Executive Master's Degree Program (online)
European Film Business and Law LL.M. | MBA
Introducing the Executive Master's Program
The developments on the digital single market, the noticeable increase in skill shortage and the effects of a global pandemic are posing new challenges for the European audiovisual and entertainment industry at the crossroads of creative, legal, and business. The importance of digitalization as well as the inevitable focus on transformational leadership and resilience is more evident for tomorrow's film and TV companies today than ever before.
The executive master's degree program European Film Business and Law LL.M. | MBA equips professionals and executives in film and TV with the necessary skills and tools to master those challenges with competence, ensuring the sustainable development of their companies and an overall dynamic market growth in Europe. The program offers comprehensive insights into the European audiovisual and entertainment landscape from a business as well as a legal perspective. Next to top-class academic expertise, the program offers a significant amount of practice-relevant knowledge, interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, as well as access to top industry experts and their networks.
Next Info Session | to be announced |
Application Deadline | February 2025 |
Location | mostly online, with 2 study weeks in Potsdam, Germany |
Date | Next program will start in October 2025 |
Target Group | professionals and executives in film and TV from Europe and ROW-territories |
Language | English |
Degree | joint LL.M. | MBA degree |
Finance Options | available, see below |
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what the program offers
Benefit from the program's unique assets and accelerate your career!
- Benefit from high academic expertise and receive a joint master's degree from two prestigious universities
- Be part of the first ever degree program combining film business and film law with a European perspective
- Gain exclusive access to numerous top-industry experts as speakers as well as professionals and executives as fellow participants from all over the world. Benefit from the interdisciplinary knowledge exchange and various networking opportunities and expand your professional network
- Increase existing and develop new career opportunities through an executive academic degree, direct connection to top industry players as well as an expanded business network
- Refine and deepen your professional expertise and industry knowledge, update existing and gain new skills and elevate your methodological competencies
- Gain a deep understanding and sharpen the necessary skills to ensure successful business development of audiovisual companies of tomorrow
Program Accreditation
The Master's program is accredited by the University of Potsdam and bears the seal of the German Accreditation Council.
The accreditation certifies, among other things, that study programs meet academic standards in terms of content, that the study structures meet all formal requirements and that the resources necessary for the implementation of the programs are available in the form of qualified personnel and sufficient material resources.
Accredited study programs at the University of Potsdam
System Accreditation (German Accreditation Council)
Foto: Akkreditierungsrat
target group and eligibility
The program is designed for business and legal professionals as well as executives from European and international audiovisual companies active across the value chain, i.e. in production, sales or marketing companies, distributors, broadcasters, platforms, festivals, film institutes and law firms, among others. The program also welcomes professionals seeking to enter the industry, creative audiovisual professionals who want to deepen their economic and legal knowledge, graduates of related study programs, incl. film schools as well as young professionals.
Format and study options
Classes are held in blocks and partly on weekends, making it possible to study while working. Most modules will be deliviered online, facilitating easier access to the program to all international professionals. Study weeks in Potsdam will offer opportunities for in-person exchange and intensive networking. The individual module allocation, the various study options to choose from as well as the possibility of crediting achievements already made also allow the greatest possible flexibility to reconcile work, studies and family. The program offers a variety of choices to design your individual study experience to best suit your needs:
module overview
module overview - 1. and 2. semester (all students)
module overview - 2. semester (mba students)
module overview - 2. semester (ll.m. students)
module overview - 3. semester (all students)
module overview - 4. semester (all students)
Application and Selection
LL.M.
- A completed higher education degree in Law, Economics or Business Administration with at least 180 credit points, incl. academic achievements in Law of at least 30 credit points or relevant professional experience of at least one year (specificities apply)
- Proof of at least one year of professional activity
- Proof of English language skills | at least C1 (CEFR)
MBA
- A completed higher education degree with at least 180 credit points
- Proof of at least one year of professional activity
- Proof of English language skills | at least C1 (CEFR)
Application Process
The application period for the course starting in fall 2025 begins in February, 2025.
Please contact the Master's program team to clarify any questions about your application now:
Katriina Miola | Tel: 0331-76 99 15 28 | km@epi.media
Detailed information on the application process and the recognition of achievements:
Application and selection process
- Your application documents (application for admission, if applicable application for recognition of achievements, supporting documents) are received online in due time and form.
- After the application deadline, the admission and, if applicable, the selection process begins.
- Successful applicants will receive a letter of admission, rejected applicants a letter of rejection.
- Successful applicants enroll on time and decide to study full- or part-time.
- The program starts in October.
Recognition of achievements
- Your professional experience is helpful in the application process, in case seats have to be awarded through a selection procedure. The more work experience you can demonstrate, the higher your chances of enrollment.
