European and International Human Rights Law (Advanced LL.M.)

When human rights are violated by a particular state or society, is it more effective to use national, regional or international human rights protection mechanisms to address the issue? And how do different political, social and cultural settings affect the workings of these mechanisms? These questions are a main topic in our Advanced Master programme Law in European and International Human Rights.

Nadeshda Jayakody

Alumna, Consultant at the United Nations University

“The course is challenging and we had to put in a lot of work. However, it was a great experience and the end result is very rewarding!”

Titia Loenen

Professor of Human Rights and Diversity

“The comparative and contextual approach to human rights law in this programme provides students with the advanced knowledge and skills they need to be able to work in the field of human rights in any part of the world.”

Cees Flinterman

Former member of the Human Rights Committee and the CEDAW Committee

“The programme offers a challenging opportunity to genuinely deepen and strengthen knowledge on human rights law and to equip graduates for a meaningful and promising career in human rights either at the domestic or the international level”.

Why did Satyajit choose European and International Human Rights Law?

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What does this master's programme entail?

Human rights are at risk in all societies. Though various national, regional and international human rights instruments have been developed to protect the human rights of all people, some of these are more effective than others in particular situations. In the European and International Human Rights Law Advanced Master programme, you will compare the functionality of different protection mechanisms that are currently in place. To this end you will not just study 'the law the books', but also 'the law in action'. You will also learn how the promotion of human rights may require different strategies indifferent political, social and cultural settings. You will also experience this during the study trip to Strassbourg and/or Geneva.

Reasons to choose European and International Human Rights Law at Leiden University?

As a student of the European and International Human Rights Law Advanced Studies programme, you will benefit from:

Expert instructors: In addition to learning from the expertise of our academic staff, you will participate in lectures, masterclasses and workshops given by renowned human rights experts working for the UN, the EU, NGOs or other organisations.
Life-changing work: You will learn how to develop your own voice to speak for people in the world who may have otherwise been silenced. You will become an effective advocate for promoting the basic rights and fundamental freedoms that are inherent to all human beings.
Excellent reputation: Leiden Law School has an excellent reputation in human rights research and education.

More reasons to study European and International Human Rights Law at Leiden University.

Is European and International Human Rights Law the right programme for you?

Would you like to actively work to protect the human rights of people across the globe? Are you interested in applying your knowledge of human rights law to real-world political, social and legal settings? Then this is the programme for you. You should also have a sufficient background in law.