LLM Advanced Studies in Law & Finance

How and why are international financial markets regulated? What does it take to direct capital flows toward sustainable development goals? Should financial regulation be adapted to crypto currencies and increasing digitalization ? How do banks structure and document international financial transactions?

What does this master's programme entail?

Think about how finance and investment opportunities must contribute to a sustainable tomorrow. You will then realise that trust in national and international financial markets is of paramount importance. That is why trading venues and financial institutions such as banks, asset managers and market intermediaries are extensively regulated. This leads to a growing need for: legal specialists with knowledge of the economic aspects that drive financial transactions; and financial experts who wish to increase their understanding of financial regulations. In the Law & Finance programme, you will be specially trained to work at the intersection of law and finance in this digitalized global world.

Reasons to choose Law and Finance at Leiden University?

As a student of the advanced master’s in Law & Finance, you will benefit from:

• Expert instructors: You will be taught by expert staff and guest lecturers who are internationally renowned in the field of law and finance. Many of our staff are prominent contributors to or associated with organisations such as the World Bank, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA), P.R.I.M.E. Finance, ESMA, prominent investment banks, regulatory consultancy agencies, various courts and alternative dispute resolution entities.
• Professional skills: In addition to the theory you learn in the coursework, you will be trained in professional skills, including writing legal briefs, oral presentations and presenting arguments in a moot court setting.
• Student trip: You will be able to visit financial market players on our student trip and engage with legal professionals working in the financial sector. On previous student trips we visited the European Central Bank, European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the Single Resolution Board, the European Banking Federation, Jones Day law firm, Ashurst international law firm, BNP Paribas, Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Is Law & Finance the right programme for you?

Are you fascinated by the complex, international and multidisciplinary questions facing the financial sector? Would you be interested in learning how to deal with these questions from a legal and economic perspective with special attention to sustainability and ethics? Then this could be the programme for you.

To be a good fit for the advanced nature of the programme, one of the following should apply:

• you are a legal professional and have a full law degree (offering access to legal practice); or
• you are a financial expert with a degree at an equivalent level in another discipline and sufficient background in or understanding of law.

In order to benefit from the advanced level of the programme, you should either have work experience or a strong academic track record in combination with an interest in the financial sector.

You can follow this programme for one year on a full-time basis or two years on a part-time basis. Please note that the part-time schedule consists of the regular courses (daytime courses) spread out over two years.

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.