Who is the Master's in Contract Law for?

With your Master's in Business Law, you could work as a specialist or manager in insurance companies or in contract management or head of a legal department.

The Master's degree in Contract Law (LL.M.) at IU International University is aimed at graduates of business law or legal studies who want to expand their competencies in contract design, contract management, and business legal issues. The program is particularly suitable for professionals in companies, legal departments, law firms, or the public sector who want to take on tasks in contract management, compliance, legal risk, or as a liaison between law and management. Those aiming for leadership positions in legal or business environments or looking to focus on specialized topics such as cartel law, insolvency law, or legal risk will find targeted qualification in the Master's in Contract Law.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Master's in Contract Law (LL.M., 60 ECTS), the following formal requirements apply:

• Completed undergraduate studies in one of the areas of Business Law, Business Administration with at least 30 ECTS points in the field of law, or any other legally oriented Bachelor's (LL.B.) with at least 240 ECTS points, obtained at a state or state-recognized university.
• Alternatively: A degree conferring the title of "Diplom-Jurist," or successful completion of the first legal state examination under § 5 DRiG.
• At least one year of relevant, qualified professional experience at the time of the start of studies. The professional experience must have been acquired after completing the undergraduate studies.
• Final grade of at least "Satisfactory" (better than 4.0).

For Bachelor's degrees with fewer than 240 ECTS, additional regulations apply:

• 210 ECTS: Access through additional courses totaling 30 ECTS or alternatively through evidence of at least one year of qualified professional experience after completing university studies.
• 180 ECTS: Access through additional course re-registration totaling 30 ECTS and evidence of at least one year of professional experience OR directly with evidence of at least two years of qualified professional experience after completion.
• Professional experience from successfully completed academically accompanied dual studies can be credited if it fits thematically.

If the final grade is "sufficient" (3.5-4.0), admission can be granted by providing additional relevant master's performance (at least 20 ECTS at master's level) or relevant further education (e.g., at DQR-7 level). Exceptions are decided by the university on a case-by-case basis.

Foreign applicants must prove their German language skills with suitable certificates (at least level B2 CEFR) (e.g., TestDaF, DSH, Telc, ÖSD). The certificate must not be older than 5 years.

Personal Requirements

For successful distance learning in Contract Law, you should bring the following personal qualities and prior knowledge in addition to the formal conditions:

• Interest in legal and economic contexts, especially contract design, compliance, and dispute resolution.
• Willingness to learn independently and structured in self-study as well as to use digital media and tools.
• Good ability to express yourself in writing and orally, as many modules are based on written analysis, case studies, or elaborations.
• Practical relevance and the ability to integrate legal issues into operational processes.
• Organizational talent to coordinate studies, work, and possibly family in parallel.
• Openness to new technologies around e-learning, learning AI, and online examination systems.

The program is deliberately designed for professionals and offers maximum flexibility regarding the start and pace of studies. The target group includes both aspiring leaders in legal departments and specialized experts who want to deal with complex contract relationships and their economic significance.

Master Contract Law (LL.M.): Modules and Competencies in Detail

In the Master's distance learning course in Contract Law at IU International University, you will be comprehensively prepared for challenging tasks in contract design and management. The course content is designed for 60 ECTS points and offers you a compact qualification tailored to everyday professional life in just one to two years, depending on the study model. The key contents and focus areas:

• Legal framework for companies in the digital transformation: You will receive an overview of current regulatory requirements that are becoming important in the context of digitization and internationalization.
• Design of complex commercial contracts: In this module, you will learn to systematically analyze, create contracts, and check clauses for effectiveness and enforceability. Practical case studies play a significant role in this process.
• Seminars on tax aspects of contract drafting: You will deepen your understanding of tax implications and compliance checkpoints in contract drafting.
• International Private Law and International Law: Relevant knowledge on cross-border contractual relationships, e.g. for exports, joint ventures, or international M&A.
• Civil Procedure and Conflict Resolution: You will become familiar with typical conflict situations in contract management and methods of extrajudicial or judicial resolution.
• Legal Methodology and Legal Research: This module covers scientific work methods, research techniques, and methods for master's theses.
• Elective module for specialization: You have the opportunity to focus on a special topic, e.g. antitrust law, insolvency law, stabilization/restructuring, or legal risk and contract management.
• Master's thesis: At the end, you will work on a practice-oriented or scientific question to deepen and document your expertise.

The contents are organized in clearly defined modules. During the course, issues are addressed through real business scenarios and contracts, allowing you to directly practice skills for professional application.

How the Master's Distance Learning Course in Contract Law Works

The degree programme is completely digital and offers you maximum flexibility:

• Start of studies: Anytime - you can start according to your schedule.
• Study models: Choose between full-time (12 months), part-time I (18 months), or part-time II (24 months).
• Learning materials: Study materials are available to you as interactive, digital scripts (Interactive Books) plus video lessons, podcasts, quiz questions, and podcasts. You can also receive the content in print.
• Virtual teaching events: Numerous live tutorials and optional seminars enable you to interact directly with professors and fellow students.
• Learning platform and AI support: Manage your studies via the online campus and the Learn app, use the AI-powered learning assistant Syntea, and have access to all relevant learning and management tools at all times.
• Examinations: All examination achievements - such as exams, term papers, and presentations - can be flexibly taken online. Alternatively, you can use examination centres nationwide.
• Free extension: If necessary, you can extend your studies free of charge for up to 12 months.

You decide when to take which module and can adjust your learning pace to your job or family phase. Switching between time models is also possible without complications.

Career Prospects: What Can You Achieve with a Master's Degree in Contract Law?

With this master's degree, you open up wide career opportunities in the legal and business fields:

• Head of Legal Department: Take on leadership responsibilities, review and develop contracts in the company, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and coordinate external law firms.
• Specialist and leadership positions in the insurance industry: Work, for example, as a contract manager and ensure forward-looking risk and contract management.
• Contract Manager: Coordinate contract processes, manage contract portfolios, and support various corporate departments with contractual issues.
• Specialist in functional departments: Apply your legal skills in procurement, sales, compliance, risk management, or business development.

Additional competencies such as specialising in antitrust law or insolvency law make you particularly attractive to international companies and consultancies. Digitalization in contract management offers additional advancement opportunities.

Tuition Fees and Financing Options

The study costs depend on your chosen study model:

• Full-time (12 months): 775 euros per month, total costs: approx. 10,099 euros including graduation fee
• Part-time I (18 months): 575 euros per month, total costs: approx. 11,149 euros
• Part-time II (24 months): 475 euros per month, total costs: approx. 12,199 euros
• Graduation fee: One-time approx. 799 euros at the end of the study

The price includes:

• Study materials (digital & printed)
• Access to the online campus, Learn app, and AI assistance
• Use of library and e-learning offers
• Student support, tutorials, and career coaching
• Non-binding trial month at the beginning
• Free extension of up to 12 months

Financing: Depending on your individual situation, you can take advantage of education funds, instalment payment, or credit models. The fees are often tax-deductible for professional relevance. Discount promotions or the recognition of prior learning can further reduce costs.