EULISP: European Legal Informatics Study Programme

The European Legal Informatics Study Programme (EULISP) at Leibniz University Hannover is an innovative and interdisciplinary master's degree designed to prepare students for the rapidly evolving intersection of law, information technology, and digital transformation. This unique program combines legal studies with advanced topics in computer science, data management, artificial intelligence, and digital policy, providing graduates with a comprehensive skill set to address complex legal and technological challenges in a globalized context. EULISP aims to foster a deep understanding of legal frameworks related to digital communication, data protection, cybersecurity, and intellectual property, while simultaneously developing technical competencies in software development, data analysis, and digital jurisprudence.

Students enrolled in the program benefit from a diverse curriculum that integrates theoretical legal concepts with practical technical skills, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative approaches to legal informatics. The program features collaborative projects, internships, and research opportunities in cooperation with industry partners, government agencies, and international institutions, enabling students to acquire real-world experience and build valuable networks across disciplines. Additionally, EULISP encourages a multicultural learning environment through its international student body and curricular collaborations with partner universities across Europe. Graduates of the programme are equipped to pursue careers as legal informaticians, data protection officers, IT and legal consultants, legal tech entrepreneurs, and policymakers working at the forefront of digital legal systems and e-governance. The comprehensive education provided by EULISP reflects Leibniz University Hannover’s commitment to fostering innovation and leadership in the legal and information technology sectors, preparing students to influence the future of law in the digital age.

Educational organisation

The first semester in Hannover is characterised by the intimate atmosphere of a small student group (20 persons at most). Students may choose one seminar and three courses (lectures) from one of the basic modules and four courses from one of the specialisation modules. Optionally, students may also visit other courses. Teaching in small groups quickly creates a pleasant atmosphere which encourages discussions and invites close contact with the tutors.
During the second semester, students will stay abroad at one of our ten European partner universities. Optionally, students may also undertake an internship in their area of specialisation. Finally, students will write their Master's thesis. The topic can be influenced by the students' own proposals.

Study abroad unit(s)

Participants spend the second semester at one of our partner universities:

• Università degli Studi di Bologna (Italy)
• Strathclyde University Glasgow (Scotland)
• Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium)
• Queen Mary University of London (England)
• Université Notre-Dame de la Paix Namur (Belgium)
• Universitetet i Oslo (Norway)
• Lapin yliopisto Rovaniemi (Finland)
• Aristotle University Thessaloniki (Greece)
• University of Vienna (Austria)
• Universidad de Zaragoza (Spain)
• University of Edinburgh (Scotland)
• Pontificia Universidad Católica de Argentina (Argentina)
• Kyushu University (Japan)

The "Double Degree Oslo-Hannover" programme is an programme in which students can obtain two degrees: LLM (Hannover), LLM (Oslo). The study phase at Universität Hannover is followed by a study period at Universitetet i Oslo. It comprises an integrated curriculum, supplemented by a jointly-taught seminar and a final exam (Master's thesis).

Internships

A four-week internship can be completed during the programme. It will be rewarded as a practical module with 3 to 6 ECTS credit points, depending on the working hours per week. Programme advisers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship.

Forms of assessment

All lectures are concluded with exams (as a rule, paper-based); together with the result of the final thesis, their results form the final mark. All partner universities use ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) in order to ensure that the results produced during the stay abroad are acknowledged without difficulty.
For students in Hanover, the EULISP conditions of study and the examination regulations determine how many ECTS points need to be achieved in order to fulfil the admission requirements for the final exam. In total, 40 points from study courses must be achieved; at least 22 ECTS points in Hanover (including 6 ECTS points in a seminar) and 15 ECTS points during the stay abroad. The final thesis is assessed with 20 ECTS points. A minimum of 60 ECTS points must be acquired to successfully complete the course of studies.

Course objectives

The postgraduate study programme aims at conveying theoretical and practical legal knowledge in the field of IT, IP and Media Law. As many legal questions can be answered only with basic technical knowledge, the conveying of technical foundations within the field of information technology constitutes another important component of the course programme, with lecturers who are both scientifically- and practice-oriented.
Furthermore, the expert knowledge gained in the one-year course of studies covers the requirements for the theoretical part of the apprenticeship to become a specialist solicitor in IT Law and therefore offers an excellent opportunity for additional qualification.

Language requirements

First semester in Hannover: German or English
Second semester: English, French, German, Spanish or Italian (depending on the chosen partner university)
Knowledge of language skills can be proven as follows:

• language tests of the special languages centres of the universities or similar tests (for German, also DSH/TestDaF, for English, also TOEFL)
• school reports which demonstrate success in examinations in the respective language
• proof of a 12-month stay in a state where the respective language is spoken

Academic requirements

German first state law examination or other first academic legal degree (at least three years of university studies)

Enrolment fees

Approx. 370 EUR as administrative fee incl. semester ticket (public transport costs)

Costs of living

See: http://www.international.uni-hannover.de/lebenshaltungskosten0.html?&L=1

Job opportunities

There are opportunities to work as a student assistant (Hiwi) or outside the university: http://www.international.uni-hannover.de/jobben_hannover.html?&L=1
Keep in mind that due to the course timetable and workload, it is not advisable to take up employment during the course.

Funding opportunities within the university

Leibniz Universität Hannover offers students the opportunity to obtain scholarships granting exemption from study fees. The criteria for obtaining a scholarship place special emphasis on field-related achievements, and also on university-related accomplishments and extra-mural achievements.
Students of all semesters can apply. Foreign students can also obtain a scholarship. The closing date for applications will probably be 30 September for financial assistance for the winter and summer semester.
http://www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/stipendien/stipendienvergabe/index.php

Arrival support

The International Office offers a variety of services and support for international students.
It helps students in finding suitable accommodation, offers a pick-up service from the airport or railway station, provides newly arrived students with a "study buddy" and helps them deal with administrative issues. Moreover, it organises an orientation week at the beginning of each semester.
http://www.international.uni-hannover.de/

Services and support for international students

For more information, see: http://www.international.uni-hannover.de/

Accommodation

The International Office, in cooperation with the "Studentenwerk" (Student Services), offers an accommodation service for all newly incoming international students and scholars. This free service can help you find a suitable room or apartment. In the case that you don't need your accommodation for a certain period of time, we can try to help you to rent out your room.
Please contact: zimmervermittlung@io.uni-hannover.de