Laws in German Law for Foreign Graduates

The degree programme, which is taught entirely in German, consists of three modules:

1) Foundation module
2) Scientific Methods module
3) Elective module

1) Foundation module: This module consists of the foundation courses in Civil Law and Constitutional Law (both courses include a lecture and a tutorial). You will choose one of these two foundation courses, each of which is taught for a period of two semesters (Foundation Courses 1 and 2).

2) Scientific Methods module: This module, which takes place in the winter semester, consists of a seminar for Master's degree students, in which you will write a seminar paper and give a presentation.

3) Elective module: You will choose three of the following five electives: Civil Law, Public Law, Criminal Law, International Aspects of German Law, and Principles of Law. Two courses are held in the winter semester and one in the summer semester. Instead of the two winter-semester courses, you may study the foundation course (Civil Law 1 or Constitutional Law 1) that was not already completed in the foundation module.

You will write a thesis as part of this programme.

Educational organisation

During the first semester, students are made familiar with the foundations of German Law and legal research. They attend the first part of a foundation course (either German Civil Law or German Constitutional Law; 20 ECTS credits), a research seminar for LLM students (10 ECTS credits), and three further subjects of their choice (approx. 5 ECTS credits each). During the second semester, students attend part two of their chosen foundation course, one further legal subject, and write their thesis (15 ECTS credits). The overall coursework amounts to 60 ECTS credits.

Study abroad unit(s)

There is no study abroad requirement for this programme.
If you wish to study abroad, assistance in selecting scholarship programmes, consultation, and information is offered by the International Office:

International Office
Innstrasse 41
94032 Passau
Germany
Phone: +49 851 509 ext. 1160, 1161, 1162 or 1163
Website: http://www.uni-passau.de/en/international/

Internships

There is no formal internship requirement for students completing this programme.
If you wish to complete a voluntary internship, you are responsible for searching for an internship, clarifying the outline and making all necessary arrangements. We recommend that students complete an internship, as it allows them to gain valuable work experience in a selected occupational field whilst still at university, while at the same time offering them the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills acquired in their studies. This also allows them to reflect upon their career aims and establish contact with potential future employers.
Your primary contact for all employment-related matters is the Careers Service.
For more details, please see: http://www.uni-passau.de/en/careerservice/.

Forms of assessment

Foundation Module: two written exams, of which one has to be passed
Elective Modules: one oral examination per subject
Research Seminar: research paper
Master's thesis
The overall mark is the weighted average ECTS grade of all modules.

Course objectives

Graduates will be able to collaborate with German lawyers in the context of international cooperation. They will have the required knowledge to explain matters of German law to clients in their home jurisdiction and explain their home country's laws to German legal professionals.

Language requirements

Proficiency in German is required at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, evidenced by a DSH-1 or equivalent German language certificate. Students from partner universities are usually exempt from this language requirement.

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

University entrance qualification in conjunction with a law degree equivalent to a German long-cycle undergraduate law qualification at the Master's level (i.e., 'Erste Juristische Prüfung/Staatsexamen' - state examination).

Enrolment fees

The enrolment fee amounts to 70 EUR per semester. This comprises the student association contribution of 52 EUR and the semester bus pass, which costs 18 EUR.

Costs of living

As a bare minimum, you should budget for about 660 EUR per month for accommodation, food, transport and other activities. Your actual expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle. Here is a breakdown of typical monthly expenses:
Rent: 180-350 EUR
Food: 150-250 EUR
Public transport: included in the semester contribution
Books/other: 50-100 EUR

Job opportunities

For international students, a dedicated career adviser is on hand. The iStudi Coach will answer all of your questions about finding work or placements in Germany or abroad.
http://www.uni-passau.de/en/istudi/
Please note that students from non-EU countries must apply for a work permit at the national job centre if they would like to work more than 240 half-days per year. Students from EU member countries do not require a work permit.

Funding opportunities within the university

In general, scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic performance; applicants' financial situations are only taken into consideration to a minor degree and scholarships (especially those from the university) are not usually awarded before the commencement of studies. If you intend to apply for a scholarship while you are still in your home country, please contact the German Embassy or the German Consulate at your earliest convenience.
http://www.uni-passau.de/studium/waehrend-des-studiums/kosten-finanzierung/stipendien/

Arrival support

Twice a year, at the beginning of each semester before lectures start, the International Office holds orientation weeks for new international students. These are designed to help students settle in, make new friends quickly, and get to know important contact people. All international exchange students are required to attend the orientation weeks, and attendance is strongly recommended for international degree-seeking students.
For more details, please see: http://www.uni-passau.de/en/intl-orientation-weeks/.

Services and support for international students

The International Office provides advice, information and assistance. Under the student buddy scheme, each international student is paired off with a German student buddy who helps the international student with all organisational and personal matters.
For more information, please see http://www.uni-passau.de/international or write to international@uni-passau.de.

Accommodation

Most students in Passau live in privately rented flats, often shared with other students. A number of rooms are also available in our halls of residence. Some of these halls of residence are within walking distance of the university and others are more conveniently reached by bicycle or bus. However, all of our halls of residence are less than thirty minutes from the university.
A room on the private market costs about 200-350 EUR a month. Landlords usually require a deposit of one or two months' rent when you move in, which will be returned to you at the end of the rental period, provided you leave your room in good condition.
The International Office can arrange for accommodation for either six months (one semester) or one year (two semesters). However, this service is subject to availability.
Rooms in halls of residence cost 200-270 EUR per month. These are fully furnished, with kitchen and bathroom facilities.
For more details, see: http://www.uni-passau.de/en/study/campuslife/accommodation/.