LLM Advanced Studies in European and International Business Law

The European Union is one of the most influential international organizations in the world. But how does it impact on governance, enterprise, and innovation within a global economy, in the area of business law? And how does EU law interact with that of other international organizations?

What does this master's programme entail?

As the EU passes a growing number of economic regulations, these mandates increasingly interact with global trade regulations and with those of its Member States. Businesses that operate internationally are faced with various layers of jurisdiction that sometimes have an unclear hierarchy. In the European and International Business Law programme, you will learn how to decipher the complex hierarchy of European and international business law.You will become familiar with the case method approach and the combined research/transfer of knowledge approach. You will also develop a thorough understanding of how EU Law interacts with global economic law.

You will learn to:

• apply your knowledge of the law, your experience, and your skills in a professional environment
• formulate research questions and appropriate strategies for answering these questions and testing hypotheses
• apply adequate legal scientific research methods and tools and to present and communicate results and findings, both in an academic as well as in the professional context

Reasons to choose European and International Business Law at Leiden University?

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

1. Excellent reputation: This programme has more than two decades of history and is offered through Leiden Law School’s Europa Institute. The teaching is grounded in the Law School’s distinguished research programme ‘The progression of EU law: accommodating change and upholding values.’

2. Expert instructors: Courses are taught by expert staff with an international reputation as well as by guest lecturers who hold senior positions with law firms, international courts or business organizations.

3. Moot court skills: You will have the possibility of participating in the European Law Moot Court (ELMC), the most renowned competition in the field of EU law. If you advance to the oral round of the ELMC competition, you will receive training in research, analysis, legal writing and pleading in a simulation of an EU law case. If interested, you may have the opportunity to present at the ELSA Moot Court, which relates to the field of WTO law.

Is European and International Business Law the right programme for you?

Are you interested in learning how to navigate conflicts between international trade law and European laws as they reflect on global businesses? This programme will provide you with all the tools to strengthen your keen commercial and business sense.

You should have a law degree or a sufficient background in law to qualify for admission.

You can either complete this programme in one year as a full-time student or in two years as a part-time student.

The majority of our graduates enter careers in international departments of law firms, international businesses and international bureaus of government service or international agencies. Alumni have proven to be well prepared for the fierce competition for interesting positions, both academically and professionally. For example, graduates are working in judges' cabinets at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg and for governments of new EU Member States.

Our alumni have found jobs working with:

• judges’ cabinets at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg
• Directorates of the European Commission
• Ministries of Foreign Affairs
• the World Trade Organization

They have also been selected for PhD and research positions at the most prestigious academic institutions, including the European University Institute in Florence.