European Film Business and Law (LLM)

Overview

This executive Master’s programme (LLM | MBA) is aimed at professionals and executives already working in the film and TV sectors who want to deepen their practical and strategic expertise. It combines legal and business perspectives to prepare students to address industry challenges and to foster sustainable development within their organisations, contributing to broader growth across the European audiovisual market. The programme is taught in English and takes an interdisciplinary approach to the European entertainment industry.

Structure and learning environment

Students receive a broad, practice-oriented overview of the European audiovisual and entertainment landscape, studied from both business and legal viewpoints. Teaching draws on the experience of established academics and gives access to leading industry practitioners and their professional networks. Core modules are shared by both LLM and MBA tracks; in the second half of the programme students move into their chosen specialisation. There is also an option to pursue both degrees as a double degree: work completed for the first degree can be credited toward the second, but this requires two separate applications and incurs additional tuition fees.

Admission-related notes (concise)

• Designed for professionals/executives currently working in the film and TV industry.
• Language of instruction: English.
• Both LLM and MBA pathways are available; core modules are taken jointly, with specialisation in the latter half.
• Double-degree option available (LLM + MBA): credit awarded for completed work, but additional tuition fees apply and two applications are required.

Program overview

This interdisciplinary Master's blends film business and law with a flexible, working-professional format. Delivered mainly online through block sessions and weekend classes, the programme lets you combine study with employment or family commitments. There are also dedicated intensive study weeks in Potsdam to enable face-to-face teaching, hands-on workshops and concentrated networking with peers, faculty and industry practitioners. Prior learning and professional experience can be credited, giving additional scheduling flexibility.

Core content and what you will learn

Across the first two semesters you'll cover the economic and legal foundations of the European film and TV sector, practical contracting and finance skills, and leadership and communication for creative organisations. Key modules teach you to analyse industry economics and regulatory frameworks, draft and negotiate contracts, assemble and evaluate film financing structures, and manage teams and stakeholder communication. For LLM students, advanced legal topics—European business law, dispute resolution and data & technology law—deepen your ability to advise on cross-border legal issues in screen industries. MBA-track modules focus instead on strategic leadership, contemporary economics and audience-focused marketing; students may choose an elective from the other track to tailor their profile.

Practical experience and final research

In semester three you complete a project module that places you in a practical, partner-defined assignment with a company or your employer—applying business or legal knowledge to real industry problems. The programme concludes in semester four with a Master's thesis that lets you pursue a researched solution or analysis relevant to the European film and TV field.

Module structure and requirements (concise)

• Semester 1 & 2 (all students, MBA & LLM)

  • European Film & TV Business: Economic Framework
  • European Film & TV Business: Legal Framework
  • Managing (in) Organisations
  • Contracting Fundamentals
  • Solving the Financial Puzzle
  • Leadership and Communication

• Semester 2 (LLM students)

  • European Business Law
  • Legal Dispute Resolution
  • Data and Technology Law
  • One elective module taken from the MBA track

• Semester 2 (MBA students)

  • Shaping Executive Strategies
  • Contemporary Economics
  • Marketing & Reaching Audiences
  • One elective module taken from the LLM track

• Semester 3 (all students)

  • Project module: practice-oriented project work with corporate partners or your employer; topics defined by partners and focused on business or legal issues in the European film & TV industry

• Semester 4 (all students)

  • Master's thesis

Graduates are prepared for leadership and specialist roles at the intersection of law and business within the film and TV sector. LLM graduates can move into legal advisory roles (rights management, regulatory compliance, dispute resolution) or policy and contractual positions in production, distribution, and broadcasting. MBA graduates are positioned for executive and strategic roles such as business development, distribution management, marketing and audience strategy, and organisational leadership.

The programme’s emphasis on practical projects, industry networking and interdisciplinary skills supports career advancement for experienced professionals seeking promotion within their organisations or a transition into consultancy, corporate partnerships, or international roles across the European audiovisual market.