The Master of Laws: Advanced Studies in European and International Human Rights Law is an intensive, high-level postgraduate programme. For detailed information about the programme, please visit the following website:
In addition to offering you a solid university education, Leiden University aims to prepare you as well as possible for the labour market, and in doing so contribute to the development of your employability. In this way, it will become easier for you to make the transition to the labour market, to remain employable in a dynamic labour market, in a (career) job that suits your own personal values, preferences and development.
'Employability' consists of the following aspects that you will develop within your study programme, among others:
1. Discipline-specific knowledge and skills
Knowledge and skills specific to your study programme.
2. Transferable skills
These are skills that are relevant to every student and that you can use in all kinds of jobs irrespective of your study programme, for example: researching, analysing, project-based working, generating solutions, digital skills, collaborating, oral communication, written communication, presenting, societal awareness, independent learning, resilience.
But also think of job application skills: preparing a CV, formulating a cover letter, compiling a LinkedIn profile, networking, practising job interviews, preparing and holding a pitch.
3. Self-reflection
This involves reflecting on your own (study) career (choices), reflecting on your own profile and your personal and professional development. Gaining insight into, among other things, your competences and personality, your (work) values and motives. what can you do with your knowledge and skills on the labour market?
Who are you, what can you do well, what do you find interesting, what suits you, what do you find important, what do you want to do?
4. Practical experience
Gaining practical experience through practical and social internships and work placements, external research internships and projects, practical assignments, which are integrated into an elective, minor or graduation assignment, business challenges etc.
5. Labour market orientation
Gaining insight into the labour market, fields of work, jobs and career paths through, for example, guest speakers from the work field, alumni presentations and experiences, career events within the study programme, interviewing people from the work field, and shadowing/visiting companies in the context of a particular subject.
It is trite to say that the field of human rights is not known for a continuous and abundant supply of lucrative jobs. Certainly, there are fantastic jobs where one can make a real difference and contribute to a more just world. But these jobs are in high demand and the competition can be fierce. It is exactly for that reason that the Advanced LLM programme in European and International Human Rights Law recognizes the vital importance of preparing its students for the labour market. Therefore several ‘employability’ elements feature throughout the study programme. Some examples are:
Discipline-specific knowledge and skills
The Advanced LLM in European and International Human Rights Law features a focused curriculum, which blends in-depth theoretical exploration of a highly dynamic legal field with practical learning through problem-solving methodologies. The first semester of the programme covers general principles and concepts, with core courses exploring European Human Rights Law and International Human Rights Law, respectively. The end of the first semester and the second semester delve into specialized topics, ranging from classic topics (such as non-discrimination law) to contemporary issues (such as human rights in a digital age). Students decide the topic of their Master Thesis, and in doing so they give further shape to their area of expertise. All in all, the curriculum offers students courses that prepare them for the challenges of the work of a human right lawyer. The programme emphasizes critical analysis and practical skills by linking theory to real-world cases and fostering a deep understanding of human rights law from both the European and international perspectives.
This approach, in conjunction with the depth, the intensity and the structure of instruction, equips students with the knowledge and essential skills required for a variety of professional roles in the field of human rights law, spanning from international organisations (such as the European Court of Human Rights and various UN organisations) and NGOs to academia and private companies which engage in corporate social responsibility.
Shared transferable skills
The Advanced LLM programme in European and International Human Rights Law seeks to develop further students' transferable skills in handling legal materials, both orally and in writing, fostering the ability to apply relevant case-law and rules in professional contexts and laying the foundation for future academic research in this field. Throughout the programme, the students’ research skills – including drafting legal texts, giving oral presentations, completing group assignments – will be developed. Each week one of the students gives a presentation to the group about a topic of their own choice. Assignments include the drafting of case-notes, the recording of video messages, and the participation in a moot court. All these experiences will enhance the students’ toolbox, whatever line of work they decide to go into.
Self-reflection
One of the programme’s strengths is the rich diversity of the student body, with students coming from all corners of the world and with very different backgrounds, from seasoned lawyers to recent graduates. This naturally encourages students to reflect on their initial goals. They may consider policy areas or fields of practice that they may not have thought of before coming to Leiden. A free exchange of ideas and perspectives is also facilitated by the limited size of the group (around 30 students) . We find that many students who are at a mid-career stage use their year in Leiden to pause and engage in introspection: What motivates me? What do I want to achieve?
Practical experience
It is imperative for any academic programme to bridge the gap between theory and practice , and this is certainly true for a programme in the field of human rights. There is a reason why one of our courses is called “Making human rights work”. But the links to (legal) practice is never far away: all courses involve the intense study of case law, practical problems, political challenges and opportunities. Our series of Weekly Guest Lectures provides an opportunity to invite judges, lawyers, human rights defenders, researchers, politicians and learn from their insights and experience. As mentioned above, the great diversity of the student body and the relatively small size allow for an interactive classroom culture that fosters peer learning.
Labour market orientation
In addition to the guest lectures, we organise (online) meetings with alumni of our programme. They explain how they found their current position and present their work. Every year an excursion to institutions in Strasbourg and Geneva offers an extra opportunity to get in touch with practitioners in the field.
As was mentioned above, various activities take place throughout the year, within, alongside and outside of your study programme, which contribute to your preparation for the labour market. Initiatives in this regard include:
Frequent contacts with alumni to facilitate connections and identify opportunities for current students.
The annual excursion to Strasbourg and Geneva, where we visit institutions such as the European Court of Human Rights, a variety of NGOs as well as the UN institutions established to protect human rights.
Advanced Master Career Events to help enhance profiles and techniques for approaching the job market.
Career Service, LU Career Zone and career workshops calendar with links
Faculty Career Service
The Career Service at Law Faculty offers information and advice on study (re)orientation and master's choice, (study) career planning, orientation on the labour market and job applications.
Leiden University Career Zone
Leiden University Career Zone is the website for students and alumni of Leiden University to support their (study) career. You can find advice, information, (career) tests and tools in the area of (study) career planning, career possibilities with your study, job market orientation, job applications, the Alumni Mentor network, job portal, workshops and events and career services.
Workshops and events
On the course calendar you will find an overview of career and application workshops, organised by the Career services.