Law and Digital Technologies (Advanced LL.M.)

These digital technologies present unprecedented challenges to the law. They raise questions about their governance (e.g., in relation to the global reach and jurisdiction) and can both promote and threaten long-held fundamental values and rights, such as the right to privacy. Moreover, they can be effective tools for (cyber)crime, or impede government accountability if not used according to legitimate procedures. While the legal system is challenged by digital technologies, it is also the most powerful tool for regulating them. In this advanced master (L.L.M.) you will explore the multi-dimensional relationship between law and digital technologies with academic and professional experts in the field.

Francien Dechesne

Associate Professor

“The emergence of digital technologies raises many fundamental and complex legal challenges that professionals and scholars must be able to address in their work. This programme provides you with advanced knowledge and practical skills to find answers in this demanding, international and interdisciplinary environment.”

What does this master's programme entail?

The tension between law and digital technologies poses a particularly interesting challenge to lawyers and legal scholars. It is often claimed that technology develops faster than law. Nevertheless, accelerated changes in digital technologies are almost always followed by the rapid adaptation of existing laws, or the adoption of new ones. This creates a dynamic field of law that requires legal scholars and professionals not only to keep an up-to-date view, but also to develop a deep theoretical legal understanding of the legal issues surrounding emerging technologies, as well as practical skills to thrive in this growing interdisciplinary, global field. Our programme involves equipping students with such an overview, theoretical understanding, and practical skills.

Reasons for choosing Law and Digital Technologies at Leiden University?

As a student of the Law and Digital Technologies programme, you will benefit from:

• Multidisciplinary learning: You will develop expertise on the law and governance of digital technologies, by analysing the national, European and international legislation (hard law, soft law, case law) as well as by exploring broader ethical, societal challenges of digital technologies. In your studies, you will combine general regulatory theory (internet governance and techno-regulation) as well as national, European and international law (hard law, soft law and case law), and combine these with elements from philosophy and ethics of technology.
• Excellent reputation: Leiden Law School has developed its reputation for excellence by combining a high level of academic teaching with acclaimed and innovative research. This tradition of quality attracts prestigious professors and professionals from all over the world, who teach in a challenging and supportive atmosphere.
• International environment: In addition to the international focus of the curriculum, the unique mix of students and faculty that represent all continents makes our programme a truly international experience.  

Discover more reasons to study Law and Digital Technologies at Leiden University.

Is Law and Digital Technologies the right programme for you?

Are you interested in learning more about complex legal and regulatory issues related to the development and convergence of digital technologies? The Law and Digital Technologies programme may be a good fit for you if you want to pursue a focused and demanding postgraduate education where you will acquire an in-depth knowledge of law and digital technologies from a European, international, and multidisciplinary perspective, 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 with a demonstrated interest in digital technology law
• you have significant professional experience in the field
• you are confident your English language ability is academically adequate for participating classroom discussions and performing on both written and oral assessments
• you can follow the programme full time for one year or part-time in two years

Read more about the entry requirements for Law and Digital Technologies.