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From Abroad to Potsdam – Incoming

Information on the LL.M. degree

Study Objectives

The Magister legumdegree (LL.M.) is an additional program at the Law Faculty of the University of Potsdam for graduates who have successfully completed legal studies, or their equivalent, abroad. This program is meant to familiarize students with the foundations of German law and impart a deeper understanding of the same. This degree program finishes with the Magisterexamination. The examination assesses mastery of the main features of German law and the student’s ability to perform independent scholarly work in a selected field of German law. After successfully passing the Magisterexamination, graduates receive the academic degree of Master of Law (Magister legum, LL.M.).

The successful conclusion of an LL.M. degree grants especially qualified graduates the opportunity to pursue a doctorate (Dr. iur.) at the Law Faculty.

The Course of Study

The degree takes two semesters to complete, during which a total of at least 20 hours a week must be completed, with the relevant performance records. Students put together their own plan of study and can take any of the courses offered at the Law Faculty each semester. Participation in a seminar is mandatory. Every student has a university instructor as a supervisor during their studies. After the completion of the period of study and presentation of 20 semester hours’ worth of certificates of performance (including a seminar certificate), students are admitted to the Magisterexamination, which consists of a master’s thesis and an oral examination. The examination procedure is supposed to be completed in a subsequent third semester.

Admission Requirements

  • Successful conclusion of a degree equivalent to a German law degree at an institution of higher education outside of the Federal Republic of Germany
  • Sufficient oral and written mastery of the German language
  • Declaration by a university instructor at the Law Faculty that he or she will supervise the applicant  (the applicant must search for a supervisor on their own)

Application

The application to the LL.M. program can take place during the summer or winter semester (because there is no application deadline, please inquire directly at the Law Faculty regarding the application deadline for your materials). 

The semester fee for the LL.M. program is about € 280, including the semester ticket for Berlin/Brandenburg (last updated: November 2015).

The following documents must be submitted:

  • An informal written application to the Dean of the Law Faculty regarding admission to the LL.M. program (including the specification of the semester in which you want to begin)
  • The original and a copy of your university degree transcript (with translation)
  • Evidence of German language skills (see https://www.uni-potsdam.de/studium/zugang/vor-bewerbung-immatrikulation/deutschkenntnisse/)
  • A declaration of supervision from an instructor on the Law Faculty