Course: German and Comparative Law LL.M
- Law
Our one-year LL.M. programme provides international lawyers with a solid foundation in German and European law while systematically introducing them to the methodology of comparative legal research. In a closely supervised and supportive academic environment, students develop their own research profile in line with their individual interests and are specifically prepared for academic careers in Germany and Europe, work in think tanks, and legal practice in an international context.
The most important facts at a glance
Program Profile
The programme combines solid training in German and European law with an in-depth introduction to comparative legal methods. It is built around three core pillars:
- Acquiring advanced knowledge of German and European law
Students select courses from the wide range of offerings at the Faculty of Law at the University of Regensburg in line with their individual academic interests. This enables them to gain systematic and in-depth knowledge of German law precisely in those areas that are most relevant to their future research projects or professional aspirations. In addition, students have the opportunity to attend free German language courses to further develop their language skills. - Learning and applying comparative law in theory and practice
Alongside their substantive legal studies, students are introduced to the foundations and methodologies of comparative legal research. These methods are not taught purely in abstract terms but are progressively applied in practice: through seminars and smaller research-based formats, students develop their own comparative research questions, present preliminary findings, and deepen their methodological skills in seminar papers and written assignments. Students’ home legal systems often serve as the starting point for comparative analysis. - Academic specialisation and the Master’s thesis
At the culmination of the programme, students undertake an independent and substantial research project in the form of a Master’s thesis. To prepare for this, they are introduced to the core standards of legal scholarship in Germany, including research techniques, modes of legal argumentation, and citation and structuring conventions. Building on this foundation, students independently design and carry out their research project and produce a Master’s thesis with a strong focus on the comparative analysis of a legal issue. The thesis represents the academic capstone of the programme and consolidates the comparative research skills acquired throughout the degree.
Is this the right program for me?
This LL.M. programme is designed for students who have an interest in German and European law and who wish to engage in an in-depth exploration of a new legal system. It is particularly suited to those who enjoy analytical work, are interested in comparing different legal systems, and are keen to approach legal questions from different perspectives.
The programme is especially well suited to students who
- already hold a law degree obtained outside Germany,
- wish to systematically deepen their knowledge of German and European law,
- seek to learn the foundations and practical application of comparative legal research methods, and
- are considering further academic qualification, including the possibility of pursuing a PhD in Germany or elsewhere in Europe.
What makes this program special?
Our LL.M. programme is specifically designed for international lawyers and offers a combination that is rarely found in this form:
- Individual specialisation in German and European law
Students design their own course of study and select the fields of law that genuinely match their interests such as private law, constitutional law, administrative law, or European Union law. This allows them to build precisely the substantive expertise they need for their future research projects or professional careers. - Systematic training in comparative legal methodology
Students are introduced step by step to the principles and methods of comparative legal research. This training is both theoretically grounded and practically applied through seminars, presentations, and smaller research-based formats. - Academic legal research according to German standards
Students learn how legal research is conducted in Germany, including research techniques, legal argumentation, citation practices, and structural conventions. They apply these skills directly in their Master’s thesis, in which they pursue a comparative analysis of a legal question and carry out an independent research project. - Small cohort and close academic supervision
Students study in a small, international cohort and benefit from direct interaction with academic staff. This setting provides regular feedback, guidance, and support in an environment that fosters genuine academic development. - No tuition fees and free German language courses
The programme does not charge tuition fees, and students have the opportunity to further develop their language skills by attending free German language courses alongside their studies. - Excellent preparation for doctoral studies
By combining substantive legal specialisation, methodological training, and an independent research project, the programme provides an excellent foundation for pursuing a PhD in Germany or elsewhere in Europe.
What can I do with this degree?
- The LL.M. as a pathway to doctoral studies
The programme provides the substantive and methodological foundations required for further academic qualification. Through in-depth engagement with German and European law and systematic training in comparative legal research, students are well prepared to pursue a PhD or other advanced research projects at universities in Germany or elsewhere in Europe. - Careers in international or European contexts
A deepened understanding of different legal systems opens up a wide range of career opportunities in international organisations, European institutions, NGOs, think tanks, as well as internationally oriented law firms and companies.
