Public International Law

Specialisatie van: Rechtsgeleerdheid
Graad: Master of Laws in Rechtsgeleerdheid
Onderwijsvorm: Voltijd, deeltijd
Duur: 1 jaar
Start: September, februari
Taal: Engels
Vestigingsplaats: Leiden
Croho/isatcode: 60084
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Public International Law bestudeert het recht dat van kracht is in internationale betrekkingen. Nog niet zo lang geleden was dit min of meer gelimiteerd tussen staten, maar in recente jaren zijn internationale organisaties, volkeren, bedrijven en individuen ook onderdeel geworden van de steeds complexere mondiale samenleving, en daarmee in het domein van het internationale recht terechtgekomen.

Programme

The programme is offered full-time (one academic year) and part-time (two academic years), both with daytime classes. Students studying part-time are offered the same facilities and courses as full-time students. There is the possibility to start the programme either in September or in February of each academic year.
Courses are offered consecutively over two semesters, from September until early July. Courses usually consist of a two-hour lecture and a two-hour working group. Students will be requested to write essays and (research) papers for all courses. More specific information on the number of papers and formal requirements will be provided in the course descriptions. Students are required to pass an examination at the end of each course. They will be asked to contribute actively to the programme in oral and written presentations.

International orientation

In addition to covering the general Dutch law syllabus, the Faculty maintains an international reputation in a number of fields, among which are Public International Law, the Law of International Organisations, the Law of the European Union, Jurisprudence, Legal History, Canon Law, Russian Law and East European Law.
The Department of Public Law and its students organise the annual Professor B.M. Telders International Law Moot Court competition in The Hague. On a yearly basis, Leiden students also participate in the Phillip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition and various European Law moot court competitions.

Curriculum

The programme will be reformed by the next academic year (2012 – 2013). The curriculum in the first semester would be an overall introduction to public international law and international criminal law. The second semester would be more track-specific and focused on interaction.

Semester 1

  • Public International Law (10 ECTS)
  • International Dispute Settlement (5 ECTS)
  • International Criminal Law (5 ECTS)
  • International Relations (5 ECTS) (for Dutch students: Interaction Between Legal Systems – Rechtshandhaving or Interaction Between Legal Systems – Rechtsvinding)
  • Thesis Part 1 (5 ECTS)

Semester 2

The curriculum of all students follows the same structure:

  • Practicum (5 ECTS): moot court (written memorials and oral pleadings)
  • Privatissimum (5 ECTS): essay papers and oral presentations
  • Two substantive courses (5 ECTS)
  • Thesis Part II (5 ECTS)

Track 1: International Humanitarian Law

  • Practicum: International Criminal Court Trial Competition (ICC) or Kalshoven International Humanitarian Law Competition (moot court) or Practicing International Law (moot court)
  • Privatissimum: Contemporary Issues in International Humanitarian Law
  • Substantive courses
    • Protection of Victims of War
    • Law and Practice of International Organisations
  • Track-specific thesis

Track 2: General Public International Law

  • Practicum: Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, Telders International Law Moot Court Competition or Practicing International Law (general moot court)
  • Privatissimum: Contemporary Issues in General Public International Law
  • Substantive courses
    • Protection of Victims of War
    • Law and Practice of International Organisations
  • Track-specific thesis

For the most up to date course overview (academic year 2011-2012), see the e-Prospectus.

Schedule

Difference between Master of Laws: Advanced Studies programmes and regular LL.M. programmes

The advanced studies programme differs from the regular LL.M. programme in its level of teaching and learning requirements. The advanced LL.M. is substantially more demanding. It is specifically designed for excellent students at an advanced level. Moreover, the advanced programme offers the opportunity to specialise at a level well beyond that expected of a regular master’s student. The composition of the student body selected for the programme stands as a guarantee for the high level of the programme. Teaching is done in small groups. The programme is offered jointly at the Leiden Law School and at the Campus The Hague by the renowned Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies.

Talentprogramma

Deze onderzoeksopleiding loopt gelijktijdig met en bovenop de reguliere master, voor goede studenten met belangstelling voor rechtswetenschappelijk onderzoek.
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Difference between Regular and Advanced Programmes

Regular LL.M. programmes are the final part of the standard Dutch law curriculum.

The regular LL.M. 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 attract many!), and are aimed at those participating directly after completing a bachelor‘s programme in Law.

There are two major differences between the Advanced Studies programme the regular master’s specialisation:

Focus

  • 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).

Level of teaching and learning

  • 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, aimed at those coming in directly after completing their bachelor ‘s programme.
  • 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.

Programmes
Regular LL.M. programmes:

Advanced Studies programmes:

Alumnus aan het woord

Eerke Steller, alumnus

“Fundamental knowledge and a variety of courses.”

The variety of courses and subjects offered by the LL.M. provides students with fundamental knowledge of the different areas of Public International Law. The close contact with and involvement of the professors of the LL.M., as well as the (internship) opportunities create the perfect atmosphere for students to develop their academic skills and help the students prepare for a career in Public International Law.

Ontwikkel je leiderschapstalent!

Leiden Leadership Programme