Air and Space Law (Advanced)

Degree: Master of Laws in Advanced Studies in Air and Space Law
Mode of Study: Face-to-face (Full-time, part-time, single modules) or Blended Learning
Duration: 1 year
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: English
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The Master’s Programme in Air and Space Law is a combination of public air law, private air law and space law, both from an international and European perspective. The programme is unique in the world. It has a clearly defined European dimension and, without neglecting academic levels, pays specific attention to professional applications, particularly through its internship requirements.

The programme has been designed for graduates in law who wish to pursue an advanced master’s study at postgraduate level, and possibly wish to engage in a PhD. Some prior knowledge of air and/or space law is certainly an asset, but is not compulsory. The programme is also aimed at international legal practitioners in internationally operating law firms, private companies (e.g. airlines, aircraft parts manufacturers), civil aviation authorities, telecommunication authorities, international and regional organisations and representatives from various governments who wish to specialise in the area of air and space law. This mixed composition of the student body of both master’s students and practitioners stands as a guarantee for the high level of the programme.

Admission to the programme is limited to a fixed number of students (no more than 30 each year in total). Since this field of law is highly specialised, the Institute prefers to limit student intake (including Blended Learning), to be able to devote sufficient time to each student and provide for in-depth class discussions.

International Accreditation

The programme has been running since 2000 and was internationally accredited in 2007. The accredition panel 2007 stated:

Consistency in the curriculum is achieved in different ways. First of all the core of the programme is well defined, the topics of the courses are chosen carefully. This has resulted in a programme in which the different courses have been put in a logical order and which ensures the development of both academic and professional competences. […] [S]tudents get a great deal of research practice during many of the courses. The panel feels positive about the fact that there is a good deal of interaction between the teachers and the coordinators of the course. This interaction will contribute to the consistency within the programme.

Prof. Mendes de Leon

“We invite you to embark on the exciting flight of mind into air and outer space law.”

“Air transport and space activities are characterised by their strong cross-border and highly dynamic nature. This dynamic nature is further amplified by rapid technological and commercial developments, such as privatisation and commercialisation, the consolidation of airline alliances, the starting up of operational centres in upcoming economies, the impact of climate change, the establishment of innovative liability regimes, the new role of regional organisations, the application of sophisticated financing methods, the emergence of space tourism and the use of outer space for commercial and military activities.

These developments affect the legal regimes governing air transport and space activities. Hence, from a legal perspective, these regimes are increasingly influenced by other legal regimes, in the first place public international law, but also private law, criminal law, competition law, environmental law, trade law and obviously European law, in particular European Community law.

The LL.M. in Advanced Studies in Air and Space Law pays attention to all these aspects of air and space law and policy in a varied and multi-facetted programme in which modern teaching and research methods are applied. The programme has a global reach in more than one respect; it is devoted to the study of this multilateral field of law, whereas its participants come from all parts of the globe, as do their teachers. The focus of this programme, which falls under the auspices of the International Institute of Air and Space Law, is thus truly international and forward-looking.

We invite you to embark on an exciting flight of the mind into air and outer space law!”

NVAO-accredited programmes

All Leiden University’s master’s programmes are NVAO-accredited.

Learn to fly in the real world

Jane Hong, Korea

“The Advanced Studies Programme in Air and Space Law has provided me with a strong foundation in the core legal subjects paired with real professional experiences. You will definitely learn to fly in the real world while doing what you love.”