The LL.M. programme is designed for graduates of a four-year or longer law degree from abroad. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the German legal system, legal methods, and the opportunity to deepen expertise in a specific legal field through the master's thesis.

Qualifications and Career Prospects

• Doctorate at a German university
• Companies or law firms with international operations
• Government agencies and public administration
• International organizations or NGOs

Since 2012, the Universities of Göttingen and Nanjing have jointly offered a double-master's programme in Chinese Law and Comparative Law. Two semesters are spent in Göttingen, two in Nanjing – combining German legal methodology with a deep expertise in Chinese law. Graduates receive two degrees: an LL.M. from the University of Göttingen and an LL.M. from Nanjing University.

What's Special

• Joint Double Degree with Nanjing University – one of China's leading law schools
• A cooperation established since 1988 and recognised at the highest political level
• Two semesters in Göttingen, two semesters in Nanjing – a fully international study experience in the heart of China
• Two specialisation tracks: Legal Track (LL.M.) and Sinological Track (M.A.) – open to law and sinology graduates
• Small class sizes, close supervision and a unique interdisciplinary curriculum combining law, sinology, language and Chinese culture

Career Prospects

• Legal practice and consulting in Sino-German or international business contexts
• Positions in diplomatic services, international organisations or NGOs with a focus on China
• Public sector roles requiring interdisciplinary expertise in Chinese law
• Academic research and doctoral studies in Chinese or comparative law

Since 2017, the Faculty of Law at the University of Göttingen has offered the LL.M. in European and Transnational Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (LIPIT). The programme provides an in-depth understanding of legal issues arising from the creation and use of literary or artistic works, inventions, digital information and other intangible assets – covering copyright, patents, trademarks, AI, e-commerce and data protection. With around 45 students and 40–45 lecturers per year, it combines strong academic foundations with direct links to legal practice.

What's Special

• Distinctly international and comparative in nature – solutions from various legal systems examined side by side
• Strong link to practice: many classes taught by experienced attorneys and practitioners using real court cases
• Open to lawyers, engineers, computer scientists, media managers and other professionals from around the world
• Participation opportunities in international conferences (e.g. Cyberspace Conference, CPDP) and moot courts

Career Prospects

• Legal practice in creative and innovative industries requiring IP and IT expertise
• Cross-border enforcement of intellectual property and information technology rights
• In-house counsel roles in technology, media and entertainment companies
• Academic research and doctoral studies in IP, IT or digital law

The Göttingen Master of International Law (GOMIL) is a one-year, postgraduate LL.M. programme designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and global legal practice. Through a unique curriculum where excellent scholars and high-level practitioners teach side-by-side, students gain the specialised skills and mentorship needed to navigate complex interstate relations. Whether your goal is to join the United Nations, a national government, or an international NGO, GOMIL provides the rigorous training and independent thinking essential for a distinguished career in the international legal arena.

What's Special

• Academic excellence at one of Europe's oldest universities
• Unique combination of high-level research and professional practice: core modules taught by distinguished Göttingen professors, electives co-designed with former international court judges, specialised lawyers and leading scholars
• Small, international cohort of 25–35 students from around the world, enabling deep professional networks
• Hands-on learning formats: guest lectures, seminars, excursions to international institutions

Career Prospects

GOMIL graduates go on to careers in a broad range of international contexts:

• International organisations
• National foreign ministries, diplomatic services, and governmental legal departments
• International and domestic NGOs and civil society organisations
• International law firms and private legal practice
• Academic research and doctoral studies