International Children’s Rights (Advanced LL.M.)

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Advanced Studies in International Children’s Rights provides an advanced study of the field of children’s rights and pays particular attention to its intersections with diverse fields of law, including international human rights law, private international law, and the economic, social, and cultural rights of children.

The programme offers a multi-layered study (covering international legal systems, regional, and national legal systems), as well as an interdisciplinary scope, to examine the most relevant issues impacting children worldwide. What are the rights of the child when it comes to forced marriages or protection against violence or exploitation? Which rights do refugee children have in their host communities? How do we balance the rights of children, parents, and the state? And how can children’s rights be legally enforced in various countries across the globe? The programme also explores topics such as private international law, the economic, social, and cultural rights of children, and the role of children in the justice system. In addition, you will learn about the enforcement and monitoring of children’s rights and the impact of children’s rights and digital technologies.

Why choose International Children’s Rights at Leiden University?

  • Only one master in the world: The programme prides itself on being the only LL.M. in Europe offering a legal degree (LL.M.) on international children’s rights.
  • Expert instructors: The academic staff members are renowned legal experts in human rights law and children’s rights. You will also interact with prominent guest lecturers from international organisations, including the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. The programme offers a small-scale learning environment and provides individual guidance to help you succeed in your advanced studies master's programme.
  • Exciting career opportunities: The LL.M. programmes nurture a new generation of scholars and practitioners, preparing students for a wide range of career opportunities working with and for children across the globe in the field of law and human rights.

Career prospects

This programme aims to nurture a new generation of scholars and practitioners, and prepare its students to address the issues impacting the rights and interests of children across the globe.

Our graduates meet the requirements for a range of positions including:

  1. governmental and inter-governmental bodies and public administration (both national and international)
  2. national, regional and international (non-governmental) organisations dealing with children’s rights issue
  3. national human rights institutions (e.g. ombudspersons)
  4. civil society organizations dealing with children’s rights issue
  5. monitoring and advisory national and international bodies or
  6. law firms or companies involved with children and/or family matters.

Ton Liefaard
Professor of Children's Rights - 
UNICEF Chair in Children's Rights

International children’s rights is a unique, dynamic and complex area of law. This programme offers advanced, specialist knowledge and practical skills required to effectively protect the rights of children worldwide.

Ton liefaard

Course overview

Semester I 

Interaction between Children's Rights and other International Legal Systems (10 EC)

Children’s Economic and Social Rights (5 EC)

Children in the Justice System (5 EC)

Children’s Civil and Political Rights (5 EC)

Semester II 

Migration and Children's Rights (5 EC)

Child, Family and the State (5 EC)

Enforcement and Monitoring of Children's Rights (10 EC)

Children's Rights and Digital Technologies (5 EC)

Master Thesis: International Children's Rights (10 EC)

Titel: 

Master of Laws

Language: 

 English 

City: 

Leiden 

CROHO: 

75121

Duration: 

1 or 2 years 

Mode of study: 

Full-time/part-time

Start: 

September