Law of the Sea and International Environmental Law (LoSIEL) University of Hamburg

The "Law of the Sea and International Environmental Law (LLM)" Master’s programme (LoSIEL) at Universität Hamburg offers a unique programme in the field of international law of the sea and international environmental law. This exclusive programme is aimed at legal graduates who intend to pursue a career in national and international organisations or an academic career.

The programme spans one year and consists of two semesters in which students earn 60 credit points (ECTS). Instruction is conducted entirely in English. The curriculum includes modules on general international law as well as specialised units on international law of the sea and international environmental law, complemented by comparative law modules and those focusing on regional actors. A highlight of the programme is the close connection between theory and practice. Students benefit from courses taught by international law experts, judges of international tribunals and practitioners. To apply, candidates must hold a first qualifying degree in law and provide proof of English language proficiency. The programme is expected to be offered additionally as a double degree in cooperation with the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, giving students the opportunity to complete part of their studies in the USA.

The Master’s programme provides a solid academic and practice-oriented foundation, preparing graduates for demanding legal roles worldwide.

The Master's programme lasts 12 months from October to September of the following year consisting of six compulsory modules as well as the Master's thesis, totalling 60 ECTS credits.

The semester begins in the winter semester with an orientation unit on methodology, academic work, and legal traditions (1 CP). The programme itself begins with the module “Public International Law” (4 CP), which serves as the foundation for the subsequent modules. This is followed by the modules “International Law of the Sea” (15 ECTS) and “International Environmental Law” (15 ECTS), which cover the central topics of the programme.

In the summer semester, two additional modules (each 5 ECTS) are to be taken: "Regional Actors" and the comparative unit "Interrelations and Differences".  These modules focus on regional actors, particularly the European Union and regional fisheries management organisations as well as the interrelation between environmental law and international law of the sea, in particular regarding climate change. The Master’s programme concludes with a Master’s thesis (15 ECTS), which is written in the second semester. A processing time of four months is allocated for the thesis.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A first qualifying degree from a higher education institution in the field of law amounting to 240 credit points (LP); and
• Proficiency in English (details below)

Selection is based on the following criteria:

• Result of the first professional qualification degree with 240 credit points or the result of the first professional qualification degree along with additional above-average achievements in the field of the programme
• Proven prior knowledge in the field of international law of the sea or international environmental law (e.g. through specialisations during studies, practical internships, or relevant scientific publications)
• "Letter of Motivation" (written explanation of the choice of study and career goals)

The number of participants in the Master's programme is limited to a maximum of 25 students per year.

There is a semester fee of approx. 380 EUR per semester. This fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Hamburg metropolitan area.

Without additional costs for further insurances, private vehicles, etc., you ought to expect the following expenses:

• housing: approx. 400 to 700 EUR per month
• living expenses: approx. 500 to 700 EUR per month

Are you looking for a part-time job? Stellenwerk, Hamburg's cross-university job platform posts attractive job and internship advertisements every day.

Part-time work, an internship, or self-employment—the Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs (BeSI) advises you on all aspects of social security.

Students from countries outside the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland are subject to special regulations for part-time work when studying. Contact the Counselling Centre for more information.

There are several job opportunities at Universität Hamburg. Many are offered exclusively to students. Check out departmental bulletin boards, websites, Stellenwerk, or ask directly in your department.

The Career & Qualification Centre supports students and graduates of Universität Hamburg in planning their career path and acquiring interdisciplinary professional skills. It offers consultation on career goals, assistance with job searches, continuing education opportunities and networking to facilitate the transition from university to the working world.

Are you searching for an apartment or a room? Although affordable housing in Hamburg is rare, please do not despair. Patience and luck will help you find suitable accommodation.

Start looking for accommodation as soon as you can. For more information on how to find accommodation, please visit: Finding accommodation in Hamburg.

For more information on how to find accommodation and how to plan your first steps in Hamburg, please see: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung/doc/willkommen.pdf.