About this programme
The Master of Comparative Business Law (M.C.B.L.) is an advanced academic programme providing an in-depth understanding of business law aspects of the European single market and the global market. Upon successful completion of the programme, participants have earned the M.C.B.L. degree. The programme aims at providing students with competence in both comparative and business law, sharpening them in their careers as strategic decision makers in the public as well as the private sector. It offers a unique combination of traditional comparative law studies (legal methodology and the common/civil law divide) and studies in business law (e.g. competition law, contract law and company law) including trade-related aspects. Furthermore, it provides general and specific knowledge of the European Union legal framework and of the actors in international trade law. The M.C.B.L. is a high-level demanding postgraduate programme in the fields of European and international business law. The programme is designed for law graduates or graduates with a sufficient background in law who wish to pursue advanced studies to specialise in the area of business law with a comparative perspective. The M.C.B.L. is a full-time programme (one academic year) with daily classes. Courses take place (consecutively) over two semesters. The first semester focuses on European business law, whereas the second semester has an emphasis on international business law. The programme consists of compulsory, intensive and elective modules designed to ensure the systematic development of both academic and professional competences. The compulsory modules focus on comparative legal methodology as well as legal sources, actors and mechanisms. These subjects, rooted in European and international law, are essential for the practice of business law and therefore mandatory. At the same time, students can tailor their studies to their individual interests by selecting courses from a broad range offered in the intensive and elective modules. These modules cover the key areas of business law, enabling students to gain in-depth knowledge. The programme places particular emphasis on practical application, reflected in its teaching methods and assignments. It combines legal theory with detailed case analysis, drawing on a well-established strength of German legal education. Students must complete a total of 60 ECTS credits: 20 ECTS per semester as well as a Master’s thesis (20 ECTS) on a business law topic of their choice with a comparative perspective. The following course structure is planned (subject to change): Winter semester (September–December) Compulsory Module: Introduction to Comparative European Law, including Comparative Law I – Methods, Problems & Traditions, Introduction to European Business Law, and European Union Law – Institutional Aspects Intensive Module (choose two): European Market Freedoms, European Competition Law, European Private Law, International Arbitration Elective Module (choose one): Digital Business, Advocacy Skills, Introduction to German Private Law, European Tax Law Summer semester (February–June) Compulsory Module: Introduction to Comparative International Law, including Comparative Law II – The Common/Civil Law Divide, Introduction to International Economic Law, and International Trade Law Intensive Module (choose two): International Investment Law & Arbitration, Regulation of AI, International Sale of Goods, Private International Law Elective Module (choose one): International Business Transactions, Intellectual Property Law, European Communications and Media Law, Anti-Discrimination Law
Course details verified 10 Sep 2026 — intakes, entry requirements and course facts · official source