Law (LL.M.)

New master's specialisation Governance of Migration and Diversity (Legal)

As of September '25, you can join the new specialisation Governance of Migration and Diversity (Legal).  You will become a master in the law of migration and diversity with a multi-disciplinary background! Click here for more information.

Why choose the master’s programme Rechtsgeleerdheid?

In the master’s programme Rechtsgeleerdheid the different main areas of law are explained in relation to each other. You also follow in-depth courses in the particular field of law you have chosen. Though you won’t be sitting passively in class: in the practicum and the privatissimum you prepare actively for professional practice. Have you graduated? Then you will have ‘civiel effect’, a requirement in the Netherlands for professions such as judge, lawyer and public prosecutor. And also not insignificant: career opportunities are good.

Why the master’s programme Rechtsgeleerdheid at Leiden University?

• Leiden Law School has an excellent reputation both nationally and internationally: your diploma has value.
• The master’s programme Rechtsgeleerdheid is intensive and challenging. You learn in various ways about theory and practice, for example during interactive lectures such as the practicum, the privatissimum and Moot Court competitions.
• Your career opportunities are good. As a result of our extensive network and personal career guidance more than 80% of Leiden law graduates find a suitable job within six months.

Practice-oriented and small-scale

In this master’s programme you are prepared as best as possible for professional practice. This is done through small-scale teaching where there are many opportunities for personal contact with the teaching staff. Many of our lecturers come from professional practice.  Much attention is paid in the master’s programme to the training of academic skills which are also of great value in practice.  You take part in debates, carry out legal research, write papers and hold presentations.