International Dispute Resolution Laws

The programme offers intensive training for lawyers envisaging a career in the areas of international litigation and arbitration.
The curriculum includes courses such as:

• international commercial arbitration
• investment arbitration
• sports arbitration
• private international law
• international jurisdiction and procedure
• negotiation, mediation, adjudication

The goal of the programme is to provide the academic foundations as well as the practical training needed for outstanding work in the area of international dispute resolution. Therefore, courses are taught in small groups with a strong emphasis on personal discussion and interaction. Classes are complemented by practical training, in which students are instructed in designing dispute resolution clauses as well as in the drafting of legal briefs for arbitral as well as judicial proceedings. Training in the art of oral advocacy will also be provided.

Educational organisation

First semester:

• arbitration (4h/week)
• IDR and international litigation (2h/week)
• choice of law (2h/week)
• specific areas of arbitration (4h/week)
• introduction to academic writing (2h/week)

Second semester:

• ADR methods (3h/week) (mandatory)

Facultative subjects in the second semester (choice of two out of four):

• writing skills for counsel and arbitrator (2h/week)
• oral skills for counsel and arbitrator (2h/week)
• internship I
• internship II

Master's thesis

Internships

Two internships can be completed. Programme advisers will assist students with finding an appropriate internship.

Forms of assessment

First/second semester:

• four written exams in total

Second semester:

• Master's thesis

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills at a C2 level:

• UNIcert III-Certificate with a minimum of 1.3
• UNIcert IV-Certificate with a minimum of 3.0
• IELTS with a minimum of 8.0
• CPE: A-C
• CAE: A
• TOEFL internet based with a minimum of 110
• TOEFL paper based with a minimum of 627
• DAAD language certificate with a minimum grade of "A"

Language certification is not required, if
a) the applicant has studied at a university or college in a country in which English is an official language and the classes at this college or university were taught in English.
b) the applicant only studied in part at such a university or college and obtained a minimum of 20 ECTS credits while studying at those institutions.
c) the applicant attended a school that qualifies its students to enrol at a college or university where the classes were taught in English.
d) the applicant's native language is English. The certificates named above may be substituted by providing a self-assessment of their English language capacity.

Academic requirements

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin welcomes candidates from around the world who have obtained their first law degree with honours. In other words, they have completed the academic, university-based legal education required to take the bar examination in their home countries. Applicants must have obtained professional experience for at least six months, preferably (but not necessarily) in the area of international dispute resolution and must have sufficient command of the English language.

Enrolment fees

297 EUR per semester. Fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in Berlin (subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), street trams, and buses in areas A, B and C).

Costs of living

Approx. 600 to 800 EUR (including accommodation)

Job opportunities

Side jobs for students are common e.g. in law firms, restaurants, or retail

Arrival support

Any questions regarding arrival and getting things set up can be sent via e-mail.

Services and support for international students

International Office Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the Faculty of Law International Programmes Office

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the Student Services Office or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 220 EUR. Private housing can be found on the Internet at: http://www.studenten-wg.de, http://www.WG-gesucht.de, http://www.immobilienscout24.de, http://www.immowelt.de, http://www.immonet.de.