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

English

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.

15 March 2026

Tuition fee for the whole programme: 11,200 EUR

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.

• The programme regularly features international lecturers from partner universities and academic institutions abroad.
• Visiting professors and guest lecturers bring expertise from different jurisdictions and legal cultures, enriching the comparative and international dimension of the programme.
• Courses taught by international lecturers provide students with first-hand insights into foreign legal systems, international practice, and current global legal developments.
• This diverse teaching faculty ensures that students benefit from multiple academic perspectives and are well prepared for careers in international and European legal contexts.

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.

5,600 EUR

Tuition fee for the whole programme: 11,200 EUR

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

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.

Proficiency in English, demonstrated by a TOEFL score of 90 or IELTS 6.5. Equivalent evidence may be accepted on a case-by-case basis with special justification. Applicants who speak English as their native language or have successfully completed a university degree offered in English are exempt from this requirement.

15 March 2026

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