Programs

Arts and Culture (MA)

The MA Arts and Culture program at Leiden University offers two distinct specializations: Art History and Museum Studies. This interdisciplinary program provides a comprehensive grounding in the theories and methods of art history and museology, while also engaging with contemporary practices. Students can tailor their studies through a wide range of electives, focusing on areas like object study, critical theory, world art studies, and museum/collection studies. The program encourages students to explore diverse historical periods and cultural contexts, from medieval art to the digital age. Learning is facilitated by internationally respected researchers and scholars from institutions connected to Leiden University. This network provides opportunities for internships, exchange programs, and exposure to visiting speakers. The program emphasizes academic rigor, critical thinking, and the integration of current issues, attracting motivated students globally who seek strong knowledge, skills, and career prospects. Teaching is conducted in small-scale lectures, fostering active participation and personalized attention from instructors.

Bachelor Archaeology (BA)

Civil Law (LL.M.)

The Civil Law (LL.M.) is a specialisation within the master's programme in Law (Rechtsgeleerdheid) at Leiden Law School. This broad programme focuses on the right of ownership, providing thorough training in fundamental areas such as liability law, contract law, and property law. It allows for diverse specialisation paths based on student interests and offers the opportunity to focus on specific specialisation courses.

Cognitive Neuroscience (Research) (MSc)

This Master of Science program focuses on the psychological, computational, and neuroscientific foundations of human cognition through mind and brain research. It provides rigorous training in the methodological and practical skills needed for scientific research on human behavior. You will gain hands-on experience in applying psychological theory to solve practical problems and how theoretical development guides further research. The program offers opportunities to work with leading researchers and delve into specific areas of interest, with a focus on the theoretical approach to self-regulation processes.

Company Law (LL.M.)

The Company Law (LL.M.) is a specialisation within the master’s programme in Law at Leiden Law School. This programme focuses on the dynamics of companies and their legal frameworks. It is designed to prepare students for careers in international business, commercial legal practice, the judiciary, or legal consultancy.

Constitutional and Administrative Law (LL.M.)

This Master's specialisation in Constitutional and Administrative Law is part of the broader Law (LL.M.) programme at Leiden Law School. It critically examines the interplay between national and European legal frameworks. The programme focuses on the dynamic relationship between citizens and the government, exploring how to balance public interests with the protection of individual rights. This area of law is highly relevant and topical, impacting daily life. A key feature is the emphasis on the integration of national constitutional and administrative law with international and European law, reflecting the demands of contemporary legal practice and aiming to develop versatile legal experts.

Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure (LL.M.)

This specialization is part of the master’s program in Law (Rechtsgeleerdheid) at Leiden Law School. It aims to train versatile and critical legal experts with specialized knowledge and skills in criminal law and criminal procedure. The program covers criminal law in depth, examining it within the context of the criminal justice system and its surrounding legal and social influences. Significant attention is given to the evolving legal and social landscape impacting the criminal law system.

European and International Business Law (Advanced LL.M.)

This advanced Master's programme delves into the complex interplay between European Union law and international business law within a globalized economy. It addresses how EU regulations impact international trade, governance, and innovation, and how EU law interacts with that of other global organizations. The programme equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the multi-layered jurisdictions that businesses operating internationally encounter. Graduates will be prepared for professional careers in European and International Business Law, with a strong understanding of both academic and practical legal aspects.

European Law (LL.M.)

The Master's specialisation in European Law at Leiden University offers a comprehensive one-year programme focused on the multifaceted legal landscape of the European Union. It provides an intra-disciplinary approach, delving into institutional, constitutional, internal market, and competition law, alongside human rights from a European perspective. The programme aims to equip students with in-depth academic knowledge and the practical skills essential for a career in EU-related legal fields. Learning takes place in small, seminar-style classes, with dedicated sessions for practical skill development. The international student body fosters a diverse and dynamic learning environment, reflecting the global reach of European law. This specialization is ideal for students seeking to understand and navigate the complex and ever-evolving body of EU legislation that impacts numerous areas of national law and international policy.

Governance of Migration and Diversity (Legal) LL.M.

