LLM in Comparative Constitutional Law

Earn a valuable degree

In the world’s only LLM program of its kind, you will explore how constitutions contribute to good government in the age of globalization and the rise of illiberal governments. Classic models and recent developments are explored through comparative analysis in a problem-oriented manner.

QUICK FACTS

Full-time duration:

1 year

Starting in:

September

Tuition fee:

€13,000 per year  

Location:

Vienna, Austria

Degree:

Dual Austrian and the U.S. degree

Ever since its foundation, the program has explored constitutional problems at the time of transition to democracy and constitutional design. The shift in the curriculum towards issues concerning the development and strengthening of good government in a globalized world reflects our commitment to the broader international context in which contemporary constitutional systems operate.  

CEU's highly qualified and diverse faculty prepares students to engage in comparative and inter-disciplinary analysis of complex constitutional problems. Courses enable students to explore constitutional issues across legal systems, to engage in critical reading and refine their arguments in oral interactions. Individual research skills are developed and furthered through comparative problem papers and group work. Our graduates are thus able to respond to challenging constitutional and fundamental rights problems with advanced analytical skills, offering comparative insight and policy-relevant responses.

Select areas of study

Constitutional transformations to and from democracy · Constitutionalism and the rule of law – classic, modern, sham · Migration of constitutional ideas around the world

Over the years, the Comparative Constitutional Law program has educated many high-ranking civil servants, successful NGO and IGO professionals and academics.

The core curriculum centers on fundamental issues in comparative government and constitutional rights protection in leading and emerging democracies around the world. Since its establishment the curriculum of the program has examined the legal traditions of both civil law (continental) and common law systems.

Courses include:

1. Comparative Legal Research Methodology

2. Constitution-Building in Africa

3. Constitutional Adjudication and the Rule of Law

4. Constitutions at Work: Comparative Perspectives

5. Critical Race Theory: Race and Law from the United States to Europe

6. EU Criminal Justice

7. European Anti-Discrimination Law

8. French Constitutional Law and Its Influence Abroad

9. German Constitutional Law and Its Historical and Political Context

10. Human Rights and Criminal Justice

11. Human Rights and the Rule of Law in the Council of Europe

12. International Rule of Law Assistance: Law and Development

13. Introduction to US Constitutional Law

Apply

Admissions requirements:

1. Completed online application form

2. Proof of English proficiency

3. Letters of recommendation

4. CV

5. Bachelor’s degree in law or in the social sciences, e.g. political science or international relations with a legal component, are also eligible

6. Academic records

7. Academic essay (for the capstone track) or research proposal (for the thesis track)