The Master's programme is a cooperation between Universität Hamburg (School of Law and School of Economics and Social Sciences) and the Institute for European Integration of the Europa-Kolleg Hamburg Foundation.
Courses are held in English only. Participants can choose to write their Master's theses in German or in English.
31 May 2026
Since 1994, Universität Hamburg has been offering a study programme on European integration in cooperation with the Europa-Kolleg. The interdisciplinary Master's programme offers graduates of a first degree in a variety of disciplines the opportunity to understand the process of European integration in its legal, political and economic dimensions.
This is about much more than mere theoretical reflection: it is about enabling students to pursue a successful career in a challenging international working environment – from the European institutions to globally operating think tanks, companies or law firms. A compulsory internship during the course of studies provides initial insights into subsequent professional practice and promotes problem-conscious, solution-oriented thinking.
What makes the Hamburg Master's programme in "European and European Legal Studies" special is not only its multi-perspective approach but also the possibility of living and studying together "on campus". In a way, the campus is a multicultural living room and classroom!
The Master's programme lasts eleven months from September to July of the following year and comprises eleven modules, which are evaluated with a total of 60 credits according to ECTS. The programme begins with three basic modules. In this part of the programme, students are taught the essential legal, economic and political aspects of European integration in a way that is both fundamental and interdisciplinary:
This is followed by in-depth modules. Two optional focal points shed light on the various sub-areas, actors and levels of action of European integration:
The completion of the lecture phase of the winter semester is followed by an academic Master's thesis, for which a four-month period of work is planned.
Between the two semesters, there is time for an internship during the course of studies. This takes place in an institution of the EU, in federal or state ministries, in the economy or other suitable institutions. In addition, excursions to the European institutions in Frankfurt am Main, Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Brussels as well as to the German Foreign Office in Berlin provide further insights into the relevant fields of work.
Upon completion of the programme, students acquire the degree of "Master of Arts (MA)" or, if they have completed a first degree in law and have primarily studied law in the Master's programme, the degree of "Master of Laws (LLM)".
The programme is taught exclusively in English.
There is an additional semester fee of approx. 330 EUR per semester. This fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Hamburg metropolitan area.
Without additional costs for further insurances, private vehicles, etc., you ought to expect the following expenses:
Requirements for admission to the course of studies are:
Applicants who have not received their diploma entitling them to be admitted to an institution of higher education (e.g. school leaving certificate or university entrance qualification) from an English-speaking institution must provide proof of their English language proficiency by submitting one of the following tests (the test should not date back more than three years):
31 May 2026
Are you looking for a part-time job? Stellenwerk, Hamburg's cross-university job platform posts attractive job and internship advertisements every day.
Part-time work, an internship, or self-employment—the Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs (BeSI) advises you on all aspects of social security.
Students from countries outside the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland are subject to special regulations for part-time work when studying. Contact the Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs for more information.
There are several job opportunities in diverse areas of Universität Hamburg. Many of these jobs are offered exclusively to students enrolled at the university. For job ads of this kind, check out departmental bulletin boards, departmental websites, www.stellenwerk.de (wanted ads for Hamburg’s universities), or ask directly in your department.
Are you searching for an apartment or a room? Although affordable housing in Hamburg is rare, please do not despair. Patience and luck will help you find suitable accommodation.
Start looking for accommodation as soon as you can. For more information on how to find accommodation, please visit: Finding accommodation in Hamburg.
For more information on how to find accommodation and how to plan your first steps in Hamburg, please see: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung/doc/willkommen.pdf.
To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.
