic law aspects in an international and European perspective is the major aim of this programme. It focuses not only on institutional and administrative law of the European Union but also includes key features of international business. The programme caters for those who already are, or desire to become, international legal practitioners in internationally operating law firms, courts of law, companies or organisations, or in national governments. The programme may also serve to further engage in academic career and prepare for a PhD. Read more

LL.M. Advanced Studies in International Tax Law (FT) (Single Modules)
The programme in International Tax Law has been designed to provide in-depth training for lawyers and economists who are interested in expanding their knowledge of the theory and practice of international tax law, with emphasis on tax treaties, transfer pricing and EC tax law issues. The programme is aimed at university graduates whose studies included at least one substantive tax course. Read more

LL.M. Advanced Studies in Public International Law (FT) (PT) (Single Modules)
By providing a combination of training in the theoretical aspects of public international law and in practical professional skills, this 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.
The programme offers students the opportunity to acquire an advanced knowledge of public international law, while at the same time allowing them to specialise in one of two areas: International Crime Law or Peace, Justice and Development. Read more

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to hold a law degree from a recognised University.

The method of teaching requires students to have a high level of comprehension and oral expression in English, and the writing of thesis, papers and examinations require a high proficiency in the English language. This is reflected in the admission standards, which require a TOEFL score of 600 (paper)/ 250 (computer) / 100 (internet) and an IELTS score of 7.

Student Life

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 café's where you can dance and listen to music.

Summer Program

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

• Columbia Summer Program


• Summer School on International Criminal Law
ul>Read more about the Summer schools