LEIDEN LAW SCHOOLThe keys to success
Leiden University. The university to discover.
Foreword Dean Leiden Law School 1
Leiden University 2
Leiden Law School 3
Leiden Law Programmes 5Non-degree programmes 6Degree programmes 8
Application and admission 16
Student life in Leiden 18
Research 19
Facts about Leiden Law School 21
indeX
Leiden is known as the ‘City of Keys’: Its coat of arms is two red keys, crossed on a white background. The keys have been used in offi cial Leiden documentation since the 13th Century. They represent the keys to the gates of heaven held by St. Peter; St. Peter’s church in Leiden was built in 1121.
Leiden Law School: The keys to success | 1
‘It is a great pleasure to introduce you to the Leiden Law School’
As Dean of the Law School at Leiden, it is an honour and privilege to be part of an
academic tradition that was started in 1575. As the oldest university in the Netherlands,
it has been the house of learning for some of the greatest thinkers in history. Descartes,
John Quincy Adams, Albert Einstein were all part of Leiden’s academic community.
Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela hold honorary doctorates. Today the Leiden Law
School is one of the most respected and pre-eminent worldwide.
Leiden Law graduates have advanced in their careers to become members of the Dutch
Supreme Court, the International Court of Justice, the European Parliament, and
to serve as diplomats, leaders of NATO and executive officers of some of the world’s
largest companies. They all benefited from our high level of academic teaching and
internationally orientated approach to our law specialisations.
The city of Leiden is steeped in history: Rembrandt was born here in 1606, the Pilgrims
sought refuge here for more than a decade on their way to Boston, and the Constitution
of the Netherlands was written in Leiden in 1848. The symbol of Leiden is two red keys
that are meant to open the gates of heaven by Saint Peter. Today Leiden remains a socially
and culturally diverse university city and an exciting confluence of the old and new.
Our school is currently one of the world’s leading law schools that provides aspiring
law students with the opportunity to choose from and excel in a broad range of law
disciplines. Each year we are pleased to be able to accept more than 850 Dutch and 350
international students to our bachelor’s, master’s, PhD and short term programmes.
Apart from its high academic rankings our school is also rated highly for its superb
teaching and library facilities. Leiden Law School has also consistently been ranked in the
top 10 most popular international law schools at llmguide.com
At the Leiden Law School students from all nationalities meet with one another on a daily basis.
These meetings of young legal specialists from throughout the world generate friendships that
contribute to a more prosperous, honest, peaceful and – hopefully – just world.
Read further for an impression of what our Law School is all about and why we are so
proud of our reputation.
Rick Lawson
Dean, Leiden Law School
‘The study of law is not merely an
academic challenge in its own
right; it also aims to prepare
students for legal practice. It is
the university’s duty to respond
to challenges of a changing world
and to offer our students the
necessary tools to successfully
participate in that new legal order.’
| Leiden Law School: The keys to success2
Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands.
It was founded in 1575, as a gift from William of Orange to
the citizens of Leiden, for their heroic endurance during the
Dutch struggle for independence. It was the fi rst university
in the Netherlands where freedom of belief and religion was
practised, as refl ected in the University’s motto, Praesidium
Libertatis, Bastion of Liberty. It was in this atmosphere
of freedom of speech that philosophers like Spinoza and
Descartes were able to develop their ideas.
Leiden University has since evolved to become a world-
famous centre of science and research. The University boasts
seven faculties and more than 15 undergraduate and 5
master’s programmes. Leiden University is an internationally
recognised research-intensive university.
To fulfi l its aim of promoting fundamental research, Leiden
University has entered into an alliance with the most
prestigious research universities in Europe to form the League
of European Research Universities (LERU).
Leiden University
Leiden
The Academy Building was Leiden University’s fi rst residence in 1575
amsterdam
schipholairportLeidenThe hague
rotterdamutrecht
Europe and the Netherlands
Leiden Law School: The keys to success | 3
The university’s tradition in law dates back to the time of Hugo
Grotius. Often referred to as the ‘Mozart of International Law’,
Grotius started his studies at Leiden University in 1594 at age 11.
The Leiden Law School is located in two beautifully renovated
national monuments in the historic heart of Leiden. The Law
School also has teaching and research facilities at its campus in
The Hague: The Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies
enables a unique collaboration with The Hague’s international
legal institutions.
During its history the Leiden Law School has continuously
managed to maintain its reputation for excellence by
combining a high level of academic teaching with acclaimed
and innovative research. The Law School has an eminent
reputation in the training of lawyers and diplomats. Our
alumni include members of the Dutch Supreme Court, of
international courts, the former Secretary General of NATO,
prominent lawyers in the Netherlands and the USA, and chief
executives of multinational companies.
