Komotini and the Rodopi Region: A Crossroads of Culture and History.
Situated in the heart of Thrace, Komotini serves as the vibrant capital of the Rodopi regional unit, a captivating area in northeastern Greece. This region is a remarkable testament to centuries of diverse cultural influences, where the East truly meets the West.
Historically, Rodopi boasts a rich tapestry of civilizations, from ancient Greek and Roman periods to Byzantine and Ottoman rule. This layered past is evident in the region's architecture, archaeological sites, and traditions. Komotini itself emerged as an important urban center during the Byzantine era and later flourished under the Ottomans, leaving an indelible mark on its identity. This blend of heritage has
fostered a unique multicultural environment, reflected in its diverse population and harmonious coexistence.
Culturally, Komotini is a lively university city, home to the Democritus University of Thrace, which injects youthful energy and intellectual dynamism into the area. The city's cultural scene is enriched by museums, galleries, and a calendar of events that celebrate its dual heritage, including religious festivals from both Christian and Muslim traditions. Local cuisine, too, reflects this fusion, offering a delicious array of flavors influenced by Balkan and Anatolian traditions.
Strategically located, Rodopi offers excellent road links, facilitating connections with neighboring countries Bulgaria, Romania and Türkiye. The Egnatia Motorway runs through the region, providing swift access to Türkiye to the east and Bulgaria directly to the north. This underscores Rodopi's historical role as a significant crossroads and its continued importance as a gateway to the Balkans and beyond. The region's natural beauty, from the Rodopi mountains to the River Nestos delta, further adds to its appeal as a multifaceted destination.
Stand out in the field of International Law with a unique postgraduate programme covering:
- Human Rights & Humanitarian Law
- Private International Law, Transactions & Arbitration
Offered by a top-tier Law Faculty with 20+ years of expertise, Jean Monnet Chair distinction, cutting-edge research labs & award-winning student teams.
Public International Law: https://llm-int.law.duth.gr/
Private International Law (GR): https://llm-int.law.duth.gr/
Postgraduate Programme “LL.M. in International Studies” at the Law Department of the Law Faculty of Democritus University of Thrace
The LL.M. in International Studies, offered by the Law Department of the Faculty of Law at Democritus University of Thrace, has been designed to address in a unique and comprehensive way key areas of international legal relevance, focusing on: (a) Human Rights Protection and Humanitarian Law, and (b) Private International Law, International Transactions, and International Arbitration.
The Law Department of Democritus University of Thrace has a longstanding tradition of excellence in International Studies and has developed recognized expertise through nearly two decades of postgraduate education addressing contemporary legal challenges.
The Sector of International Studies is supported by a distinguished faculty with international recognition and significant academic contributions in the fields covered by the LL.M. The programme also benefits from two dedicated research laboratories, the award of a Jean Monnet Chair by the European Commission, and strong support for student participation in international competitions, where students have consistently achieved outstanding results.
The Postgraduate Programme “LL.M. in International Studies” offers upon completion a Masters Diploma on the two following specializations:
Public Intl. Law: https://llm-int.law.duth.gr/
Private International Law (in Greek): https://llm-int.law.duth.gr/
LL.M in International Studies
Strand: Public International Law (Humanitarian Studies)
Language: English (subject to decision of the LL.M Coordination Committee) or Greek
Fee: €1,800,00
Location: Komotini, Greece/ Hybrid On-line
Eligibility
Prospective students must hold a Degree in Law (LL.B) or a Degree in International Relations/ Politics. Moreover, graduates of Military Academies of Army, Navy, Air Force and Armed Forces Legal Corps are eligible for admission.
Admission
Number of Students: 20
Students in excess: 5 (members of the Judiciary/ Diplomatic Corps/ State Legal Counsel)
Admission Criteria
Stage A
I. Application (on-line)
II. Curriculum Vitae (Resumé) in English (it must include studies, employment, academic and social activities)
III. First degree overall grade and analytical academic record of undergraduate studies
IV. (if any) LL.M or Master’s degrees, previously held, overall grade and analytical academic record
V. Knowledge of English (Proficiency level) certified by diploma of Proficiency in English (C1 level) or an academic degree taught in English.
Working knowledge of languages other than Greek and/or English (if any)
VI. Publications or Academic Research (if any)
VII. Two Letters of Reference in either Greek or English
VIII. A solemn declaration of authenticity of submitted particulars. For Greek candidates a N. 1599/1986 Declaration.
Stage B Admissibility and Point-rating
I. Admissibility of a candidate’s dossier is dependent on meeting all requirements of Stage A
II. Point-rating (highest overall rating:100 points)
First degree overall grade and analytical academic record of undergraduate studies (30 points)
LL.M or Master’s degrees, previously held, overall grade and analytical academic record (20 points)
Knowledge of English (Proficiency level) (20 points)
Publications or Academic Research (10 points)
Letters of Reference (20 points)
Stage C: Selection Procedure – Personal Interview
I. Admissibility
II. Point ranking
III. Personal Interview (on-line or face-to-face). Only candidates who meet the Admissibility requirements will be invited to interview as the final stage of the Selection Procedure.
Duration
Three semesters. One full academic year (October-June) (Instruction) + One semester (June-December) (Dissertation)
Dissertation (Third Semester)
Each student must write a dissertation of 15,000-30,000 words during the semester immediately following the Spring Semester of the current LL.M course.
Submission by 30 September and evaluation (by viva voce examination) by 31 December of current year. Possibility of extension of dissertation submission for compelling reason by 31 December of current year and evaluation by 28 February of following year.
Evaluation by viva voce examination by 31 December of current year (or by 28 February of following year for compelling reasons.)
LL.M (Public International Law) dissertations shall be written in English.
Temporary suspension of studies not exceeding one semester: In exceptional situations upon request; to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Expulsion or Withdrawal: Students shall be required to withdraw or be expelled in the following cases:
I. Failure to attend courses (absentee students in more than two sessions in each module, unless this is justified on compelling grounds other than professional or employment commitments)
II. Failure in Exams or Dissertation viva voce.
III. Plagiarism or other conduct contrary to academic propriety.
IV. Upon written request or application of a student
Modules
Winter Semester
Human Rights Law I
International Humanitarian Law of Armed Conflict I
Refugee Law
Spring Semester
Human Rights Law II
International Humanitarian Law of Armed Conflict II
International Criminal Justice
Teaching
By Instruction
Hybrid On-line 80% of sessions (Students who reside in Komotini may attend seminars on campus)
On Campus 20% of sessions (All students)
Faculty consists of renowned academics and guest lecturers in Public International Law.
Evaluation:
By written examination in every Module in February (Winter Semester) and June (Spring Semester) and in September in case of re-sit examination.
Dissertation viva voce (Third Semester)
Grade ranking (0-10):
Excellent: 8.5-10
Very Good: 6.5-8.49
Good: 5-6.49
Fail: 0-4.99
LL.M Overall Grade:
Aggregate of Exams grade in Winter and Spring Semesters (60%)
Dissertation viva voce grade in Third Semester (40%)
Studentships
Two studentships consisting of the LL.M fees (€1,800.00) refund are available every academic year.
To be eligible for a studentship a candidate must cumulatively meet specific academic, financial and social criteria.
Academic criteria: (1) Full-time student and (2) Excellent grade aggregate in either Winter or Spring Semester.
Financial Criteria: Very low personal and family annual income as certified by competent Inland Revenue or Tax Office.
Social Criteria: A candidate must belong to either one or more of the following groups: (1) Single parent; (2) Child of a single parent family; (3) Disability; (4) Parentless under 25 years old; (5) Member of family with more than 3 children.
