I knew I wanted to start a career in business that is also related to law, so the Master of Laws program was the perfect addition to my qualifications. What I find most intriguing about the program is its interdisciplinary character: by looking at many different areas where law and business administration overlap, you are trained to think out of the box. Apart from that, small groups and a broad range of elective modules are its main assets. This enabled me to specialize in the fields that I was most interested in, and, by taking the opportunity to spend a semester abroad, to gain international experience, as well. With this set of skills, your career prospects are nothing but stellar!
Program facts and information
Degree: Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Standard period of study: 4 semesters (2 years)
ECTS credits: 120
Languages of instruction: German and English
Language requirements: German and English; for further information see "Admission requirements and selection"
Program start: Fall semester (September)
Academic calendarSchool: School of Law and Economics, Department of Law
Semester fee: EUR 169 (more information)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: EUR 1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: EUR 650Program overview
The Master of Laws program, with a period of study of two years, was introduced in the fall semester 2011. It is offered by the Department of Law in cooperation with the Business School, both of which are regularly ranked at the top. It trains students at the University of Mannheim to a high standard in law and business administration and economics.
The program has a modular structure. It consists of one mandatory module in Law as well as one elective module in Law and one in Business Administration/
Economics respectively. In the third semester, students can choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities. Instead, they can also choose to attend lectures in English (in the fields of business and economic law and/ or business administration and economics) or participate in courses that teach key competencies. A master’s thesis is required to complete the program. The program is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach. It is based on a curriculum that not only teaches the basics of business and economic law while maintaining a level that corresponds to a master’s degree, but that is also tailored to the requirements of the labor market. During your studies, you can focus either on Tax and Accounting or on Human Resources, allowing you to develop an individual profile. Both areas are always explored from both a legal and a business perspective.
Why study the Master of Laws program at the University of Mannheim?
The Master of Laws program is one of the few two-year master's programs in Law taught full-time at the university level in Germany. With the Department of Law’s focus on business and economic law in research and teaching and the Business School’s outstanding courses, the University of Mannheim offers students with a bachelor’s degree in Law excellent opportunities to acquire additional qualifications.
By selecting labor and tax law as the program’s focus subjects, the Department of Law has responded to private sector demand for specialized employees. In the past few years, demand for lawyers with additional qualifications in business administration and economics or business economists with sound legal knowledge has significantly increased. Previous graduates’ successful careers testify to this development.
The University of Mannheim, which has one of the most beautiful campuses in Germany, provides excellent study conditions. The Department of Law has, once again, been ranked highly in the latest CHE University Ranking. It did especially well with regards to teaching, and received top grades in eleven of the 19 categories, including “overall study situation”, “organization of studies”, “teacher support”, and “career orientation” (take a look at the rankings).
Career opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Laws program can choose between many different professions and are particularly sought-after for positions that combine law with business administration.
If they specialize in Tax and Accounting, they are particularly qualified to work as tax advisors or auditors.
If they specialize in Human Resources, jobs with staff-related activities are a perfect fit for them. They often work in HR departments or as human resources officers.
Required interests and skills
- be interested in economic and legal questions relating to tax and accounting or human resources,
- be interested in economics and business administration,
- have good analytical skills,
- enjoy debating and be able to argue well,
- be able to work independently and in a structured manner,
- be committed to the program and self-disciplined.
Program structure
Module catalog
The module catalog, which is only available in German, gives you an overview of the courses and their content.Studying abroad
The Department of Law has a large and comprehensive network of partner universities around the world, and can advise you on planning a period of study abroad. The ideal point in time to spend a semester abroad is the third semester. If you want to spend more than one semester abroad, it is also possible to integrate a longer period of study abroad into your program. Please contact the international coordinators at the Department of Law for further advice. Even though spending a semester abroad is optional, it is taken into account in the regular degree plan.Internships
According to the examination regulations, students do not have to do an internship during their studies. However, we recommend you to complete an internship during the semester break. The Department of Law helps you find suitable companies through the Career Network of the University of Mannheim and by publishing internships related to the program on the website of the Department of Law. It is possible to write your master's thesis while interning with a company. Your thesis supervisor will be from the University of Mannheim and will cooperate with your supervisor at the respective company.Sample course schedule
This is how your course schedule for the four semesters could look (only available in German).Continuing Education
Certificate programs
Strengthen your potential, deepen your knowledge, find solutions for challenges we will face tomorrow – there are many good reasons to think outside the box, get to know and try out new things even during your studies.At the University of Mannheim, you can do this in the “Studium Oecologicum” which focuses on sustainability. In our certificate program, you will acquire interdisciplinary expert knowledge which can help you to act ethically and to make holistic decisions.
Language courses
Making language learning easier: No matter if you want to learn Japanese, Hebrew, Spanish or Norwegian, take the Graduate Record Examination Test (GRE), The European Language Certificates (telc) or the TOEFL test – each semester, the University of Mannheim offers language courses and language certificates in more than 16 languages for students and non-university members, online and on campus!Doctorates
Students who wish to earn a doctorate from the University of Mannheim must have completed their master’s program with a final grade that meets the admission requirements. They must also find a supervisor.
Doctoral programs and opportunities at the Department of Law
General information on doctoral studies at the University of MannheimAdmission requirements and selection
In our selection process, we take numerous criteria into account. For more details, please check the selection statutes (see below). Be bold! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need advice. We are looking forward to receiving your application!
Admission requirements
If you have not yet completed your bachelor’s degree, you may still apply for a master’s program as long as will provide a proof that you have obtained at least 135 ECTS credits.
- Completion of a program in Law and Business Administration or Economics at a German higher education institution or abroad, corresponding to at least 180 ECTS credits or a standard period of study of three years
- with at least 100 ECTS credits in Law and at least 40 ECTS credits in Business Administration or Economics,
- or a program in Law
- or a program in Business Administration or Economics with at least 16 ECTS credits in Law,
- or a program recognized by the admissions committee with at least 16 ECTS credits in Law
- Proof of proficiency in English (may be submitted by 15 August)
- Proof of proficiencyin German
Selection criteria
- The final grade or for students still completing their degree – the preliminary grade average of the bachelor's program
- Letter of motivation (maximum of two pages in German)
- Relevant vocational training or professional activities in a recognized vocation as well as special previous experiences, practical activities, voluntary services or extracurricular activities and qualifications
Selection statutes
Under “Admission requirements and selection” we have compiled the most important selection criteria of the program for you. For more detailed explanations of the selection process and the legally binding requirements of the degree program, please refer to the selection statutes.- Completion of a program in Law and Business Administration or Economics at a German higher education institution or abroad, corresponding to at least 180 ECTS credits or a standard period of study of three years
Application