Leiden Law School
• HugoGrotius, founder of the modern natural law theory• RudolphCleveringa,knownforhisacclaimedprotestspeechto
defend his Leiden colleague E.M. Meijers at the time of German occupation; and the honarary supervisor of the Leiden honorary doctorate for Sir Winston Churchill
• HerRoyalHighnessBeatrixvanOranje-Nassau,QueenoftheNetherlands
• LaurensJanBrinkhorst,formerMinisterforForeignAffairsandAmbassador. Currently professor, Leiden Law School
• DoretteCorbey,EuropeanParliament• JanErnstdeGroot,ManagingDirector,KLM• JaapdeHoopScheffer,formerSecretaryGeneralofNATO.
currently professor, Leiden Law School• ClementinedeVriesLentsch-Kostense,DeputyProcuratorGeneral
at the Supreme Court• HisRoyalHighnessConstantijnvanOranje-Nassau,Headofthe
Information Policy & Economics team, RAND Europe Brussels• ArminvanBuuren,theofficial‘World’sMostPopularDJ’in DJtop100poll
They sTudied Law aT Leiden
His Royal Highness Constantijn van Oranje-Nassau‘Law and Leiden, in the Netherlands the combination is as obvious as Pisa and its tower; not quite as old but just as unavoidably linked. For me the link was less obvious. I chose the town and university independent
of the study of Law. The town attracted me for its charm and student life. Law - I hoped - would train me to take an objective perspective
and provide me with a good approach for structuring problems. I found that in addition Leiden University offers academic tradition and international standing. Leiden opened my eyes to such issues as the rights of migrants, European law and institutions, and civil and international law. What I learnt here within the Law School and beyond provided a basis for the rest of my career and personal development.’
A typical Leiden tradition: Following the graduation ceremony, all graduates sign their name on the wall of the so-called ‘Sweat Room’. As recipients of a Leiden Honorary Doctorate also Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela have signed this wall.
| Leiden Law School: The keys to success4
JournalsThe Law School publishes a number of important and highly
regarded law journals: The Common Market Law Review,
published by the Europa Institute, the oldest
est ab lished legal institution of its kind, and the Leiden
Journal of International Law, which has gained an eminent
inter national reputation in the area of public international law.
Library facilities In addition to the facilities of its extensive main Law library,
the Law School houses several specialist libraries: The
Doc umentation Centre of East European Law, the European
Documentation Centre, the library collection of the Van
Vollenhoven Institute for Law, Governance and Development,
and the United Nations depository library.
Furthermore, the Peace Palace in The Hague houses a large
public library of material on international law and European
law. This library, open to students of Leiden University, serves
the International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ
of the United Nations, as well as the International Criminal
Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.
Professor Jaap de Hoop Scheffer Former Secretary General of NATO, currently Professor of Law at Leiden Law School
‘The combination of studying Law and Leiden University still evokes very fond memories. Leiden, withacenturies-longtraditionofexcellenceinboth Humanities and Science, proved to pair a very
stimulating academic environment with living in a ‘human scale’ citywithmanypossibilitiesforextra-curricularactivities.Andsoit
still does to this day. Leiden Law School’s longstanding focus on both civil and international law provided me with a very solid legal training and foundation, which have proven invaluable through the years, in very different incarnations as a diplomat, politician and as Secretary General of NATO.’
Our Law School library
Leiden Law School: The keys to success | 5
The Law School consists of the Institutes for Private Law,
Public Law, Criminal Law and Criminology, Tax Law and
Economics, and the Interdisciplinary Study of the Law. The
Institutes incorporate a further eighteen divisions, including
a number of prominent fi elds such as public international law
(the Grotius Centre), European and international business law,
international tax law, and air and space law. Master of Laws as
well as specialist Advanced Studies programmes (LL.M. Adv.)
are offered in these areas.
All Leiden University’s Law programmes are accredited by the
Accreditation Organisation of Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO).
Leiden Law programmes (Bachelor’s, Master’s and Advanced Studies Master’s)
Criminology
undergraduate programmes
Law Law and EconomicsLaw and ManagementInternational Business Law
Notarial Law
TaxLaw
Leiden Law Courses
Summer School programmes
LL.M. (Master of Laws)
Talent Programme
Law
Notarial Law
TaxLaw
Criminology
European Law
Public International Law
Public International Law
LL.M. Advanced Studies
Courses for professionals
postgraduate programmes
Talent Programme
European and InternationalBusiness Law
Air and Space Law
InternationalTaxLaw
Ph.D.
CriminalJustice
CoherentPrivate Law
LimitsofTaxJurisdiction
Reform of Social Regulation
Securing the Rule of Law in a World of MultilevelJurisdiction
Social Cohesion, Multiculturalism and Globalisation
LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws)
Dutch-taught programme English-taught programme
Talent Programme
Child Law
Financial Law
CriminalJustice
| Leiden Law School: The keys to success6
Leiden Law CoursesThe Leiden Law School offers an extensive programme of law
courses at undergraduate level taught in English.
