International Programmes 2023/2024

Master of Laws (LLM) in International Law – GOMIL LLM in International Law (GOMIL)

University of Göttingen • Göttingen

Degree
Master of Laws (LLM)
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

Participants can choose to write their Master's theses either in English or in German.

Mode of study
Hybrid
Programme duration
2 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline

31 May

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
3,900 EUR
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

Göttingen Master of International Law (GOMIL) is a postgraduate programme designed to provide a deeper understanding of legal rules and standards of interstate relations, thus preparing students for careers involving international law and policy. The programme encompasses not only the exploration of theoretical foundations of international law but also the critical examination of numerous real-life examples and case studies illustrating the practical application of its rules and principles. The programme encourages and supports the development of independent thinking, a vital skill in the dynamic realm of international law.

Course organisation

In order to gain your LLM degree, you will have to obtain at least 60 ECTS credits, of which 20 credits will be awarded for the completion of the individual Master's module. This involves the preparation and writing of a Master's thesis. The remaining 40 ECTS credits can be obtained by completing a sufficient number of group study modules. In particular, there are four mandatory modules, namely:

Public International Law (8 credits), International Economic Law (8 credits), International Criminal Law (8 credits), Colloquium (4 credits)

In addition, students must successfully pass two optional modules (each of which is worth 6 ECTS credits). The selection of optional modules can change slightly from year to year, but usually at least five or six of the below-listed modules are offered:

Environmental Law and Policy, Human Rights, Migration and Asylum Law, International and Commercial Arbitration, Transitional Justice, Law of International Organisations, Law of the Sea, Moot Court, Summer School

A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • Specialist literature in other languages
  • Courses are led with foreign partners
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Pace of course
Instructor-led (Specific due dates for lectures/assignments/exams)
Phase(s) of attendance in Germany (applies to the entire programme)
Yes, voluntary
Types of online learning elements
  • Online sessions
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
3,900 EUR
Semester contribution

Fees are around 400 EUR per semester. The fees include a prepaid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains in Lower Saxony and city buses in Göttingen free of charge. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
Fees: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee
Semester ticket: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/16432.html

Costs of living

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 850 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age.
For further information, please see the following link: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/54664.html.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Each year, the Faculty of Law provides several scholarships amounting to partial or sometimes even full tuition waivers. In order to apply for such a scholarship, it is enough to indicate your interest in the appropriate part of the LLM application form.

Academic admission requirements

Our admission requirements are a Bachelor's or higher degree in law, political science, international relations or another related subject plus one year of relevant professional experience. Since our students come from various countries with different grading systems, we do not formally require that you achieved a particular average grade in your previous studies (e.g., British first-class honours), but your grades will certainly constitute an important criterion in the process of evaluation of applications.

Though our most typical applicants are law graduates, we also welcome applications from graduates from other disciplines as a way to ensure the diversity of backgrounds, skills, and experiences leading to fruitful and mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and ideas. If your previous field of study was not law, we may ask you to provide a short explanation of how your studies and/or professional experience are relevant to the specialisation of this Master's programme.

If you are still finishing your Bachelor's studies or have less than one year of professional experience when applying to GOMIL programme, it will not impede your application. It is only important that you complete your studies and have one year of professional experience before the beginning of the programme.

The professional experience requirement can be fulfilled through various practical activities, including internships and traineeships. For example, German law graduates' practical training ("Referendariat") satisfies this requirement. However, if a practical activity constituted a mandatory part of your Bachelor's programme, it cannot be counted as professional experience. In certain cases, admission can be granted to applicants with professional experience of less than one year. If you are not sure whether your studies or practical experience satisfies the programme's admission requirements, please contact us before submitting the formal application.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of sufficient English language skills, for example, TOEFL PBT score of at least 550 points, TOEFL iBT score of at least 80 points, or IELTS score of at least 6 points. Other kinds of proof may also be accepted. These are the minimum scores ensuring that your application is not automatically rejected. At the selection stage, the admissions committee usually prefers applications with higher scores.

Application deadline

31 May

Submit application to

Please contact: lipit.admissions@uni-goettingen.de

Possibility of finding part-time employment

The Law Faculty has built up a network of contacts with a number of law firms, companies, organisations, and authorities that might be interested in accepting our students and graduates as interns or employees from time to time. We cannot guarantee that you will be accepted as an intern or employee by any of these partners, but we can advise you on which law firm, company, or organisation might best suit your interests and facilitate your coming into contact with them.

A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de.

Please note that restrictions may apply depending on your scholarship or visa. Employment of non-EU students is subject to special regulations.

Foreign applicants should note that it is not easy to find a job to finance their studies, as German students are also searching for jobs. Some proficiency in German may be indispensable for many typical student jobs. Non-EU students are permitted to work for a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

Accommodation

Higher or lower accommodation costs can make a big difference in the total living expenses. Therefore, it is recommended to start looking for a room or apartment as soon as possible. If you apply early, you can get a room in one of the student dormitories, which is usually the cheapest option. A dormitory room can cost around 200 or 300 EUR. By contrast, on the private market you are likely to pay around 300 or 400 EUR for a room in a shared apartment and 500 EUR or more for a private apartment. This makes dormitory rooms very popular, so waiting lists are usually rather long. Thus, it is best to apply for a dormitory room at least half a year before the beginning of your studies in Göttingen: https://www.studentenwerk-goettingen.de/en/studentenwerk-goettingen-student-accommodation.

