Dissertations

Topic Selection

A dissertation is an independent scholarly work and must demonstrate an element of originality.

Requirements for supervision include:

 

• Strong interest in the field

 

• Above-average academic performance in European Law

 

• Language skills: German, English, and French are required; knowledge of an additional EU language is desirable.

 

Once you have a concrete idea for your dissertation topic, you may request a meeting. Please prepare:

 

• A specific topic proposal

 

• A preliminary concept (approx. 3–5 pages)

 

Before the initial meeting, kindly send:

 

• One or two of your own academic papers (e.g., article, diploma thesis, seminar paper, term paper, etc.)

 

• A brief CV

 

You should also submit transcripts (especially for European Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law, and other relevant courses) as your acceptance depends on demonstrated knowledge in the chosen field.

If supervision appears feasible, we will agree on a preliminary working title during the initial meeting (or follow-up meetings).

Concept development

Next, we will prepare a detailed concept (approx. 15 pages), including:

 

• A preliminary table of contents (planned structure of the thesis)

 

• A bibliography (concise and limited to directly relevant literature – no general textbooks or overview works)

 

In a follow-up discussion, please present:

 

• What makes your topic suitable for a dissertation

 

• Which legal problems it addresses

 

• Your research question(s)

 

The decision to accept supervision is based on the concept, the discussion(s), and any necessary revisions leading to a formal dissertation exposé.

You are kindly requested to attend one of my seminars.

Submission

After acceptance, please submit your dissertation proposal, supervision confirmation, dissertation agreement, and exposé to the Doctoral Studies Directorate.

The curriculum for the Doctoral Programme in Law is available as a PDF on the university website.

General information about the doctoral programme can be found here.

A list of approved and non-approved dissertations is available here.

Master thesis

Finding a topic

A master’s thesis is a scholarly piece of work.

Requirements for supervision include:

 

• Interest in the subject

 

• Above-average grades in European Law

 

• Language skills: German, English, and one additional widely spoken EU language (e.g., French, Italian, Spanish, Polish)

 

Once you have a concrete idea for your topic, you may request a meeting. Please prepare:

 

• A specific topic proposal

 

• A preliminary concept (approx. 3–5 pages)

 

Before the initial meeting, please submit:

 

• One or two of your own academic papers

 

• A brief CV

Drafting the concept

As prior knowledge in the subject area is expected, please also submit relevant transcripts (e.g., European Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law). Documented familiarity with the topic is required.

If supervision appears possible, a preliminary working title will be agreed upon.

Next, you will develop a concept (approx. 10 pages), consisting of:

 

• A tentative structure

 

• A bibliography limited to directly relevant literature

 

In a follow-up meeting, you will explain:

 

• Why your topic qualifies as a master’s thesis

 

• The specific legal issues involved

 

• Your research question(s)

 

You are kindly requested to attend one of my seminars.

Submission

Supervision will be confirmed based on your concept, the discussion(s), and possible revisions leading to a formal exposé.

Afterward, please submit the master’s thesis topic and confirmation of supervision to the IREWI (International and European Legal Studies) Programme Directorate.