Application, Admission & Language

Application

For further details on the study environment at the hosting Goethe University Frankfurt/Main in Germany please consult the programme's pages at the DAAD - German Academic Exchange Service website.

All applicants apply by filling out the official application form and providing the necessary supporting documentation. The number of available places is restricted. The application deadline is 15th of September.

What to include with your application:

  • CV
  • Evidence of English language proficiency for non-native English speakers (see below)
  • Academic transcripts including final grades (all transcripts or translations thereof must be in either German, English or French)
  • A copy of your passport
  • A statement of interest (with special regard to legal theory)
  • At least one letter of recommendation (with special regard to your legal theory background)

The forms may be submitted as follows:

  • Online-application here
  • Electronic form: scanned by E-Mail to L.Schulz@jur.uni-frankfurt.de or
  • Post to:
    Prof. Dr. Lorenz Schulz, M.A.
    Study Director / Academic Head
    LL.M. in Legal Theory / European Academy of Legal Theory
    Goethe-Universität Frankfurt
    Theodor-W.-Adorno-Platz 4
    60323 Frankfurt am Main
    Germany

For any question concerning the application please contact the Science Manager of the programme:

  • Andrés Santacoloma Santacoloma, LL.M.
    Science Manager
    LL.M. in Legal Theory
    European Academy of Legal Theory
    Goethe-Universität Frankfurt
    Theodor-W.-Adorno-Platz 4
    60323 Frankfurt am Main
    Tel. 0049 06979834353
    e-mail: andres_santacoloma@hotmail.com

Language Requirements

Language of instruction is English. At least passive knowledge of the local language of instruction at the host university and at partner universities offering electives, mobility windows and/or dual degree tracks (e.g. Frankfurt = German, Brussels = French, EUI Florence/Palermo = Italian) is of advantage. There might be additional optional courses and/or extra-curricular activities on offer in the local language of instruction, depending on the choice of optional mobility phases ("mobility windows") spent at other partner universities and semester. However, prior knowledge of these local languages of instruction is not required in order to be able to follow the study programme (a sufficient number of courses in English will be on offer in each semester at each of the potential locations for optional modules outside of Frankfurt); a good command of these additional languages (only) broadens the choice for alternative options.

All non-native speakers must demonstrate their English proficiency with:

  • A test result in the International English Testing System (IELTS, 7 pt minimum) OR
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), internet based test 100pt minimum, with the following minimum section requirements:
    • Reading: 20, Listening: 20
    • Speaking: 20, Writing: 20
  • Any equivalent recognized English language proficiency certificate

Students holding a prior first or second degree with the English language as a medium of instruction do not have to submit such a test report.

Admission

Once you submit your application, you will receive an email acknowledgement. Your application will be passed to the Course Director. The number of places on the course is limited. Admission to the course is based on availability, timely application, qualifications of the applicant and is also subject to the general admission requirements. After successful admission to the course, students must enrol at the host universities within the scheduled dates.

For the Master of Laws in Legal Theory (LLM), the following requirements must be met:

  • Graduates must hold a basic degree in law or a basic degree in another field of study relevant for legal theory (e.g. arts, humanities, cultural, social, political, or economic studies) after a min. duration of 6 semesters (180 ECTS).
  • They must also prove a min. of 1 year professional and/or research experience outside the basic degree programme followed prior to the start of the legal theory master.
  • Applicants who do not have English as their first language must include evidence of English language proficiency (see above).

In addition to the formal admission requirements, ranking is based on candidates meeting the following criteria:

  • Prior knowledge in Legal Theory/Jurisprudence (Publications, Dissertation, Undergraduate work, Master thesis etc, evidence of related lectures during undergraduate studies);
  • Proven academic success;
  • Additional language skills;
  • Extracurricular activities and international experience will also be taken into account.

Reduction of Tuition

There is the option to apply for a part reduction of the tuition from 7.200,00 to 6.000,00 EUR according to the following criteria:

  • Excellence
  • Financial need / poverty

This application has to be justified separately. The candidate can justify the application on the basis of one or both criteria (further documents may be requested by the board).