Compliance I
In this module, students learn the fundamentals and framework conditions of effective compliance systems, as well as their practical implementation within a company. They acquire the knowledge needed to identify liability risks, apply legal requirements and standards such as ISO 37301 and IDW 980 in the practice, and sustainably minimize corporate risks through targeted measures. Topics such as risk management, the role of the compliance officer, requirements along the supply chain, and how to protect whistleblowers and trade secrets complete this practice-oriented introduction to corporate compliance.

Legal Project Management & Communication
This module provides practical skills that enable graduates to plan and carry out complex projects involving legal requirements. Students learn how to assemble multidisciplinary teams, coordinate them successfully, and ensure effective communication. They also explore how to clearly define legal objectives and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements in transactions and international projects.

Business Criminal Law & HR Compliance
This module provides in-depth knowledge on detecting fraud, breach of trust, and corruption in business, their assessment under criminal law, and compliance in human resources management. Students learn to analyze complex issues from a legal perspective, identify violations relevant under criminal law, and put efficient employment law compliance systems into practice at companies. They deepen their understanding of academic methods and develop the ability to address and resolve issues under employment and business criminal law, taking current case law into account.

International Tax Law & Compliance
In the International Tax Law & Compliance module, students acquire the specialized knowledge needed to address cross-border tax law challenges. They examine double taxation agreements, German domestic tax laws governing cross-border transactions (Außensteuerrecht), and the role of European Union law. A particular focus is placed on independently assessing and managing tax risks in an international environment and on developing strategies as part of effective compliance systems.

Compliance II
In this advanced module of the LL.M. in Compliance, students examine the legal requirements of capital markets law, anti-money laundering law, antitrust law, and digital regulations (such as the EU AI Act). They develop specific skills to identify money laundering risks, classify legal requirements, and implement relevant obligations for companies. A particular focus is placed on corporate governance and on corporate and contract law aspects of international transactions, especially under U.S., British, and European law. Students learn to identify compliance risks in these areas and implement appropriate measures in real-world corporate practice.

Intercultural Business Communication
Students acquire a deep understanding of intercultural communication in international business environments. They explore cultural differences, communication norms, intercultural barriers, and the importance of linguistic and cultural sensitivity. In doing so, they develop skills to bridge cultural differences, break down communication barriers, and successfully shape international business relationships.

International White-Collar Crime and Fraud Examination
This module qualifies students to prevent and detect international fraud. They learn to recognize fraudulent activity, analyze offender profiles, conduct internal investigations, and implement preventive measures within organizations. The course also teaches students about implementing compliance measures to effectively minimize risk in companies, regardless of industry or country. In addition to understanding criminal behavior and warning signs of fraud, the module covers data analysis methods, international legal frameworks, and interviewing techniques for investigating fraud cases.

German Foreign Trade Law & Compliance
Over the course of the Business Law program, students are equipped to confidently navigate the complex legal requirements of international trade. The module covers EU legal frameworks, sanctions and export control law, and efficient risk management in foreign trade The moule also teaches the fundamentals of international and world trade law through international organizations such as the WTO, OECD, and ILO. Students analyze EU structures, assess European trade policies, and learn about key regulatory frameworks for dual-use goods, sanctions law, and investment. They will understand the role of relevant authorities (such as BAFA and customs), identify legal risks in foreign trade, and develop compliance strategies. Dispute resolution mechanisms and aspects of export promotion are also covered.

International Business & Ethics
This module prepares students to successfully plan and develop solutions for international and intercultural business strategies. Through practical case studies and interactive workshops, they deepen their knowledge of corporate social responsibility, international business ethics, and compliance. Students learn to assess ethical challenges in international business and make responsible corporate decisions. Key skills such as facilitation, persuasive argumentation, and the analysis of communication situations are specifically trained.

The Master’s program in Business Law & Compliance includes a practical academic requirement. In the practical reports during the first and second semesters, students work on a corporate law issue during their working hours, in collaboration with their employer where possible. The aim is to apply the methods learned theoretically in the compliance program in practice, critically reflect on them, and further develop them. The focus is on employment law topics for which concrete approaches to solutions are developed and their advantages and disadvantages assessed. The report concludes with recommendations for implementation within the company.

If students are unable to complete the practical reports in collaboration with a company during that time, in exceptional cases they may complete a practical project in the third semester instead. Students who can provide proof that they already have at least 240 ECTS credits may be exempted from this requirement.

In the third semester, students can complete a 20-week practical project with a legal or business management focus (in place of the practical reports). This extends the standard period of study of the Business Law program to four semesters.

