FAQ
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:
- Lawyers will become acquainted with algorithms, data science and coding.
- Data professionals will be introduced to basics of legal methodology, contract and tort law.
Joined classes for all students provide a unique opportunity to discuss current issues with leading scholars and your peers.
- 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 alignment phase dependent on the respective background.
- Part-time: Based on a reliable part-time schedule (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 for people who want to actively shape the digital transformation in their 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.
At 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). Additionally, partner companies & law firms will open their doors to our students for exclusive workshops, merging the theoretical with the practical.
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 by exception) to allow students to pursue them in addition to 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 Term
- 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 European Union Law as well as Law & Technology cover two core subjects from a European perspective (Module 2).
- An interdisciplinary workshop with a hands-on approach applies the skills to realistic use cases fostering interaction and mutual insights (Module 3).
The Summer Term
- 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 close 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". More information on the structure.
Applicants need a relevant degree from a university in either:
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Law (at least 8 semesters, e.g. Staatsexamen, Diplom, Bachelor's, Master's), or
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Technology-related fields (e.g. business IT, AI, cognitive science, computer linguistics, math, natural sciences, or engineering with significant computer science content), with at least 240 ECTS credits. Addtionally, the degree must include at least 15 ECTS credits in the field of formal methods, such as quantitative methods, mathematics, statistics, or logic, and 25 ECTS credits in the fields of (business) informatics, artificial intelligence, neuroinformatics, or computer linguistics.
Degrees from a non-Bologna Declaration country must be equivalent to a 4-year relevant degree. Equivalence is assessed by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).
Exceptions
Applicants who are in the process of completing an above-mentioned degree may also be eligible if they have earned at least 210 credit points and they are expected complete the degree by the end of the first semester of the master's program.
Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate B2 level (CEFR) in English. This can be proven by:
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A previous degree in which the language of instruction was English,
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A recognised English test passed with a least a B2 level, or
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If English was a requirement for being admitted into the program of earlier degree.
Application is open until August 31, 2025.
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!
Further information can be found under Information for international applicants.
The examination regulations do not prescribe an obligatory period of study abroad. However, the third semester is reserved for the master’s thesis, which may be conducted in cooperation with a company or law firm and/or combined with a stay abroad. The International Office will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
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. Oftentimes these fees are paid by the company that employs the student.
In addition, semester fees are payable for studying at Osnabrück University.
Additional information on this topic may be found at How Much does Studying Cost?
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.
Each department’s Departmental Study Counselling Service will answer any questions you might have about the content of individual programs.