European and International Law

Programme Title: European and International Law

Description: The European and International Law programme at Saarland University offers students a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the legal frameworks governing Europe and the international community. The programme is designed to provide future legal professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze complex legal issues, interpret treaties and international agreements, and navigate the evolving landscape of European integration and international cooperation. Students will explore key topics such as European Union law, international public law, human rights law, conflict resolution, and comparative legal systems. The curriculum combines rigorous theoretical foundations with practical skills, including legal research, drafting, and analysis, enabling graduates to pursue careers in legal practice, international organizations, policy advisory roles, and academia. Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, intercultural competence, and a strong sense of justice and legal ethics. Courses are taught by experienced faculty members with expertise in European law, international law, and related fields, providing students with valuable insights into contemporary legal challenges. The programme also emphasizes multilingualism and cultural understanding, preparing students to operate effectively in diverse international settings. With access to Saarland University’s extensive library resources and connections to European legal institutions, students have ample opportunities for internships, research projects, and participation in moot court competitions. Graduates of this programme will be equipped to contribute to the development of legal policy, advocate for human rights, and facilitate international cooperation in various professional contexts. The European and International Law programme at Saarland University is an excellent choice for students committed to making a positive impact on the global legal landscape and fostering peace, justice, and stability across borders.

Educational organisation

The Programme
The Master's programme in European and international law constitutes a law-based, postgraduate programme which offers law, business and humanities graduates the opportunity for further studies in European and international law. Possible areas of specialisation are European Economic Law, Foreign Trade and Investment Law, International Dispute Resolution and International and European Protection of Human Rights.

Structure of the LLM
Our one-year Master's programme is divided into two parts; a nine-month study programme over two semesters followed by a three-month period for the drafting of the Master's thesis. The programme can be completed entirely in English, entirely in German or in a combination of both languages. A specific number of credit points will be awarded for completion of almost all of the courses. A total of 45 credit points minimum must be attained during the course of the study programme. 15 additional credit points are awarded after the completion and approval of the Master's thesis.

Specialisation
The programme offers five modules with four specialisation study units, and aims to provide students with great freedom of choice with regard to which courses they wish to attend and complete. The course plan is designed to allow for a choice of courses and lectures unbound by specific specialisations, permitting students to freely choose and compose their LLM subjects according to their own wishes and interests within European and international law.

The study units enable students to specialise in a certain area of law at an early stage in order to streamline their career aims in a market with continuously increasing niches. The specialised courses can only be taken in the winter semester as they span two semesters. Upon successful completion of one of these units, i.e. by gaining a minimum of 12 credit points on courses of a particular unit, the area of specialisation will be displayed separately on the Master's certificate. From the areas of specialisation, a maximum of two may be chosen.

Lecturers
The lecturers at the Europa-Institut ensure a highly practical approach to the programme. In addition to professors teaching at Saarland University, the Europa-Institut hosts guest professors from an array of countries. Included are top EU civil servants from the Commission, Council, Parliament and the Court of Justice, as well as leading personalities from the judiciary, the business world, administration and the political sector. Students are consequently able to establish direct contact with the "makers" of Europe. The geographical proximity of the Institute to the most important European institutions renders regular excursions to, for example, Brussels, Berlin and Strasbourg a natural part of the study programme.

Soft Skills
Skills which complement academic qualifications are gaining increasing importance on the job market and are indispensable to the actual carrying out of a profession; therefore, they are frequently expected by employers. It is for this reason that the Europa-Institut not only offers its students a comprehensive academic education, but also the opportunity to develop soft skills. The Europa-Institut offers its own language courses (German and French, held at the Europa-Institut), the opportunity to partake in moot courts, EUROSIM, Communication Skills Trainings, Advocacy Practice, Application Workshops, and Preparation for the Concours.

Excursions
Regular excursions to various European institutions form a natural and important part of the study programme.

Alumni Organisation
Our alumni organisation EVER e.V. organises numerous events throughout the year and allows access to a widely ramified network of alumni of the Institute, thereby facilitating the mutual exchange of information even after completion of the study programme.

Internships

With the "Job and Internship Pool" website, the alumni association "EVER" helps current and former students of the Europa-Institut to apply for internships at European institutions and international organisations, or at German and international law firms or companies, or to publicise such internships. Job vacancies are also advertised in this way. In addition, the website lists openings that are subject to official application procedures, for which useful guidance is available from designated EVER members.
EVER provides a list of relevant links listing institutions that offer internships which are subject to independent and official application procedures and links to several online job and internship databases. They also offer tips and general assistance with applications.
EVER assists with applications, with establishing the necessary contacts and with the publishing of relevant vacancies. Existing job and internship offers are presented consecutively and updated on a regular basis.
EVER is a non-profit organisation and as such can only provide help and guidance with applications for students and alumni of the Europa-Institut.

Forms of assessment

Oral and written exams, papers and presentations

Course objectives

The Europa-Institut offers a postgraduate study programme that prepares its students ideally for a European and international career. Over 5,000 students from all over the world have graduated from the Europa-Institut over a timespan of more than 60 years. Our graduates hold top positions in European and international organisations, law firms, national governments, and international companies.
The Europa-Institut qualifies as a model programme for European Studies and is actively supported by the German Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the German Federal Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Technology, the European Commission and the "Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft". It distinguishes itself through its high educational standards, and its close contact and regular exchange of experiences with the institutions of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English and/or German skills.

Academic requirements

A university degree in law or in a comparable subject (business studies, humanities) from a German or foreign university
Proof of sound knowledge of German and/or English

Enrolment fees

Approx. 200 EUR per semester, including a semester ticket covering public transport in the Saarbrücken area

Costs of living

About 800 EUR per month to cover personal expenses (incl. accommodation)

Arrival support

We support our students in all matters, not only within the frame of the academic programme, but also in the organisation of their daily life in Saarbrücken. Dedicated and experienced staff members provide specialised study advice as well as counselling and guidance with regard to the visa application process and later on with matters such as finding accommodation, health insurance, matriculation, fees, and financing.
There is an extensive introduction at the beginning of the programme.

Services and support for international students

Own staff, international lecturers and students, practical approach, institute's own library with European documentation centre (possibility for research), tutoring, counselling, language courses, communication training, moot courts, case studies, network of alumni

Accommodation

The institute offers help in finding accommodation. Private agencies and the student services (Studentenwerk) also offer their help.
There are several low-cost accommodation options for staying in Saarbrücken.
Students can either rent a room or an apartment in student accommodation, search for a
room in shared student accommodation or rent their own apartment.