- It is possible to receive additional credit instead of completing the project module. You can apply for the necessary credit by providing proof of at least three years of relevant work experience. It is best to do so directly with your application.
Deadlines and dates
- Application deadline for the winter semester 2025/26 is July 31, 2025.
- Start of the study program is in October 2025.
Costs and Financing
Costs
Single degree
21.000 EUR (immediate payment in full) | 23.000 EUR (payment in installments)
- Immediate payment in full: due upon enrollment
- Payment in installments: five installments each of 4.600 EUR, due upon enrollment and at the beginning of each semester
- Excluded from the tuition fee are the semester fees: these are to be paid to the university of enrollment (approx. 140 - 320 EUR per semester)
Contact us for an individual payment plan!
Double degree
- 50 % waiver on the second degree if applying for both degrees within your initial application
- 40 % waiver on the second degree if applying after commencement of studies
Alumni Discount
Alumni of the University of Potsdam and Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF* receive a 10% discount!
Tuition fees for Alumni: 18.900 EUR (immediate payment) | 20.700 EUR (payment in installments)
Contact us for an individual payment plan!
*The discount for alumni of the Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF is only valid for members of the alumni association. Membership will be requested during the application review process.
Finance & Funding
Learn more about financing options.
About your employer
If your employer covers all or part of the tuition fees, both sides benefit: You continue your education in a targeted manner and gain the know-how for future management positions. Your employer uses an ideal tool for employee development and retention and is part of an innovative continuing education program. Talk to your employer about this opportunity!
DAAD scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides various kinds of DAAD funding for foreign students, graduates and postdocs as well as on funding offered by other selected organisations
Student loans and scholarships in Germany
- Federal government education loan (Germany)
- KfW study and education loans
- Deutschlandstipendium of the Film University and the University of Potsdam
- VFF scholarship (funding for the 3rd and 4th semester, only for MBA students)
In addition, there are numerous scholarship providers and foundations that provide financial support to students of non-consecutive Master's programs.
Funding programs of the federal states in Germany
Many federal states provide funding for continuing education if you live or work in the corresponding state. Information and support programs at the state level can be found at www.foerderdatenbank.de of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and on the pages of the state governments.
Tax refund from the tax office
You can claim the costs for professional training in your tax return as business expenses for self-employed persons or as income-related expenses for salaried employees.
Depending on your personal income and thus your personal tax rate, the tax office will indirectly contribute up to 50% of the costs of the MBA program through a tax reduction. Deductible expenses include tuition fees, technical literature, study materials, application costs and travel expenses. In addition, the interest on a training loan can be claimed against tax.
EPI scholarship
Apply for the scholarship* of the Erich Pommer Institut!
The film industry is a vibrant and multifaceted arena that thrives on fresh talent and groundbreaking concepts. To fuel the aspirations of film professionals, the Erich Pommer Institute is proud to announce the availability of two partial scholarships for the European Film Business and Law LL.M. | MBA program.
Each scholarship generously covers 50% of the tuition fees and targets individuals keen on advancing their careers, embracing the future of European cinema, and unlocking their full potential.
These scholarships are not just about advancing individual trajectories; they're about enriching the collective future of the film industry. We're seeking applicants with a fervent dedication to their craft, a crystal-clear vision for their professional journey, and the capacity to leave an enduring mark on the European film landscape.
At the Erich Pommer Institute, we are staunch advocates for equal opportunities and vehemently oppose all forms of discrimination. We acknowledge the complex nature of discrimination and are dedicated to addressing the unique needs of marginalized groups at every juncture, ensuring a level playing field for all aspiring film professionals.
The scholarship is inseparably linked to the implementation of the master's program European Film Business and Law and requires participation in it. Successful admission is a prerequisite for receiving the scholarship. This will be settled directly with the Erich Pommer Institut. Any further claim of the scholarship holder for other compensation or payment of the benefit is expressly excluded.
*Application for the scholarship is made through the general application form for the master's program. If you want to apply for the scholarship, please provide us with a motivation letter of about 2000 characters that can be uploaded directly in the form.