Courses are offered both in the Autumn semester, from
September until the middle of December, and the Spring
semester, from February until the end of May. Visiting students
can choose whether to attend either semester, or both. About
fifteen courses are offered in each semester. These include a
broad array of legal courses, with many specialist choices in
areas including European law, public international law,
competition law, law and governance, comparative tort law,
humanitarian law, criminal law, and air and space law.
Upon completion, students receive a transcript certificate;
courses and the academic credits obtained can then be
transferred to count towards the students’ degrees at their
home institutions. These Leiden Law Courses are open to
exchange and visiting students from around the world, as well
as Dutch students, giving the courses a truly international
flavour.
Non-degree programmes
Professor Edward MorrisonHarvey R. Miller Professor of Law and Economics, Columbia Law School, New York
‘The Columbia Summer Program is unique among summerprograms.Fornearly50years,energeticColumbia professors have conducted highly interactive classes and engaged informally with studentsatdailylunchesandotherextracurricular
activities in the beautiful academic environs of Leiden. With support from a top-notch administrative staff, the program creates an intense and rewarding environment in which students create deep, lifelong friendships and make real investments in their future legal careers. It is the most fun and rewarding summer program I have encountered.’
Leiden Law School: The keys to success | 7
Summer programmesSeveral programmes are offered during the summer months in
cooperation with Columbia University in New York, and our
Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies in The Hague.
Columbia Summer ProgramThis internationally renowned summer programme has been
held since 1963, alternating between Leiden University (in
even years) and the University of Amsterdam (in odd years).
It is taught entirely by members of the faculty of the Columbia
University Law School in New York, and is designed to provide
a general introduction to the American legal system for
lawyers, master’s students, and others interested in the
programme. In addition to the high academic level, the
Columbia Summer Program is also known for its close-knit
and pleasant atmosphere amongst participants and professors
from Columbia University.
Anna Katharina Wolf, GermanyCurrently studying at Columbia University Law School, New York
‘The Columbia Summer Program is a valuable opportunity to gain an insight in the U.S. legal system. I learned a lot during the program and found the teaching inspiring and motivating.’
Opening session international students
Summer Program on International Criminal LawThe Summer Program on International Criminal Law is
organised by our Grotius Centre for International Legal
Studies and is held in The Hague. Professionals from the
International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International
Court for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and other influential
scholars contribute to this course. The programme is intended
for graduate law students, or those who are close to graduating,
and young professionals with a demonstrated interest in
international criminal law.
| Leiden Law School: The keys to success8
The Law School offers four LL.M. programmes in Dutch, and
six LL.M. programmes in English - including four advanced
level programmes.
The Dutch-language LL.M. programmes are offered in the
areas of general law, tax law, notarial law and criminology.
The English-language LL.M. programmes are offered in
European law, and public international law. The advanced
level LL.M. programmes are offered in European and
international business law, public international law, air and
space law, and international tax law.
A Leiden Advanced Studies degree is a highly specialised
postgraduate qualification. LL.M. Advanced Studies students
are also involved in the research carried out within their
institute. Students are taught by our most senior faculty as
well as leading experts in the field, and the number of contact
hours are high. The programmes are highly international,
with students coming from over 50 countries across all five
continents.
Regular LL.M. programme: European LawThis programme is designed primarily for international
and Dutch law students who wish to specialise in the field
of European law during the last phase of their studies. The
programme focuses on various areas of European law - such as
human rights, the internal market and the European Union’s
external relations - both from a substantive and institutional
law perspective. The programme aims to equip students with
the necessary skills and knowledge for a future career as a
European law specialist.
Degree programmes
The Advanced Studies programmes differ from the
regular LL.M. programmes in both their level of
teaching and learning.
The regular programmes are the final part of the
standard Dutch law curriculum and form a required
programme for Dutch students wishing to gain the
right to enter legal practice in the Netherlands. The
regular programmes the Leiden Law School offers
are also accessible for international students (and
attracts many!), and are aimed at those participating
directly after completing a bachelor’s programme
in Law.
In terms of level of study, the Advanced Studies
programmes are substantially more in-depth and
demanding. In just one academic year they offer a
thorough and focused education on a specific area of
legalexpertise.TheAdvancedStudiesprogrammes
arespecificallydesignedforexcellentstudents
withlegalexperienceandforqualifiedlawyerswho
wish to enhance their career prospects. They cater
exclusivelyforagroupofstudentswhobenefitfrom
closecontactwiththeirprofessorsandwithexpert
practitioners from the relevant legal field. There are
very few universities that offer LL.M. programmes
at this level.
whaT is The difference beTween The reguLar LL.M. prograMMes and The advanced sTudies?
