International Law and Sustainability

The Master’s programme combines international law and sustainability studies to prepare lawyers for addressing some of the world’s most pressing global challenges. In a time of accelerating climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, human rights violations, and social inequality, the programme explores how legal systems can contribute to sustainable and just transformation. In the course of two years, students examine how international and transnational legal frameworks can promote sustainability and where current legal approaches need reform. The curriculum encourages critical reflection on the role of international law in achieving environmental protection, social justice, and global equity. Core areas of study include: Public international law and international economic law Law of the sea and transnational private law Business and human rights Theories, concepts, and methods of international sustainability law Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical research skills while developing intercultural competencies through studying in two academic and cultural contexts. The first year is based at Leuphana University Lüneburg (Germany) , focusing on the foundations of international and sustainability law. In the second year, students specialise at one of Leuphana’s partner universities: the University of Glasgow (Scotland) , University of the Western Cape (South Africa) , Università degli Studi di Milano Statale (Italy) , or the University of the West Indies (Barbados) .