This Master of Laws (LL.M.) program offers a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to the legal aspects of migration and diversity. You will gain in-depth knowledge of the international and European legal frameworks governing migration, asylum, and non-discrimination. The program emphasizes understanding the law within its broader political, societal, and historical contexts, preparing you to address the complex legal challenges arising from global migration and increasing societal diversity. By studying at Leiden University, you will benefit from courses offered by leading experts across three universities (Leiden, Delft, Erasmus) and five academic disciplines. This interdisciplinary environment, coupled with a diverse international student body, provides a unique foundation for a professional network and a successful career in migration and diversity law. The program aims to equip you with the skills to analyze the impact of law on society and politics, and to contribute to effective migration regulation and inclusion.

International Financial Law (Advanced LL.M.)

This Advanced Master's programme delves into the critical world of financial law, exploring how financial institutions are regulated and the legal frameworks governing capital flows. You will examine contemporary issues such as the intersection of finance with sustainability, climate risks, and the impact of digitalisation. The curriculum is designed for legal professionals or financial experts seeking to deepen their understanding of financial markets, their complex legal relationships, and future challenges. The programme aims to equip students with the knowledge to provide strategic advice, draft legal documents, and manage processes within the financial sector, fostering legal certainty and ethical practice.

Japanese Studies (BA)

The Bachelor's programme in Japanese Studies at Leiden University offers a deep dive into the rich history and traditions of Japan. You will explore various facets of Japanese culture, from ancient practices to modern expressions like haiku, samurai history, geisha traditions, and manga. This programme is conducted entirely in Dutch. For detailed information and to apply, please refer to the Dutch version of the Japanese Studies programme page.

Japanese Studies (MA)

The two-year Master of Arts (MA) in Japanese Studies at Leiden University is a research-focused program offering a deep dive into modern and pre-modern Japan. Taught by leading academics, the multidisciplinary curriculum is designed for motivated students interested in specialized research areas such as contemporary society, politics, art history, classical and contemporary texts, and linguistics. A distinctive feature of the program is a mandatory full academic year spent studying at a university in Japan, providing an unparalleled opportunity for cultural immersion, advanced language acquisition, and on-site thesis research.

Jurisprudence and Philosophy of Law (LL.M.)

Jurisprudence and Philosophy of Law is a specialized track within the Master of Laws (LL.M.) programme at Leiden Law School. This unique program delves into the fundamental philosophical issues and concepts that underpin law in its broadest sense. It is designed for legal scholars who have a keen interest in philosophy and wish to advance their understanding of positive law by exploring its philosophical foundations. The program examines how law reflects societal principles and philosophical ideas about justice and power, and conversely, how legal systems shape and are shaped by these theories. Please note, this specialization is exclusively offered in Dutch.

Labour Law (LL.M.)

The Labour Law specialization is part of the Master's programme in Law (Rechtsgeleerdheid) offered by Leiden Law School. This program focuses on labour law, including the law related to social security systems and the influence of international treaties and standards. Please note that this specialization is taught entirely in Dutch.

Law (LL.B.)

The Rechtsgeleerdheid (Law) Bachelor's program at Leiden University is a socially relevant and topical field of study. It is ideal for students interested in people and societal developments, with strong analytical and reasoning skills. The program focuses on finding creative solutions within the legal system, requiring a good command of language, self-discipline, a critical mind, and perseverance. This degree program is offered exclusively in Dutch. Students will learn about national, European, and international law from inspiring lecturers who are active legal professionals, such as judges, lawyers, and legal experts.

Law (LL.M.)

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) programme in Law at Leiden University offers a broad yet specialized training in various fields of law. This intensive master's programme allows you to delve deeply into your chosen area of legal study. Through interactive lectures, practical exercises, and moot court competitions, you will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for professional practice. Graduates will possess the 'civiel effect,' a requirement for professions like judge, lawyer, or public prosecutor in the Netherlands, and will be well-prepared for a wide range of career opportunities.

MA Arabic and Islamic Studies

The MA Arabic and Islamic Studies program offers a semester-long immersion into Arabic language and culture, designed to enhance language fluency and develop the four core language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. For university students, this is complemented by a cultural component, providing deeper insights into Egyptian society, politics, history, and culture. This program is an integral part of the curriculum for students at partner universities in the Netherlands and Flanders, but can also be pursued as an additional semester by graduates. The program is offered during the Fall semester and includes a comprehensive outline of eligibility and program details.

Master African Studies (MA)

Master Air and Space Law (Advanced LL.M.)

Master Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory (MSc)

Master Applied Archaeology (MA)