Program Overview

Introduction to the Humboldt Master of Laws

The Humboldt Master of Laws is a postgraduate program offered by the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of European and German law, reflecting the multi-level structure of the European and German legal system in its international context.

Degree and Study Type

• The degree offered is a Master of Laws (LL.M.).
• The standard period of study is 2 semesters, equivalent to 60 ECTS credits.
• The study type is postgraduate and full-time.
• The teaching language is English.

Semester Start and Admission Requirements

• The semester starts in the winter (October).
• Admission requirements include:
  • A professional degree (240 ECTS credits). Applicants with a 180-ECTS bachelor's degree are also welcome to apply, but they should be aware that having fewer than 300 ECTS in total may limit access to certain follow-up qualifications.
  • Knowledge in non-German law (120 ECTS credits).
  • Practical work experience of at least one year, completed after obtaining the degree and before the application period.
  • English language skills at the B2 level.

Application

• The application period opens on 1 December 2025.
• The application closes on 28 February 2026.

Foundations

The program introduces students to the fundamental principles of European and German law, comparing it to other legal systems. The acquired basic knowledge is deepened in the core areas of private, public, and criminal law, complemented by courses on legal theory and research approaches.

Specialisations

The program offers several specialisations:

• Justice & Security: This module explores current global challenges to justice and security, examining existing legal frameworks and how the law can respond to these challenges.
• Innovation & Transformation: This module is dedicated to the legal framework of innovation in times of global challenges, addressing technology law, intellectual property, data protection, and other areas.
• Law & Society: This module examines current legal challenges in the context of law and society, using an interdisciplinary approach that complements doctrinal legal research with social sciences.
• General: This module allows students to combine courses from the various specialisations and take an individual selection of in-depth courses.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes a core curriculum and specialisations. The core curriculum in the winter semester covers introduction to European and German Law, legal reasoning and legal theory, academic writing and jurisprudence, and research perspectives. In the summer semester, students can choose from the specialisations offered.

Finals

The final requirement for the program is a Master's thesis of 15,000 words.

Student Budget

• The tuition fee for the full program is 15,000 , plus a student union contribution (approximately 355 per semester), which includes a Germany-wide public transport ticket.
• Scholarships and partial tuition fee waivers are available on a competitive basis, but their availability is limited and announced annually.
• The estimated cost of living in Berlin for 10 months is between 10,000 to 15,000 , depending on individual needs.