Advanced LL.M. programmes versus regular LL.M. programmes

The Advanced LL.M. programmes differ from regular LL.M. programmes both in level of teaching and content. The Advanced LL.M. programmes are specifically designed for excellent students with a relevant academic background and extracurricular experience and for qualified lawyers who wish to deepen their knowledge and insights and thereby enhance their career prospects.

Methodology and focus

In terms of level of study, the Advanced LL.M. programmes are substantially more in-depth and demanding. In just one academic year, they offer a thorough and focused degree programme in a specific area of legal expertise. The Advanced LL.M. programmes are first and foremost professional in their orientation. Whilst they are not primarily research programmes, they are an excellent vehicle for the further development of research skills and as such also  offer opportunities for PhD research, both at Leiden University or other universities.

Distinctive character

The Advanced LL.M. programmes cater exclusively to a group of students who benefit from close contact with their professors and with expert practitioners from the relevant legal field. There are very few universities that offer Advanced LL.M. programmes of this calibre.

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

Diploma

• A full degree in law offering access to legal practice in the country where it was obtained, or an equivalent law degree from a recognised university/law school;
• or a degree at an equivalent level in another discipline, with sufficient background in law evidenced by, for example, certificates of courses in law successfully concluded or substantial professional legal experience; and
• evidence of excellent academic performance.

Programme

• A keen interest in the specific legal field you are applying for, illustrated by way of a letter of motivation.
• Documented evidence of relevant (work) experience, i.e. employment or internship at a law firm or voluntary work, illustrated by way of a detailed curriculum vitae.
• Two letters of recommendation attesting to good academic and/or professional ability. At least one letter must be written by an academic staff member, for example a lecturer or academic supervisor.

Language

• Proven English language proficiency, demonstrated by way of a TOEFL test (overall score of 100 Internet-based), or IELTS test (overall score of 7.0 - academic module only), or Cambridge English Proficiency certificate (CPE), occasionally complemented by a telephone interview.
• In addition to the above-mentioned overall English test scores, minimum band scores of IELTS 6.0 (TOEFL 20) for speaking, listening and reading, and a minimum band score of IELTS 6.5 (TOEFL 22) for writing is required.
• English test results may not be more than two years old.

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.  

Leiden University in other rankings.

There must be a reason why there are 90,000 international students in the Netherlands, a number that is increasing every year: the international atmosphere, education of a very high quality, and programmes that are interactive and student-centred, to name a few.

More about studying in the Netherlands.