IT and IP Law (LL.M)
(Master of Laws)

A hand holds an electronic pen and writes with it. © Juristische Fakultät Hannover
© Juristische Fakultät Hannover

Profile

Course type
Postgraduate studies (Master, international double degree)
Standard Course Duration
2 semesters
Course Start
Winter semester
Language of Instruction
German, English
Language Requirements

German HZB: none
International application:
Instruction language German - German C1
Instruction language English - English skills (see the admission regulations)
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Special Requirements

An above-average exam or a comparable foreign qualification as well as sufficient language skills for the stay abroad

Admission
Restricted admission
International

Stay abroad obligatory.

Short Description

The LL.M. course in IT law and intellectual property law is a one-year postgraduate course within the European Legal Informatics Study Programme (EULISP) leading to the academic degree of Master of Laws (LL.M.).

A special feature of IT law is that it is concerned with a globally almost uniform development in information technology, is primarily cross-border by nature, and has a lasting influence on national legal systems in all EU member states due to progressive harmonisation at the EU level. Specialised lawyers can thus look forward to an international field of activity. Many major law firms have established dedicated departments for IT/IP law and are seeking lawyers for them. The need for lawyers specialising in these areas is continuing to grow in both the private and public sectors.

The degree programme caters for this by teaching the key aspects of IT law while paying particular attention to the fundamentals of European law. At the same time, practising lawyers are involved in the teaching so that the requirements of the labour market for young IT lawyers are met. An integral part of the one-year course is a stay at one of the eight EULISP partner universities.

Course Content

  • Computer criminal law
  • Data protection law
  • E-commerce law
  • Foundations of IT
  • Foundations of IT Law under European and international law
  • Intangible property rights such as copyright law and patent law (related to IT)
  • Media law
  • Telecommunications law
Course Structure

The degree programme in IT and IP Law is a one-year (two-semester) course, which students should complete within this period.

The first semester, which takes place in Hannover, begins at the start of September. Face-to-face classes and examinations in Hannover finish in mid-December, just before the Christmas holidays. More information about the modules and courses offered can be found under “Living and studying in Hannover” and “Courses”.

Students spend the second semester at one of the 8 EULISP partner universities, starting in January or February, depending on their choice of study location. The one-semester stay abroad is a fixed component of the study programme and may not be completed in Hannover. The study abroad period usually ends in April or May.

The remaining time is then spent preparing a Master’s thesis (between the beginning of February and the end of July, 26 weeks preparation time in total). Students are free to decide where they wish to prepare their Master’s thesis, whether in Hannover, at the partner university or in their home town or country.

Recommended Abilities
  • Language skills, particularly German and/or English
  • An interest in IT/IP law
  • An interest in international exchange
Career Opportunities

Qualified lawyers with a Master of Law in IT and IP Law can work in numerous areas specialising in IT/IP law. This professional field is growing in importance, particularly in our current digital world.

Admission requirements and application

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree in a related field of study, such as

The exact admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations: 

Application Deadlines

First-year students

  • Double Degree Programme with Oslo University

    Students have the opportunity to achieve two LL.M. degrees in one year. The study phase at Leibniz Universität Hannover will be followed by a study period at Universitetet i Oslo. It comprises an integrated and modularised curriculum, supplemented by a jointly-taught seminar and a final exam (master thesis).

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Zentrale Studienberatung
Address
Welfengarten 1
30167 Hannover
Building
Zentrale Studienberatung
Address
Welfengarten 1
30167 Hannover
Building