The curriculum in the first semester provides an overall introduction to public international law, international economic law and international criminal law. For the second semester you may choose your own specialisation in international law.

First Semester

In winter, you attend weekly lectures accompanied with small group tutorials headed by research fellows. Additionally, the development of the master thesis starts already in the winter semester and is closely supervised in the colloquium with constant feedback on your current state.

Second Semester

During summer, you deepen your knowledge in international law in Electives. Each Elective is uniquely designed specifically for the GOMIL program, providing students with excellent, up-to-date insights into current developments in international legal research, complemented by essential practical insights. Electives range from Human Rights over International Arbitration to the Law of Armed Conflict as well as International Environmental Law.

Moreover you continue writing your master's thesis aiming at a submission in September. To guide your academic process the Colloquium offers you support and a space to exchange throughout the year.

In order to gain your LL.M. degree, you will have to obtain at least 60 ECTS credits.

Core modules (12 ECTS)

You must successfully complete two out of three core modules. To allow you to get a broad understanding of international law you may attend all three of them.

  • Public International Law (6 ECTS)
  • International Economic Law (6 ECTS)
  • International Criminal Law (6 ECTS)

Electives (24 ECTS)

You have to pass four elective courses (each of which is worth 6 ECTS). The list of available elective courses can change slightly from year to year. The Electives are taught by leading academics and practitioners (lawyers and former judges). To ensure small study groups and interactive engagement the number of Electives you can choose is limited to four.

These modules have been offered so far:

  • Human Rights
  • International and Commercial Arbitration
  • Law of Armed Conflict
  • Settlement of Disputes
  • International Law and Sustainable Development
  • ICC and International Criminal Tribunals
  • Environmental Law and Policy

Moreover, we anticipate to offer soon:

  • Law of the Sea
  • International Law and the EU and the Law of EU External Action
  • Moot Court
  • Migration and Asylum Law
  • Studies in post-colonialism
  • International Organisations

Please note that not all of the courses listed will be offered.

Thesis & Colloquium (24 ECTS)

To complete your studies you have to write and submit your master's thesis (20 ECTS). You have to come up with a topic for your thesis which must relate to international law. In addition, you have to pass the research colloquium (4 ECTS), which covers two semesters. The Colloquium guides you in the drafting and submission process together with your supervisor.


Winter Semester (WiSe)

Public International Law
+ Tutorial (6 ECTS, 3h)
International economic Law
+ Tutorial (6 ECTS, 3h)
International economic Law
+ Tutorial (6 ECTS, 3h)
Colloquium (4 ECTS, 1h)
Master Thesis (20 ECTS)

Hours describe the average weekly duration of the courses.
* two of the introductory couses have to be completed successfully.
** four electives courses have to be completed successfully. The exact elective courses will vary each year.