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen to find accommodation in Göttingen and serves as a point of contact for queries. The service works together with the private market in Göttingen and the Student Services ("Studentenwerk"). As the number of accommodations in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.
For further information, please see the following link: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/617883.html.

Career advisory service

The Career Service of the University of Göttingen offers individual support to facilitate your successful transition from the academic to the professional world — whether you want to work in Germany or abroad. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific "Career Impulse Sessions", workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme in “Building International Careers” as well as digital career tools and a virtual community for international employment opportunities: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/292.html.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Specialist counselling
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The International Office provides a complimentary pick-up service ("Buddy Exchange Service") from the Göttingen railway station to the accommodation. German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks.
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/49307.html

There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/196392.html

Study Buddy programme (https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/112395.html) as a part of the Integration and Diversity project at Göttingen University (InDiGU)
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/108275.html

University of Göttingen

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Aula © A. Ilyuk

University of Göttingen – Committed to Excellence

Founded in 1737, the University of Göttingen is a research-driven university of high international standing. It is renowned for its diverse range of academic disciplines, research-oriented teaching, and outstanding scientific environment in which more than 40 Nobel laureates have studied, taught, or pursued their research. Currently, 28,500 students are enrolled at the University of Göttingen, 15 percent of whom are international students.

Variety of study programmes
The University of Göttingen offers a vast variety of academic programmes for undergraduate and graduate studies. Internationally renowned expert researchers teach in more than 40 academic disciplines. More than 40 full-time undergraduate and graduate programmes are taught entirely in English. Two international fast-track MSc/PhD programmes prepare students for unique careers in scientific research. Additionally, a growing number of double degree programmes with prestigious international universities are available.
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/3811.html

Guidance, supervision, and study conditions
Students are given comprehensive advisory and supervisory support in all phases of their studies. Since advice and guidance are crucially important for the successful outcome of a university career, the University of Göttingen is constantly improving and extending its performance in this area.
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/47239.html

Excellent library
The Göttingen State and University Library (SUB Göttingen) maintains a top position among German academic libraries, with a holding of over nine million books, journals and other media and offering a broad range of services for study and research. The library plays a leading role in a large number of national and international projects involving the optimisation of literature and information provision as well as the establishment and development of digital research and information infrastructures.
https://www.sub.uni-goettingen.de/en

Alumni worldwide
As a member of the alumni network, you will continue to be part of the international "University of Göttingen Family" even after you have finished your studies. The Alumni Office currently connects more than 40,000 alumni from all over the world and provides them with current information and ongoing projects at the university and in the city of Göttingen. In addition, the alumni association offers various events and services for students and alumni related to careers and networking. One such initiative is their workshop series called "alumni4students," where you will have the chance to contribute your expertise.
https://www.alumni-goettingen.de/

www.uni-goettingen.de/international-students

13 Percentage of international students at the University of Göttingen
725 Partnerships with leading research institutions all over the world

University location

Göttingen – a good place to live and study

Göttingen, with a population of approximately 130,000, is a city where tradition and innovation complement one another perfectly. The excellently preserved timber-framed houses in the historic quarter and the University of Göttingen with its 28,500 students create a lively atmosphere that would be hard to find elsewhere.

The university departments and buildings are mainly located on two campuses and are within easy walking or cycling distance from each other. Accommodation for 4,500 students and excellent canteens run by the student services organisation ("Studentenwerk") allow for a high quality of life at a low cost.

The university cooperates closely with non-university research institutes in Göttingen. Together, they form the "Göttingen Campus" – an alliance of cutting-edge research institutes. This includes four Max Planck Institutes and the Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Lower Saxony as well as the German Primate Center and the German Aerospace Center. The Göttingen Campus has created an environment of openness in which students at all levels (Bachelor's, Master's or PhD) as well as experienced researchers can develop fresh and innovative ideas. Numerous scientists and scholars from the non-university research institutes lecture at the university, and joint professorial appointments create bridges between the university and campus partners. This structure supports the reputation of the University of Göttingen as one of the most successful research-oriented universities in Germany.

Situated in the geographical centre of Germany and Europe, Göttingen has excellent travel connections: Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt are only a two-hour train ride away. But you don't have to go that far to take a break; Göttingen itself offers many options for recreational activities. The city boasts three theatres and a symphony orchestra. Many cinemas, cafés, and pubs provide numerous opportunities to meet like-minded people and enjoy yourself. Alternatively, you can play an active role in the student union, which sponsors many cultural and recreational events. Last but not least, the city and the university offer a variety of activities for sports enthusiasts. The "Hochschulsport Göttingen" (University Sports Centre) is one of the biggest in Germany and offers a wide range of disciplines and gyms for members of the Göttingen Campus. More than 150 different sports with an indoor pool, climbing centre, fitness studio, and several outdoor sports fields are offered at an extremely reasonable price.

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