Master's programmes
Leiden University offers over 80 master’s degree programmes that have been accredited by the Dutch -Flemish Accreditation Organisation.
Awarded degrees
Leiden University offers both one and two-year master’s by coursework programmes, as well as two-year research master's. Upon succesfull completion of the programme the awarded degree is a Master of Arts (MA), a Master of Science (MSc) or a Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Master of Arts
All master’s programmes in the arts and theology, philosophy, archaeology as well as photographic studies, cultural anthropology and politics (excluding the research master’s) give the successful candidate the degree of Master of Arts.
Master of Science
All master’s programmes in the sciences as well as biomedical sciences, criminology, behavioural sciences, pedagogical sciences, public administration and psychology, lead to the title of Master of Science.
Master of Laws (LL.M. or " Legum Magister")
Since 1st September 2005, graduates from the Master’s programmes in Law will be awarded the Master of Laws degree; such graduates are then entitled to use the title ‘LL.M.’, which stands for the Latin term Legum Magister. The degree awarded for the Master’s Programme in Criminology is that of Master of Science (MSc).
Master of Laws in Advanced Legal Studies Programmes
The Faculty of Law offers 4 advanced master’s programmes, entitled Master of Laws: Advanced Studies programmes.
These are English-language master’s programmes which specialise in:
- European and International Business Law
- Air & Space Law
- International Tax Law
- Public International Law
Language of instruction
The language of instruction for most programmes is English and for some Dutch. A number of Language and Culture programmes are taught in French, German, Italian and Spanish respectively.
Master's taught in English
As a rule, the master's programmes at Leiden University are taught in English, unless this is considered unproductive. In this case, the language of instruction is Dutch or possibly another language. However most programmes are taught in English.
Master's taught in other languages
The Language and Culture MA programmes in French, German, Italian and Spanish /Latin American Studies are taught in the native languages of the cultures of study, i.e. in French, German, Italian and Spanish respectively.
Master's taught in Dutch
There are also a number of programmes which are taught entirely in Dutch (e.g. Dutch Law, Dutch Language and Literature) or which are taught in Dutch as a second language of instruction after English.
Programmes and admission requirements
Leiden University offers over 80 master’s degree programmes that have been accredited by the Dutch -Flemish Accreditation Organisation.
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Prospective students: Masters' programmes
Programme Descriptions and admission requirements
- Current students: e-Prospectus
Course descriptions for all master's programmes