What are the main characteristics of the Advanced LL.M. programmes?

• Designed for Qualified Lawyers and Professionals: Created for excellent students with prior work experience or qualified lawyers seeking to expand their knowledge and insight.
• Rigorous and Demanding: With an emphasis on preparatory work, these programmes are in-depth and intensive and students are expected to complete the programme in 1 year (or 2 years for part-time students)
• Innovative Teaching Methods: Move beyond traditional lectures with Socratic discussions, peer learning, and a combination of theoretical and practical approaches.
• Specialized Focus: Advanced LL.M. programmes cover highly specialized subject matter, distinct from regular LL.M. offerings at Leiden University.
• Highest Academic Level: Courses are predominantly at the 600 level, the most advanced in Leiden University’s grading system.
• Advanced Thesis Requirements: Students produce a thesis with a high level of analysis and a longer length (20,000 words), aiming to contribute meaningfully to their field of study.
• Selective Admissions: With limited spots available, the programmes foster high-level discussions and create a tight-knit, vibrant community of peers and professors.
• English Proficiency: A higher level of English is required compared to regular LL.M. programmes.

Additional benefits Advanced LL.M. programmes:

• Challenging Curriculum: Immerse yourself in a programme of high academic rigor, taught by experienced faculty from both academia and the professional field.
• Innovative Learning: Benefit from an intensive, fast-paced curriculum that encourages creative thinking and challenges you to think outside the box.
• Real-World Relevance: Bridge theory and practice with corporate insights and real-world applications integrated directly into the classroom.
• Exclusive Study Trips: Take part in unique visits to leading institutes that reinforce and bring to life the curriculum.
• Personalized Support: Enjoy expert guidance to sharpen critical thinking and refine your thesis research for impactful results.
• Global Perspective: Study in a uniquely international environment, broadening your professional network with peers, faculty, and industry experts from around the world.
• Engaged Learning Environment: Experience small-scale cohorts that foster Socratic teaching, comprehensive discussions, and meaningful interaction with professors and fellow students.

To be eligible for one of our Advanced Master’s programmes, you must meet certain admission requirements. Please check the Admission and Application section of the programme of your choice for specific programme requirements.

Leiden is internationally orientated and has many contacts with other universities abroad. The influence of internationalisation and European integration is steadily increasing in all areas of society and law. The design of our study programmes is entirely in line with these developments. With our campus in The Hague we are close to the political arena and many international organisations that operate in the area of peace and law.

More about Leiden Law School. 

Leiden Law School receives good national and international reviews from students and professionals. The faculty ranks number 24 in the QS World University Rankings for Law and Legal Studies and number 1 for Mainland Europe. This ranking is based on academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact.  The faculty ranks #21 in the World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Law | Times Higher Education (THE).