LLM Advanced Studies in Public International Law

The programme focuses on the law that governs international relations. In the not so distant past, this was more or less limited to relations between states, but in recent years international organisations, peoples, enterprises and individuals have also become part of the increasingly complex global society and therewith of the realm of international law. The one-year programme - taught in English - focuses on the law that governs international relations. In the not so distant past, this was more or less limited to relations between states, but in recent years international organisations, peoples, enterprises and individuals have also become part of the increasingly complex global society and therewith of the realm of international law.

As a student of this programme, you will be challenged to develop your own views on the role and functioning of law in international society.

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 does this master’s programme entail?

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 specialize 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 specializations:

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

Professional skills

During the programme, you will develop the skills to:

• thoroughly analyze and interpret legal sources, literature, and cases
• research and formulate an independent opinion on international legal questions
• clearly present your findings both orally and in writing to legal specialists as well as non-lawyers
• actively participate in academic debate
• apply this advanced academic knowledge of the public international law in a professional context

Is Public International Law the right programme for you?

The Public International Law programme is a good fit for you if you have a sincere interest in the field and:

• you are a qualified lawyer who would like to enhance your career prospects
• you are an excellent student who has completed your legal studies in your home country with sufficient knowledge of Public International Law or
• you have professional experience in the field

The programme caters to those who are working in or would like to pursue a career in international organizations, governmental institutions, international non-governmental organizations or in academia. You can follow the programme full-time for one year or part-time for two years.

The programme aims to equip students with a sufficiently broad academic training to be able to pursue a career within their national legal system, in international law departments of national institutions, in international governmental or NGOs, or internationally operating business enterprises.