Saarland University
Europa-Institut

LL.M. in European and International Law

Key Facts

• One-year Master's program in European and International Law
• Course program is entirely in English, some courses can be taken in German
• We offer one compulsory (basic) module, Module 1 – European Integration, as well as three modules in which you can specialize: Module 2 – European Economic Law - Compliance - Regulation, Module 3 – International Economic Law: Foreign Trade – Investment Protection – International Dispute Resolution, and Module 4 – European and International Human Rights Protection. The program concludes with the writing of the Master’s thesis.
• Internationally recognized title "Master of Laws" (LL.M.)
• Highly qualified specialists from academia and practice
• Practice-oriented teaching with high academic standards
• 75 students from almost 40 nations
• Teaching of important soft skills
• Excursions to European and international institutions
• Intensive supervision by the team of the Europa-Institut
• International network through the Alumni Association EVER e.V.
• Excellent preparation for the European and international job market

Modules

(Basic) Module 1: European Integration

This module provides an in-depth understanding of the legal foundations and practical functioning of the European and international legal systems. Students explore the key legal instruments, institutions, and procedures of European Union law and public international law, examining how these elements interact.

Topics include the treaties, institutions, and decision-making procedures of the European Union; the fundamental freedoms and the European internal market; and key issues relating to state sovereignty, state responsibility, and international human rights protection.

Particular emphasis is placed on analysing and discussing current developments and challenges in European and international law. Students develop the ability to critically understand and assess the legal and political dynamics of European integration.

These are some of the courses offered in this module:

• European Law and Integration
• Internal Market Law
• Public International Law

Module 2: European Economic Law – Compliance – Regulation

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

By combining theoretical depth with practice-oriented analysis, the module develops students’ understanding of the European Union’s regulatory structures. It prepares them to navigate complex European and international regulatory environments and to analyse and address economic law issues in the European context with analytical precision and practical insight.

These are some of the courses offered in this module (subject to change):

• Competition Law I (Art. 101, 102 TFEU)
• Compliance and Governance – ESG, Enforcement and CMS
• EU Banking Regulation Law
• The Law of the Economic and Monetary Union
• Competition Law II (Merger Control)
• Intellectual Property Rights I – General and Domestic Aspects of Intellectual Property Protection
• State Aid
• Competition Law III (Art. 106 TFEU and Liberalization)
• European Company and Tax Law
• Digital Internal Market I
• Intellectual Property Rights II – Aspects of Globalization Relevant to Intellectual Property
• EU Environmental Law

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

This module provides specialized legal training in foreign trade law, international investment protection, and international dispute settlement. 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 international arbitration and mediation. Students also examine the legal framework of international investment law and its interactions with other areas of law, including international human rights protection.

The module provides students with a solid understanding of the legal structures shaping international trade and cross-border economic activities. It prepares them to analyse complex economic law issues in a global context.

These are some of the courses offered in this module (subject to change):

• International Trade Law
• GATS
• TRIPS
• Dispute Resolution Overview
• Private International Law
• International Commercial Arbitration
• International Investment Law
• WTO Rules on Subsidies and Anti-Dumping
• Enforcement in International Dispute Settlement
• International Mediation

Module 4: European and International Human Rights Protection

This module provides a comprehensive legal education in European and international human rights protection. Students acquire in-depth knowledge of the legal instruments, institutions, and mechanisms designed to protect human rights at regional and global levels.

The module combines foundational knowledge of EU law and public international law with a specialized examination of key areas of modern human rights protection. These include regional and global human rights protection, the case law of international courts, minority protection, and current challenges relating to digital fundamental rights and privacy.

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

These are some of the courses offered in this module (subject to change):

• Regional Protection of Human Rights in Europe
• Human Rights in EU Law
• The Protection of Human Rights (in Europe) – Law and Policy of a Multilevel System
• Global Protection of Human Rights
• Recent Case-Law of the European Court of Human Rights
• Human Rights and Investment
• The Protection of Privacy in the Digital Age
• Business and Human Rights

Final Phase – Master’s Thesis

The Master’s thesis is the final component of the programme. Students independently write an academic thesis on a topic within European or international law, in accordance with established academic standards. The thesis has a writing period of three months and is worth 15 credit points. Students can choose their topic in consultation with a supervising lecturer at the Europa-Institut.

Students are advised to complete their thesis towards the end of the summer semester. However, they may also begin at a later stage, allowing them to work on the thesis alongside professional commitments if necessary. The thesis may be written in either German or English.

Upon successful evaluation by the supervising lecturer, students are awarded the academic degree Master of Laws (LL.M.).


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.


About Saarland University

Saarland University is a modern, internationally oriented university in the Saar-Lor-Lux region at the crossroads of Germany, France, and Luxembourg. Founded in 1948 in cooperation with France, it now hosts around 17,000 students, including 17% international students, on campuses in Saarbrücken and Homburg. The campus offers diverse cultural and sports activities, cafés, and restaurants, and thanks to the ICE high-speed train, Paris is just two hours away.