Who the Distance Learning Course in Corporate Law is Suitable For

The distance learning course in Corporate Law (Master of Laws) is aimed at graduates with legal or business-related degrees who wish to further develop their profile at the interface of law and business. The course is particularly suitable for professionals working in legal departments, law firms, consulting, banks, or human resources, who want to combine legal expertise with practical economic know-how. It is ideal for anyone who takes responsibility for company-related legal matters and wants to specifically prepare for demanding positions such as corporate lawyer or commercial lawyer.

What formal requirements do you need to meet?

To be admitted to the Master’s programme in Corporate Law, one of the following criteria must be met:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 210 ECTS credits and a legal orientation (e.g. business law, jurisprudence).
• First State Examination in Law.
• Bachelor’s degree in economics with at least 50 ECTS in the legal field plus at least 1 year of relevant professional experience.
• For Bachelor’s degrees with only 180 ECTS, relevant professional experience of up to 30 ECTS can be recognised. Alternatively, missing ECTS can be made up through bridging courses.

Personally, you should bring the following competencies:

• Willingness to work independently and in a structured manner in distance learning as well as good self-management skills.
• Interest in legal and economic contexts as well as in solving practical problems.
• Communication and teamwork skills, as interaction with fellow students, lecturers, and working on case studies are part of the programme.
• Initial professional experience in legal or business-related fields is advantageous, especially for contextualising the study content within a corporate setting.
• Discipline, motivation, and time organisation to balance work, study, and possibly family life.

Which topics does the distance learning course in Corporate Law cover?

In the distance learning course Corporate Law (Master of Laws, LL.M.) at PFH Private University Göttingen, you develop advanced legal and economic skills required at the interface of law and corporate management. The curriculum is divided into four semesters and combines business law focal points with soft skills and practical applications:

• Internal and External Accounting: You learn national and international accounting, cost accounting systems, and selected aspects of commercial law.
• Corporate Law: The focus is on partnerships and corporations, including European regulations.
• Shareholder Disputes and Corporate Crises: You deal with procedures, business mediation, as well as restructuring and turnaround of companies based on case studies.
• Accounting and Tax Law: Relevant topics include financial statements, consolidated financial statements according to IFRS, corporate income tax, and value-added tax.
• Elective Areas: You choose two specialisations, e.g. investment management, private equity, mergers & acquisitions, or compliance. Additionally, you take three soft skills modules such as conflict management, outplacement, or recognising and preventing behaviour that is damaging to companies.
• Master’s Thesis: In the final semester, you work on a practical research question and present your results in a colloquium.

By combining specialist modules and soft skills training, you acquire the ability to independently assess legally relevant corporate issues, support restructurings, and professionally manage legal risks for companies. Practical case studies, case analyses and a strong management focus prepare you for challenging roles in the business environment.

How is the process of the distance learning course at PFH designed?

The master’s programme is designed as flexible distance learning and can be completed in three or four semesters depending on your pace (standard period of study: 18 to 24 months). The distance course offers you the following structure and processes:

• Learning platform & digital campus: All study materials, course letters and assignments are available digitally, optionally also in print form. Through the virtual campus you access all documents and participate in courses.
• Flexible module selection: You can decide for yourself which courses and electives you attend. This way you adapt the course to your individual interests and professional requirements.
• Support & advice: Study coaches accompany you with personal counselling appointments, office hours and individual semester planning. Lecturers usually answer specialist questions within 48 hours.
• Self-study phases & exchange: The distance learning course is designed for independent work – supported by digital self-assessment tests, online events and the opportunity to network with fellow students.
• Examinations & tests: Exams are taken online or at one of the study centres throughout Germany. The master’s thesis forms the final examination.

Course start is possible four times a year (January, April, July, October). The online campus can also be used via an app on the move, so you can study with maximum flexibility alongside your job. Offers such as introductory events, workshops on learning software and regular networking rounds promote your study success.

What career prospects and fields of application arise after the Master’s in Corporate Law?

With the Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in Corporate Law you qualify for demanding positions at the interface of law, corporate management and business administration. Typical fields of activity are:

• Corporate Lawyers: You are the internal contact person for legal questions, support contract negotiations and accompany restructurings from a legal perspective.
• Management Consulting: You advise companies and institutions on legal and strategic issues, for example in realignment, reorganisation or mergers & acquisitions.
• Human Resources Departments: You deal with labour law issues, review employment contracts and contribute to compliance with regulations.
• Banks and Insurance Companies: You analyse legal risks, assess contracts and clarify complex issues with a business law background.
• Consulting and Private Sector: Your expertise is sought after in law firms, associations, start-ups and international companies.

The acquired knowledge in business law enables you to comprehensively assess legal matters, develop strategies for corporate crises and work as a consultant for various organisations. The interdisciplinary and international orientation of the master’s degree increases your chances of management positions in business law.

How are the costs and financing options for the distance learning course structured?

The master’s distance learning course in Corporate Law involves monthly tuition fees of 483 euros over 18 months, amounting to a total of 8,694 euros. Additionally, a one-time examination fee of 650 euros is payable upon registration of the master’s thesis.

• BAföG funding: If the study duration is three semesters, it is possible to apply for BAföG.
• Scholarships and PFH initiatives: The university offers partial scholarships and special funding, for example for parents, couples or PFH alumni, which can reduce the monthly fees.
• KfW student loan: The course can be financed via the KfW student loan.
• Tax deductibility: Tuition fees and study-related expenses are tax-deductible as work-related expenses.
• Flexibility in case of payment difficulties: In case of unemployment, illness or short-time work, it is possible to pause the contract.

PFH supports you individually in planning your financing and offers advice on all funding and support opportunities during the course of the distance learning programme.