Executive Master's Degree Program (online)

European Film Business and Law LL.M. | MBA

A Project by the Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF and University of Potsdam

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 Sessionto be announced
Application DeadlineFebruary 2025
Locationmostly online, with 2 study weeks in Potsdam, Germany
DateNext program will start in October 2025
Target Groupprofessionals and executives in film and TV from Europe and ROW-territories
LanguageEnglish
Degreejoint LL.M. | MBA degree
Finance Optionsavailable, see below
A project by
In cooperation with
European Film Business and Law LL.M. | MBA

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inkl. Mwst.
Application procedure

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what the program offers

Benefit from the program's unique assets and accelerate your career!

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

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.

  1. 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)
  2. Proof of at least one year of professional activity
  3. Proof of English language skills | at least C1 (CEFR)

MBA

  1. A completed higher education degree with at least 180 credit points
  2. Proof of at least one year of professional activity
  3. 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:

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    Application and selection process

    1. Your application documents (application for admission, if applicable application for recognition of achievements, supporting documents) are received online in due time and form.
    2. After the application deadline, the admission and, if applicable, the selection process begins.
    3. Successful applicants will receive a letter of admission, rejected applicants a letter of rejection.
    4. Successful applicants enroll on time and decide to study full- or part-time.
    5. 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.

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    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


    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!

    ​​​​​​​

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    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.


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    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.

