Food security is increasingly under pressure due to rising inequality, climate change, and armed conflict. From 28 October, Leiden University College (LUC) in The Hague offers a seven-week course providing professionals with a legal deep dive into food security, human rights, and international law.
For professionals in law, policy, and international cooperation
The English-taught course SDGs, Human Rights and International Law is designed for professionals working in policymaking, legal practice, diplomacy, or humanitarian aid. Through interactive lectures and seminars, participants explore critical legal questions around food security, with Sustainable Development Goal 2 - Zero Hunger - as a central theme. Topics include the right to food under international law, legal implications of war and climate change, and accountability in humanitarian interventions.
Interdisciplinary learning - from and with one another
A distinctive feature of the course is the diverse classroom setting: professionals study alongside international honours students enrolled in the minor Sustainability, Climate Change and Food. Part of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs, LUC is known for its interdisciplinary approach to global issues. Participants benefit from lectures by legal experts and cultural scholars, as well as from peer learning. Key questions include: How does the right to food relate to broader human rights frameworks? And what is the role of law in achieving sustainable solutions?
The course builds practical legal skills such as analysing complex frameworks, interpreting legal sources, and producing policy-relevant writing. It concludes with a written assignment and an online exam.
Microcredential: a recognised mark of academic achievement
This course is part of the Dutch national Microcredential pilot, which aims to make academic education more accessible and flexible for professionals. A microcredential is a recognised digital certificate awarded for a short, accredited academic module. It can be easily shared with employers or further study programmes and allows professionals to strengthen their expertise without enrolling in a full degree.
