FAQ

 

1. What is the purpose of this LL.M. program?

Like any LL.M. program, this degree offers an opportunity to specialize in specific legal fields of interest. It serves as a means to demonstrate to prospective employers your ability to work in an international environment, engage with foreign, comparative, and transnational/global law, and successfully complete a German law degree. For those with academic aspirations, this LL.M. can also provide a strong foundation for pursuing a Ph.D. in Germany or elsewhere by helping to find a research topic and acquire essential knowledge for further studies.

2. Who is this LL.M. program designed for?

This program is primarily intended for international students rather than German nationals. The faculty's primary objective is to attract highly qualified international students to Münster as part of a broader internationalization strategy.

3. Does this LL.M. provide access to the German legal job market?

As is the case with other German LL.M. programs, this degree does not significantly enhance employment prospects within the German legal market. This is due to the requirement of the German State Exam (‘Staatsexamen’), which German employers typically expect candidates to have completed. While some opportunities may exist in civil society organizations or NGOs, securing a position in German legal practice with an LL.M.—regardless of the university—remains highly challenging.

4. Why choose Münster?

Münster is home to one of Germany’s largest and most internationally oriented law faculties. The faculty offers several extensive foreign language programs and a wide range of courses taught in English—more than most other German law faculties. Several international professors teach exclusively in English, while others offer classes in multiple languages. On a research level, the faculty has particular strengths in foundational legal studies (‘Grundlagen’), including legal history, legal theory, and comparative law. Additionally, German law students in Münster are selected based on academic merit and are generally high-achieving and internationally minded. Finally, Münster itself is a vibrant and student-friendly city, offering a high quality of life and excellent facilities.

5. Is funding available for this LL.M.?

As this program is essentially free of charge, no funding is provided by the university. However, students requiring financial assistance for living expenses may apply for scholarships through various German organizations. For more information, see ‘Tuition and Scholarships’.