Civil Law

The Bachelor's degree programme in Civil Law at Leiden University offers students a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks governing private law in the Netherlands and beyond. This programme is designed to equip students with the fundamental principles of civil law, including contract law, property law, family law, tort law, and inheritance law. Throughout the course, students will explore both Dutch civil law and comparative aspects, gaining insight into different legal systems and their influences. The curriculum combines theoretical legal knowledge with practical skills, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective legal writing. Students are engaged in analyzing complex legal issues through case studies, legal research, and interactive seminars, fostering a well-rounded legal competence. The programme emphasizes the importance of legal professionalism, ethics, and societal impact, preparing graduates for careers in judiciary, legal advisory, civil law practice, or academia. Leiden University’s strong international orientation ensures that students also consider international civil law and European private law, broadening their legal perspectives. The academic staff comprises experienced professors and legal practitioners who provide personalized mentorship and guidance. Students benefit from access to extensive legal libraries, online resources, and modern learning facilities that support their academic journey. The programme’s multidisciplinary approach encourages students to develop skills in negotiation, advocacy, and arbitration, which are essential in today’s globalized legal environment. Upon graduation, students possess a solid foundation to pursue further legal specialization or engage in professional legal practice within the Netherlands and internationally. Leiden University’s civil law programme aims to produce competent, ethical, and socially responsible legal professionals who can contribute effectively to the legal sector and society at large.

The Civil Law Master’s programme at Leiden University offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles and complex legal structures that govern private law relationships. Designed for students with a strong interest in legal reasoning, this programme provides a comprehensive understanding of civil law systems, focusing on contract law, property law, family law, inheritance law, and obligations. Throughout the programme, students will develop critical analytical skills and a nuanced appreciation of legal doctrines applicable in both national and international contexts.

The course curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for careers in legal practice, academia, or policy making. Students will examine key legal texts, case law, and scholarly debates, fostering an ability to interpret and apply civil law principles effectively. Special attention is given to Dutch civil law, but students also explore comparative legal perspectives to understand how civil law functions across different jurisdictions.

Leiden’s rich academic environment encourages active engagement through seminars, workshops, and internships, helping students to connect legal theories with real-world issues. The programme also emphasizes research skills, requiring students to undertake independent research projects that cultivate their investigative and analytical competencies. Graduates of the Civil Law Master’s programme are equipped to work as legal advisors, notaries, or researchers, or to pursue further academic study.

Moreover, the programme boasts an international focus, attracting students from around the world, thereby enriching classroom discussions with diverse legal traditions and perspectives. The faculty comprises renowned scholars who are experts in civil law and related fields, providing students with direct access to leading academic thought and legal expertise. Whether aiming to deepen your understanding of Dutch civil law or seeking a broader comparative legal framework, the programme ensures a rigorous and comprehensive legal education suited for a variety of professional paths.

In summary, the Civil Law Master’s programme at Leiden University offers a robust mix of legal theory, practical skills, research opportunities, and international perspectives, preparing graduates for successful careers and advanced academic pursuits in the field of civil law.

Admission requirements

See website www.unileidenmasters.nl for details.

Other requirements

1. minimum kennis (ISPAC: overige vereisten) Zie www.unileidenmasters.nl voor meer informatie.
2. minimum kennis (ISPAC: overige vereisten) See website www.unileidenmasters.nl for details.
3. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) WO bachelor in Rechtsgeleerdheid of een vergelijkbare opleiding.
4. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) See website www.unileidenmasters.nl for details.

The financing of the Civil Law program at Leiden University is primarily managed through several funding options available to both domestic and international students. Tuition fees are set annually by the university and vary depending on the student’s nationality and residence status. For EU/EEA students, the tuition fee for the bachelor's or master's program is approximately €2,300 per year, whereas non-EU students are charged around €18,000 per year. These fees cover academic instruction, access to university facilities, and support services.

Students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities provided by Leiden University, such as the Leiden Excellence Scholarship (LES), which offers full or partial tuition fee waivers to outstanding students from outside the EU/EEA. Additional financial aid options include government grants, external scholarships, and private funding sources relevant to specific nationalities or fields of study. Graduate students may also seek research grants for specialized projects within the Civil Law program, particularly those aligned with their thesis work or internships.

International students can access loans in their home countries, often facilitated through government-sponsored student loan programs. Some students finance their studies through part-time employment permitted under Dutch visa regulations, which allow for limited working hours during academic sessions. Leiden University also partners with various organizations to provide internship stipends and work-study programs to help offset living expenses and enhance practical experience.

Living costs in Leiden are estimated at approximately €900 to €1,200 per month, including accommodation, food, insurance, and transportation. Students are advised to budget accordingly and consider supplementary income sources. Many students also benefit from student discounts on transportation, cultural activities, and academic materials, which contribute to reducing overall expenses. The university’s financial advisory services assist students in planning and managing their finances effectively throughout their studies. Overall, financing the Civil Law program at Leiden University is supported by a combination of university fees, scholarships, personal funding, and part-time work opportunities, enabling a diverse student body to pursue their legal education in the Netherlands.

The Civil Law programme at Leiden University offers students a comprehensive and in-depth education in the core principles and contemporary issues of civil law. This unique programme is designed for students who wish to develop a thorough understanding of private law, including contract law, tort law, property law, family law, and inheritance law, within a Dutch and European context. The curriculum is structured to combine theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to analyze legal problems, interpret statutory provisions, and develop sound legal arguments.

Leiden University’s Civil Law programme is characterized by its international orientation, emphasizing comparative perspectives and the integration of EU and international law into civil law doctrine. Students benefit from a diverse and experienced faculty, known for their expertise in legal research and teaching, and gain access to a variety of specialized courses that deepen their knowledge of specific legal areas such as consumer law, unfair competition, and data protection law. The programme also encourages active engagement with current legal debates and fosters critical thinking about the role of law in society.

Apart from rigorous coursework, students have opportunities to participate in moot courts, internships, and research projects, enhancing their practical skills and employability. Leiden’s close ties with legal institutions and industry provide valuable networking opportunities and insights into professional practice. The programme’s bilingual environment and international student body create a multicultural learning atmosphere, preparing graduates for careers in law firms, judicial institutions, governmental agencies, or academia across the globe.

Graduates of the Civil Law programme are well-equipped to continue their studies at the master's level or to enter the legal profession as researchers, legal advisors, or advocates. The university’s emphasis on a solid academic foundation combined with practical training ensures students develop both critical legal thinking and practical skills necessary for success in complex legal environments. Overall, Leiden University’s Civil Law programme aims to shape highly skilled, internationally oriented legal professionals capable of addressing the legal challenges of today and tomorrow.