The objective of the six semesters program is to prepare students for a successful legal career in academia and international practice. By providing courses for academic research and additional skills the program will help students to gain an in-depth understanding of international law in general and their field of specialization in particular. The University of Göttingen and the Institute of International and European Law have a strong tradition in international law that dates back to 1737. Today, the Institute covers research in many fields of international law, such as general international law, human rights law, international economic and environmental law, European law, and international criminal law. The doctoral candidates will be fully integrated into the academic life of the Institute of International and European Law and will benefit from and contribute to the intellectual exchange there.