The aim is to apply theoretical knowledge in practice. The project is carried out in collaboration with a company and accompanied by a course in which the project task, methodological approach, and findings are presented. The students must propose the topic and submit a project outline by the end of the second semester. They also write a final report.

The project may also be completed in groups, provided that all participants make clearly distinguishable contributions that can be assessed individually.

The master’s thesis concludes the Business Law program and requires you to deepen your knowledge in a specialized subject area and independently solve a complex, real-world problem by applying the methods you have learned. After submitting your master’s thesis, you will defend it in a colloquium. Upon successfully completing the master’s thesis and colloquium, you will be awarded the title LL.M. in Business Law & Compliance.

• You are employed (with at least one year of work experience; if you do not have professional experience, you can enter through our certificate program)
• You hold a completed higher education degree with a legal or business-related focus
• A lack of legal or business background can be offset by many years of relevant work experience or demonstrated with an aptitude test
• Prior legal knowledge is advantageous but not required. For those without a legal background, we offer the opportunity to take part in an introductory week on legal studies online before the start of the winter semester 

Find out more about the admission requirements for studying Business Law on a part-time basis.

To help you balance the Business Law program with your job as effectively as possible, classes in the first two semesters are held on Friday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. and on Saturdays. Sessions alternate weekly between online and in-person instruction, meaning you will need to be in Mainz twice a month. With this combination, Mainz University of Applied Sciences offers you a flexible learning environment.

The third semester of the Compliance master’s degree program takes place entirely online, focusing on writing your master’s thesis and taking the online module “International Business & Ethics.”

The winter semester runs from late September to late January, and the summer semester from early March to late June. Exams take place during the semester, at the end of each respective class. In this study model, there is no semester break in February.

Alternative option to enter the program: For prospective students who do not yet fully meet the admission requirements for the master’s degree program, a certificate program may be available under certain conditions. You can find more information here.

As an alternative option to enter the program, we offer a certificate program in Business Law & Compliance. This certificate program is for students who have no work experience or less than one year’s experience. You study together with the cohort of the “Business Law & Compliance” master’s program, following the prescribed program structure. Your studies start in the winter semester with Semester 1 of the master’s program. If you would like to begin your Business Law studies in the summer semester instead, the certificate program is the right option for you as well. In this case, entry into the certificate program is possible starting in Semester 2 of the master’s program. 

In terms of content, this program is equivalent to the LL.M. in Business Law & Compliance. The difference is that, at the start of the certificate program, you acquire work experience first. Once you are able to demonstrate at least one year of relevant work experience, you have the option of switching into the regular master’s program.

By offering this option, we also enable those just starting their careers to immediately expand their skills in business law alongside their jobs and set the course for a promising career path early on.

In practice, complex challenges require comprehensive analysis and solutions oriented toward real-world practices. With the Business Law and Compliance program, you combine topics from business law, compliance management, and business administration.

Throughout the entire Business Law program, you will work on case studies based on current legal cases. By working on up-to-date case studies in compliance and business law, you will connect theoretical knowledge with concrete, real-world applications.

At Mainz University of Applied Sciences, intensive academic exchange is a key focus. Our faculty members have many years of professional experience and share valuable practical knowledge on current issues in business law and compliance.

Through our regular guest lectures by experts from various industries, you will acquire deep insight into corporate practices and be able to discuss concrete compliance and legal cases. Highly topical subjects such as AI governance and ESG are also presented.

Mainz University of Applied Sciences has a large, very active alumni network. Many of our graduates return as guest lecturers to share their experiences and engage in a dynamic exchange with current students. This gives you direct insight into common corporate practices, familiarizes you with the responsibilities of leaders in compliance and legal roles, and provides opportunities for you to connect with experts in a relaxed atmosphere.

Some of our alumni also take part in our Company Fair, giving you the opportunity to meet regional partners and build valuable contacts for your professional future.

With the internationally recognized LL.M. in Business Law & Compliance, you qualify for demanding specialist and expert roles across a range of industries. The interdisciplinary combination of business law, compliance, and business contexts enables you to assess and guide organizations through complex challenges. This opens up a wide variety of career paths, for example in compliance, risk management, consulting, and corporate management. Graduates are in demand across numerous industries, from finance and industry to the service sector, public institutions, and trade associations.

