China-EU School of Law (CESL) at the China-University of Political Science and Law

Excellent career opportunities: Almost all CESL graduates found a job or pursued further study right after graduation.

International Master of Chinese Law (LL.M. taught in English)

China's importance as an economic and political power is now unquestioned. This unique programme exposes international students to Chinese legal thinking and culture. Students are provided fundamental insights into the Chinese legal system, Chinese laws and their constant evolution, as well as a comparative approach to legal studies. The programme mainly focuses on Chinese civil and commercial law. All courses are taught by experienced Chinese professors with an international educational background specialised in their respective field. The two-year programme includes the first year of full-time study in Beijing and writing of a master thesis in the second year, either in China or back in the student's home country. Upon completion, an LL.M. is conferred by the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL).

Master of European and International Law (LL.M. taught in English)

China’s rapid rise in the global economy and its evolving geopolitical force raise fundamental questions. The Chinese legal system is also in a state of rapid development. As a consequence, demand for legal professionals who combine a high command of European and international law with special expertise in Chinese legal matters is rising. The Master of European and International Law programme at the China-EU School of Law offers the unique opportunity to acquire this highly sought-after legal expertise. Courses focus on European and international law, including Chinese and comparative law. These are taught by selected professors from the 13 renowned European partner universities (called the "Flzing Faculty") in addition to professors permanently in Beijing to ensure continuity. Upon completion of this one year programme, graduates are conferred an LL.M. by the University of Hamburg.

Chinese Law Taught in English (one-semester programme)

The Chinese Law Taught in English (CLTE) programme at the China-EU School of Law exposes international students to the compelling historical background, transitional nature and recent developments of Chinese law. Courses provide students with a basis of general knowledge of Chinese law as well as a comparative approach to legal studies. In recent years, CLTE students had the opportunity to visit law firms and attend both civil and criminal trials.

Potential courses include Chinese Law and Society, Chinese Business Law, Chinese Criminal Justice, Chinese Anti-Monopoly Law, Comparative Constitutional Law, Chinese Administrative Law and Regulation, and Nonprofit Organisations.

Double Master (taught in Chinese and English)

The Double Master programme aims to educate well-rounded legal professionals who have a thorough knowledge of both Chinese and European law and are able to work in both Chinese and English. This three-year Double Master combines the Master of European and International Law (LL.M.) awarded by the University of Hamburg with a Master of Chinese Law (LL.M./J.M. taught in Chinese) conferred by the China University of Political Science and Law. In first year students focus on Chinese Law taught in Chinese, second year students learn about European and international law in English, and in the final year students write their master's thesis, prepare for exams and get work experience in an internship.

Both the "International Master of Chinese Law" and the "Master of European and International Law", as well as the shorter-duration "Chinese Law Taught in English" programmes are taught entirely in English. The Master of Chinese Law is taught in Chinese. CESL supports international students who opt to learn Chinese during their studies. All programmes are taught in seminars, lectures, and tutorials.

For further information please visit our website or contact Ms Griselda Qosja, China-EU School of Law Consortium Office at the University of Hamburg, Tel. +49 40 42838-6830, grisenta.qosja@uni-hamburg.de.

Integrated into one of China's best universities for law
The China-EU School of Law is integrated into the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL), one of China's highest-ranking universities in the field of law. CUPL has fostered more than 200,000 graduates, taken part in virtually every legislation activity of the state over the past 50 years, and led to innovations in the understanding of Chinese jurisprudence. The university attracts the brightest legal scholars from China and around the world.

Chinese Law? European Law? CESL graduates know both perspectives

The China-EU School of Law is the only Chinese-foreign law school in China. It was initiated by the People's Republic of China and the European Union in 2008. The governments of China and the EU strongly support and co-finance the School's activities.

The school is also supported by a consortium of 16 partner universities and educational institutions in China and Europe. The Consortium Office is located at the University of Hamburg.

Graduates have brilliant career prospects. In 2018, 96 percent of graduates found employment in the legal sector or pursued further study within three months of graduating.

A consortium of leading law faculties.

Students are taught by one of the most international law faculties worldwide. Most professors in the MEIL programme are selected from 13 top partner universities and educational institutions throughout Europe. Since many lecturers fly back and forth between China and Europe several times a year this faculty is called the "Flying Faculty". Additionally, several European lecturers teach permanently in Beijing to ensure continuity. All IMCL and CLTE classes are taught by experienced professors from the China University of Political Science in Law specialised in their respective field as well. In recent years, Prof. Peter Van den Bossche from Maastricht University taught WTO Law, Prof. Frank Stephen from the University of Manchester taught Financial Markets and Regulation, and Prof. Armin Hatje from the University of Hamburg taught the Legal Foundation of EU Law.

Students with a first degree can apply for the LL.M.

Applicants to the master's programmes must have obtained a first law degree (or are expected to obtain a law degree before enrolment) as well as be able to demonstrate proficiency in English (IMCL LL.M. or MEIL LL.M.) or Chinese (LL.M./J.M. of Chinese Law).

Applicants to the CLTE programme must have obtained a first law degree or be currently studying for a law degree, as well as be able to demonstrate English proficiency.

Application deadline for the 2019-20 International Master of Chinese Law:  1 June 2019

Application deadline for the 2019-20 Master of European and International Law:  1 June 2019

Application deadline for the 2019-20 Chinese Law Taught in English: 1 June 2019

International Master of Chinese Law: 87,000 yuan for international students

Master of European and International Law: 60,000 yuan for international students

Chinese Law Taught in English: 15,000 yuan for international students

Double Master: 23,500 yuan per year for Chinese students

With the new Building Bridges Scholarship, for the first time the China-EU School of Law together with the EU and the PRC will support five outstanding European partner university law graduates to study in the 2018/19 “Master of European and International Law” LL.M. programme. The China-EU School of Law will grant successful applicants a scholarship covering the full tuition fee of 60,000 yuan. The scholarship programme aims to strengthen ties between China and Europe and promote mutual understanding with legal dialogue. Graduates from the China-EU School of Law’s 13 European partner universities are invited to apply. “Building Bridges Scholarship” holders are selected according to evidence of outstanding academic performance in their first qualifying law degree and a sincere commitment to furthering the Chinese-European cooperation.

In the "Chinese Law Taught in English" programme, students from the school's partner universities do not have to pay tuition fees.

Moreover, we recommend that applicants contact their home university’s international office for information on scholarships in their home country or at their home university (e.g. Erasmus+). International students may also apply to the China Scholarship Council (CSC) for “Chinese University Program” and “EU Window Chinese Scholarship Program” scholarships.

The China-EU School of Law is located in Changping, a northern suburb of Beijing. It is neighbouring the Jundu Mountain Range where the Great Wall, Ming Tombs, the Mangshan Forest, and many other historical sites are located. Students can immerse themselves into Beijing life, experiencing not only China's capital, but also one of the most exciting cities in Asia. Activities range from exploring the rich cultural heritage of Beijing to enjoying excellent Chinese restaurants and sports.

Changping Campus offers football, tennis, badminton, track and field, and much more.

International students are provided accommodation in the dormitory at the International Exchange Centre at CUPL's Changping Campus in northern Beijing. A standard room is shared by four students. It costs about 2,625 yuan per person per semester. Students can also live in an apartment close to campus. A small two-room apartment costs approximately 4,000 yuan per month. A shopping centre, banks, a post office, hotels and restaurants are all within walking distance. Regarding living expenses (food, books, medical insurance, transportation, social activities, etc.) international students usually spend 2,500 yuan per month.