European and International Law (LL.M.)

The Master’s program in European and International Law offers a solid academic foundation while giving extensive freedom of choice. In addition to the compulsory basic module “European Integration,” students can choose from three specialization modules and combine up to two of them according to individual interests and career goals. This allows our students to tailor their studies individually and focus on their main areas of interest.

The program combines academic excellence with practical perspectives in European and international law, opening up a wide range of professional opportunities in Europe and beyond. More information also on https://www.europainstitut.de/en/application. For questions, please feel free to contact application(at)europainstitut.de

Most courses of the one-year Master's program are held in English, some courses can also be taken in German.

(Basic) Module 1: European Integration 

 This module provides an indepth understanding of the legal foundations and practical functioning of the European and international legal system. Students engage with the central legal instruments, institutions, and procedures of European Union law and public international law, and they analyze how these elements interact. 

Topics covered include, among others, the treaties, institutions, and decisionmaking procedures of the European Union; the fundamental freedoms and the European internal market; as well as core questions ofstate sovereignty, state responsibility, and international human rights protection. 

A particular emphasis is placed on analyzing and discussing current developments and challenges in European and international law. In this way, students are equipped to critically understand and assess the legal and political dynamics of European integration. 

Module 2: European Economic Law 

This module offers intensive training in competition law while also providing a comprehensive legal qualification in European economic law with a focus on compliance, regulation, and governance. Students acquire indepth knowledge of European competition law as well as corporate and financial market regulation, and they examine the legal frameworks governing innovation, sustainability, and corporate responsibility. 

By combining theoretical depth with practiceoriented analysis, students develop a solid understanding of the European Union’s regulatory structures. The module prepares them to navigate complex European and international regulatory environments with confidence and to analyze and solve economiclaw issues in the European context with both analytical precision and practical insight. 

Module 3: International Economic Law – Trade – Investment – International Dispute Settlement 

 This module offers specialized legal training in foreign trade law, international investment protection law, and international dispute resolution. It combines a foundational understanding of the European Union’s economic governance with an in-depth analysis of global trade law, particularly the rules and regulations of the World Trade Organization (WTO). 

Particular emphasis is placed on mechanisms for resolving cross-border disputes, especially through international arbitration and mediation. In addition, students examine the legal framework of international investment law and its interactions with other areas of law, such as international human rights protection. 

The module thus provides students with a solid understanding of the legal structures that shape international trade and cross-border economic activities, and prepares them to analyze complex commercial law issues in a global context. 

Module 4: European and International Protection of Human Rights 

 This module provides a solid legal education in the field of European and international human rights protection. Students gain in-depth knowledge of the legal instruments, institutions, and mechanisms that serve to protect human rights at the regional and global levels. 

It combines fundamental knowledge of EU law and international law with a specialized examination of various key areas of modern human rights protection. These include, among others, regional and global human rights protection, the jurisprudence of international courts, the protection of minorities, and current challenges in the field of digital fundamental rights and privacy. 

Students develop a comprehensive understanding of the multi-tiered systems of human rights protection and analyze their legal and political dynamics in the European and international context. The module prepares them to critically analyze complex issues in the field of human rights and address them in a practice-oriented manner. 

Final phase: Master's Thesis 

The Master’s thesis is completed independently in the field of European or international law according to academic standards. The writing period is three months, and the thesis is awarded 15 CP. The starting date can be chosen freely, allowing the thesis to be written later alongside professional employment, and it may be submitted in either German or English. 

Admission requirements

Requirements for admission to the LL.M. program:

• A university degree in law or in a comparable subject (business studies, humanities) from a German or foreign university
• Proof of sound knowledge of English and German (if you want to take courses in German). Please note these indications about language verification.

How to apply

The Master's programme "European and International Law" begins in the winter semester. Applications can be submitted at any time. The deadline for applications is 15 July. Late applications may be accepted until 30 September of each year. Please direct all questions to application(at)europainstitut.de. We will be happy to answer them.

The number of available places is limited. Candidates are selected on the basis of their academic qualifications and suitability. The application form as well as a list of all necessary documents to be handed in with the application can be found on the Europa-Institut website.

Please send your application to:
Europa-Institut
Universität des Saarlandes
Campus B2 1
66123 Saarbrücken

• Study regulations
• Examination regulations
• Module catalogue
• Discontinued regulations
• Information brochure