Overview The Master’s programme at the Europa‑Institut combines rigorous training in European and international law with strong practical orientation for careers in European institutions, law firms, international organisations and the private sector. Taught by an internationally experienced faculty, the course has a long-standing reputation and aims to prepare graduates for the European and global legal labour market.
Structure and specialisations Students begin the year by selecting one of four focused tracks: (1) European Economic Law; (2) International Economic Law — Trade, Investment and International Dispute Settlement; (3) European and International Protection of Human Rights and their Economic Dimensions; and (4) IT and Economic Law including the GDPR framework. Each track contains two dedicated specialisations; students may also take a cross-specialisation from another track and choose from a broad elective pool to tailor their profile. Instruction is offered in English and German at the Europa‑Institut in Saarbrücken.
Admission & contact For specifics on formal admission requirements, application deadlines and supporting documents, consult the Europa‑Institut’s application information website or get in touch directly. If you have questions or would like to speak with a member of the team, email application@europainstitut.de to arrange an online meeting. The programme also runs a monthly online Q&A session — dates and registration details are listed on the application information page.
Key information (concise)
This intensive one-year Master’s (LLM/Master of Arts) centres on European and international law and is designed to prepare you for careers in European institutions, international organisations, the judiciary, administration or the private sector. Teaching is delivered in English (with a selection of courses offered in German) and balances rigorous academic training with strong practical orientation. The programme attracts an international cohort (around 75 students from some 30 countries), offering intensive faculty support and access to a broad professional network through the alumni association EVER e.V.
Courses are taught by Saarland University professors together with visiting experts and senior practitioners — including high-level EU civil servants, judges, and leaders from business, administration and politics — ensuring a practice-focused perspective. In addition to doctrinal study, you will develop applied skills through moots, EuroSim, advocacy and negotiation workshops, communication skills training and EPSO preparation. Field trips to European and international institutions augment classroom learning. By the end of the programme you should be able to analyse and apply European and international legal frameworks, conduct independent research, present and argue legal positions effectively, and be well prepared for roles in the European and international job market.
The curriculum is organised into four specialised tracks and concludes with a Master’s thesis. The taught portion runs over two semesters (nine months), followed by a three‑month period dedicated to writing the thesis. Most courses carry credit points; successful completion of the taught modules yields a minimum of 45 credit points, and the approved Master’s thesis adds a further 15 credit points.
Key requirements (at a glance)
You must hold a completed university degree in law or in a closely related discipline. Degrees in comparable fields—such as business studies or the humanities—are considered suitable.
Degrees issued by universities in Germany or from institutions abroad are accepted, so international applicants with appropriate qualifications are eligible to apply.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for careers across the European and international legal landscape, including roles in EU institutions, international organisations, national administrations, courts and tribunals, law firms, compliance and corporate legal departments. The programme’s practical focus—guest practitioners, moots, simulations and institutional excursions—builds advocacy, negotiation and policy skills valued by employers in public and private sectors.
The Europa‑Institut’s network (guest lecturers from key EU bodies and an active alumni association) and hands‑on training support students seeking positions in EU policymaking, international dispute settlement, human rights litigation, data protection and regulatory compliance, or pursuing further academic research.
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