Leiden Law School is a high-standing institution in the field of research and education in law and aims to further strengthen this position. Receiving a PhD degree is considered as proof of competence in independently conducting scientific research.

In order to obtain a doctorate degree independent and original research must be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor and co-supervisor. This period of research generally takes 4 years in the case of a full-time appointment as a PhD candidate. The results are presented in a doctoral thesis. 

The Graduate School of Legal Studies provides a targeted research and training infrastructure and a doctoral research quality care and control system, offers a wide range of support services, and stimulates social exchange between PhDs.

The Pre-PhD Programme is embedded in the Graduate School.