European and International Business Law (Advanced LL.M.)

About the programme

Programme overview

Courses are taught by expert staff with an international reputation and by guest lecturers who hold senior positions with legal firms, international courts or business organisations. Teaching is grounded in the Law School’s distinguished research programme, ‘The progression of EU law: accommodating change and upholding values.'

You will become familiar with the case method approach and the combined research/transfer of knowledge approach. You will also develop a thorough understanding of how EU Law interacts with global economic law.

You will learn to:

• apply your knowledge of the law, your experience and your skills in a professional environment
• formulate research questions and appropriate strategies for answering these questions and testing hypotheses
• apply adequate legal scientific research methods and tools and to present and communicate results and findings, both in an academic as well as in professional context

More information about the programme structure

Gaoge Zong (China)

Alumna

"The experience in Leiden University brought me a perspective of European legal foundation and international business law framework, which gave me a foundation and a toolbox to work with whenever I need to understand specific legal provisions from my job."

"I have the honour to be one of EIBL alumni who studied in Leiden law school from 2016 to 2017. This experience broaden my view.

EIBL courses also helped me to better understand the social and economic composition of the European Union and global change.

In addition, I received strong continuous support from the EIBL program professors during study and after graduation, when I was in the process of PhD applications, job searching and further education application. 

To sum up, my experience in the EIBL programme at Leiden Law school is more than excellent. I will definitely recommend EIBL program to people who are looking for a business law degree in Europe who have excellently qualified alumni around the world."

Tao Tao (China)

Alumna

"Leiden University offered me an unparalleled opportunity to develop my knowledge, expertise and career readiness in International Business Law."

Yet perhaps even more significantly, the friends and professors that I met at Leiden have developed into important long term personal and professional relationships.

Taras Kovalchuk (Ukraine)

Alumnus

"It is with great pleasure that I recall my studies at European and International Business Law programme offered by Leiden law school. The programme deepened my understanding of the field I am interested in, sharpened my professional skills as well as boosted my career."

"The classes were fast-paced and yet very rewarding. Throughout one year of intensive studies we managed to go through all important aspects of European and International business law. The academic staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. The students were encouraged to think analytically and take part in extracurricular activities such as moot courts. Apart from excellence in teaching and supervision the programme offers interesting and educative trips. As part of the programme we visited leading European institutions such as the European Commission, the Court of Justice of the EU as well as prominent legal practices such as Allen & Overy’s Amsterdam office, the Heineken Headquarters’ Legal Department.

During my studies at Leiden law school not only did I acquire valuable knowledge and skills necessary for my future career but also made friends all over the world. Looking back, I realize that my time in Leiden was truly fascinating."

Educational methods

In the programme, you will be required to complete eight courses, work on the European Law Moot Court and write a thesis. Classes take place in the form of seminars, normally held in two to three-hour sessions, two to three times a week per course. You will also be actively encouraged to take part in academic activities outside the curriculum, such as Moot Court competitions, participation in conferences and workshops, field trips and internships.

The teaching takes place in small, seminar style classes, which require your active participation. You will be taught by expert faculty from the European and International Business Law programme, visiting international professors and distinguished legal practitioners specialised in specific aspects of European and international business law.

While maintaining the highest academic standards, this programme will help you further develop your professional skills through giving presentations and participating in an optional moot court competition. For the moot court, you will receive skills trainings in research, analysis, legal writing and pleading. You will gain further experience in preparing oral pleadings and written submissions for a legal case, as well as arguing before a panel of judges.

You will complete the programme by writing a thesis.

Student support services

The programme coordinator will be your first point of contact before, during and after the programme. The coordinator can help you with all kinds of practical questions related to your programme and can refer you to someone else if necessary. 

You will also receive several study/career workshops as an important part of your study programme. We also offer alumni advice and guidance via an alumni career café and the opportunity to access the Career Advisor of the Law School.