Professor Stefaan Van den BogaertProgramme Director European Law, Leiden Law School
‘It is trite to say that ‘Europe’ has a huge impact on our daily lives. From trade to the environment, from the financial markets to judicial co-operation: The EU has assumed a central role in 21st century
policy making. Meanwhile the European Court of Human Rights protects the rule of law in 47 European states. Society needs lawyerswhoknowhowBrussels,LuxembourgandStrasbourgwork. It is our aim to train lawyers who can find their way in the European legal order.’
Leiden Law School: The keys to success | 9
The programme consists of the following subjects and a thesis:
• CapitaSelectaofEuropeanLaw-Privatissimum
• EUInstitutionalLaw&GeneralPrinciplesofEULaw
• EuropeanProtectionofHumanRights
• TheUnionintheWorld
• EUSubstantiveLaw
• EuropeanLawinPractice-Practicum
Regular LL.M. programme: Public International LawPublic international law is the law that governs international
relations. In the not so distant past, this was more or less
limited to relations between states. In recent years international
organisations, peoples, enterprises and individuals have also
become part of an increasingly complex global society and
consequently have entered the realm of international law.
The programme comprises the following courses, and a thesis:
• PublicInternationalLaw
• InternationalCriminalLaw
• InternationalDisputeSettlement
• ProtectionofVictimsofWar
• InternationalRelations
• PhilipCJessupInternationalLawMootCourtCompetition,
or Telders Moot Court Competition
• TheLaw&PracticeofInternationalOrganisations-Practicum
• TheoreticalPerspectivesonHumanRightsLaw-
Privatissimum
Current information about the degree programmes can be found at en.mastersinleiden.nl
Professor Nico SchrijverAcademic Director Public International Law, Leiden Law School
‘The intercultural character of this programme serves as a strong motivation both for students and lecturers. We make considerable demands of our students,buttheyrespectthis.Inmyexperience
they want to be challenged.’
MasterofScienceprogramme:CriminalJusticeCriminal justice is a rapidly expanding field of academic study
central to the research programme and mission of the Institute
forCriminalLaw&CriminologyatLeidenUniversity.The
concept of criminal justice alludes to the system of principles,
rules, practices and institutions through which the state makes
sanctions against socially undesirable behaviour. The aim of
the programme in Criminal Justice is to equip its students with
an advanced understanding of criminal justice by providing
a multidisciplinary programme addressing key institutions,
processes and cross-national issues on crime (prevention),
law and policy. A unique feature of the programme is its
international comparative perspective, which involves an
in-depth analysis of differences in criminal justice systems,
legislation, and policies between common law and civil law
countries and the contribution of the European Union to the
harmonisation of criminal law and criminal justice policies
among its member states. Moreover, special attention will
be paid to the major role the Netherlands have played in the
development of national and supra-national crime legislation.
The programme consists of eight courses and a thesis:
• CriminalJustice:LegitimacyandEffectiveness
• CriminalJusticeSystemsPolicyEvaluation
• CriminalJusticeOrganisations,InstitutionsandActorsina
Comparative Perspective
• Risk,SecurityandCriminalJustice
• ComparativeCriminalLawandEuropeanPolicy
• Crimmigration
• LegitimacyandEffectivenessofCorrectionsandSentencing
Professor Paul NieuwbeertaHead of Department Criminology, Leiden Law School
‘The international dimension to crime as well as crime prevention efforts becomes increasingly relevant. The Leiden Criminology program and its internationally oriented staff acknowledge that a
new generation of criminologists need to understand how globalization affects the world of crime.’
| Leiden Law School: The keys to success10
Advanced LL.M. programme in European and International Business LawThe Master’s programme of Advanced Studies in European
and International Business Law is aimed particularly at
lawyers who wish to specialise in the area of European and
inter national business law, and who desire to become, or
already are, international legal practitioners in internationally
operating law firms and companies, as well as (EU)
organisations.
The programme focuses 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
curriculum provides students with a thorough knowledge of
EU law and the legal systems governing international business
transactions with an EU component. Students become
confident in the handling and presentation of complex legal
materials, orally and in writing, using the specific vocabulary
of European and international business law.
The programme is offered in association with the Europa
Institute, which forms part of the Law School. It is the oldest
European institution devoted to the study of European law.
The Institute publishes the renowned Common Market Law
Review, generally considered the best law review in its field.
This Leiden programme has several 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 compromising academic standards,
Leiden pays specific attention to professional applications,
particularly through its assignments and teaching methods.
The programme consists of nine courses, mandatory work on
the European Law Moot Court, and a thesis. The courses are:
• TheLegalFoundationsoftheEuropeanUnion
• TheInternalMarketandHarmonisation
• EuropeanCompanyLaw
• EuropeanandInternationalIntellectualPropertyLaw
• WTOLaw
• EuropeanCompetitionLaw
• InternationalArbitration
• EuropeanandInternationalPrivateLaw
Professor Christa ToblerProgramme Director European and International Business Law, Leiden Law School
‘Leiden has a legendary name within the field of international and European law. It is therefore particularly well situated to offer a programme that deals with the challenges faced by businesses in a
world of multilevel juridiction.’