- I am truly grateful for this scholarship; it means a great deal to me, and I likely wouldn’t be able to attend without it. I deeply appreciate the program's curation so far and am thankful for the opportunity to connect with all the amazing colleagues and lecturers I have met. I hope this positive experience continues and beautifully impacts WE ARE HERE—our shared, brilliant initiative with Júnia. I am convinced that this LL.M. will enhance my position in the industry as one of the few specialized professionals in European Film Law, providing me with the momentum I need to attract my dream clients both here and overseas.”Lediona Kasapi, Scholarship Holder of the third year of the European Film Business and Law LL.M. | MBA
- I was searching for a master's program that combined business strategy with knowledge of the film industry for a long time, and EPI’s curriculum is exactly what I wanted. At this point in my career as a producer and distributor, I’m eager to gain advanced knowledge that can truly impact my business. I’m focused on bridging the gaps between producers, distributors, and independent cinemas, especially for films that tell underrepresented stories. And I’m very happy to embark on this journey alongside Lediona Kasapi, developing the alternative distribution initiative *WE ARE HERE*. So, this scholarship feels like a validation of my efforts so far and a boost to both of us.”Júnia Matsuura, Scholarship Holder of the third year of the European Film Business and Law LL.M. | MBA
Speakers
Professors from both the Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF and the University of Potsdam ensure that knowledge is imparted at the highest academic level. Top-class guest lecturers, from the media industry, link theory and practice and offer up-to-date industry knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When can I apply for the winter semester 2025/26?
Applications are usually always possible in spring. The application deadline is July 31 of each year.
2. What admission requirements do I have to fulfill?
LL.M.
- Academic law degree from a German university or equivalent institution with a state examination or first law degree (Section 5 (1) of the German Judges Act - DRiG) or
- Academic law degree from a German university or equivalent institution with a bachelor's degree (LL.B.) with at least 180 credit points (proof of legal studies by Diploma Supplement or similar) or
- Economics single-subject studies at a German university or equivalent institution with a minimum of 180 credit points with a Bachelor's, Master's, Magister or Diplom degree (proof of legal study achievements with at least 30 credit points by Diploma Supplement or relevant work experience) or
- Two-subject law or economics studies at a German university or equivalent institution with at least 180 credit points with a Bachelor's, Master's, Magister or Diplom degree (proof of legal study achievements with at least 30 credit points by Diploma Supplement or relevant work experience) or
- Other (e.g. foreign) degree (if applicable, proof of legal study achievements by Diploma Supplement) or relevant professional experience
- Proof of at least one year of professional activity
- Proof of English language skills | at least C1 (CEFR)
MBA
- Bachelor's degree or an equivalent first professional degree from a German university or equivalent institution with at least 180 credit points (proof of academic achievement by Diploma Supplement or similar) or
- Other equivalent (e.g. foreign) degree (if applicable, proof of academic achievements by Diploma Supplement or similar)
- Proof of at least one year of professional activity
- Proof of English language skills | at least C1 (CEFR)
3. Which proof of language skills in English, which is at least level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), is possible?
- Certificate UNIcert© III or IV
- TOEFL® Internet-Based Test (iBT) or TOEFL iBT Home Edition with at least 95 points
- Cambridge English C1 Advanced (CAE) with at least 180 points
- IELTS "Academic" with at least 7 points in each area
- Certificate of completion of an English-language study program from a recognized university
- Certificate of university entrance issued in an English-speaking education in a country where English is an official language
- Pearson Test of English - PTE Academic with at least 76 points
- Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (CPE).
- Other equivalent certificates (The examination board of both universities will decide on the recognition in the selection process.)
4. What is the certificate of university entrance?
The University Entrance Qualification is a diploma/school leaving certificate that allows/allowed you to start your bachelor’s degree course at university (e.g. high school diploma, attestat, baccalaureat, bachillerato, general certificate of education, etc.)
5. Can I obtain both an LL.M. and an MBA?
Yes, a double degree is possible. For this purpose, two semesters are added after the acquisition of the first degree in order to catch up on the respective modules and to write the second master's thesis. There is a 50% discount on the second degree.
6. How is the payment in installments structured?
Students who wish to pay in installments pay in five installments at the beginning of each semester, whereby the enrollment installment and the installment for the first semester must be paid relatively promptly.
7. How is the part-time study program designed?
The modular design of the study program makes it possible to flexibly arrange the study contents. Therefore, part-time study is possible without any problems. Basically, part-time study means that in the first two semesters you complete only 15 ECTS instead of 30 ECTS per semester, thus doubling your standard study time from 4 to 6 semesters.
further information
Information for online retrieval
a project by
The Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF is one of Germany’s biggest and most modern leading film schools. As the first film school in the country, it attained the status of university in 2014. With its unique craft-oriented and interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research, numerous successful film productions each year and innovative research projects, the Film University actively contributes to the development of media, science, and society.
Where knowledge grows. Young, modern, future-oriented: Only 25 years old, the University of Potsdam has earned an outstanding place in the higher education and science landscape of Berlin-Brandenburg. It scores with a special variety of study opportunities and a distinctive interdisciplinary research profile.
organizational support by
The Erich Pommer Institut is one of the leading providers of further training in the German and European media industry and a recognized industry think tank. The institute was founded in 1998 as an independent non-profit limited liability company in Potsdam-Babelsberg and is an affiliated institute of the Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF and the University of Potsdam.