Master’s Elective Module

Applicability within the LLM programme

Students enrolled in the Master of Laws (LLM) programme at the FernUniversität in Hagen are offered the option of elective module 55311 Introduction to Japanese Law to gain a foundational insight into the Japanese legal system. This module is available to all LLM candidates as an elective module; upon successful completion, the credits earned will contribute towards the final Master’s degree.

Module Description

Module 55311 comprises the following core units: Foundations of Japanese Law, Japanese Constitutional Law, Japanese Civil Law and Japanese Criminal Law, each of which is divided into several elements. The curriculum provides students with an extensive overview of the abovementioned fields of law. Knowledge of the Japanese language is not required.

• Module 55311 – Detailed description (in German)

The module concludes with a final seminar.

Foto: FernUniversität in Hagen

Evaluation Results: Japanese Law

We are very pleased to report outstanding evaluation results for the LLM elective module 55311. Following consistent improvements over the last three semesters (WS 2023/24 to WS 2024/25), 100% of graduates were “very satisfied” with the teaching staff. Regarding the module as a whole, 66% were “very satisfied” and 33% “rather satisfied”. Student response rates of up to 83% have enabled us to implement improvements across all areas and underscore the sustained interest in Japanese law.

Study Trip

Since travel restrictions to Japan have been lifted, we are once again offering study trips to Japan with a focus on law, continuing a long-standing tradition. The itineraries include visits to the National Diet, the Supreme Court, Tōkyō District Court, Fuchū Prison and Kyōto Police Headquarters. Graduates of this elective module are eligible to participate. To support these activities, a faculty partnership with the Dōshisha Law School, Kyōto was finalised in June 2024.

Credit transfer options

Graduates of the Master’s elective module “Introduction to Japanese Law” can have the credits recognised should they enrol on the ​​​​​Foundations of Japanese Law continuing education programme. Typically, the elective module will be recognised as a compulsory module within the continuing education programme, resulting in a corresponding reduction in fees. Please indicate your request for credit recognition on your application form when enrolling in the continuing education programme.

Examination Results

Please note that only the Examinations Office can provide specific information. For all matters relating to examinations, we recommend contacting the Examinations Office directly.

Testimonials

Feedback from participants of our final seminar in the Winter Semester 2025/26:

• “I can honestly say that this has been the most interesting and enjoyable seminar of my studies to date. It is excellently prepared and highly interactive, thanks to the guest professors working alongside Prof Weitzdörfer. [...] You truly learn a great deal across a wide range of subjects – from criminal and civil law to international law –while simultaneously gaining deep insights into Japan’s economy, society and culture.”
• “I’m very impressed by the excellent preparation of the topics and the high quality of the presentations delivered by the participants.”
• “A fantastic seminar: a broad range of topics, engaging discussions and superb preparation.”
• “Upon concluding this seminar, I can state that participation has been immensely enriching for me, both professionally and personally. [...] I would particularly like to highlight the thematic diversity of the presentations and the stimulating academic exchange. The consistently high quality of the contributions has made a lasting impression and further deepened my interest in Japanese law.”