European Technology Law – Master of Laws (part-time)
AI, Autonomous Robots, AR, Big Data, Digital Twins and the Internet of Things challenge the legal system just as much as the legal system influences how innovative ideas must be designed, tested and launched to succeed in the market. Understanding both legal and technological terminology and concepts is key to turning technical innovation into reality. That’s why we have created an interdisciplinary master's programme combining methods and content from law and technology. The programme includes research-oriented theory and practical projects to develop future skills.
The Master's degree course is aimed at German or international graduates who have obtained their first degree either in law or in informatics/software engineering and seek to explore the interaction of law and technology. The part-time program caters to young professionals who need to balance studies with their current career. It is equally attractive for foreign students who want to spend a year on campus and engage in further academic activities, such as research or language training.
AI, Autonomous Robots, AR, Big Data, Digital Twins and the Internet of Things challenge the legal system just as much as the legal system influences how innovative ideas must be designed, tested and launched to succeed in the market. Understanding both legal and technological terminology and concepts is key to turning technical innovation into reality. As innovation and products freely circulate within the European Digital Market the courses have a strong focus on European law.
Our Master of European Technology Law provides a unique opportunity for achieving interdisciplinary competence. It lays the foundations for law and technology in two separate tracks
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Lawyers will become acquainted with algorithms, data science and coding
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Data professionals will be introduced to basics of legal methodology, contract and tort law.
Joint classes for all students provide a unique opportunity to learn about and discuss current issues with leading scholars and your peers.
What to expect
- Key areas: Our fields of technology cover Smart Factories, Platform Business Models, Logistics, Smart Farming and Smart Cities
- Open-minded: All courses are focussed on the European Digital Single Market.
- Interdisciplinarity: Staff and students are mixed groups of lawyers and data professionals. Industry based workshops enhance the practical application and value.
- Small learning group: The program admits a maximum of 25 students.
- Adapted to your needs: The program includes a thorough assessment phase dependent on the respective background.
- Part-time: Based on a reliable part-time schedule (almost only Thursdays and Fridays) the program can be combined with your current career.
- Flexibility: We want to see you on Campus! But we offer hybrid formats if a class does not fit your schedule.
- Career prospects: The Master of European Technology Law prepares graduates for careers in international law firms, as in-house lawyers, in IP and IT-departments as well as in technology industries.
Graduates of the part-time Master's degree course in EU Technology Law gain a broad-based qualification for future high-tech activities. Especially if you want to actively shape the digital transformation in your company, this program represents a tailor-made qualification in terms of lifelong learning and continuous professional development.
In-depth knowledge, critical thinking and problem solving opens new opportunities in the job market. The Master of European Technology Law prepares graduates for careers in international law firms, as in-house lawyers, in IP and IT-departments as well as in technology industries
The European Legal Studies Institute (ELSI ), the interplay between law and technology is a high priority, as can be seen by the close cooperate with our colleagues from the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science & Physics as well as the Osnabrück branch of the German Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), which will host our lecture series on law& technology. Additionally, partner companies & law firms will open their doors to our students for exclusive workshops, merging the theoretical with the practical.
Regulations
Every degree has sets of regulations which govern access, admissions, examinations and the structure of the program. More concrete information on the structure of the program is provided here:
The suggested time frame is three semesters.
All classes are offered during the first two semesters and will be scheduled on Thursdays and Fridays (and Saturdays in exceptional cases) to allow students to balance their studies with their current career. The third semester is reserved for the master’s thesis, but individual adjustments may be made.
The program consists of six modules, which are offered in the first two semesters. The third semester is reserved for the master’s thesis.
The Winter Semester
- lays the foundations for law and technology in two separate tracks: Lawyers will become acquainted with algorithms, data science and coding. Data professionals will be introduced to basics of legal methodology, contract and tort law (Module 1).
- Courses on core pieces of European Union Law (e.g. AI Act, Data Act, GDPR) as well as Law & Technology cover two core subjects from a European perspective (Module 2).
- An interdisciplinary workshop with a hands-on approach fosters interaction and mutual insights by applying skills to realistic use cases. (Module 3).
The Summer Semester
- offers a particular focus on the foundations of data law as today’s main driver of innovation (Module 4).
- AI and IP take centre stage in our courses on current technology (Module 5).
- Advanced courses in five fields or technology – Smart Factories, Platform Business Models, Logistics, Smart Farming and Smart Cities – enhance insights into specific industries (Module 6).
The field of technology chosen as an advanced course may be further developed in the Master’s Thesis, which may be conducted as an interdisciplinary tandem project.
Successful completion of the modules 1, 3 and 6 will require attendance only, whereas the modules 2, 4 and 5 will end with a written examination. Upon successful completion of the Master’s thesis, the University of Osnabrück awards the degree "Master of Laws (LL.M.) European Technology Law".
A qualified degree in a suitable Bachelor's or Master’s degree course is required. Examples of suitable degree programs include German, European or Foreign Law, (business) informatics, cognitive science, (computer) linguistics, mathematics or engineering. In addition, a good knowledge of English must be demonstrated.Further information can be found in the admission regulations.
Participants with foreign (law) degrees (EU or Non-EU) are especially invited to apply.
This subject is free of admission.
All information pertaining to the application process may be found at Application, Admission and Enrollment.
German and international applicants with German certification can find all information about the application and the application deadline for the desired semester under Master's degree programs (single subject).
Please note: different application conditions and deadlines may apply for Applicants with Non-German Certification!
The Master EU Tech Law is fee-based. The fee for the entire program is 4860 €, payable in two installments at the beginning of the first and second semester. In many cases these fees are paid by the applicant’s company .
In addition, semester student fees must be paid for studying at Osnabrück University . Depending on how much of your so-called study credit (standard period of study plus tolerance semester) you have to pay long-term study fees.
Additional information on this topic may be found at Costs of Studying.
Our Central Study Counseling Service will be happy to provide you with all the information you need about studying, admission requirements and the structure of your chosen program.
The student advisory service answers specific questions about the course content.