About the program
Throughout your studies, you will choose courses from a diverse range of modules, designed to provide you with a strong foundation in the methodology of comparative law, in-depth knowledge of various legal fields, and advanced research skills. The classes will be taught by the professors of the law school. You will explore different legal systems and cultures, work with a range of legal sources, and discover multiple approaches to legal problem-solving. Along the way, you will improve your language skills and collaborate with students from around the world. This interdisciplinary approach prepares you to tackle complex legal challenges across different national and international contexts after your studies.
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Sem. |
Module |
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1. |
Foundation I (5 ECTS)
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Foundation II (5 ECTS)
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Elective I (5 ECTS)
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Elective II (5 ECTS)
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Research Module: Colloquium |
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2. |
Elective III (5 ECTS)
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Elective IV (5 ECTS)
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Research Module: Seminar |
Research Module: (15 ECTS) |
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What to expect?
The program is organized into three components: ‘Foundation Modules’ (10 ECTS), where students will learn the methodological complexities of comparative law and comparative legal history. ‘Elective Modules’ (20 ECTS), allowing students to deepen their expertise in various areas of law, from Roman law to comparative public law and from business law to international law. Finally, ‘Research Modules’ (30 ECTS) focus on the development of research skills.
Foundations courses
In the Foundations modules European Legal History, Comparative Constitutional Law and Comparative Business Law, you will acquire methodological skills and substantive knowledge in comparative law. Each student is required to take at least two of these courses. Rather than focusing solely on abstract methodology, these courses are designed to teach you comparative law techniques through the study of practical examples and applications across various areas of comparative law.
Electives courses
The elective modules offer you the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects based on your own interests and enable you to deepen your knowledge in the legal field(s) of your choice. Each student is required to complete at least four elective courses in the two terms. Examples for electives include Roman Private Law, Comparative Property Law, Introduction to German Public Law, Common Law Constitutionalism, Public International Law, Human Rights, Corporations and Capital Markets, Human Rights Protection in International Supply Chains, EU Economic Law and Transnational Criminal Law. Some courses may overlap with other programs, allowing you to engage with students from different programs of the law school.
Research modules
The research modules of the program focus on improving your ability to conduct thorough legal research. In the first semester, you will take part in a research colloquium where leading national and international researchers will present and discuss their work. This gives you the chance to discuss and critically analyze current research and research projects with experts of their field. In the second semester, you will participate in a research seminar focused on strengthening your research skills and teaching you all there is to know about research design. The program culminates in the writing of an LLM thesis, in which you will apply the skills gained throughout the program to conduct an independent research project.