Student Life & Services
Foto: UR / Julia Dragan Requirements
| Admission Restrictions / Selection Procedure | yes |
| Pre-registration Procedure | yes |
| Eligibility Test / Aptitude Test | yes |
| Placement Test | no |
| Subject-Specific Language Requirements | yes |
| German Language Certificate for Students with Foreign University Entrance Qualification | yes |
| Other Requirements | no |
For binding information and the latest updates, please refer to the summary provided by the Registrar’s Office or the applicable examination regulations.
Requirements in Detail
Note:
If the final degree certificate cannot yet be submitted at the time of application, proof of qualification may be provided provisionally in the form of a current certified transcript of records documenting at least 210 ECTS credits. This transcript must indicate the provisional overall grade based on the academic achievements completed to date.
Admission Restrictions / Selection Procedure
A university degree in law or an equivalent qualification obtained in a country outside Germany, with a standard period of study of at least eight semesters (240 ECTS), and a minimum overall grade of 2.5; grades are converted according to the modified Bavarian grading formula.
Eligibility Test / Aptitude Test
Finally, the submitted project outline (maximum 5,000 characters, including spaces) must convince the admissions committee. The outline should describe a proposed plan for the structure of the Master’s studies, including the thematic focus of the Master’s thesis, demonstrate that the project is feasible at the University of Regensburg, and explain how it fits into the applicant’s previous and planned academic and professional development.
Subject-Specific Language Requirements
Applicants wishing to enrol in the Master’s programme “German and Comparative Law” who did not obtain their higher education entrance qualification at an English-language institution are required to provide proof of sufficient English language proficiency at C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This requirement does not apply to applicants who have completed a degree at a German-language institution and have already provided the required language certificate in connection with that degree. Proof of language proficiency must be submitted no later than at the time of enrolment.
In addition, applicants for the Master’s programme “German and Comparative Law” who did not obtain their higher education entrance qualification or their first academic degree at a German-language institution are required to provide proof of basic knowledge of the German language. This proof may be provided either by evidence of language courses (basic courses) comprising at least 120 teaching hours or by proof of German language proficiency at A1 level of the CEFR. If this proof is not submitted at the time of enrolment, enrolment will be provisional and subject to the condition that the proof is submitted no later than by the end of the first year of study.
Important:
By accepting the offer of admission, applicants declare their commitment to acquire passive knowledge (reading and listening comprehension) of the language that is not the language of instruction of the chosen programme at a level corresponding to B2 of the CEFR by the start of the programme.
Application for International Students
Applicants wishing to enrol in the Master’s programme “Deutsches Recht und Rechtsvergleichung” who did not obtain their higher education entrance qualification at a German-language institution are required to provide separate proof of sufficient German language proficiency in the form of the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) with an overall result of DSH-2, or an equivalent language certificate. This requirement does not apply to applicants who have completed a degree at a German-language institution and have already provided the required language certificate in connection with that degree. Proof of language proficiency must be submitted no later than at the time of enrolment.
In addition, applicants for the Master’s programme “German and Comparative Law” who did not obtain their higher education entrance qualification or their first academic degree at a German-language institution are required to provide proof of basic knowledge of the German language. This proof may be provided either by evidence of language courses (basic courses) comprising at least 120 teaching hours or by proof of German language proficiency at A1 level of the CEFR. If this proof is not submitted at the time of enrolment, enrolment will be provisional and subject to the condition that the proof is submitted no later than by the end of the first year of study.
Admission, Application and Enrollment
Foto ©iStock.com/mixetto Academic Advising
Academic Advising
Questions about the course content, subject requirements, the application process and the specific structure of the course will be answered by the
Academic Advising (german version only) (external link, opens in a new window)
Central Department for Course Counseling
The Central Department for Course Counseling (ZSB) supports you in all matters relating to your studies – from choosing a degree programme to completing your studies and graduating successfully.
If necessary, the ZSB will refer you to the appropriate contact persons.