Law and Computer Sciences
Law and Computer Sciences (LL.M.)
Discover the fascinating connection between law and computer science at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg! Immerse yourself in an exciting degree program that will give you the expertise to master the challenges of the digital world and succeed in a future-oriented industry.
- Degree
- Master of Law
- Duration of studies in semester
- 2
- Start of degree program
- Winter semester
- Study location
- Erlangen
- Number of students
- 1-50
- Subject group
- Engineering sciences, Economic Sciences, Law
- Teaching language
- completely in German
- Admission Requirements
- Qualification assessment
What is the degree program about?
The core objective of the Master’s degree program in Law and Computer Sciences (LLM) is to provide law students who will later be employed in traditional legal professions with a profound understanding of the technical foundations of digital society. Digitalization places new demands on lawyers as many areas of law increasingly require basic knowledge of computer science. In this one-year postgraduate course, students acquire additional competencies in the foundations of digitalization – skills which are in great demand on the labor market. Students have the opportunity to
- acquire skills for dealing with important basic ideas, terms, and concepts of computer science,
- develop an understanding for the technical problems digitalization technology faces and how solutions can be developed methodically, and,
- at the same time, gain more advanced context-related legal knowledge.
In the field of computer science students study:
- Foundations of computer science such as internal computer number representation, computer architecture and programming languages
- Foundations of static (HTML) and dynamic web programming as well as for the efficient handling of large amounts of data
- Function of operating systems, communication systems and computer networks
- Concepts and methods from IT security, including the effectiveness of IT security mechanisms and structures of cybercrime.
In the field of information systems, students focus on:
- Data management and analysis and their use in a business context (data science)
- IT systems to support innovation, collaboration and leadership systems (e.g. simulation tools, virtual realities)
- the analytical evaluation of business-relevant data using various methods, e.g. predictive analytics and (supervised) machine learning.
In the field of law, the following areas of particular relevance to digitalization are included in the program:
- Software protection and software licenses: protection of software by intellectual property law (esp. copyright and patent law) and limitations to software protection, open source software, software licensing and distribution, liability for defective software
- Data protection law/data law/information law: processing of personal data, protection of non-personal data („ownership of data“), data business law (esp. access to data and data licensing)
- IT law/Internet law: e-commerce, online marketing (e.g. personalized advertising, keyword advertising), Internet distribution law (antitrust law), platform liability and regulation.
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The program consists of three elements: (1) Computer Science, (2) Information Systems and (3) Law. It is offered as a full-time course of study over two semesters with a modular structure.
Winter semester:
Computer Science- Computer Science 1 as a secondary subject – Basic Module A
- Secure Systems
Law - Data Protection Law/Data Law/Information Law
- IT Law/Internet Law
- Software protection/software licenses
- Tutorial in Data Protection Law, IT Law and Software Law
Summer semester:
Computer Science- Computer Science 2 as a secondary subject – Advanced Module B
Information Systems - Data Science: Data Management and Analysis (DMA)
- Innovation Technology (elective)
- Business Analytics: Technologies, Methods and Concepts (elective)
Law - Master’s thesis (on a legal issue with interdisciplinary references)
For further information, please consult the program website and the module handbook.
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The course is designed for students interested in the following topics in connection with their future careers:
- basic concepts and methods of computer science (e.g. programming languages, computer architectures, software, etc.)
- the technical and information technology processes behind digitization
- technical problems of „digitization technology“ and the relevant solutions
- economic and legal contexts and backgrounds.
Any prior technical knowledge is not required. Ideally, students have:
- a broad field of interest and the willingness to deal with different interdisciplinary challenges of the digital age,
- the ability to understand complex contexts and to abstract to the essentials,
- the motivation to participate in finding solutions for interdisciplinary tasks.
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- The outstanding quality of the Faculty of Engineering, in particular the Department of Computer Science at FAU, which ranks in national and international rankings among the top universities in terms of innovation (https://www.tf.fau.eu/research/rankings/)
- Obtaining the title of Master of Law (LLM) after completing a postgraduate law program
- Excellent career prospects due to the skills and abilities students gain in the field of digitization
- The interdisciplinary focus of the program to prepare students for competitive professional fields and interdisciplinary cooperation
- Very good campus infrastructure and equipment
- Studying in the diverse Nuremberg metropolitan region
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Graduates of the First State Examination planning to pursue traditional legal careers will acquire additional skills in the technical, economic, and legal foundations of digitalization – skills which are in great demand on the labor market. At the same time, challenging career opportunities in future-oriented fields of work at the interface of computer science and law are also open to graduates of this program. In the context of their Master’s thesis in particular, students can set their own focal points for possible careers.
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- Admission requirements (first semester)
- Qualification assessment
- Application deadline winter semester
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15.08.
- Content-related admission requirements
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The program is aimed at law school graduates. Admission to the program is not subject to local admission restrictions (numerus clausus). Admission requirements are
(1.) passing the First State Examination in Law and the University Examination in Law (JUP) each with a score of at least 6.5 points (grade level „befriedigend“) or a comparable degree from a German or foreign university and
(2.) successful completion of the qualification assessment procedure (cf. Appendix 1 FPO LLM JurInf/JurIT).
- Details and notes
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More detailed information on how to apply for a Master’s degree program is available on the following website: https://master.fau.eu
Do you need help or more information?
Our Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) is the central point of contact for all questions about studying and starting a degree programme. Our Student Service Centres and subject advisors support you in planning your studies.