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Specialization Field

The Institute for International Peace and Security Law offers seminars within specialization area 9 (international and European law) and specialization area 14 (international criminal law, criminal procedure, practice-relevant areas of criminal law) for students of the Faculty of Law at the University of Cologne on track for the "First State Examination". You can find more information on the courses offered and how to organize your specialization below.


General information on the specialization in public international law and international criminal law with Prof. Kreß

Prof. Kreß usually teaches a course on the International Law of Peace and Security in the winter semester and International Law of Armed Conflicts and International Criminal Law in the summer semester.

These lectures are closely related in terms of content and when combined provide an initial in-depth insight into the law of international peacekeeping in the broader sense, which is rapidly gaining importance, especially for Germany. Although it is not required, it is advisable to attend the lecture International Law I (Völkerrecht I) in addition to these lectures or beforehand. Another very useful addition is attending the lecture International Human Rights.

In addition to such a combination of subjects, which can be assigned to specialization area 9, there is the possibility of a first intensive encounter with criminal law in its international dimension, which is also becoming increasingly important. Students who wish to pursue these subjects, accordingly, taking specialization area 14, may combine international criminal law with European criminal law and international criminal law and criminal procedure law.

Of course, it is also possible to combine the three lectures mentioned with other lectures in specialization areas 9, 13 and 14. Such an approach is recommended if attendees harbor particular interest in the peacekeeping law subjects while not wishing to complete an overall orientation of the specialization area studies.

Students who have chosen Prof. Kreß as supervisor for their specialization area thesis will be assigned a topic from the field of international law or international criminal law, depending on the subject area. Before each specialization seminar, a discussion takes place, offering specific advice on the preparation of specialization theses. In addition, it is recommended that students attend at least one of Prof. Kreß's lectures on international law or international criminal law beforehand.  

The lectures International Law of Peace and Security, International Law of Armed Conflicts and International Criminal Law may also be of interest to foreign guest students and students of international politics; they are always welcome.