Dániel Dózsa, HungaryAssociate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges, Budapest
‘The LL.M. programme in European and international business law gave me the competitive edge I was striving for. Besides having been taught byprofessionalsofunrivalledexpertiseintheirgiven field, I’ve had the privilege of studying with
bright people from four diffe rent continents in perhaps the most beautiful and livable city in the Netherlands. I think this is what theycalltheexperienceofalife-time.’
Leiden Law School: The keys to success | 11
Advanced LL.M. programme in Public International LawThe programme of Advanced Studies in Public International
Law offers both law graduates and practitioners the
opportunity to acquire an advanced knowledge of this branch
of law, while at the same time allowing them sufficient freedom
to specialise in one of two areas: International Criminal Law,
and Peace, Justice and Development. The programme is
partly taught at Campus The Hague, from where there is easy
access to the nearby Peace Palace Library. This dual campus
location offers students a unique combination of the academic
expertise of Leiden University with the practice of the various
international legal organisations in The Hague, ‘City of Peace
and Justice’. Guest lecturers from these institutions are a
regular feature of the programme and students frequently visit
the institutions.
With a view to further developing practical and professional
skills, students may also benefit from the LL.M. (Adv.)
Internship Programme. The number and duration of
internships vary, although each year around five to ten
students are institutionally endorsed in their applications
for intern positions at institutions such as the International
Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the Permanent
Court of Arbitration, the Organisation for the Prohibition of
Chemical Weapons, and law firms.
Ni Haifeng (artist): ‘Equilibrium’, symbolising the balance between legal practice (the sword) and academic doctrine (the books)
Professor Carsten StahnProgramme Director Public International Law, Leiden Law School
‘There is almost no day without legal news from The Hague or fresh developments in international law. Drawing on on a global student body and faculty, this programme seeks to connect new generations
of international lawyers to the legal and real life challenges in this dynamic field.’
| Leiden Law School: The keys to success12
Specialisation International Criminal Law:
• AdvancedInternationalCriminalLaw
• InternationalCriminalLitigation
The programme consists of the following courses:
General Courses:
• PublicInternationalLaw:CapitaSelecta
• InternationalInstitutionalLaw
• InternationalCriminalLaw
• InternationalDisputeSettlement
• InternationalHumanitarianLaw
• InternationalProtectionofHumanRights
• Privatissimum:UNPeacekeeping
Specialisation Peace, Justice and Development:
• InternationalRelations
• InternationalEconomicLawandSustainableDevelopment
Arielle Silverstein, IsraelAssociate Legal Officer at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)
‘StudyinginLeidenhasopenedupmanyexcitingavenues for me that would otherwise not have been possible. The LL.M. (Adv.) Public International Law has provided me with the right tools and specific
knowledge to be admitted first as an intern at the War Crimes Chamber in Sarajevo, and later as an Associate Legal Officer, working for the ICTY.’
One wall of the Law School’s ceremonial room in the Academy Building is adorned with portraits of several of the Law School’s professors.
Leiden Law School: The keys to success | 13
Advanced LL.M. programme in Air and Space LawThe Advanced Studies programme in Air and Space Law
provides an international and European perspective on public
air law, private air law and space law. It is one of only a few
programmes in the world offering this kind of specialisation,
and is embedded in the Law School’s renowned International
Institute for Air and Space Law. The programme is specifically
designed for graduates and legal practitioners pursuing careers
in law firms or in consulting firms engaged in aviation and
space law practice, legal departments of airports and airlines,
aerospace companies, civil aviation authorities or ministry
of transportation authorities, and international, regional and
national organisations. With a view to further developing
practical and professional skills, students benefit from the
LL.M. (Adv.) Internship Programme. Both a full-time and
distance learning version (for professionals) of the programme
are offered.
The programme consists of seven courses (some including
practicals), an internship and a thesis:
• PublicAirLaw
• PrivateAirLaw
• InternalMootCourtCompetitioninPrivateAirLaw
• AirTransportCompetitionLawandPolicy
• EuropeanAerospaceLaw
• SpaceLaw&Policy
• SpaceLaw&Policy:CaseStudies
Mildred Troegeler, GermanyResident fellow, European Space Policy Institute
‘The LL.M. programme strikes the right balance between academic rigour and real-world applicabilitybyexploringdifferent,interlinkedareasof aviation and space law and looking beyond its purelylegalaspects.Besidesacademicexcellence
anddirectcontactwithleadingexperts,theprogrammeprovidesyou with the opportunity to build a professional and personal network all over the world.’
