Program Details

The advanced programme is a high-level, demanding postgraduate programme in the field of international and European law
Location:
Leiden, Netherlands
Program Type:
Full Degree
Degree Level:
Master
Specialty:
Legal Studies

Program Overview

Program Description:

The Master of Laws in Advanced Studies programme in European and International Business Law is a high-level, demanding postgraduate programme in the field of international and European law. The programme is designed for law graduates, or graduates with a sufficient background in law, who wish to pursue advanced studies to specialise in the area of business law from a perspective of international and European Law. The programme addresses the practical effects of the co-existence of business law at different levels, e.g. of the regional trade law of the European Union with the global or near-global trade law of the World Trade Organization, as well as with national law in this field. In this way, it takes its cue from the Leiden Law School’s research programme “Securing the Rule of Law in a World of Multi-level Jurisdiction”. Distinguishing features of the programme The essence of the Advanced Studies programme in European and International Business Law is on the impact of the law of the EU on government and enterprises in a global economy, and its repercussions on, and interaction with, other international institutions, in particular the World Trade Organization. The programme comprises those areas where the impact of the EU is the strongest. Consistency in the curriculum is achieved in different ways. The Accreditation Panel 2007 felt: “… the core of the programme is well defined, the topics of the courses are chosen carefully. This has resulted in a programme in which the different courses have been put in a logical order and which ensures the development of both academic and professional competences. The panel is positive about the fact that subjects of European Law have been combined with other subjects of International Law as far as being relevant for a business lawyer.” A number of European Law or Business Law-orientated degree programmes exist worldwide, yet the Leiden programme possesses some unique characteristics. Firstly, it has a clearly defined focus on the interaction of international, European and national law, with a deliberate choice of compulsory courses, thus allowing for depth of study and coherence of the subject matter chosen. A second distinction is that, without neglecting academic levels, Leiden pays specific attention to professional applications, particularly through its assignments and teaching methods. Difference between Master of Laws: Advanced Studies programme and the regular LL.M. programme The Advanced Studies programme differs from the regular master’s programme (i.e. the regular programme in European Law offered by the Leiden Law School) both in its focus and in its level of teaching and learning. The Advanced Studies programme focuses on European Law from a business perspective, as seen against the background of international law. The regular master’s programme focuses on European Law only and within this field provides a more general perspective (e.g. by including courses on Constitutional Law and Human Rights). The regular programme is part of the standard Dutch law curriculum, and is a required programme for Dutch students wishing to gain the right to legal practice in the Netherlands. The regular programme is also accessible for international students (and attracts many!), aimed at those coming in directly after completing their bachelor ‘s programme. In terms of level of study, the Advanced Studies programme is substantially more in-depth and demanding. In just one academic year it offers a thorough and focused education on European and International Business Law. The Advanced Studies programme is specifically designed for excellent students at an advanced level and for qualified lawyers who wish to enhance their career prospects. It caters exclusively to this select and limited group of advanced students who in this way benefit from close contact with their professors as well as their fellow students. The students in the Advanced Studies programme come from different continents and countries, thus contributing to a truly international study environment.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:
Accredited by the NVAO (Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organisation)