For legal professionals who want to make an impact
LL.M. in International Law, Politics and Economics
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Learn not only to interpret laws, but also to understand how they are made, their economic impact and what makes them politically viable. This prepares you to shape decisions where law, politics and economics intersect.
German Science and Humanities Council Accreditation
The German Science Council is Germany’s leading advisory body on science policy. It advises the Federal Government and the state governments on matters relating to the substantive and structural development of the higher education system and evaluates the performance of universities and research institutions.
EBS Universität is institutionally accredited by the German Science Council. This accreditation confirms that EBS meets the high quality standards required of a German university in terms of teaching, research and organisation. As part of the comprehensive evaluation process, the university’s academic profile, research output, staff structure and strategic development are examined, amongst other things.
2
semester
60
ECTS
7,870 €
/ semester
Full-time
English
Start Fall Term 2027
Berlin
Applications open shortly
In the meantime you can reach us directly or request the information pack.
Our pledge
For legal professionals who want to shape decisions
You know how to interpret legal rules, build persuasive arguments and assess complex issues from a legal perspective. But in international decision-making, the legal answer is often only the beginning: Which political interests are involved? What are the economic consequences? And how can a viable solution be put into practice?
While many LL.M. programmes examine international law primarily through a doctrinal lens, this programme goes further. You combine law, politics and economics and use these perspectives to develop strategies for real-world decision-making.
The LL.M. is designed for legal professionals who want to take on responsibility in international organisations, ministries, diplomatic services, think tanks, associations, companies, consultancies or law firms specialising in regulation and public policy.
Your benefits
Study internationally – no German required Teaching and examinations are conducted entirely in English. No knowledge of German or German law is required. In an international cohort, different legal traditions, experiences and perspectives come together.
Three perspectives, one integrated approach You analyse legal options, understand political interests and assess economic consequences. This enables you to evaluate international issues holistically and contribute to well-founded decisions.
Career prospects across the public and private sectors The programme prepares you for more than roles in ministries and international organisations. Law firms, companies and consultancies also need legal professionals who understand regulation in its political and economic context – including trade, energy, public procurement, sanctions, security and defence.
Berlin: where politics becomes practice Ministries, embassies, think tanks, associations and NGOs are located close to one another in Berlin. The city offers numerous opportunities for professional exchange, networking and entry into an international career.
In the LL.M., you work on cases in which legal, political and economic interests converge. Guest lectures, fireside chats and practical projects connect you with experts from diplomacy, ministries, international organisations, law firms and consultancies.
You develop skills in negotiation, crisis management and leadership and learn to translate complex analyses into persuasive recommendations. This enables you not only to assess international decisions from a legal perspective, but also to understand how they arise, evaluate their consequences and develop viable solutions.
What this looks like in practice
A typical week shows how closely knowledge, practical application and personal development are connected throughout the programme.
Monday: Sustainable Peace
The session begins with a central question: Under what conditions can lasting peace be achieved? After preparing different theoretical approaches, you analyse a specific conflict scenario in small groups. You then discuss the legal framework, political interests and economic consequences of potential solutions.
Tuesday: Security Law
A case at an international border crossing raises questions of international humanitarian law, IT law and the law governing intelligence services. You clarify responsibilities, balance security interests against fundamental rights and develop a well-founded recommendation.
The session then turns to academic practice: How do you conduct research and build arguments at an international level – and how is artificial intelligence changing this work?
Wednesday: Skills and Fireside Chat
In the skills course, you develop competencies ranging from project management to diplomatic strategy. During the first study block, topics include academic research and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
In a fireside chat with a diplomat, you gain insights into international negotiations, political decision-making and the day-to-day work of international missions.
Thursday and Friday: Independent Study and Feedback
The second half of the week provides time for independent study and preparation for the next thematic block. Accompanying tutorials give you individual feedback on your work.
Study programme structure
What you will learn on the LL.M. in International Law, Politics and Economics
Description
Regular Track60 ECTS
The programme is structured around six blocks spread over two semesters. Thanks to a wide range of optional modules, you have the opportunity to tailor the programme to your individual interests. In total, you will choose five specialisation modules and four skills modules during the course. In addition, there are three core modules and your thesis.
2 Semester
60 ECTS
1. Semester detail
The first semester consists of three core modules worth 18 ECTS. In addition, you can choose 12 ECTS from the specialisation and skills modules as you wish.
Advanced International Politics (Core)
6
Advanced International & EU Law (Core)
6
Advanced International Economics (Core)
6
Multipolar Security (Specialisation)
3
Human Rights & Democratic Regression (Specialisation)
3
Trade Wars (Specialisation)
3
Onboarding & academic skills (Skill)
3
Project management (Skill)
3
Policy Entrepreneurship (Skill)
3
AI & complexity Thinking (Skill)
3
2. Semester detail
The second semester comprises your thesis, worth 15 ECTS. In addition, you can choose 15 ECTS from the specialisation and skills modules as you wish.