Professor Pablo Mendes de LeonProgramme Director Air and Space Law, Leiden Law School
‘The programme pays attention to all legal aspects of air and space law and policy in a varied and multi-faceted programme in which modern teaching and research methods are applied. The programme
has a global reach in more than one respect; it is devoted to the study of this multilateral field of law, whereas its participants come from all parts of the globe, as do their teachers.’
| Leiden Law School: The keys to success14
The programme consists of the following courses and a thesis:
• FundamentalsofInternationalTaxLaw
• TaxTreaties
• TransferPricingRulesinInternationalTax
• ECTaxLaw
• InternationalEstateTaxation
• CustomsDutiesandExciseTaxes
• USInternationalTaxLaw
• InternationalTaxPlanning
• ThesisInternationalTaxLaw
In addition, students must choose between one of the
following two courses:
• USDomesticTaxLaw
• ValueAddedTaxLaw
AdvancedLL.M.programmeinInternationalTaxLawThis programme has been designed to provide indepth
training for lawyers with an economics background and
economists with a legal orientation who are interested in
expanding their knowledge of the theory and practice of
international tax law. The emphasis of the programme
is on tax treaties, transfer pricing and EU tax law issues.
International tax law is an area that is still only partially
covered in postgraduate law and economics programmes at
most universities, though its importance in both public and
private sectors has grown enormously in the past two decades.
At Leiden, tax law has long been a prominent area of teaching
and research. In 1986, Leiden University created the first chair
in the world exclusively for international tax law, and in 2001
the International Tax Center Leiden - located in a beautifully
restored landmark building alongside the Rapenburg - was
set up to accommodate the rapidly increasing interest in
teaching and research in international tax law. International
tax specialists from around the world teach this unique
programme, which can be followed full-time as well as on a
course-by-course basis.
Katri Aarnio, FinlandManager at KPMG Zürich
‘TheLeidenInternationalTaxLL.M.programmehas an unparalleled reputation, and is able to attract distinguished academics as well as top internationaltaxlawyerstolectureintheirfields
ofexpertise,providingforasecond-to-nonelearningexperiencefor a multinational group of students. The teaching takes place in thestate-of-the-artnewInternationalTaxCenterbuildinglocatedin the centre of Leiden along the historic Rapenburg canal. Class sizes are small and there is a friendly and convivial atmosphere among the students.’
Professor Kees van RaadProgrammeDirectorInternationalTaxLaw,LeidenLawSchool
‘There is never a dull moment in the world of an internationaltaxlawyer:Developmentstakeplacemuch faster than in most other areas of law. I find it enormously gratifying to contribute to the
internationaldevelopmentsinthefieldofcross-bordertaxation.’
Annual procession of faculty in academic regalia at the opening of the academic year
Leiden Law School: The keys to success | 15
Recent prizes and awardsThere is a great deal of talent both amongst students and
faculty of the Leiden Law School, as is apparent from a
prestigious list of recent prizes and awards:
2011• AdvancedLLMstudentinAir&SpaceLawwinsfirstprize
in International Air Transport Association legal writing
competition
• LeidenLawteamwinsbestwrittenpleadinginEuropean
Law Moot Court Competition in Dublin, Ireland
• LeidenPublicInternationalLawstudentwinsJessupPrize
for best pleading in Philip Jessup International Law Moot
Court Competition
• LeidenLawPhDcandidatewinsMacroBiagiawardforbest
paper, by International Association of Labour Law Journals
• LeidenLawbachelorstudentelectedastheNetherlands’
Youth Representative at the United Nations
• LeidenLawPhDcandidatewinsPraemiumErasmianum
prize for best dissertation
2010
• LeidenteamwinsMaxHuberAwardforBestOverallScore
at Telders International Law Moot Court Competition
• CommonMarketLawReviewwinsBritish&Irish
Association of Law Librarians’ Legal Journals Award
• LeidenLawstudentwinsnationalECHOEthnicTalentAward
for most excellent, ambitious and socially involved student
• LeidenLawPhDcandidatewinsMontesquieuEuropePrize
for best scientific article
• ProfessorJohnDugardwinsGruberJusticePrize.He
stood up for the victims of apartheid, helping to challenge
apartheid laws and participating in the negotiation that led
to the adoption of a constitution based on human rights in
post-apartheid South Africa.
• LeidenteamwinsInternationalAirLawMootCourt
Competition in Delhi, India
• LeidenteamwinsInternationalCriminalCourtTrialMoot
Court Competition as best Non-Native Speaking Team
• LeidenteamwinsBestOralistprizeinPhilipJessup
International Law Moot Court national rounds
• AdvancedLLMstudentinAir&SpaceLawwinsEuropean
Air Law Association prize for best academic paper. Two
Leiden Law alumni won second and third prizes.
