The new LL.M. degree programme "Digitalization and Law"
This article was originally published in German. The English version is an automatic translation and may contain errors. The German original is authoritative.
The LL.M. ("Legum Magister") is an increasingly popular degree amongst law students. However, it can also be obtained by graduates of other degree programmes. The title Master of Laws is becoming increasingly popular with employers, as it represents a legal additional qualification and specialisation alongside classical legal training. It is particularly popular when completed abroad, but an LL.M. degree in Germany also has many advantages, such as significant cost savings and relatively low application effort.
At Universität Würzburg there is now a new, part-time LL.M. "Digitalization and Law". In this master's programme, digitalisation is the main topic in a contemporary way. The degree programme combines topics from law, ethics, technology and computer science in an interdisciplinary manner and addresses areas where general legal training reaches its limits with regard to technological progress.
Prior knowledge of computer science or technology is not required for the degree programme. In the first semester, introductory courses such as "Introduction to Informatics" and "Introduction to German IT-Law" take place. The lectures in the compulsory area also cover computer and internet criminal law, data protection law and fundamental rights, procedural law and machine ethics. The latter concerns the ethical use of machines such as robots, drones and software agents.
From the elective area, six of eight possible modules must be taken. Offered here are company law and digitalisation, "Legal Tech", competition law in the age of digitalisation, intellectual property, computer and internet criminal law II, robot law/AI law, digital contract law/consumer protection and employment law and digitalisation. The "Legal Tech" area concerns the interaction between humans and machines in legal work, in particular the extent to which lawyers can be supported or even replaced by software programmes and other IT programmes. AI law deals with questions such as whether actions of AI can be attributed to the programmer. The field of employment law has had to face new challenges through digitalisation, particularly in recent years, through remote work and a variety of technologies.
The LL.M. is aimed at all graduates of legal degree programmes with at least one year of professional practical experience. However, graduates of other degree programmes are also suitable for the LL.M., provided their degree includes at least basic legal knowledge. A First State Examination in Law or a completed bachelor's degree in economics or humanities must be demonstrated. In the latter case, it must be demonstrated that basic knowledge in at least one of the areas of civil law, criminal law and public law was acquired during the course of study to the extent of at least 15 ECTS credits. The degree programme is also aimed at lawyers who are pursuing the specialist qualification in IT law for professional development.
Due to the international orientation of this LL.M., evidence of English language proficiency must be provided, such as TOEFL or IELTS. The lectures are held in English.
The master's degree programme is designed for 3 semesters and costs tuition fees of €2,500 per semester in addition to the semester contribution. It begins in the winter semester each year.
Further information about the LL.M. "Digitalization and Law" and the application process can be found on the website of the Faculty of Law www.jura.uni-wuerzburg.de/digitalization-and-law or by email: diglaw@jura.uni-wuerzburg.de. Many thanks also to the Chair of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Media Criminal Law for the informative discussion!
Fabienne Busboom