Thesis module
15
LPE of International Crime (Specialisation)
3
Regulating critical raw materials (Specialisation)
3
LPE of Energy (Specialisation)
3
Sanctions and Export Controls (Specialisation)
3
China and the EU/EU external relations (Specialisation)
3
Law and the digital Economy (Specialisation)
3
Demography & migration (Specialisation)
3
LPE of Cyberwar and arms trade (Specialisation)
3
Policy Strategy & Diplomacy (Skill)
3
Crisis management (Skill)
3
Leadership (Skill)
3
Receive non-binding and concise information on everything you need to know to make your study decision.
You learn from academics and practitioners who not only analyse international developments but also help shape them in their professional work.
The programme is led by Prof. Dr Matthias Goldmann, LL.M. (NYU), Chair of International Law at EBS Law School. The faculty’s areas of expertise include international law and political economy, empirical legal methods, complexity thinking, digital democracy, diplomatic strategy and policy entrepreneurship.
Legal doctrine is often guided by the past. We teach law in a forward-looking perspective. Our students learn the skill of acquiring new skills tomorrow.
Prof. Dr. Matthias Goldmann, LL.M. (NYU), Academic Director
By the end of the programme, you will have developed capabilities that are needed wherever legal expertise alone is not enough. You will be able to analyse complex problems, structure decision-making processes, develop implementation strategies and communicate persuasively in discussions and negotiations.
Your career may take you across different sectors – from a law firm specialising in regulation to a consultancy or industry association, and ultimately to a ministry or international organisation.
Attaché in the diplomatic service
As an attaché, you help prepare negotiating positions, report on developments in the host country and support official delegations. Formulating a position requires an understanding of the legal framework, political interests and economic consequences.
Legal Secretary at the Court of Justice of the European Union
As a legal secretary, or référendaire, you work in the cabinet of a Judge or Advocate General in Luxembourg. You analyse proceedings and help prepare decisions. Cases frequently concern the internal market, competition or regulation – areas in which law and economics are closely connected.
Policy Analyst at an international affairs think tank
You prepare research and policy recommendations on issues such as sanctions, trade or security, supporting ministries, parliaments and the media. This requires the ability to explain the law while assessing what is politically achievable. Several leading think tanks are based in Berlin.
Associate at a law firm specialising in regulation, sanctions or energy law
You advise companies on how sanctions packages, procurement rules or market regulations affect their business. These practice areas have grown rapidly because political decisions can have an immediate financial impact. Law firms need professionals who understand both dimensions.
Policy Adviser at a business association in Brussels, London or Berlin
You follow legislative processes from the initial proposal to the final vote and represent the interests of an industry throughout the process. In this role, you help shape rules before they come into force.
Location
Berlin: where law, politics and economics meet
Berlin offers direct access to the institutions and networks in which political positions are developed, international interests are negotiated and regulatory decisions are implemented. Ministries, embassies, political foundations, industry associations, think tanks and NGOs are all within easy reach of the study location.
Institutions such as the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, the German Institute for Human Rights and the Jacques Delors Centre illustrate the city’s thematic and institutional diversity.
At the same time, you learn why European decisions have an impact far beyond Europe. From data protection and artificial intelligence to supply chains, climate policy and sanctions, European rules influence companies, institutions and markets worldwide.
Selection process
Admission requirements and application
This LL.M. is designed for law graduates who want to connect law, politics and economics, shape international decisions and take on responsibility in organisations, ministries, law firms or companies.
Admission requirements
You need a completed law degree worth a total of 240 ECTS. This may be an LL.B., a master’s degree, the German State Examination or an equivalent qualification from your country. At least 30 ECTS must have been completed in foundational law subjects. You also need English at C1 level, demonstrated by TOEFL, IELTS or an equivalent certificate.
Recognition of professional experience Up to 60 ECTS may be recognised based on your professional experience. Each application is assessed individually.
For international applicants German law does not play a significant role in the programme, and no knowledge of German is required.
You can apply for compensation of disadvantage if you think you might be at a disadvantage in the selection process due to a disability or a significant long-term health condition. This could include special support, extra time to complete tasks or other reasonable adjustments to the selection process.
Individual selection interview
In the interview, we evaluate your motivation and social skills. The decisive factors are performance and learning motivation, as well as communication skills and willingness to act in a socially responsible manner, in addition to your own initiative and drive.
After the selection interview, you can expect to hear back from us with a final decision within one week.
High-quality teaching is at the heart of our programme. For the LL.M. in International Law, Politics and Economics study programme at EBS, you need to plan for the following investment:
Total tuition fees: 23,088 euros (For two semesters, including all fees)
First intake bonus: Reduction of tuition fees by a total of 3,148 euros* for enrolment by 31 March 2027 for the fall term of the same year
*In order to receive the bonus, enrolment (signing of the study contract by the applicant) must be completed by the specified deadlines. As our selection process takes time, we recommend submitting the application at least one month before the respective deadline.
Financing your studies We aim to make the programme accessible to all outstanding applicants, regardless of their financial circumstances. Your academic performance, motivation and personality are what matter. A variety of financing options is available, and combining several forms of funding may be the most suitable approach. Explore our scholarships and study financing options to find the solution that best meets your needs.
Choosing a course of study is a big decision. It has a strong influence on the whole life that follows. Often studying involves leaving home and is the first step into an independent life of one’s own.
