Content of programme
The Pre-PhD Programme has two tracks. In both tracks, the main focus is in the second semester (February-July).
- Track 1: the duration of this track is six months and must be completed during your master programme. During this track, you follow two (compulsory) courses and participate in research meetings (e.g. writing a research proposal, academic integrity and drawing up a data management plan).
- Track 2: the duration of this track is six months and can be followed alongside regular work activities. This track is intended for employees of the Faculty of Law with the ambition of obtaining a PhD who have not yet been appointed as (external) PhD candidates. This track can be followed as a continuation after Track 1. Track 2 consists of following two courses and participating in research meetings.
Track 1
Master’s students (Track 1) and staff members (Track 2) choose two out of the four available courses. At present, the following three options are known; the fourth will be announced in autumn 2025.
|
Vak |
Hours |
Docent |
Startdate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Methodology Schedule |
140 | April | |
| 140 |
Various teachers |
March | |
|
140 |
February |
If you follow Track 2 as a continuation of Track 1 then you can only take the two courses not already taken as part of Track 1.
An optional component of Track 1 of the Pre-PhD Programme (PPP) is undertaking a research internship under the supervision of a staff member who holds a PhD. The responsibility for securing a placement and supervisor rests primarily with the student. Possible formats for the internship include:
- writing a PhD research proposal;
- writing an academic article;
- editing an academic volume;
- organising an academic conference or another type of scholarly event.
Other formats are also possible, provided they are research-related and supervised by a PhD holder employed by the university. The internship requires a minimum workload of 140 hours, which must be completed before 31 August of the academic year, even in cases where the internship continues beyond that date.
Participants who wish to undertake a research internship must submit a brief proposal (approximately one page) to the PPP academic coordinator by 1 May. Their supervisor must approve the proposed internship.
The internship is concluded with a short report of 1 to 2 pages, which must be approved by the supervisor and submitted to the PPP academic coordinator no later than 31 August.
For questions about the research internship, please contact the academic coordinator of the PPP.
The PPP consists of several research meetings. These meetings cover, for example, writing a research proposal, acquiring grants, preparing a data management plan and (empirical) research skills.
Successful completion of the two compulsory courses, and attending the research meetings leads to a Track 1 certificate. No final certificate is issued for Track 2. For completion of the courses in the PhD programme, a partial certificate will be issued if the compulsory attendance and assignments have been met.
Doing a PhD at Leiden Law School
The PPP prepares well for doing a PhD-research in Leiden. Participants of the PPP can, for example, aim to obtain a PhD position. An institute may also decide to fund a PhD position itself for a candidate. Naturally, the number of places in Leiden is limited. The PPP also provides a good preparation for doing your PhD elsewhere.