COURSE CURRICULUM

The Advanced Master in European and International Human Rights Law at Leiden University is designed to provide students with both rigorous academic training and practical exposure to human rights protection across diverse political, social, and cultural contexts. Teaching takes place in small, seminar-style classes that require active participation, fostering an interactive and collaborative learning environment. The program draws on the extensive expertise of Leiden Law School, covering criminal, civil, and constitutional law, socio-legal studies, as well as European and international law. Students are taught by leading faculty, visiting international scholars, and distinguished practitioners specialising in human rights, offering a blend of scholarly insight and real-world experience. A hallmark of the program is its comparative approach, enabling students to analyse and evaluate different human rights protection mechanisms and understand how they operate in practice, rather than focusing solely on theoretical frameworks. This approach is reinforced through participation in conferences, PhD defences, workshops, and field trips, including the study trips to Strasbourg and Geneva, where students observe the functioning of key international human rights institutions. Beyond coursework, students receive structured support from the program coordinator and benefit from study and career workshops, alumni guidance, and access to the Law School’s Career Advisor, ensuring holistic professional development. The curriculum trains students to formulate research questions, apply appropriate legal methodologies, and communicate findings effectively in both academic and professional contexts. Graduates acquire the skills to critically assess, implement, and advocate for human rights protections in a variety of settings, preparing them for careers in international organisations, NGOs, governmental agencies, legal practice, and academia. Alumni testify to the program’s capacity to deepen understanding of law, politics, and culture, making it a transformative learning experience for aspiring human rights professionals.