Public International Law (Advanced LL.M.) Leiden University

Overview

In this advanced master’s programme, you will gain a thorough understanding of the legislation that governs international relations in an increasingly complex global society. You will learn in-depth about a wide range of aspects that affect our world, in addition to getting the opportunity to specialise your area of study. Through focused seminars and workshops, you will be challenged to develop your own views on the role and functioning of public international law.

For this programme, you will choose one of the following specialisations:

• International Criminal Law (Advanced)
• Peace, Justice and Development (Advanced)

As the programme will be taught in Leiden and The Hague, it will, as far as possible, draw upon the expertise available in the various international institutions located in The Hague, such as the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia, the International Criminal Court and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

What you will learn

The Public International Law – International Criminal Law (Advanced LL.M.) programme provides you with in-depth knowledge of international criminal justice and its role within the broader framework of public international law. You will study topics such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, and gain insight into the functioning of international courts and tribunals.

The programme combines academic depth with practical training. Through interactive seminars, moot courts and legal writing exercises, you will strengthen your research and advocacy skills. A study trip to international courts and tribunals in The Hague forms part of the programme.

Career preparation is an integral element: workshops and events with practitioners help you build your network and prepare for the job market. Students are also encouraged to do an internship and receive individual support in the application process.

Graduates have gone on to work for international courts and tribunals, governments, NGOs and academic institutions. You will complete the programme by writing a final thesis.

Career prospects

Graduating from the Public International Law – International Criminal Law Advanced Studies programme in Leiden offers excellent prospects for an international career in criminal justice and human rights.

Our alumni have gone on to work at:

• the International Criminal Court in The Hague
• the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals
• the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)
• the European Commission
• national Ministries of Foreign Affairs
• human rights organisations and NGOs
• academic institutions such as the European University Institute in Florence

Accreditation

Accredited by NVAO, the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.