3 Reasons to Study GOMIL
Choosing a Master’s program is about more than just a degree; it is about the environment, the expertise, and the professional edge you gain. GOMIL offers the unique trifecta of academic excellence, practical application, and an unbeatable quality of life.
1. Göttingen: Longstanding history meets modern international research
Göttingen is not merely a city with a university. It is a world-renowned "University City" where centuries of academic heritage seamlessly meet modern international legal scholarship. Founded in 1737 during the Age of Enlightenment, the University of Göttingen stands for the values of democracy, tolerance, and social responsibility. With an extraordinary legacy connected to over 40 Nobel laureates, the university has long been a global beacon of academic excellence. As one of the oldest law faculties in Germany, our faculty offers the widest range of legal subjects in Northern Germany. International LL.M. students here enter a truly global environment that hosts aspiring legal scholars from all across the world. Our academic profile is strongly committed to public international law and tackling the most pressing challenges of our time. Through research initiatives like the Research Training Group on mobility rights in the context of multiple crises (RTG 2987), students critically examine how human mobility, borders, and fundamental rights are shaped by global legal frameworks. Furthermore, our faculty is home to the Göttingen Journal of International Law (GoJIL), which was founded in 2007 as the very first student-run German law journal published entirely in English. This prestigious, peer-reviewed open-access platform gives LL.M. candidates a unique opportunity to actively participate in global legal debates across e.g. criminal, humanitarian, and economic law.
Beyond the classroom, Göttingen offers an exceptionally supportive and well-equipped environment for independent legal studies. Students enjoy daily access to the Göttingen State and University Library, which ranks among the largest and most comprehensive academic libraries in Germany. A wide variety of specialized legal institutes on our compact, central campus allows you to study complex legal issues from multiple comparative and interdisciplinary angles. Renowned as Germany's "Bicycle City", Göttingen is purposefully built around student life, meaning every institute, café, and green park is just a short bike ride or walk away. The historic town center combines centuries of culture with a vibrant, welcoming international community that makes finding your place effortless. With approximately 28,000 students shaping the pulse of the town, you will immediately feel part of a lively, dynamic academic network. The intimate town atmosphere ensures high quality of life, affordable living, and short commutes, so you can focus fully on your academic and professional ambitions.
Find out more about the University of Göttingen
2. Program structure: combining theory and practice
At GOMIL, education transcends the textbook. The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application, offering a broad overview combined with deep specialization.
Inclusive entry point: GOMIL is uniquely accessible. While no prior knowledge of international law is required to begin, the curriculum is equally crafted to allow experienced legal scholars to deepen and refine their expertise through advanced research. The first semester provides a comprehensive introduction to the three pillars of the global legal order: Public International Law, International Economic Law, and International Criminal Law. This ensures a robust theoretical framework for all students.
Specialization and practical insights: In the second semester, students choose a specialization aligned with their professional ambitions. Our students do not just study the law. They learn directly from the architects shaping the international legal landscape. Core modules are led by distinguished professors from the University of Göttingen who are recognized global experts in Public International Law, International Criminal Law, and International Economic Law. Beyond the core curriculum, our electives are uniquely designed for the GOMIL program by a prestigious network of academics and practitioners. This immersive approach bridges the gap between high-level research and real-world application, offering students direct access to the expertise of former international court judges, specialized lawyers from top-tier firms, and leading scholars.
Research and thesis: The program culminates in the summer with the Master's thesis. Students benefit from close individual supervision during the research phase, receiving personalized academic guidance. This rigorous structure forms an ideal foundation for doctoral studies. Exceptional students may pursue their PhD directly at the University of Göttingen.
More information on program structure
3. Beyond the Classroom: Extracurricular Opportunities
Throughout the year, the program provides food for thought through public lectures open to all with exclusive sessions for GOMIL students. Beyond the classroom, GOMIL students visit international institutions in person, engaging directly with judges, legal officers, and practitioners at the world's leading courts and organisations.
Discover all Extracurricular Activities →
One of the standout advantages of the GOMIL programme is the unparalleled academic flexibility it offers. As a student, you have the unique opportunity to attend any class across the University of Göttingen, completely free of extra charges. You are warmly invited to join lectures available to regular German law students, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the local legal culture and academic environment. Please note that most of these courses are taught in German, providing an excellent opportunity for legal language immersion alongside your regular studies.
The Göttingen Law Faculty offers a diverse range of specialized subjects. Depending on your interests, you might find the following courses particularly valuable:
Legal History & Theory: Deutsche Rechtsgeschichte (German Legal History), Allgemeine Staatslehre (General Theory of the State).
International & Comparative Law: Internationales Privatrecht (Private International Law), Internationales Kaufrecht (International Sales Law), Vergleichendes Verfassungsrecht (Comparative Constitutional Law).
European Law: Europarecht, Europäisches Verwaltungsrecht (European Administrative Law), and specialized modules in Criminal, Agricultural, Labor, and Social Law.
Commercial Law: Kartellrecht (Antitrust Law).
Taught in English: Introduction to English Commercial Law, Introduction to European ICT and Media Law, Public International Law II.
Please note that the courses listed above are examples intended to showcase the breadth of our curriculum. Specific course availability may vary and is subject to change each academic year.