International Studies in Intellectual Property Law

During the semester at one of the partner universities, the international and European frameworks for the different areas of law are the focus of interest, as is the national intellectual property law of the respective country. The semester in Dresden consists primarily of courses in German Patent and Trademark Law and Competition Law as well as Copyright Law and Media Law, all within the context of European Law.

Educational organisation

The one-year programme is divided into four parts. During the winter semester, students can choose to study at one of the partner universities in Krakow, Exeter, London, Prague, Seattle, Strasbourg or Szeged. An internship of four to six weeks follows. The summer semester is spent at the Technical University of Dresden. Lastly, students have to complete a final thesis (July to September).

Study abroad unit(s)

Students spend their winter semester abroad at one of the partner universities in Krakow, Exeter, London, Prague, Seattle, Strasbourg or Szeged.

Internships

In February and March, students studying in Krakow, Exeter, London, Prague and Szeged complete an internship of four to six weeks at a public authority, company or law firm that specialises in intellectual property law in Germany or abroad. Students studying in Prague can take part in an internship programme through a partner university. This internship can be done in either a law firm, a court, with public authorities, or with other entities related to Intellectual Property Law.
Students studying in Strasbourg and Seattle do not need to complete an internship due to the practical orientation and extended length of the studies there.

Forms of assessment

Final thesis, colloquium, course examinations

Course objectives

Degree: LLM Intellectual Property Law (Magister Legum)

Language requirements

For the semester in Dresden, non-native speakers of German are required to provide evidence of their German language skills: e.g. TestDaF (TDN 4x4) or DSH 2
Evidence of language abilities in the language of the relevant partner university:

• For studies in Exeter: TOEFL, minimum 90/100 pts (Internet-based test) or IELTS, minimum 6.0 (Internet-based test)
• For studies in London: IELTS, minimum 6.5 (Internet-based test)
• For studies in Strasbourg: proof of very good language skills is sufficient (no test required)
• For studies in Prague: students should have at least basic knowledge of Czech, good language skills in English
• For studies in Krakow: basic language skills in English and Polish
• For studies in Seattle: very good language skills in English, TOEFL
• For studies in Szeged: TOEFL, good language skills in German and English

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

Master or Bachelor of Laws, "Erste Juristische Prüfung", or any other equivalent degree

Enrolment fees

The enrolment fee is currently about 260 EUR per semester and includes a semester ticket, which entitles students to use public transport in and around Dresden and regional trains within the federal state of Saxony. Additionally, it offers benefits (e.g. price reductions) for many cultural and leisure activities in Dresden.
The enrolment fee for the semester abroad is reduced to approx. 80 EUR.

Costs of living

The cost of living varies according to personal needs and preferences. However, about 700 EUR per month represents an average budget for a student in Dresden, including expenses for accommodation, food, items of everyday life, and insurance.
(This figure is relatively low compared to other big German cities.)

Funding opportunities within the university

The law firm Lippert, Stachow & Partner in Dresden offers a supplemental scholarship for the period of study in Dresden.
Students from Poland or the Czech Republic should apply for a scholarship from the Gesellschaft der Freunde und Förderer der TU Dresden e.V. (about 300 EUR per month for the period in Dresden).

Arrival support

The university provides counselling via e-mail and personal appointments regarding all matters related to arrival and living in Dresden. Guided campus tours are provided, as are welcome receptions. These receptions give new students the opportunity to meet other students and professors.
For PhD students and researchers, the Welcome Center also provides additional support services concerning visa issues, finding suitable accommodation, etc.

Services and support for international students

TU Dresden International Office offers a tutor network that helps new international students organise their studies. All international freshers are invited to an introduction day at the beginning of their first semester. They will meet their tutors on this day.
Furthermore, the International Office's cultural office and various student initiatives provide a plethora of social and cultural activities each semester (guided city tours, trips in the region and to other cities in Germany or neighbouring countries, language tandems, etc.).

Accommodation

Accommodation is available either via the Studentenwerk Dresden or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 280 EUR.
Private housing can be found online. We recommend moving into a hall of residence at the beginning of your stay in Dresden and later finding a place on the private market or in a shared apartment, known in German as a "Wohngemeinschaft".