Advanced Studies in International Children's Rights
A multidisciplinary master’s programme exploring global children’s rights through legal, theoretical, and practical lenses.
Best for:Best for legal professionals, policymakers, and advocates seeking to specialise in children’s rights with a focus on interdisciplinary legal and ethical analysis.
Overview
This master’s programme at Leiden University offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary exploration of international children’s rights, blending legal frameworks, policy analysis, and real-world applications. Students engage with critical issues such as child marriage, refugee protection, digital rights, and juvenile justice, examining how rights are enforced across national and international contexts. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical case studies, preparing graduates for careers in advocacy, policy, or legal practice. Small class sizes ensure personalised attention, while the programme’s global perspective equips students to address contemporary challenges in child protection and human rights. Ideal for those passionate about social justice and legal reform, this degree bridges academia and activism.
What you'll do
- Analyze complex legal frameworks governing children’s rights at international, regional, and national levels.
- Engage in interdisciplinary research combining legal, theoretical, and practical perspectives on child protection issues.
- Develop critical thinking and advocacy skills to address contemporary challenges in children’s rights, such as forced marriages and digital exploitation.
- Participate in case studies and simulations to understand real-world applications of children’s rights laws.
- Collaborate with peers and faculty to explore innovative solutions for child welfare and protection policies.
- Conduct independent research on a specialised topic within children’s rights, culminating in a master’s thesis.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Law or a related field (e.g., Political Science, International Relations, or Social Sciences).
Degree offered: Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Language: English; IELTS overall band score of 7.0 or TOEFL internet-based score of 100, or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (C2).
Instruction: English
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret legal frameworks and policies.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills for advocacy and research.
- Familiarity with international human rights law and comparative legal systems.
- Ability to conduct independent legal research and synthesise complex information.
- No specific nationality restrictions; open to international applicants.
- No age restrictions.
- No prior work experience required, though relevant experience is preferred.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Deadline: 2027-04-01
Applicants must submit their application through Leiden University’s official online portal. Required documents include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a research proposal. Two letters of recommendation are also required. The application process is competitive, and meeting the deadline is essential for consideration.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of Motivation
- Academic Transcripts
- Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge Certificate)
- Research Proposal
- Two Letters of Recommendation
Contact
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