Chinese Law and Comparative Law

Degree Programme: Chinese Law and Comparative Law
Duration: 2 semesters (Full-time)
Language of Instruction: English
Location: Göttingen, Germany

The Master's Programme in Chinese Law and Comparative Law at the University of Göttingen offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the legal systems of China and their interaction with international and European law. This programme is designed for students who wish to develop a profound knowledge of Chinese legal traditions, reform processes, and contemporary legal developments, alongside a comparative perspective that considers other legal systems, especially European law. The programme provides students with the necessary skills to critically analyze Chinese legal institutions, regulatory frameworks, and legal culture, while also examining the broader implications for international relations, business, and legal harmonization.

Throughout the course of study, students will engage with core areas such as constitutional law, criminal law, commercial law, administrative law, and human rights law within the Chinese context. They will also explore key topics in comparative law, including legal history, legal philosophy, and the methodological issues involved in cross-jurisdictional legal analysis. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical skills, with opportunities for internships, seminars, and research projects in collaboration with Chinese legal institutions, Chinese law firms, and international organizations.

The program uniquely combines rigorous academic training with practical orientations, preparing graduates for careers in law firms, multinational corporations, government agencies, or further academic research. Students will benefit from Göttingen's rich academic environment, renowned faculty members specializing in Asian law, and active exchanges with Chinese universities. Language skills development in both English and Chinese is integrated into the programme, enabling students to access primary legal sources and communicate effectively in international contexts.

Graduates of this programme will possess a deep understanding of Chinese legal systems, comparative legal analysis skills, and a global legal perspective. The programme aims to foster not only academic excellence but also international competence, cultural sensitivity, and strategic thinking, equipping students to navigate the complexities of legal issues at the intersection of Chinese and international law. This interdisciplinary and globally oriented Master’s programme prepares graduates for diverse professional paths and academic pursuits in areas related to Chinese law, international law, and comparative legal studies.

Educational organisation

The programme includes introductory theoretical and practical courses on surface and groundwater hydrology, as well as specialised modules on the above topics. The curriculum comprises eight compulsory modules, followed by four advanced modules to be selected from a total of six advanced modules. The course is divided into three semesters of lectures and practicals, followed by one semester during which the Master's thesis is written.

Compulsory Modules
First semester: General Tools, Hydrogeology I, Hydrogeochemistry
Second Semester: Hydrology, Hydrogeology II, Groundwater Modelling and Geophysics
Third Semester: Projects

Elective Advanced Modules:
Third semester: choice between A and B, A and C, or B and C
(A) Systems Modelling and Integrated Water Resources Management
(B) Georeservoirs I and Georeservoirs II
(C) Water Pollution Control & Remediation and Environmental Monitoring

Type of lectures:
Lectures, seminars, field and laboratory studies, software/GIS applications, exercises, field trips and a few block courses during the semester break.

The organisation of the programme is subject to change.

Study abroad unit(s)

Optional: Master's thesis project can be done abroad.

Internships

Optional

Forms of assessment

Types of examinations vary: written or oral exams, project case studies, reports or essays.

Course objectives

The international Master's degree programme "Hydrogeology and Environmental Geoscience" (HEG) at University of Göttingen qualifies professionals for the water resource and environmental technology sector. With a modern, interdisciplinary and international approach to teaching and learning, the course provides state-of-the-art knowledge together with practical skills.

Language requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English are asked to submit proof of proficiency in English.
The following tests and levels are accepted:
a) Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English
b) Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
c) International English Language Testing System (IELTS): at least 6.0
d) Test of English as a Foreign Language (paper-based TOEFL): at least 550 points
e) Test of English as a Foreign Language (computer-based TOEFL): at least 220 points
f) Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet-based TOEFL): at least 80 points
g) UNIcert - Level III
h) CEF (Common European Framework) - C1 certificate
A certificated copy of the official document must be submitted with the application documents.

Academic requirements

Prerequisite for subject relevance of the undergraduate degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) is proof of at least the following components:
Components from the fields of geosciences, chemistry, physics, hydrogeology, geography, geoecology, environmental sciences, mathematics, or biology in an accumulated scope of at least 60 credits, acquired within the framework of a degree programme in natural sciences or in a degree programme in engineering sciences with close affiliation to natural sciences
For applications, please use only the application form which can be downloaded at http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/57178.html

Enrolment fees

Enrolment fees are approx. 300 EUR per semester. Fees include a pre-paid semester ticket which entitles students to use regional trains free of charge within the federal states of Lower Saxony and Bremen, as well as city buses. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee

Costs of living

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books reach approx. 700-750 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. Living expenses might be slightly higher.

Job opportunities

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or work contract.
Numerous research projects at the Centre for Earth Sciences at the University of Göttingen may offer opportunities for student collaboration.

Arrival support

The International Office provides a complimentary pick-up service ("Buddy Exchange Service") from Göttingen railway station to the accommodation. German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks. There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.

Services and support for international students

The International Office assists international students with all administrative questions regarding their stay in Germany, e.g. enrolment, visa, foreigners' registration office, health insurance and financing of their studies. Furthermore, it features a broad cultural programme, e.g. international cultural evenings, language workshops, theatre courses, films, dance classes, theatre and opera visits. Trips to various tourist destinations in Germany are offered throughout the year.
An orientation week is also organised by senior Master's students.

Accommodation

The International Office, in collaboration with the student services organisation ("Studentenwerk"), helps students find adequate accommodation. Many international students live in student residences. These have single apartments or shared apartments with individual rooms. There are also apartments available for couples and families with children.