Leiden wins european Law Moot court competition
For the second time in recent years, a Leiden Law team consisting of European Law and European and International Business Law students, wins best written pleading award in European Law Moot Court Competition.
The ELMC is the largest and most prestigious pleading competition in the field of European Law.
Leiden and The MooT courT coMpeTiTionsMoot Court competition (Peace Palace, The Hague)
| Leiden Law School: The keys to success16
Applications for all programmes can be completed online.
Specific entry requirements per programme are given briefly
below, but full details, including tuition fees and required
documentation, can be found on the Leiden University
website. law.leiden.edu/prospectivestudents
Leiden Law CoursesThe Leiden Law Courses are open to students who have
completed at least two years of academic education.
Depending on the course level, you may be expected to have a
higher level of related (academic) background knowledge.
law.leiden.edu/current-students/leiden-law-courses/llc.html
You need to demonstrate your proficiency in English, prefe r ably
by means of an IELTS test (also acceptable are: TOEFL and the
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English).
Columbia Summer ProgramThe Columbia Summer Program is open to law students at
an advanced stage of their studies; or to law graduates who
are professionally active in the practice of law, industry,
commerce, government, international organisations or
related activities. The Columbia Summer Program has its
own website, from which applications can be made online:
columbiasummerprogram.org
Summer School on International Criminal LawGraduate law students, or those who are close to graduating,
and young professionals with an obvious interest in
inter national criminal law can register by completing the
regis tration form, which can be found at grotiuscentre.org
Please add your c.v., a list of the courses you have taken in
national and/or international (criminal) law, and a letter of
motivation. If you are a student, please also add proof of
your university registration.
LL.M. European Law and LL.M. Public International LawApplicants who have obtained a bachelor degree in Law (or
equivalent in the country where it was obtained) can apply for
entry. The English language requirements are the same as for
the Advanced Studies LL.M programmes.
Application and admission
Leiden Law School: The keys to success | 17
Advanced Studies LL.M. entry requirements• FulldegreeinLaw,offeringaccesstolegalpracticeinthe
country where it was obtained, from a recognised university
or Law School
• Inspecialcircumstancesgraduatesfromfieldsotherthanlaw
may be admitted, provided their previous studies included a
substantial legal component.
• Applicationswillalsobeconsideredfromoutstanding
candidates offering substantial evidence of a work history in
the legal profession.
• ProvenEnglish-languageproficiency,validatedthrough
a TOEFL test (100 internet-based) or IELTS test (7.0),
occasionally complemented by a telephone interview.
Students who do not meet this level of English but who have
a minimum score of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent may be offered
a place on the programme on the condition that they attend
a one or two-month pre-sessional English course at Leiden
University.
• Informationonfullentryrequirements,howtoapply,tuition
fees, scholarships, visas, housing, FAQ’s, useful addresses can
be found at en.mastersinleiden.nl
Scholarships and fundingThere are a range of funding opportunities for top law
students. Leiden University has its own scholarship
programme, and also works with a wide range of (external)
scholarship and lending agencies.
Please visit en.mastersinleiden.nl for current information.
International students enjoy a boat ride on the Rapenburg canal
| Leiden Law School: The keys to success18
Leiden is located in the western part of the Netherlands, about
40 km south of Amsterdam. It is very conveniently situated in
terms of public transportation. The cities of Amsterdam, The
Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht are all just a short train journey
away, and Schiphol International Airport can be reached in
fifteen minutes by train, Brussels and Paris are now only a
short train ride away on the high speed Thalys service (three
hours from Schiphol to Paris).
Leiden is a beautiful and historic city with many 17th
Century houses along its cobblestone streets. From the Burcht
(Leiden’s old fortress) there is an excellent view over the many
canals, church spires, narrow alleys, historic buildings and
private almshouses that define Leiden. The city has excellent
bookstores and museums and a wide range of delightful cafés
and restaurants.
Leiden University does not have a central campus but is woven
into the city itself, especially the historic centre and close to
the Rapenburg, a beautiful canal along the banks of which the
University had its origins.
The two buildings of the Leiden Law School are located at
the end of this 17th Century canal, in the heart of the historic
centre of Leiden.
HousingLeiden University mediates in finding housing for
international students. The university also advises on private
housing arrangements. Full information on university
managed accommodation, including room descriptions and
photos, can be found at studenthousing.leiden.edu
Sport facilitiesThe University’s sport centre offers extensive outdoor and
indoor facilities and classes, ranging from football, basketball,
tennis and rugby, to self-defence sports, sailing and ice skating.
Full information is available at services-facilities.leiden.edu/sport
Student l ife in Leiden
Viewofthecourtyardfromoneoftheinternationalstudenthouses
Leiden Law School: The keys to success | 19
The most recent independent research assessment rated the
Law School with an overall grade of 4.5 (on a scale of 1 to 5) for
both the research institute and the research programmes. The
assessment, based on such criteria as relevance, productivity,
originality, content depth and international orientation, even
resulted in the highest score (5) for the International Law
research programme.
