Master of Laws in German Law (LLM)

The master’s degree begins in the winter semester (October) and concludes after the summer semester (September).

The degree program consists of 3 study phases. The first phase consists of compulsory introductory modules (10 ECTS). In the second phase, students must successfully complete a required elective area (35 ECTS credits) chosen from 5 areas of concentration. The master’s thesis (15 ECTS credits) is completed in the third phase.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• have an undergraduate law degree with at least 240 ECTS credits from a foreign university
• be able to prove sufficient proficiency in the German language to participate in the course and pass the required examinations
• have demonstrated a high level of academic performance in the previous degree that successful completion of the LLM program can be expected

• copy of all university diplomas earned and the relevant academic transcripts with individual grades

• translation of these certificates in German or English

• Proof of German language proficiency (must not be more than three years old) 

A list of all recognized language certificates can be found at the following link:  https://www.uni-hamburg.de/campuscenter/bewerbung/international/studium-mit-abschluss/sprachkenntnisse/deutschkenntnisse.html  

• tabular curriculum vitae

• indication of your preferred specialization

• letter of motivation

1.      What title will I have on graduation from the program?

You will be awarded a master of laws (LLM) from the Faculty of Law at Universität Hamburg.

2.      How long is the program?

The regular period of study, including all exams and the master’s thesis, is 2 semesters.

3.      Will studying this degree give me an overview of German law?

The program does not aim to provide an overview of the entire legal system but rather looks to offer an exemplary immersion in a subarea of the law. This ensures that your interests are met and that you are provided with a high degree of specialized expertise. As a subarea can be chosen: Civil Law, Labor and Social Law, Commercial Law, Public Law or Criminal Law.

The following specialisation will to be introduced in the 2026/27 academic year: International Private Law.

4.      How is the degree program structured?

Students start the first semester with 2 introductory modules (a total of 10 ETCS credits), which are identical for all. These begin in the orientation week in order to prepare students for the elective courses. Students begin attending the first courses in their chosen elective area in the first weeks of the semester (winter semester, 20 ECTS credits). The study of this elective area continues in the second semester (summer semester, 15 ECTS credits). In this semester, students also write their master’s thesis (15 ECTS credits), which must be thematically relevant to the chosen elective area.

5.      When do the applications close?

The application period is from 01.05. until 15.06 of each year.

6.      Where do I send my application?

The application is made exclusively online and via the Campus Center. More information can be found at: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/campuscenter/werbung/information-online-werbung.html and https://www.jura.uni-hamburg.de/studieninteressierte/jurastudieren/werbung.html 

7.      Can I also apply via uni-assist?

No, the application runs exclusively through the Campus Center (see No. 6).

8.      Can I submit supporting documents (e.g., language certificates) later?

No, this is not possible. Please submit all documents, also language certificates, latest till 15th July of the respective year.

9.      Do I have to submit certified copies of my diplomas?

No, degrees can be presented in plain copy but have to be translated either in German or English.

10.   Do my diplomas have to be checked by uni-assist?

No, the application is only online and via the Campus Center (see No. 6).

11.   Do the application documents need to be submitted in person?

No, the application is only online and via the Campus Center (see No. 6).

12.   Which language certificates are accepted?

Proof of German language proficiency – A list of all recognized language certificates can be found at the following link: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/campuscenter/bewerbung/international/studium-mit-abschluss/sprachkenntnisse/deutschkenntnisse.html 

Language certificates must not be more than three years old.

13.   Does the University offer language courses that provide the certification required?

No, the languages courses at the University are only available to enrolled students.

14.   Is preliminary/conditional admission possible if I only have a B2 language certificate?

No.

15.   Do I have to find a supervisor for my thesis before I apply?

No, you will be referred to a professor from the faculty depending on your chosen specialization.

16.   Is the program full time?

Yes.

17.   Does the faculty offer scholarships for this program?

No. However, scholarships may be available from other organizations, such as the DAAD.

18.   Do I need to be enrolled at Universität Hamburg during the course of my studies?

Yes.

19.   How much is the semester contribution?

You can find more information on this at the following link: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/campuscenter/studienorganisation/studienverlauf/beitraege-gebuehren/semesterbeitrag.html. 

20.   Can I start the program in the summer semester?

No, the program only starts in the winter semester.

21.   How many ECTS credits can I earn?

You have to earn 60 ECTS credits.

22.   Is there a preparatory course offered as part of the degree program?

Yes, in the first semester, students are required to take two introductory modules that prepare them for the courses in the elective areas.

23.   Do I have to write a master’s thesis?

Yes, you must write a master’s thesis at the end of the degree program.

24.   Can I start a doctorate with the Faculty of Law after completing the LLM?

The program satisfies the conditions you must meet in order to enroll for doctoral studies. Contact us for more detailed information.

25.   Does the degree improve my professional chances in Germany??

Supplementing your foreign degree with the LLM offers you the opportunity to improve your access to the German labor market and may increase your employment chances. The specialization you gain meets the requirements of subsequent employment. The degree does not provide access to the regulated legal professions.

26. Is it possible to study part-time?

Yes. Please contact us for more information. General information on part-time studies can also be found at: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter/studienorganisation/studienverlauf/teilzeitstudium.html.

• Informationen (PDF, german)
• Informationen (PDF, english)
• Schaubild Studienablauf (PDF, german)
• Satzung der Universität Hamburg zur Sicherung guter wissenschaftlicher Praxis  (PDF, german)
• Prüfungsordnung für den Studiengang „Deutsches Recht (LL.M.)“ (PDF, german)
• Antrag auf Nachteilsausgleich (PDF, german)
• Antrag auf Anrechnung von Studienzeiten, Studienleistungen und Prüfungsleistungen (PDF, german)
• Nachweis der Prüfungsunfähigkeit für Modulprüfungstermine (PDF, german)
• Bevorzugte AG-Platzvergabe an Studierende mit Kind (PDF, german)
• Bevorzugte AG-Platzvergabe an Studierende mit Pflegeaufgaben (PDF, german)

examination dates 2023/2024 (PDF, german)