LLM Advanced Studies in International Children's Rights

The Master of Laws: Advanced Studies in International Children’s Rights (LL.M.) is a one of a kind programme, offering in-depth specialization on the rights and interests of children from a legal perspective. The programme is assessed "excellent" by the NVAO (the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders).

What does this master's programme entail?

The programme provides an advanced study of the field of children’s rights and pays particular attention to its intersections with diverse fields of law.

The programme Advanced Studies in International Children’s Rights (LL.M.) offers a multi-layered study (covering international, regional and national legal systems), as well as an interdisciplinary scope, to examine the most relevant issues impacting children worldwide. What are the rights of the child when it comes to forced marriages or protection against violence or exploitation? Which rights do refugee children have in their host communities? How do we balance between the rights of children, parents and the state? And how can children’s rights be legally enforced in various countries across the globe?

Relevance

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child anchors the right of every child; to protection, healthcare, education, participation and more. Though this is the most ratified international human rights instrument, children today still face significant rights violations and the COVID-19 pandemic has put children’s rights to the test. In this programme, you will learn what children’s rights mean and how to promote and protect the rights of children around the world, also in light of the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Reasons to choose International Children’s Rights at Leiden University?

• Only one in the world: the programme prides itself as being the only programme in the world offering a legal degree (LL.M.) on international children’s rights.
• Expert instructors: the academic staff members are renowned legal experts in children’s rights. You will also interact with prominent guest lecturers from international organisations, including the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. The programme offers smale-scale learning environment, and provides individual guidance to help you succeed.
• Exciting career opportunities: the programme nurtures a new generation of scholars and practitioners and prepares its students for a wide range of career opportunities working with and for children across the globe.

Academic fields

Leiden has faculties in the fields of:

• Archaeology
• Governance and Global Affairs
• Humanities
• Medicine
• Law
• Science
• Social and Behavioural Sciences

Student support

International student advisers

The international student advisers are a good place to go when you need assistance during your stay in the Netherlands. Students in both locations of Leiden University have access to these specialised advisers. In many cases they will be able to provide the information you need, or will refer you to the relevant services. You can consult the advisers on a variety of matters, ranging from financial concerns, settling down issues, academic issues and health insurance to dealing with external housing agents or finding a family doctor.

Student counsellors

We have a number of specialised student counsellors available. They can help in legal and financial matters, but can also assist you in developing study-related skills. The skills package that is offered involves individual counselling and workshops designed to support you in your academic performance. Topics covered include thesis writing, time management, stress management and planning. Additionally, our counsellors are available to help resolve study and personal problems, should this be needed.

Departmental study advisers and coordinators

Each department has its own study advisers/coordinators who can answer questions about matters that are related to the study programme of your choice. You can consult the study adviser/coordinator on issues such as timetables, exam grades, choice of subjects and application for graduation.