The Leiden Law School has six broad research programmes
within which all of our researchers work, also in collaboration
with international visiting researchers.
•CriminalJustice
•CoherentPrivateLaw
•LimitsofTaxJurisdiction
•ReformofSocialRegulation
•SecuringtheRuleofLawinaWorldofMultilevelJurisdiction
•SocialCohesion,MulticulturalismandGlobalisation
Also, the Law School has one specific ‘profile area’: Interaction
between legal systems. It aims at understanding the complex
interaction between the various levels of jurisdiction and at
solving the resulting problems and questions.
Research
Law and Economy, Leiden Law School‘Measuring the effects of social policy is a tricky business, requir ing a creative combination of science, craft and art. When done well, it produces both truth and beauty. My inspiration is to motivate
others - researchers, policy makers, students - to apply empirical work themselves.’
Professor Koen Caminada
Master Talent Programme
Master Talent ProgrammeThe Talent Programme is an extracurricular incentive, offered
to outstanding students alongside their LL.M. or Advanced
Studies LL.M. degree programme. The Talent Programme
selects students, who have an interest in legal scientific
research, on the basis of academic merit. The aim is to equip
them with advanced research techniques during their Master’s
studies in order to provide them with a head start when
pursuing a PhD, or a profession requiring excellent research
skills. Further information can be found at
law.leiden.edu/research/talent-programme
| Leiden Law School: The keys to success20
SARFaL Research NetworkThe Leiden Law School is the founder and secretary of the
SARFaL network. SARFaL, the Strategic Alliance of Research
Faculties of Law is an active network of research-intensive
law faculties working together to facilitate and enhance
international research cooperation. It offers opportunities
for joint research, participation in conferences, cross-border
reviews of written material as well as research visits abroad by
senior researchers and PhD candidates. SARFaL consists of the
Universities of Aarhus, Barcelona, Bologna, Galway, Geneva,
Leiden, Leuven, Oslo, Oxford, Poitiers, Prague and Vienna.
Applicants who have graduated from one of the SARFaL partner universitiesareentitledtoareduction(10%)ofthetuitionfeeforany of the four Master of Laws Advanced Studies programmes. This reduction would be in addition to any fee reduction to which an applicant may be entitled when in receipt of a Leiden Alumni bursary. Candidates should mention on the application form that they wish to apply for a SARFaL bursary. More information: sarfal.net
PhDThe highest academic degree awarded in the Netherlands is
that of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Earning a PhD at Leiden
takes about four years of study and consists of independent
and original research under the supervision of a professor. If
you wish to pursue a doctorate at Leiden University, you can
either respond to an advertised vacancy, if there are no suitable
openings, approach our Graduate School with a (detailed)
research proposal.
Professor Bob WesselsInternational Insolvency Law, Leiden Law School
‘After twenty years as a law professor in Amsterdam, and 12 years as a partner in an international law firm, I joined the Leiden Law School. My first impression: Devoted staff, engaged education, fine research output, a marvellous
library and a very attractive study and living environment in the city of Leiden. Moreover, in my field of research - comparative and international insolvency law - Leiden now is the only law school on the European continent that includes international insolvency law in its master’s programme. This results in an active student community which forms a breeding ground for inspiring and successful research.’
Professor Joanne van der Leun Criminology, Leiden Law School
‘I joined Leiden Law School as a sociologist actively engaged in criminological research. Being at Leiden really turned me into a criminologist. I enjoy working closely with criminal law scholars and discussing
normative and empirical issues. We are offering a stimulating research environment for PhD students, in particular for those who have an interdisciplinary training and who are attracted by the integration of criminology and criminal law.’
PhD graduation ceremony
Leiden Law School: The keys to success | 21
staff numbersProfessors 87Other academic staff 131PhD researchers 279 student numbersDutchfirst-year(propaedeuse)students 1038Total graduates (Dutch and international LL.B. and LL.M.) 4462 International students (undergraduate and postgraduate) 437
Undergraduate:LeidenLawCourses 130
Postgraduate:Intake regular LL.M. specialisations 175Intake advanced LL.M. programmes 132 researchDissertations 23Academic publications 1144Other publications 112
facTs abouT Leiden Law schooL
Latestfiguresattimeofpublication:December2011
www.law.leiden.edu
postal addressP.O.Box95202300RALeidenThe Netherlands
visiting addressSteenschuur 252311 ES LeidenThe Netherlands
T+31(0)715277512F+31(0)715277600E [email protected] December2011
Leiden Law School
relevant linkslaw.leiden.eduen.mastersinleiden.nlstudents.leiden.edugrotiuscentre.orgsarfal.netcolumbiasummerprogram.org