Master of Comparative Business Law (M.C.B.L.)

Overview

This Master of Arts is an intensive, one-year postgraduate programme that examines business law in both the European Single Market and the wider global economy. It combines a comparative-law perspective with practical business-law topics to give students a deep, policy- and practice-relevant understanding of how legal rules shape commercial activity at EU and international levels.

What you will study and why it matters

The curriculum mixes traditional comparative-law training — including legal methodology and the common-law/civil-law divide — with core areas of business law such as competition law, contract law and company law, as well as trade-related legal issues. You will also gain targeted knowledge of the European Union’s legal framework and of the principal actors and instruments that govern international trade law. The programme is designed to develop both analytical legal skills and the ability to apply them as strategic decision-makers in public institutions, private companies, law firms or international organisations.

Structure and intensity

This is a demanding, full-time master’s intended for law graduates or for students who already possess a sufficient background in law and want to specialise in business law from a comparative perspective. Teaching is delivered daily over one academic year, spread across two consecutive semesters: the first semester concentrates on European business law, while the second focuses on international business law.

Admission profile & programme facts (concise)

• Degree awarded: Master of Arts (M.C.B.L. / Master of Comparative Business Law)
• Target applicants: law graduates or graduates with a sufficient legal background
• Language of instruction: English
• Study mode: full-time, one academic year
• Teaching format: daily classes across two consecutive semesters (Semester 1: European business law; Semester 2: international business law)

Program structure and learning outcomes

This master’s curriculum is built around a core of compulsory modules that teach comparative legal methodology and the main legal sources, actors and instruments used across European and international business law. These mandatory modules ensure all students develop a solid, comparative foundation in subjects essential to business lawyers. The programme then lets you specialise through two types of optional study: intensive modules (where you select more focused, in-depth courses) and elective modules (for tailoring the degree to your interests). Teaching balances legal theory with sustained case study work and practical assignments—reflecting a hallmark of German legal training—to prepare you for professional legal practice in transnational commercial contexts.

Over the course you will acquire the ability to compare legal systems, interpret EU and international legal frameworks, analyse complex cross-border commercial disputes and apply legal solutions to business problems. Key learning outcomes include comparative legal reasoning, understanding of EU institutions and market law, competence in international trade and private international law, and practical skills for litigation, arbitration, compliance and transactional work. The programme’s modular layout is designed to build coherent academic and professional competences while giving you scope to specialise in areas such as competition law, corporate governance, intellectual property, tax, e‑commerce or international investment.

Planned course timetable (subject to change)

• Total workload: 60 ECTS

  • 20 ECTS worth of taught courses in the fall semester (September–December)
  • 20 ECTS worth of taught courses in the spring semester (February–June)
  • Master’s thesis on a business‑law topic with a comparative perspective: 20 ECTS

• Fall Semester (September–December)

  • Compulsory module (all students): Introduction to Comparative European Law
    • Comparative Law I – European Legal Traditions
    • Introduction to European Business Law
    • European Union Law – Institutional Aspects
  • Intensive module (choose two): European Market Freedoms; European Competition Law; European Private Law; International Arbitration
  • Elective module (choose one): E‑Commerce & Internet; European Tax Law; EU Fundamental Rights; Introduction to German Private Law

• Spring Semester (February–June)

  • Compulsory module (all students): Introduction to Comparative International Law
    • Comparative Law II – The Common/Civil Law Divide
    • Introduction to International Business Law
    • Law & Economics
  • Intensive module (choose two): International Trade Law; Corporate Governance II; International Sale of Goods; Private International Law; International Organisations: A Structural Introduction
  • Elective module (choose one): International Business Transactions; Intellectual Property Law; International Labour Law; Comparative Competition Law; International Investment Law

Notes for applicants

• The course list is planned but may be adjusted before the start of a given academic year.
• The master’s thesis must address a business‑law question from a comparative perspective and accounts for one‑third of the programme credit load (20 ECTS).

Graduates are prepared for careers as business lawyers and strategic decision-makers in both the private and public sectors. Typical career paths include positions in international and domestic law firms, in-house counsel roles at corporations, consultancy, compliance and corporate governance functions, and roles in international organisations or EU institutions dealing with trade and regulatory matters.

The programme's comparative and EU/international focus, combined with practical training and practitioner involvement, also supports entry into policy, regulatory agencies, and research/academic tracks. Internship opportunities and practitioner-taught courses enhance employability in transnational legal practice and corporate legal departments.