LLM Advanced Studies in European and International Human Rights Law Leiden University

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?

What does this master's programme entail?

Human rights are at risk in all societies. Though various national, regional and international human rights instruments have been developed to protect the human rights of all people, some of these are more effective than others in particular situations. In the European and International Human Rights Law programme, you will compare the functionality of different protection mechanisms that are currently in place. To this end you will not just study 'the law the books', but also 'the law in action'. You will also learn how the promotion of human rights may require different strategies indifferent political, social and cultural settings. You will also experience this during the study trip to Strassbourg and/or Geneva.

The programme takes a comparative approach to European and international human rights protection mechanisms. This helps you develop a thorough understanding of the various human rights mechanisms that are available and how to effectively put them into practice in different political and social environments.

Reasons to choose European and International Human Rights Law at Leiden University?

As a student of the European and International Human Rights Law Advanced Studies programme, you will benefit from:

1. Expert instructors: In addition to learning from the expertise of our academic staff, you will participate in lectures, masterclasses, and workshops given by renowned human rights experts working for the UN, the EU, NGOs or other organizations.
2. Life-changing work: You will learn how to develop your own voice to speak for people in the world who may have otherwise been silenced. You will become an effective advocate for restoring the basic rights and fundamental freedoms that are inherent to all human beings.
3. Excellent reputation: Leiden Law School has an excellent reputation in human rights research and education.

Is European and International Human Rights Law the right programme for you?

Would you like to actively work to protect the rights of people across the globe? Are you interested in applying your knowledge of human rights law to real-world political, social and legal settings? Then this is the programme for you. You should also have a sufficient background in law.

Our graduates have gone on to careers with:

• judges’ cabinets at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg
• the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg
• the International Court of Justice in the Hague
• cabinets of Commissioners of the European Commission in Brussels
• diverse sections of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva
• the UN High Commissioner for Refugees
• the International Committee of the Red Cross
• national and international NGOs
• the civil service in their home countries
• law firms

Many of our graduates have also become human rights researchers and scholars.