LLM Advanced Studies in International Civil and Commercial Law

What do you need to know when negotiating commercial contracts in an international setting? How do you secure the performance of those contracts? And how do you successfully navigate a company through an international arbitration? Learn about this and more from both an international, academic and a practical perspective.

What does this master's programme entail?

This post-graduate programme at Leiden Law School, one of the oldest European universities, prepares students for a future in international business. Professors from both Civil Law and Common Law jurisdictions, as well as many distinguished guest lecturers, demonstrate how to navigate the different levels of international, EU and national norms relevant for international commercial transactions. Theory is combined with experiences of practitioners with a strong emphasis on teaching you the lawyering skills crucial for this area of the law.

Reasons to choose International Civil and Commercial Law at Leiden University?

As a student of the advanced master’s International Civil and Commercial Law, you will benefit from:

• Comprehensive approach: This programme is truly all-inclusive in its quest to shed light on transnational, international and comparative aspects of law.
• Unique case studies: Many lecturers in the ICCL programme work in civil and commercial law practice and use their real-life cases to enhance your learning experience.
• Excellent reputation: Leiden Law School has developed its reputation for excellence by combining a high level of academic teaching with acclaimed and innovative research. Its tradition of quality attracts prestigious professors and professionals from around the world who teach you in a challenging and supportive atmosphere.

Is International Civil and Commercial Law the right programme for you?

Are you interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of the intertwined layers of international, EU, UN and national laws which make up the complex area of international civil and commercial law? Then this is the programme for you.

This Advanced Master’s Programme is a good fit if you are a law graduate with an excellent academic record wishing to pursue a challenging LL.M. or a legal practitioner seeking to further specialise in various private and commercial law aspects of cross-border trading, contracting and competing.

You can either complete this programme in one year as a full-time student or in two years as a part-time student (only open to students from the EU/EEA).

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.