LLM Public International Law

Public International Law is a one-year Master’s specialization at the internationally acclaimed Leiden Law School at Leiden University. The programme focuses on the legal framework that governs international relations in an increasingly complex global society.

Different perspectives

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.

Current global challenges

As a result of globalization and international interdependence, international law is changing. Whereas in the past, this law was limited to relations between states, in recent years, organizations, peoples, business, and individuals have also become part of the realm of international law. Who is entitled to intervene in situations of mass violations of human rights? Which means are allowed to combat international terrorism? Can the international community develop governance mechanisms, including law, to deal with problems such as global climate change?

The Public International Law Master’s programme offered at LeidenUniversity will provide you with a broad academic training.

You will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career within:

• your national legal system;
• international law departments of national institutions;
• international governmental or non-governmental organisations;
• internationally operating business enterprises;
• academia

After a successful completion of this Master, the student:

• is able to write high quality papers on the theoretical aspects of complex legal issues;
• is able to present and defend his findings, and to critically appraise the findings of other students;
• is able to moderate a legal debate on particular issues.