Saarland University
Europa-Institut

LL.M. in European and International Law

Key Facts

• One-year Master's program focusing on European and International Law
• Course program is entirely in English, some courses can be taken in German
• After a Basic Phase with Module 1: European Integration, 4 in-depth tracks are offered: Track 1 with Module 2: European Economic Law - Regulatory - Compliance, Track 2 with Modules 3 and 4: Trade, Investment and International Dispute Settlement, Track 3 with Module 5: European and International Human Rights and Track 4 with Module 6: Technology & Law (currently only available in German). This is followed by the writing of the Master's thesis.
• Title “Master of Laws” (LL.M.) is awarded
• Highly qualified specialists from the academic and business world
• Practice-oriented teaching combined with excellence in academic training
• 75 students from 40 countries
• Excursions to European and international institutions
• Intensive support from the Europa-Institut team
• Access to an international network via our Alumni Association EVER e.V.
• Excellent preparation for the European and international job market

Specializations

BASIC PHASE

Module 1: European Integration

The module focuses on the legal foundations and practical applications of European law and international law. Students become familiar with the main legal instruments, institutions and procedures of the European and international legal systems and deepen their understanding of the interrelationships between these two areas of law. Topics include the treaties, the institutions and procedures of the EU, as well as fundamental freedoms, the sovereignty of states and their accountability, and human rights.

The focus is on the analysis and discussion of current developments and challenges in European and international law.

TRACK 1

Module 2: European Economic Law – Compliance - Regulation

This track provides an in-depth understanding of European Economic Law, Compliance, and Regulation, with a focus on the legal frameworks that underpin the EU's economic system. The track covers a wide range of topics, including EU competition law, financial regulation, EU tax law, compliance and enforcement, and EU energy and environmental law. The track also examines current issues in EU economic law and policy, such as Brexit, digital markets, and EU responses to global economic challenges.

The track in European Economic Law, Compliance, and Regulation is a challenging track that provides students with a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the legal frameworks governing the EU's economic system, and to develop practical legal skills that will be invaluable in their future legal careers.

TRACK 2

Modules 3&4: Trade, Investment & International Dispute Settlement

Track 2 deals with international economic law in a global setting. It covers the legal framework for international trade, investment, and dispute resolution. A first pillar of the module examines the law of the World Trade Organization (WTO), in particular the main WTO agreements such as the GATT, GATS, TRIPS, and several more. A second pillar deals with international investment law, both at the substantive and procedural levels. A final pillar deals with the dispute resolution mechanisms in international economic law, in particular commercial and investment arbitration, mediation and negotiation.

TRACK 3

Module 5: International and European Protection of Human Rights

The focus of this track is on the main features, limitations and developments in human rights protection. Institutional, procedural and substantive aspects of human rights law are covered. Students will gain a sound theoretical understanding of human rights law, as well as its practical implications. A particular emphasis is put on the different levels of human rights protection, as well as the relationship between the European Union and the Council of Europe. The courses cover both past and pending case law which addresses current issues such as anti-discrimination, business and human rights as well as human rights challenges in a digital world.

TRACK 4

Module 6: Technology & Law

Track 4 with Module 6: Technology & Law (currently with German lectures only) deals with the legal regulation of new technologies and innovations, including aspects of data protection and IT security. It includes lectures on the technical foundations of the Internet, IT law, public information law, data protection law, and IT security. An important focus is the analysis of legal issues related to IT security, including cyber crime, data security, and network and information security. In addition, intellectual property and privacy issues related to IT security and information technology innovation are also considered. Students learn how to identify and analyze legal problems in the field of IT security and how to develop solutions to these problems.

FINAL PHASE

Master's Thesis

The Master's thesis constitutes an independent academic thesis in the fields of European or international law. The Master's thesis may be written in English or German. Students have a deadline of three months to write and submit their thesis. Pursuant to its successful completion, an additional amount of 15 credit points will be awarded. Students are free to choose when to start working on their Master's thesis. Thus, the Master's thesis can also be written at a later stage, for example when already working. Once it has been successfully approved and graded by a nominated lecturer, the title “Master of Laws” is awarded to the student. Following the lectures, students have to either take a written or an oral exam; credit points are awarded for almost all of the courses. A total of at least 45 credit points must be attained during the course of the study program. 15 additional credit points are awarded after the completion and approval of the Master's thesis, making it a total number of 60 credit points that have to be reached for completion of the Master's program.


Credit Points

A total of at least 45 credit points must be attained during the course of the study program. 15 additional credit points are awarded after the completion and approval of the Master's thesis, making it a total number of 60 credit points that have to be reached for completion of the Master's program.


Entry Requirements

The requirements for admission to the LL.M. program "European and International Law" at the Europa-Institut are as follows:

• a university degree in law or in a comparable subject (business studies, humanities) from a German or foreign university and
• proof of sound knowledge of English and German (if you want to take courses in German)

More information on www.europainstitut.de/application


Application Procedure and Deadlines

The number of available places is limited. Candidates are selected on the basis of their academic qualifications and suitability.

The Master's program "European and International Law" begins in the winter semester. The deadline for applications is 15 July each year, late applications may be possible until 30 September each year.

If you have any questions, you can contact us by e-mail at application@europainstitut.de and we will be happy to arrange a personal meeting with a member of our team. In addition to telephone consultation, we also offer consultation appointments via Teams or Zoom.

Please make an appointment with our team in advance by e-mail application@europainstitut.de.


Tuition and Fees

The tuition fees are 6,800 Euro per academic year (3,400 Euro per semester).

An additional administrative fee is payable to Saarland University. This entitles students to an ID-Card, which authorizes free use of public transportation within the Saarland and accident insurance. In addition, it confirms student status and can therefore be used to obtain student discounts.


Online Application

The Europa-Institut offers an online application that can be found here: www.europainstitut.de/onlineapplication


About the Europa-Institut

The Europa-Institut is supported by the German Federal Foreign Office, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the European Commission and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It stands for high educational standards, close contact and regular exchange with institutions in the European Union, the Council of Europe as well as with the German Federal Foreign Office. The Europa-Institut was thoroughly examined and certified by the ACQUIN agency within the context of the system accreditation of Saarland University. The program accreditation states that the Europa-Institut offers both excellent research opportunities and excellent quality in teaching. The Europa-Institut also received the so-called “Certificate for Quality of Internationalisation (CeQuInt)” for the successful implementation of an internationalization strategy in its Master's program.


About Saarland University

Saarland University is a modern university within the Saar-Lor-Lux region - a dynamic part of Europe defined by the shared borders between Germany, France and Luxembourg. An international perspective has been a defining feature of Saarland University ever since it was established in cooperation with France in 1948. Today, 18.500 young people study in Saarbrücken and Homburg (faculty of medicine), 17 per cent of whom are international students. Located in a pleasant woodland setting, the university campus offers students and researchers a broad range of sporting and cultural activities, which together with the numerous cafés and restaurants make the campus an ideal place to relax between lectures or after work. And thanks to the high-speed ICE train link it takes only two hours to travel from Saarbrücken to Paris.