Many companies have a need for highly qualified professionals with legal and business expertise, including:

• Banks
• Insurance companies
• Consulting firms
• Legal departments at small and medium-sized businesses and globally operating corporations
• Law, auditing, and tax law firms
• Insolvency administrators 
• Government agencies
• Trade and professional associations

The School of Business stands for a personal learning atmosphere and high academic quality. With around 3,100 students, we are a pleasantly sized school where individual support is a top priority. More than 200 faculty members and adjunct lecturers share not only sound specialized expertise but also extensive practical experience, bringing theoretical content to life through concrete examples.

Here’s what your study environment has to offer:

• Small learning groups for targeted support
• Modern learning spaces with free Wi-Fi access
• A library and extensive access to databases such as Beck Online and Juris
• On-campus dining at a modern cafeteria and café
• A streetcar stop directly outside the university
• Mobility with the nationwide semester ticket, including bus and rail travel

Even before your studies officially begin, orientation week makes it easy to get started: get to know your fellow students, make your first contacts, and explore the campus in a relaxed atmosphere. You will be supported here by the student representatives (AStA, department student councils, and the student parliament), and if you have any questions about everyday student life, the staff at Academic Advisory Services is always there for you.

Located in the heart of the vibrant Rhine-Main region, Mainz has established itself as an attractive place to study. The high density of students shapes the cityscape and creates an open, young, dynamic atmosphere.

But Mainz is more than just a university town: as a major media hub, the city is home to renowned organizations such as ZDF, SWR, and other companies in the media industry.
Strolling through the Old Town, you will discover a colorful mix of small shops, original cafés, art galleries, and theaters tucked between historic façades, an ideal environment for gathering new impressions and balancing out your studies between on-campus phases, seminars, and exams. The Rhine promenade, numerous events, and diverse dining options further contribute to the city’s high quality of life.

Excellent transportation connections to Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, and Frankfurt Airport make spontaneous excursions easy. And there is plenty to enjoy in the city as well. The famous Mainz “wine breakfast” invites you to savor regional specialties, while the Rhine promenade becomes a gathering spot for spending relaxed evenings outdoors on warm days.

Sports fans also benefit from a wide range of options. The soccer stadium of 1. FSV Mainz 05 is located right next to the university, offering the opportunity to experience Bundesliga soccer live. Students at Mainz University of Applied Sciences can take advantage of discounted ticket offers.

Yes, your degree can have a legal or business-related focus; in addition to law and business law, this includes fields such as business administration, economics, business information systems, industrial engineering, business psychology, and more. A lack of legal or business background can be offset by extensive relevant professional experience.  

Basic legal knowledge is advantageous but not a mandatory requirement. Interest in legal topics and a willingness to get up to speed are more important. The Business Law & Compliance program is manageable even with limited prior legal knowledge. The content is designed so that students with a business-related degree can follow along well too. In addition, we offer an online introductory week on legal studies for those without a legal background before the start of the winter semester.

After completing the Business Law & Compliance program, you can work in numerous industries, since the program is designed to be interdisciplinary from the outset. Many companies need highly qualified professionals with legal and business expertise, including:

• Banks
• Insurance companies
• Consulting firms
• Legal departments at small and medium-sized businesses and globally operating corporations
• Law, auditing, and tax law firms
• Insolvency administrators
• Government agencies (such as the police)
• Trade and professional associations

Classes are held on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 8:15 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., alternating weekly between in-person and online formats. This means you only need to be on campus in Mainz two weekends a month. Classes take place during the semester (winter semester: late September to late January; summer semester: early March to late June). Exams are taken at the end of each class. There is no separate exam period. Attendance is not mandatory, but participation in classes is recommended.

Tuition fees amount to a total of €7,000 (€2,500 for the 1st semester, €2,500 for the 2nd semester, €2,000 for the 3rd semester, plus semester fees of approximately €350 per semester). This makes tuition for this sought-after LL.M. significantly more affordable than at private universities. You can find the exact semester fee for each semester in the “At a glance” overview.

The standard period of study is 3 semesters. If you choose to complete a practical project, the standard period of study extends to 4 semesters. In that case, only the usual semester fee applies in the 4th semester; no additional tuition fees are charged.

You need 180 ECTS credits to be admitted to the Master’s in Business Law & Compliance.

Assessment formats vary and include written exams, term papers, presentations, and oral exams. A full list of assessments can be found in the program’s examination regulations.

Students at the School of Business have access to extensive literature and database resources for study and research. These include, in particular, the legal databases beck-online, Beck eLibrary, juris, Haufe Sustainability Office, and SpringerLink. They provide access to specialist literature, legal commentaries, law journals, and case law.

Classes are mainly taught in German. Some courses, such as Intercultural Business Communication and International White-Collar Crime and Fraud Examination, are taught in English. You can find more information on the language of instruction for each module in our module guide.