
Adelaide University/ Photo: private
Mannheim/Adelaide Track
The program is unique in that it gives its students the opportunity of studying law from a comparative perspective at a German and at an Australian university. By this, students gain first-hand experience of the different approaches to problem-solving and legal thinking adopted by a classic European legislation on the one hand and by a common-law country on the other. The admission period always starts at March 15 and ends May 31. The admission process requires an online application and documents that need to be sent to the University of Mannheim.
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Who can apply for the Mannheim/Adelaide Track?
Students who have obtained a fouryear law degree (at least 240 ECTS points or equivalent - working experience can be credited towards the required 240 ECTS when a notarized employer's reference is submitted) from a foreign university or have a degree in a related discipline (e.g. business, economics, social and political sciences) if at least 20 ECTS or equivalent were obtained in law classes (or similar which prove the ability to study law).
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What makes the Mannheim/Adelaide Track so unique?
Studying in Adelaide/ photo: private Starting in 1998, the Law Schools of the University of Mannheim (Germany) and the University of Adelaide (Australia) have joined forces to provide first-class legal education in comparative law.
In accordance with their excellent reputation in business law, in 2014 the universities decided to restructure their well-known master's program of comparative law (M.C.L.) into a business law oriented program to be called „Master of Comparative Business Law (M.C.B.L.)„. The restructured program focuses on European and international business law while keeping the comparative perspective alive.
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What makes the University of Adelaide outstanding?
University of Adelaide / Private photo The University of Adelaide was founded in 1874 and is South Australia's oldest university. It enjoys an outstanding national and international reputation in both teaching and research in many fields of study.
Among the University's many distinguished graduates are Nobel prize winner Lord Florey and Dame Roma Mitchell, a graduate of the Law School, Australia's first female QC, judge, University Chancellor and Governor of South Australia.
With a student population of around 16,000, including more than 2,000 students from 70 countries, The University of Adelaide consists of four campuses. The main campus includes the Law School, along with most teaching departments and other central services and is located in the cultural, intellectual and commercial heart of the city of Adelaide. It is adjacent to the State Library, South Australian Museum, South Australian Art Gallery, Festival Theatre, Zoological Gardens and Botanical Gardens, in the parklands which surround the city's business and shopping district.
What does the Mannheim/Adelaide Track offer?
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Fall Semester in Mannheim
University of Mannheim in fall / Photo credit: Elisa Berdica The modules in Mannheim consist of mandatory, intensive and elective courses. The topics of the courses are chosen carefully. They have been put in a logical order, which ensures the development of both academic and professional competences. The mandatory courses have a clearly defined focus on comparative legal methodology and the legal sources, actors and means of action. Whereas these subjects of European and International Law are indispensable for business lawyers and thus mandatory, students can tailor the program to suit their own interests by a respective choice of intensive and elective courses. They cover all main subjects of business law. They allow for depth of study, and their choice ensures the coherence of the competences gained. Without neglecting academic levels, the program pays specific attention to professional applications, particularly through its teaching methods and assignments. To serve this purpose the program strongly relies on a combination of theory and the thorough study and analysis of cases and thus takes advantage of an outstanding and well-developed characteristic feature of German legal education.
Fall Semester in Mannheim
Compulsory Module: Introduction to Comparative European Law
(all students participate in all these courses)
Intensive Module: The Internal Market
(students may choose 2 of the following courses)
Elective Module: European Business Law
(students may choose 2 of the following courses)
Comparative Law I - European Legal Traditions
European Market Freedoms
E-Commerce & Internet
Introduction to European Business Law
European Competition Law
European Tax Law
European Union Law - Institutional Aspects
European Private Law
EU Fundamental Rights
European Legal Thinking: Meet Savigny & his Peers
Cross Border Litigation & Arbitration
Introduction to German Private Law*
Adelaide Guest Lecture
European Infrastructure Law
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Spring Semester in Adelaide
Hub Central/ photo: private The University of Adelaide offers a various amount of Law courses. For more information on the course offering and course outlines, please have a look at their website. Please note that the University of Adelaide does not offer all courses in one calendar year and that they can be subject to change without prior notice.
During their stay in Adelaide, students have to complete 12 units in total which correspond to 20 ECTS in Mannheim In general, this means that they have to register for 4 courses as the majority of courses in Adelaide have 3 units.
All students have to complete 16 courses (8 courses/20 ECTS per semester) in total and are required to pass an examination at the end of each course. With regard to intensive and elective courses they are also expected to make regular contributions throughout the courses and are required to prepare oral and written presentations. In addition, a master thesis (20 ECTS) on a topic of their choice is required.
Which courses can I take in Mannheim and Adelaide?
Relevant Documents
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Accommodation
All international students may reserve temporary accommodation for their first few weeks in Adelaide, as long as it is booked in advance of their arrival. There are a number of residential colleges that are affiliated with the University. Kathleen Lumley College caters primarily for postgraduate and mature-age students. Rental accommodation is also widely available, either on a room only or share house basis, or with a family. All forms of accommodation arrangements, including rental accommodation, can be made through the University's Student Housing Officer upon arrival in Adelaide.
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Counseling Centre
The major services provided by the Counselling Centre are individual, relationship and family consultations, and professional assistance with study problems and other anxieties. Male and female counsellors are available for consultation. All appointments are completely confidential.
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Sport Association
Adelaide Beach / Private photo The Sport Association supports more than 40 clubs, providing a wide range of competitive and recreational sporting activities catering for all levels of ability and interest. Activities range from gliding to tai chi to snow skiing, and instructional classes are run in conjunction with the University's Centre for Physical Health.
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Student's Health
The comprehensive facilities of the Parklands Medical Practice include confidential medical consultations, immunisations, referral to specialists, sexual counselling, contraceptive advice and liaison with other welfare services and University staff.
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Student's Union
The Union brings the student community together by providing the essential non-academic services that make University life enjoyable. Services range from entertainment to clubs and counseling.
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The Postgraduate Student's Association (PGSA)
All postgraduate students are automatically members of the PGSA upon enrollment. The PGSA organizes a range of activities (including social activities) for its members. It plays an active role in the decision-making processes of the University through its representation in the various levels of University committee hierarchy, from the School Board to the Board of Graduate Studies, Academic Board and the University Council. It also plays an important advocacy role for its members.
How does student life in Adelaide look like?
Continue to Lecturers

Tuesday from 10 till 12 and by arrangement