This postgraduate Master’s programme offers an in-depth study of the legal rules and standards that govern relations between states, equipping students with a solid foundation in international law. It combines rigorous engagement with theoretical principles and frameworks with sustained attention to how those rules operate in practice, using concrete examples and case studies to bridge theory and real-world application.
Learning methods are geared toward developing analytical independence and practical judgment, preparing graduates for professional roles where international law and policy play a central part. The course emphasises critical thinking, close textual and contextual analysis of legal materials, and the ability to assess how legal norms are applied across different interstate contexts.
The one-year LLM pathway is a 60 ECTS program combining an independent research component with structured coursework. You will complete a 20 ECTS Master's module (the Master's thesis) and 40 ECTS of taught modules. The taught portion mixes compulsory assessments with elective courses so you can both acquire foundational knowledge and tailor the degree to your interests.
Core taught requirements include a 4 ECTS colloquium plus two out of three fundamental courses (each 6 ECTS). Electives allow deeper specialization—students must take at least four elective modules (6 ECTS each). Elective offerings can vary slightly each year, but a broad menu of contemporary international law topics is typically available. Together, the curriculum develops advanced legal research and writing skills, critical analysis of international legal regimes, and subject-matter expertise that prepares graduates for practice, policy work, or doctoral study.
Typical elective options (selection varies by year; usually at least six are offered):
This Master's programme seeks candidates with a solid academic background and some practical experience. Applicants usually hold a Bachelor's (or higher) degree in law, political science, international relations or a closely related field, and most admitted students have legal training. However, we actively welcome graduates from other disciplines to foster a rich mix of perspectives; if your prior studies were not in law, you may be asked to explain how your academic or professional background connects to the programme’s focus.
Because applicants come from countries with very different grading systems, there is no formally required minimum grade (for example, a British first-class honours). Still, your academic results will be an important part of the admissions assessment. You can apply while you are finishing your Bachelor's or if you have less than one year of work experience, but you must have completed your degree and accumulated the required professional experience before the programme begins.
Professional experience may be gained through a range of practical activities, such as internships or traineeships. Note that practical components which were mandatory parts of your Bachelor’s degree cannot be counted as professional experience. In some cases, applicants with under one year of professional experience may be admitted at the admissions committee’s discretion.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 May 2026
The programme prepares graduates for careers in international law and policy, including positions with international organisations, governmental agencies, non-governmental organisations, arbitral institutions, law firms, and policy research institutes. Its mix of theoretical grounding and practical casework equips students to analyse interstate legal disputes, contribute to policy debates, and undertake independent legal research.
Because professional experience is part of the admission criteria and the curriculum emphasises practice-oriented learning, graduates should be well positioned to pursue roles that require both legal expertise and applied problem-solving in an international context.
University of Mannheim — Mannheim
University of Hamburg — Hamburg
Goethe University Frankfurt — Frankfurt am Main
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin — Berlin