This interdisciplinary Master's programme—run in cooperation with the Europa-Kolleg since 1994—gives graduates from a wide range of undergraduate backgrounds the chance to study European integration from legal, political and economic perspectives. The curriculum goes beyond abstract theory to develop a rounded understanding of how EU integration works across different sectors and how legal frameworks, political processes and economic forces interact.
The degree is practice-oriented: a mandatory internship is built into the course to give early exposure to professional settings and to cultivate problem-aware, solution-driven thinking. Graduates are prepared for careers in international environments, including European institutions, multinational companies, law firms and global think tanks.
Studying here also offers a strong community dimension—students live and learn together on campus, creating a multicultural, collaborative environment that functions as both living space and classroom. The programme is delivered in English in Hamburg, making it accessible to international students seeking a European-focused postgraduate qualification.
Key requirements and profile
Program structure and core content
This intensive, English‑taught Master’s runs for eleven months (September to the following July) and comprises eleven modules totaling 60 ECTS. The programme opens with a set of core modules that introduce the essential legal, economic and political dimensions of European integration in an interdisciplinary manner: three core modules focused on the EU as a legal, economic and political community, plus a module on International Law and International Organisations. After building this foundation, students move on to more specialised, in‑depth modules that allow closer study of particular areas and actors in European affairs.
Specialisation, practical experience and assessment
Students choose between two optional focal tracks to deepen their expertise: International Relations of the EU or European Business Law. The taught lecture phase of the winter semester is followed by an academic master’s thesis, for which a four‑month research and writing period is scheduled. Between semesters there is time for a practical internship at EU institutions, federal or state ministries, companies or other relevant organisations. The programme also includes study visits to European institutions in Frankfurt am Main, Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Brussels, and to the German Foreign Office in Berlin to provide direct exposure to policymaking environments. Upon successful completion graduates receive a Master of Arts (MA), or—if they already hold a first degree in law and focus primarily on legal modules during the master’s—this may be awarded as a Master of Laws (LLM).
Expected learning outcomes
Students leave the programme with an integrated, cross‑disciplinary understanding of how legal frameworks, economic forces and political processes shape European integration; specialised knowledge in either EU international relations or business law; applied skills through internships and institutional visits; and advanced academic research competence demonstrated by the thesis—preparing them for careers in EU institutions, government, international organisations, private sector roles dealing with European policy or law, and further academic research.
Concise facts & requirements
This master’s program requires applicants to hold a completed university degree with above‑average grades. Degrees in law, economics or political science are particularly well suited, though academically related or interdisciplinary backgrounds may also be considered. The standard entry qualification is a Bachelor’s degree corresponding to 240 ECTS credits (or an officially recognized equivalent).
In addition to the academic degree, applicants must demonstrate adequate English language skills. Specific information about acceptable certificates and required proficiency levels is provided in the program’s detailed admission information.
Admission requirements (bullet points)
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 May 2026
Graduates are prepared for careers in European and international policy environments, including positions at EU institutions, federal or state ministries, international organisations, think tanks, NGOs, consultancies, and law firms. The programme’s interdisciplinary training in law, economics and politics, combined with a compulsory internship and excursions to European institutions, supports careers in EU affairs, policy analysis, regulatory and compliance roles, and public or private sector advisory functions.
Alumni may also pursue further academic research or PhD pathways in European studies, law or international relations. The practical orientation and networking opportunities provided by the Europa-Kolleg and on-site activities improve employability in both national and transnational organisations dealing with European integration issues.
Trier University of Applied Sciences — Birkenfeld
Technische Universität Braunschweig — Braunschweig
Furtwangen University — Villingen-Schwenningen
University of Siegen — Siegen