European and International Law Programme at the China-EU School of Law

The China-EU School of Law at the China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing is the only Chinese-foreign law school in China. It was initiated by the People's Republic of China and the European Union in 2008. The school is a unique institution for China-EU legal education, research and training and a platform for dialogue. It offers the Master in European and International Law (LLM) in Beijing, a programme with a unique combination of European, international and Chinese law.

The Master of European and International Law (MEIL) is an intensive one-year programme leading to an LLM degree conferred by the Universität Hamburg. It is a unique programme in its location in Beijing, the composition of the student body of Chinese and international students and in that the programme and its modules are taught by faculty from a consortium of prominent European law faculties.

EUROPEAN, INTERNATIONAL AND CHINESE LAW

In order to understand the functions of law in an economically- and politically-linked world, students become acquainted with principles, regulations and procedures of European and international law. Current issues of law and policy receive special emphasis, as do interdisciplinary features such as economic, cultural and historical facets. All legal aspects are compared to the Chinese legal system. In addition, students can focus on Chinese public and civil law. Thus, students gain a deep insight into Chinese legal culture and tradition as well as the transformative process of civil and administrative law in the People's Republic of China.

OPEN-MINDED STUDENTS

The LLM programme is designed for students with a first law degree, who intend to specialise in European and international law and have a particular interest in China. Participants are carefully selected to create a dynamic and open-minded group representing different cultures. Professional prospects for graduates range from positions at the European Union and international institutions to employment at international companies and law firms.

FLYING FACULTY

The teaching body of the European and International Law programme is composed of permanent European teaching staff in Beijing and a vast body of "Flying Faculty" from 13 European partner universities. All courses are taught in English. Compulsory courses are accompanied by tutorials splitting the classes into smaller learning and working units. In addition to law courses, international students may take Chinese language courses.

As their final examination in the LLM programme, students are expected to submit a Master's thesis. Students who successfully pass all courses as well as their Master's thesis will be awarded an LLM degree from Universität Hamburg. Both programme and degree conform to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and are internationally recognised.

Programme in brief:

• One academic year (two semesters)
• Studies take place in Beijing
• Internationally-recognised LLM degree conferred by the Universität Hamburg
• European and international law with additional courses on Chinese law
• Language of instruction: English
• Professors from 13 prominent European partner universities ("Flying Faculty")
• Internship opportunities with the law school's associates
• Scholarships available

See: http://www.cesl.edu.cn

Educational organisation

The curriculum is composed of four modules of compulsory courses and one elective module, each comprising several interrelated courses. Compulsory modules cover the following topics: Public International Law and Human Rights, European Union Law, European Business Law and International Business Law. Courses within the modules can be found on CESL's website (http://www.cesl.edu.cn). At the end of the Spring Semester, we offer an extensive Moot Court training course in order to enhance students' skills to practice law.

The China-EU School of Law also offers the Chinese Law Taught in English (CLTE) programme for international students and hence includes possibilities for foreign students in the MEIL to choose courses on Chinese law (taught in English). Non-Chinese students may replace first semester courses with up to 6 credit points' worth of Chinese law (CLTE) courses. For international students who seek employment in international and European law, with a specific link to Chinese law, this is a wonderful avenue of study.

Forms of assessment

Modules are followed by course exams. A Master's thesis completes the programme.

Course objectives

WHY A MASTER'S AT THE CHINA-EU SCHOOL OF LAW?
In the past 30 years, China has become one of the world's largest economies with most global companies operating on the Chinese market and expanding their investments. Trade is flourishing in China and the European Union is one of China's largest trade partners. At the same time the Chinese legal system is in a state of ongoing reform and rapid development.

RISING DEMAND FOR EUROPEAN EXPERTS IN CHINESE LAW
As a consequence, demand for legal professionals who combine a high command of European and international law with special expertise in Chinese legal matters is rising. International companies active in China are seeking practitioners with cross-cultural legal expertise and language skills.

EUROPEAN LAW + INTERNATIONAL LAW + CHINESE LAW
The Master's Programme in European and International Law offers the unique opportunity to acquire this highly sought-after legal expertise within an international and challenging environment. Students can choose from a broad range of courses and can specialise in Chinese law as well as in international and European law from a Chinese perspective. Students graduate from the China-EU School of Law with a well-rounded education in European, international and Chinese law.

The LLM programme is taught completely in English. We support students who opt to learn Chinese during their studies.

Language requirements

Applicants must be proficient in English. This can be demonstrated by being a native English speaker, having completed undergraduate studies in English, or by holding a valid TOEFL with a minimum score of 100 or an IELTS 7.0.

Academic requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
(1) Have obtained a law degree (Bachelor of Law, State Examination or equivalent) or be sure to obtain a law degree prior to enrolment
(2) Be proficient in English, demonstrated by being a native English speaker, having completed undergraduate studies in English, or by holding a valid TOEFL with a minimum score of 100 or an IELTS 7.0

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
(1) Passport (copy)
(2) English CV
(3) Secondary school degree
(4) Completed Application Form for the Master of European and International Law (available for download from the website http://www.cesl.edu.cn)
(5) Letter of recommendation, written in English by a professor from a university where the applicant studied. A PDF of the signed letter of recommendation can be e-mailed by the professor to: cesl-master-programme@jura.uni-hamburg.de
(6) Copy of applicant's degree certificate and an English translation
(7) Academic transcript (including the grading scheme) showing the applicant's legal studies and an English translation
(8) Copy of TOEFL or IELTS certificate, or other documents certifying that your undergraduate studies were in English
(9) Completed Financial Statement (available for download from the website http://www.cesl.edu.cn)

Please visit our website for updated information: http://www.cesl.edu.cn.

Costs of living

In addition to rent, living expenses for international students are approximately 2,500 CNY per month. This includes food, books, medical insurance, transportation, and social activities.

Funding opportunities within the university

http://en.cesl.edu.cn/Aademic/Master_of_European_and_International_Law/Tuition_and_Scholarships.htm

Accommodation

International students will be provided accommodation in the dormitory at the International Exchange Centre at the China University of Political Science and Law's Changping Campus. A standard room is shared by four students. It costs approximately 5,250 CNY per person per academic year. Students can also live in an apartment close to campus. A small apartment costs approximately 3,500 CNY per month. A shopping centre, banks, a post office, hotels, and restaurants are all within walking distance of the campus. There is also a shuttle bus to downtown Beijing.