    Jonas Anschütz
    Jonas Anschütz
    Lawyer | Brehm & v. Moers Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaftsgesellschaft mbB
    Charlotte Applegren
    Charlotte Applegren
    General Secretary | CineRegio
    Sandhiya Sophie Argent
    Sandhiya Sophie Argent
    Consultant Media Content Lawyer, Reviewed and Cleared, UK
    Dr. Matthias Berberich
    Dr. Matthias Berberich
    Counsel | Hengeler Mueller | Germany
    Stéphanie Berland
    Stéphanie Berland
    Attorney-at-law | Partner
    Susan Bischoff
    Susan Bischoff
    Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin | Morrison & Foerster LLP
    Cătălina Bîzîc
    Cătălina Bîzîc
    Lawyer
    Wolfgang Brehm
    Wolfgang Brehm
    Attorney at Law | Brehm & v. Moers | Germany
    Dr. Jennifer Bryant
    Dr. Jennifer Bryant
    Attorney-at-Law | Noerr Partnerschaftsgesellschaft mbB | Germany & USA
    Auxane Boch
    Auxane Boch
    Research Associate | TUM Instiute for Ethics in Artficial Intelligence
    Paolo Ciccarelli
    Paolo Ciccarelli
    Head of Drama | MIA International Audiovisual Market
    Susan Cleary
    Susan Cleary
    Attorney at Law | IFTA Los Angeles | USA
    Francesca Cordova
    Francesca Cordova
    Senior Associate | Legance Avvocati Associati
    Prof. Laurent Creton
    Prof. Laurent Creton
    Professor | Université Sorbonne Nouvelle - Paris 3 | France
    Dr. Anja Dachner
    Dr. Anja Dachner
    Partner/Attorney | KLIEMT.HR Lawyers | Germany
    Manuel José Damásio
    Manuel José Damásio
    Associate Professor | Lusófona University
    Lawyer | Brehm & v. Moers | Germany
    Lawyer | Brehm & v. Moers | Germany
    Lawyer | Brehm & v. Moers | Germany
    Alexander Eichler
    Alexander Eichler
    Attorney | Data Pricacy and IT-Law
    Dipl. Iur. Marlen Fasold
    Dipl. Iur. Marlen Fasold
    Consultant | Consilium Rechtskommunikation
    Doris Friedl
    Doris Friedl
    Trainer | Systemic Coach | Organizational Developer | Germany
    Kai-Florian Furch
    Kai-Florian Furch
    Attorney and Partner | Brehm & v. Moers | Germany
    Dr. Frederic Geber, LL.M.
    Dr. Frederic Geber, LL.M.
    Counsel | POSSER SPIETH WOLFERS & PARTNERS
    Boris Grönemeyer
    Boris Grönemeyer
    Head of Technical and Digital Risk Management | Guaranteed Completions | Germany
    Margarita Grubina
    Margarita Grubina
    VP of Business Growth | Respeecher | Ukraine
    Chris Hanson
    Chris Hanson
    Lawyer & Partner | Wiggin LLP
    Prof. Dr. Conrad Heberling
    Prof. Dr. Conrad Heberling
    Professor Marketing and Market Research | Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF | Germany
    Guido Hettinger
    Guido Hettinger
    Lawyer & Partner | BREHM & v.MOERS | Germany
    Philipp Hoffmann
    Philipp Hoffmann
    Founder / Managing Director | Rushlake Media GmbH
    Jennie Kastberg
    Jennie Kastberg
    Attorney at Law | Advokatfirman Kastberg | Sweden
    Lukas Kawka
    Lukas Kawka
    RA/StB | Grant Thornton | Germany
    James Kay
    James Kay
    Lawyer | Sheridans | United Kingdom
    Prof. Dr. Eric Kearney
    Prof. Dr. Eric Kearney
    Holder of the Chair of Business Administration with a focus on Leadership, Organization and Human Resources | University of Potsdam | Germany
    Prof. Dr. Dennis-Kenji Kipker
    Prof. Dr. Dennis-Kenji Kipker
    Professor fro Cybersecurity Law | University of Applied Sciences Bremen | Germany
    Anders Kjærhauge
    Anders Kjærhauge
    Managing Director and Head of Legal Affairs | Zentropa | Denmark
    Prof. Dr. Judith Klink-Straub
    Prof. Dr. Judith Klink-Straub
    Professor | University of Applied Sciences Ludwigsburg | Germany
    Marta Garcia Leon
    Marta Garcia Leon
    Intellectual Property | Entertainment Law | Spain
    Stu Levy
    Stu Levy
    Founder & CEO | TOKYOPOP | Germany & USA
    Peter De Maegd
    Peter De Maegd
    Founder & Producer | Potemkino | Belgium
    Paolo Marzano
    Paolo Marzano
    Partner | Legance Avvocati Associati | Italy
    Valentina Mayer
    Valentina Mayer
    Lawyer & Founding Partner | Mayer Lex | Italy
    Prof. Dr. Juliane Mendelsohn
    Prof. Dr. Juliane Mendelsohn
    Junior-Professor of Law and Economics of Digitalization | TU Illmenau | Germany
    Prof. Dr. Péter Mezei
    Prof. Dr. Péter Mezei
    Professor of Law | Hungary
    Heval Mienert
    Heval Mienert
    Attorney | Morrison Foerster LLP | Germany
    Valentina Neumann
    Valentina Neumann
    Managing Director | Alphapanda
    Jakob Isak Nielsen
    Jakob Isak Nielsen
    Associate Professor | Aarhus University
    Mathias Noschis
    Mathias Noschis
    Film Marketing Strategist | Alphapanda
    Hon.-Prof. Dr. Christian C.-W. Pleister
    Hon.-Prof. Dr. Christian C.-W. Pleister
    Honorary Professor for International Copyright and Competition Law, Corporate and Media Law | Germany
    Dr. Dirk Poppendieck
    Dr. Dirk Poppendieck
    Lawyer | Brehm & v. Moers | Germany
    Dr. Katja Puteanus-Birkenbach
    Dr. Katja Puteanus-Birkenbach
    University lecturer and Innovation Consultant | Germany
    Dr. Hans Radau
    Dr. Hans Radau
    Lawyer & Partner | Noerr Partnerschaftsgesellschaft mbB | Germany
    Andrea Rattenbacher
    Andrea Rattenbacher
    Head of Contract Management | Constantin Film AG | Germany
    Julie-Jeanne Régnault
    Julie-Jeanne Régnault
    Secretary General at European Film Agency Directors Association (EFAD)
    Charles-Edouard Renault
    Charles-Edouard Renault
    Partner | de Gaulle Fleurance & Associés | France
    Marco Robledo
    Marco Robledo
    Marco Robledo | Universitat de les Illes Balears | Spain
    Dr. Julia Schafdecker
    Dr. Julia Schafdecker
    Attorney | Fieldfisher
    Prof. Dr. Marcus Schladebach, LL.M.
    Prof. Dr. Marcus Schladebach, LL.M.
    University Professor, Faculty of Law | University of Potsdam | Germany
    Max von Schönfeld
    Max von Schönfeld
    Lawyer & Legal Product Manager | NOERR | Germany
    Dr. Kristina Schreiber
    Dr. Kristina Schreiber
    Partner | Loschelder | Germany
    Juliane Schulze
    Juliane Schulze
    Managing Director | Juliane Schulze Media Consulting | Germany
    Michael Schwarz
    Michael Schwarz
    Producer | Vega Film | Germany
    Lesha Shaldenko, Ph.D.
    Lesha Shaldenko, Ph.D.
    CEO and Co-founder of Wantent | Associate Professor at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.
    Katarzyna Siniarska
    Katarzyna Siniarska
    Head of Sales | New Europe Film Sales | Poland
    Peter Stauber, LL.M.
    Peter Stauber, LL.M.
    Lawyer/Partner | Noerr Partnerschaftsgesellschaft mbB
    Prof. Dr. iur. Björn Steinrötter
    Prof. Dr. iur. Björn Steinrötter
    Junior Professorship for IT and Media Law | Faculty of Law – University of Potsdam | Germany
    Christiane Stützle
    Christiane Stützle
    Lawyer & Partner | Morrison Foerster LLP
    Sophokles Tasioulis
    Sophokles Tasioulis
    CEO | MovieLedger
    Thomas Weber
    Thomas Weber
    Attorney at Law | Germany
    Dr. Kathrin Westermann
    Dr. Kathrin Westermann
    Lawyer | Noerr Partnerschaftsgesellschaft mbB | Germany
    Robert Williams
    Robert Williams
    Lawyer | RW Law | Germany
    Lysann Windisch
    Lysann Windisch
    Director of Distribution | MUBI Deutschland GmbH

    Frequently Asked Questions

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    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

    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.


    www.filmuniversitaet.de/en/

    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.


    www.uni-potsdam.de/en

    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.


    www.en.epi.media/

    contact

    Katriina Miola
    Katriina Miola
    Project manager European Film Business and Law LL.M. | MBA
    +49 (0) 331 76 99 15 28 | km@epi.media
    Laura Speicher
    Laura Speicher
    Project Coordinator European Film Business and Law LL.M. | MBA
    +49 (0) 331 76 99 15 23 | ls@epi.media
    Paula Kollmetz
    Paula Kollmetz
    Student Assistant Master Programs LL.M. | MBA
    +49 (0) 331 76 99 15 32 | pkm@epi.media
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