German-French Business, Labour and Social Law

The Master’s program in German-French Business, Labour and Social Law at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf offers an in-depth, interdisciplinary education designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks governing business, employment, and social welfare in both Germany and France. This unique program emphasizes the comparison of legal systems and promotes cross-border legal expertise, preparing graduates for careers in international legal consultancy, European Union institutions, multinational corporations, and legal advisory services specializing in German-French legal relations. Through rigorous coursework, students gain detailed knowledge of commercial law, labor law, social security law, and related regulatory systems in both countries, fostering the ability to analyze and resolve complex legal issues that cross national borders. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical application, including case studies, moot courts, and internships, to ensure graduates are well-prepared for real-world challenges in international legal practice. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, intercultural competence, and language skills in both German and French, enhancing their ability to operate effectively in multilingual and multicultural environments. The program fosters collaboration with legal experts, academia, and industry stakeholders, offering seminars and workshops that reflect current legal developments and policy debates within the European Union. Graduates of this master's program will be positioned as specialists in an increasingly interconnected legal landscape, capable of providing expert advice within the context of bilateral and European legal harmonization efforts. The program is delivered in German and French, emphasizing bilingual proficiency and legal terminology in both languages, and provides networking opportunities with alumni, legal practitioners, and European institutions. Overall, the Master’s programme in German-French Business, Labour and Social Law at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf represents a pivotal step for students aiming to specialize in cross-border legal issues and to contribute effectively to European integration and transnational legal cooperation.

Educational organisation

The programme comprises 120 credit points. Students are expected to complete credit hours in courses from areas such as cultural sociology and history, media and communication, intercultural and comparative media studies. They will develop an integral command of the methods and techniques pertinent to current cultural and media studies. Special emphasis is placed on independent and self-guided academic research and team projects.
This is a joint degree programme.

Study abroad unit(s)

One semester at the University of Vienna, Austria, and one semester at the University of Nantes, France, for students registered at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf; one semester at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany, and one semester at the University of Vienna, Austria, for students registered at the University of Nantes

Internships

During the third semester in Nantes, France (obligatory) and during the second semester in Vienna (optional)

Forms of assessment

Active participation and documented individual activity (e.g.: papers, short presentations, group presentations), finals and Master's thesis are required.

Course objectives

Students will be given a thorough understanding of the characteristics and development of cultural phenomena and processes in the media with special emphasis being placed on operational levels in the field. They will develop skills in analysing a variety of historical, literary, and cultural contexts. Graduates of the programme qualify for professional opportunities in cultural management, journalism, advertising and public relations, as well as in academia, the media and various aspects of international relations.

Language requirements

A good command of German and French is expected. Continual language courses will be offered. During semester breaks, intensive language training in both languages will be offered at the host university prior to commencing studies. Additionally, profound knowledge of English is considered an asset.

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

Applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Arts or equivalent programme (of at least three years) in fields such as art studies, literary studies, film studies, theatre studies, or related subjects such as cultural history or social sciences with an aggregate mark of at least 2.3.
Applications must be accompanied by a personal statement (not exceeding two pages or 4,000 characters) providing information on reasons for applying and expectations for the Master's programme. In addition, a draft of a scientific project (not exceeding three pages or 6,000 characters) possibly to be implemented in the course of the Master's programme, has to be submitted. Applications in writing have to be submitted electronically as well to: kultur@uni-duesseldorf.de.

Enrolment fees

A semester fee of approx. 280 EUR is required upon registration/enrolment as a student or doctoral researcher. This fee covers transport by bus, tram, and regional trains within North Rhine-Westphalia for the entire semester as well as the use of student facilities.

Costs of living

Students or doctoral researchers should calculate monthly expenses amounting to at least 800 to 900 EUR in order to live in a modest way, including costs for housing, food, health insurance, semester fee, study materials, etc.

Job opportunities

A limited number of campus jobs are available. Students from non-EU countries are permitted to work 240 half days or 120 full days per calendar year without a work permit.

Funding opportunities within the university

During studies at the host university, students receive a monthly scholarship amounting to 250 EUR provided by the "German-French University" (DFH).

Arrival support

Students:
The International Student Orientation Service iSOS is a team of trained student tutors, mostly senior international students who advise and assist international students on various issues such as accommodation, financial aid, laws relating to foreign nationals, etc. However, students are responsible for obtaining their visa and residence permits themselves.
See: http://www.uni-duesseldorf.de/international
E-mail: isos@uni-duesseldorf.de

Doctoral researchers:
Finding your feet in a new country and becoming part of a new (scientific) culture can be difficult. The Heine Research Academies will assist international doctoral researchers in finding accommodation, getting residence permits, financial aid, enrolment process at the university, etc. Please contact us in good time before your arrival and we will help make your research stay at Heinrich Heine University (HHU) a success.
See: http://www.hera.hhu.de
E-mail: hera@hhu.de

Services and support for international students

The International Office (IO) organises iSOS - the International Student Orientation Service (http://www.uni-duesseldorf.de/international) - as an initiative for international students. IO provides information and assistance on other aspects of international exchange. The welcome week helps you get started at HHU, offering intercultural workshops, lectures on Germany's political and educational system, cultural activities, and guided campus and city tours. A tutorial programme is designed to familiarise you with the university system, supporting you in structuring your studies, revising study material, and prepare exams. The buddy programme (Mate-For-You) "matches" new international students to local students with similar interests. All other services of HHU (e.g. language courses, workshops in transferable skills, and career service) are of course open to international students.

The Heine Research Academies will assist international doctoral researchers in all concerns of their research stay at HHU. The Heine Research Academies will help you get connected with other researchers by offering a comprehensive information and networking platform for young researchers at HHU. With a complementary programme including workshops on transferable skills as well as interdisciplinary and subject-specific topics, we promote your individual scientific career.

Accommodation

On-campus student accommodation is available, as is private accommodation near campus. For further information, please check http://www.stw-d.de or send an e-mail to info@stw-d.de.
Depending on the type of accommodation, the monthly rent in Düsseldorf usually ranges from around 220 to 450 EUR for a basic apartment or a room in a shared apartment ("Wohngemeinschaft"). Doctoral students can contact the Heine Research Academies (http://www.hera.hhu.de) for information and support concerning accommodation in Düsseldorf.