International Criminal Law (Advanced LL.M.)
Career prospects
The Advanced LLM programme’s specialisation in international criminal law opens up unique career opportunities at the forefront of international criminal justice.
Kritika Sharma (India)
Alumna
“The Advanced ICL programme’s balanced emphasis on both theory and practice, helped me hone my critical analysis abilities as well as develop a distinctive perspective and my own ideas on various issues concerning international criminal law. It was truly a wonderful opportunity to be able to learn from some of the most accomplished and acclaimed professionals in the field and to analyze a myriad of legal issues in a meaningful and practical manner."
“The Advanced ICL programme’s balanced emphasis on both theory and practice, helped me hone my critical analysis abilities as well as develop a distinctive perspective and my own ideas on various issues concerning international criminal law. It was truly a wonderful opportunity to be able to learn from some of the most accomplished and acclaimed professionals in the field and to analyze a myriad of legal issues in a meaningful and practical manner."
Adv LLM Public International Law
The Adv LLM in Public International Law has a large network of alumni around the globe working in international organisations such as the United Nations, courts and tribunals like the International Court of Justice, NGOs such as Amnesty International, government departments and the private sector. For example, our students have gone on to work as practicing lawyers in international dispute settlement, as diplomats negotiating treaties between states, or as advocates for human rights, environmental protection or humanitarian issues. Moreover, some of our students decide to pursue careers in academia, completing PhDs and securing positions at universities around the world.
International Criminal Law Specialisation
Graduates of the inernational criminal law specialisation have secured jobs at international courts and tribunals, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, or the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, where they participate in the investigation, prosecution, and defence of complex criminal cases.
Opportunities also exist, for example, within national courts, governmental agencies, and specialised units focusing on the enforcement of international criminal law. NGOs, both national and international, offer roles in advocacy, monitoring and documenting human rights violations. In addition, several students have worked with transitional justice mechanisms in post-conflict societies, amongst other exciting careers in this evolving area of international law.
Career prospects Advanced LLM graduates
The Master of Advanced Studies programmes at Leiden Law School are challenging academic programmes that will prepare you for a career in law. However, this does not guarantee that upon graduation you will find employment in the Netherlands, Europe, or elsewhere. While Leiden Law School offers support in terms of career services for each programme, finding employment remains the responsibility of each individual student.
Our experience is that most of our graduates relatively easily find excellent jobs in the Netherlands, in Europe and other continents. However, it is important to note that jobs in these fields are highly competitive and that finding suitable employment may require time. Obtaining high grades in the programme will help but these will not be enough by themselves, as other criteria such as experience and language proficiency play an important role. Personal experience, expertise, former work experience, specific skills all contribute to finding a suitable position. We have seen many of our graduates eventually find the jobs they were looking for.