LL.M. German Law for foreign graduates

Degree awarded	Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Duration and credits	2 semesters; 60 ECTS credits
Starts in	October (winter semester)
Language of instruction	German

About the programme

The LL.M. German Law for foreign graduates is a research-oriented degree programme that equips students with expertise in the German legal system. Unlike many other subjects, laws are specific to the societies that brought them forth, and therefore vary significantly from country to country.

Currently there is a steadily growing need for legal practitioners with in-depth knowledge of the German legal system. Building on a previous law degree earned abroad, this degree programme gives students essential skills and specific expertise in German law, while placing particular emphasis on research.

The Scientific Methods module enables students to leverage their methodological and systematic competences developed over the course of the programme when conducting independent research – skills they will apply when writing their master’s thesis, which forms part of the programme.

For details, read the Academic Advice Service's infosheet [German content].

Features

The Faculty of Law of the University of Passau has an excellent reputation in Germany and regularly achieves top results in various university rankings
A multicultural environment owing to the international orientation of the University and the Faculty of Law in particular
German Courses Passauoffers German language courses specially designed for law students, which are open to students enrolled on this LL.M. programme
Attend classes together with German law students
Previous coursework completed at other German universitiesmay be counted towards the degree at the discretion of the Board of Examiners

LL.M. German Law graduates typically work in international law firms in their home country, where they will advise their foreign clients on German law, either directly or by obtaining information from a correspondent law firm and presenting the response in a form that is readily understood by their clients. One example of such a client would be a foreign business enterprise which intends to sell its goods or services on the German market.

Similarly, once you have graduated from this programme, you may advise German clients on your home country's legal system, as companies which intend to establish a subsidiary abroad, for instance, require legal advice on many issues, such as choosing the right legal form, tax laws, employment regulations and so on.

In addition to imparting important work-related expertise, this degree programme also qualifies you for doctoral study – at the University of Passau or at another German or indeed foreign university's law faculty. Being well-versed in two different legal systems, you might, for instance, engage in comparative legal research.

The degree programme consists of three modules:

1) Foundation module
This consists of the foundation courses in Civil Law and Constitutional Law (both courses include a lecture and a tutorial). You will choose one of these two foundation courses, each of which is taught for a period of two semesters (Foundation Courses 1 and 2).

2) Scientific Methods module
Taking place in the winter semester, this module consists of a master's students seminar in which you will write a seminar paper and give a presentation.

3) Elective module
You will choose three of the following five electives: Civil Law, Public Law, Criminal Law, International Aspects of German Law and Principles of Law. Two courses are held in the winter semester and one in the summer semester. Instead of the two winter-semester courses, you may study the foundation course (Civil Law 1 or Constitutional Law 1) not already completed in the foundation module.

Direct application via the campus portal

You can apply as follows while the application period is open:

Self-register in the Campus Portal of the university and set up a user profile. Once registered, you will receive an email with your login details and further instructions.
After you have registered, start an online application in the Campus Portal and follow the instructions.
Collect together the required documents and send certified copies to the University of Passau through the post.

Application period for the winter semester:

15 April to 15 July (direct applications)
1 April to 15 July (applications via uni-assist e.V.)

Please use the interactive application guide to find out which application method you can use.

Application period for the summer semester:

This programme does not offer a summer semester start.

Academic requirements

You are eligible for this degree programme if you have a good law degree from a non-German university, ranked among the 25% best graduates of your cohort.

German language requirements

You will need German language skills at level B2 CEFR or higher to study this degree programme. If German was the language of instruction for your secondary school education or prior tertiary education, your academic certificates suffice as proof of your language skills. Otherwise, you will have to provide a recognised German language certificate along with your application for a place of study.

If you would like to learn German or advance your language skills, the University's Language Centre and its German Courses Passau division offer a variety of German language classes. However, if you would like to apply for a place of study on one of the University's German-taught degree programmes, you must meet the stated language requirements before you apply.

Documents you must submit with your application

In the Campus Portal, you will generate a cover letter ("Bewerbungsantrag"). Please print out and sign the cover letter and send it to the University along with the other documents.

A chronological curriculum vitae.

A certified copy of your relevant first degree certificate and transcripts of your results. If these were written in a language other than German, Dutch, English, French, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish you will additionally need to enclose certified English or German translationsof these documents.
A certified copy of your university entrance qualification, together with a certified English or German translation, if needed (see above).
A copy of the identity page of your passport; EU citizens may send a copy of their national identity card instead. Please black out any sensitive information, such as the card numbers etc., but make sure your name, nationality and date of birth are clearly legible.

Posting your documents

Please send your application package complete with all required documents by post or courier service to the following address:

University of Passau
Student Registration Office
Innstr. 41
94032 Passau
Germany

Start your application

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