International Law and Sustainability Leuphana University Lüneburg

• University of Glasgow (Scotland)
• University of the Western Cape (South Africa)
• Università degli Studi di Milano Statale (Italy)
• University of the West Indies (Barbados)

The entire programme is taught in English.

The Master’s programme combines international law and sustainability studies to prepare lawyers for addressing some of the world’s most pressing global challenges. In a time of accelerating climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, human rights violations, and social inequality, the programme explores how legal systems can contribute to sustainable and just transformation.

In the course of two years, students examine how international and transnational legal frameworks can promote sustainability and where current legal approaches need reform. The curriculum encourages critical reflection on the role of international law in achieving environmental protection, social justice, and global equity.

Core areas of study include:

• Public international law and international economic law

• Law of the sea and transnational private law

• Business and human rights

• Theories, concepts, and methods of international sustainability law

Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical research skills while developing intercultural competencies through studying in two academic and cultural contexts. The first year is based at Leuphana University Lüneburg (Germany), focusing on the foundations of international and sustainability law. In the second year, students specialise at one of Leuphana’s partner universities: the University of Glasgow (Scotland), University of the Western Cape (South Africa), Università degli Studi di Milano Statale (Italy), or the University of the West Indies (Barbados).

• Intake: Every winter semester
• Start date: 1 October
• Extent: 120 CP according to ECTS
• Duration: four semesters
• Study places: 25

Applicants with EU degrees: 1 June

Applicants with non-EU degrees: 1 May

Tuition fees vary depending on the partner university students choose for their second year of studies. For detailed information, please visit the programme website.

International Law and Sustainability is a two-year, full-time programme offered jointly by Leuphana University Lüneburg and one of its international partner universities leading up to two LLM degrees upon successful completion. It combines academic study with a strong focus on global sustainability challenges.

In the first year at Leuphana University Lüneburg (Germany), students build a solid foundation in key areas such as international, transnational, economic, environmental, and sustainability law. Courses explore how legal frameworks influence and shape the global sustainability transformation.

The second year is spent at one of the four partner universities – the University of Glasgow (Scotland), University of the Western Cape (South Africa), Università degli Studi di Milano Statale (Italy), or the University of the West Indies (Barbados) – where students deepen their expertise according to the institution’s academic focus.

The programme concludes with a Master’s thesis written at the partner university, allowing students to apply their knowledge to a research topic in international law and sustainability.

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Students spend their second year at one of the four partner universities"

• University of Glasgow (Scotland)
• University of the Western Cape (South Africa)
• Università degli Studi di Milano Statale (Italy)
• University of the West Indies (Barbados)

5,000 EUR

Tuition fees vary depending on the partner university students choose for their second year of studies. For detailed information, please visit the programme website.

You do not have to pay tuition fees for your semesters in Lüneburg. You only have to pay a semester contribution of approx. 450 EUR per semester (subject to change). This will entitle you to receive a semester ticket, which covers public transport in all of Germany. The semester contribution also covers all regional trains in Germany as well as participation in a rent-a-bike programme and free entrance to many cultural events in Lüneburg.

Approx. 900 EUR per month to cover personal expenses in Lüneburg:

• Accommodation: 300 to 450 EUR
• Food: 250 EUR
• Health insurance: 110 EUR (not applicable for EU students)
• Leisure activities, books, clothing: 80 to 250 EUR

Academic admission requirements can be found on the Admission & Requirements website of the programme.

Language requirements can be found on the Admission & Requirements website of the programme.

Applicants with EU degrees: 1 June

Applicants with non-EU degrees: 1 May

No

Students have the opportunity to take up part-time employment alongside their studies. Positions may be available in the city of Lüneburg, within the university itself, for example as student or research assistants, and the nearby city of Hamburg that is offering a wide range of job opportunities in various sectors.

However, please note that Graduate School's Master’s programmes are designed as a full-time courses of study.

Websites and relevant addresses for finding accommodation in Lüneburg are listed on the website of the International Center.

Leuphana's own Career Service offers comprehensive services in various fields of activity involving career and vocational orientation linked to programmes of study as well as the possibility to network with the labour market.

More information can be found on the website of Leuphana's Career Service.

Leuphana's International Center, offers support and advice for the following topics:

• questions about your stay at Leuphana as an international Master's student/doctoral candidate
• your questions as a Master's student/doctoral candidate in preparation for and during your stay abroad,
• acquiring and developing language skills as well as intercultural competencies.

More information can be found on the website of Leuphana's International Center.

Leuphana University Lüneburg is one of Germany's landmark universities for higher education reform and innovation. With about 10,000 students and 160 full-time professors, the university has developed a highly respected academic profile. Today, Leuphana University Lüneburg is regarded as an institution for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, academic organisation, innovation in teaching, and academic transfer.

The mission of Leuphana University Lüneburg derives from the fundamental idea of academic education as enabling an individual to live in a self-determined manner and take part in shaping society. A university for civil society in the 21st century, Leuphana follows the mission of being a humanistic, sustainable, and proactive university.

Leuphana University Lüneburg consists of three organisational units focusing on the needs of different academic constituencies: Leuphana College, which offers specialised and interdisciplinary Bachelor's programmes; Leuphana Graduate School, with its consecutive Master's and doctoral programmes; and Leuphana Professional School, focussing on continuing education and knowledge transfer.

The Leuphana Graduate School encompasses both the Master's and the doctoral programmes of all faculties. Thus, students benefit from a seamless transition between Master's and doctoral programmes as well as from close interaction with students from other programmes and faculties. The model of a discipline-independent graduate school also ensures consistently high-quality standards in study, teaching, and administration.