Information for external PhD candidates
Leiden Law School offers the possibility of becoming an external (non-funded) doctoral candidate. External PhD candidates should have a research proposal that fits one of the faculty's current research programmes and the expertise of the intended supervisor(s).
Application procedure
Applications are submitted through the online application form only and are accepted throughout the year.
The name(s) of the intended supervisor(s), Professor(s) or Associate Professors granted ius promovendi at Leiden Law School, are to be included in the form.
Decisions on applications are made only in case the form and all required documents are received by the Graduate School.
The full application includes the form accompanied by the following annexes:
- a research proposal of at least 2,000 words (excl. bibliography) describing as a minimum the research questions, the main relevant literature, the academic and societal importance of the research, and the methodology;
- a detailed research plan clearly describing the various tasks, activities and outputs (publications) including methods used in the multi-year project;
- a proof of academic writing, such as a master's thesis, publication, or other (academic) text;
- your CV;
- a scan of your Master diploma (the equivalent of an LL.M./Master degree obtained in The Netherlands), including list of grades;
- proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).
Fees
In most cases, becoming an external PhD candidate at Leiden University does not involve paying a fee. Some departements charge a fee, including the International Institute of Air and Space Law, the Van Vollenhoven Institute and the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies.
Funding
External PhD candidates have to make their own arrangements for the funding of their research and living costs. External funding possibilities can be explored with your supervisor(s). Vacancies at Leiden Law School are advertised.
Courses and training programmes
External PhD candidates are required, as part of the scientific integrity programme, to follow the online module 'Scientific Integrity'. More information.
Datamanagement
All researchers at Leiden Law School work according to the Leiden University Data Management Regulation. PhD researchers write a data management plan (DMP) during the required Data management Training. More information.