LLM Educational Programme with American University (WCL), Washington

Degree
LLM Educational Programmes
Duration
1 Year
Year
2026/2027

Programme overview  

An LL.M. (Master of Laws) is a highly regarded international qualification, designed to develop specialist expertise, international legal skills, and a global network. 

In a way that is unique of its kind, Luiss enables students to incorporate an international LL.M. directly into their Law degree programme, allowing them to study abroad and obtain this prestigious qualification before graduating. This innovative programme guarantees students a dual degree, early access to a global professional network, and an unparalleled competitive advantage in the international job market. 

Programme structure  

The programme is structured as follows: 

  • From the 1st to the 4th year at Luiss 
  • The 5th year at WCL, Washington  

Places available  

2 places are available for each academic year.  

Who is eligible to apply?  

This LL.M. is a programme reserved for students enrolled in the fourth year of the Single-Cycle Master's Degree in Law. Depending on their major, students can apply for: 

  • The LL.M. in International Legal Studies is open to students majoring in International Law, Criminal Law, Corporate and Tax Law, Business Law and Economics, European Law, and Civil Law.  
  • The LL.M. in Law and Government is open to students majoring in Criminal Law, Corporate and Tax Law, Business Law and Economics, Civil Law, or Administrative Law.  
  • The LL.M. in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law is open to students majoring in International Law.  
  • LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Technology, open to students majoring in Law and Innovation, or Law and Business Economics  
  • LL.M. in Advocacy open to students majoring in Criminal Law  
  • The LL.M. in International Business and Trade Law is open to students specialising in European Law.  
  • The LL.M. in Gender, International and Comparative Law is open to students majoring in International Law, Criminal Law, or Civil Law.  
  • The LL.M. in International Arbitration and Business Law is open to students majoring in Corporate and Tax Law, Business Law and Economics, International Law, and Civil Law. 
  • The LL.M. in Law and Legislation is open to students majoring in Law and Innovation, Administrative Law, and European Law. 

Fees and charges 

Students selected for the LL.M. EP Programme will remain enrolled at Luiss during their time at WCL and will continue to pay their tuition fees to Luiss. Students will be exempt from paying academic fees at WCL; however, for the 2026–2027 academic year, they will be required to cover the following administrative costs associated with the programme: 

  • Student health insurance: approximately $3,000 for 2 semesters 
  • Administrative fees and charges: $1,800 for 2 semesters 

All expenses associated with taking part in the mobility programme (e.g. accommodation, insurance, transport, etc.) will be the students' responsibility. 

Qualifications awarded  

Upon completing the programme, students will receive: 

  • Single-Cycle Master's Degree from Luiss 
  • LL.M. certification from WCL 

To obtain the qualifications, participants must comply with the rules and conditions of both universities regarding credits, attendance, and deadlines. 

Disclaimer  

The information provided on this page – including the eligible degree programmes at Luiss, the fields of study (majors), and the admission requirements – is subject to annual review and may be updated for future years of mobility. Candidates are advised to check this webpage regularly for the most up-to-date information before submitting their application. 

Luiss Academic Coordinator

Rossella Sabia 
Faculty | rsabia@luiss.it 

Angelo Junior Golia 
Faculty | agolia@luiss.it 

Single Commission

Daniele Gallo 
Faculty | dgallo@luiss.it

Alessia Farano 
Faculty | afarano@luiss.it 

Barbara de Donno 
Faculty | bdedonno@luiss.it  

Pietro Pustorino 
Faculty | pustorin@luiss.it  

International Degree Programmes
Viale Romania 32
00197 Rome

For general enquiries:
international@luiss.it

For questions about the programme:  
Nicla Scaglione 
nscaglione@luiss.it 
Tel. +39 06 85225409 

Curriculum for the academic year 2026–2027

 

  • Students will take the entire LL.M. programme and sit all the exams at the partner university during their 5th year. 
  • Upon their return, all courses listed on the official Transcript of Records will be recognised as a block (Block Transfer Recognition), covering Luiss courses in the 4th year (2nd semester) and the 5th year (1st and 2nd semesters). The final dissertation will not be included in the credit transfer. 
  • Luiss dissertation: Students must choose a Luiss supervisor, follow Luiss's standard graduation procedures, and defend their dissertation in July, October/November, or March/April, depending on when the Transcript of Records is available. The processing of grades involves manual procedures, and Transcripts of Records must be received well in advance of the graduation session. Given this timeframe, please bear in mind that graduating in the summer session is generally not possible.  
  • Dissertation at the Partner University: If required, students will also complete a final dissertation for the partner university, following its specific guidelines and deadlines. 

Further information

  • Students selected for an LL.M. programme are required to follow the curriculum set out for their year of mobility, including any changes, particularly those relating to language courses and other academic activities. 
  • Although every effort is made to provide students with complete, accurate, and timely information, Luiss reserves the right to make changes, add to, or withdraw the programme. 
  • Luiss is not responsible for any cancellations or changes resulting from events beyond its control. Should the programme be cancelled or modified for such reasons, Luiss will promptly inform all students. 

How to apply

Details of the application procedure and further information not available on this webpage can be found in the Call for Applications for your mobility year. For further information, please contact the International Degree Programmes Office at the following email address: international@luiss.it.  

Admission Criteria mobility year 2026/27

For the coming years of mobility, the eligibility criteria are reviewed and updated on this webpage, typically in September of each year. 

Requirements for applications for the 2026/2027 mobility year
Having successfully completed and had officially recorded a total of at least 180 credits 
Have a weighted average of 27/30 or higher

Hold one of the following English language qualifications: 

  • TOEFL: min. 563 (paper-based); min. 84 (iBT)  
  • IELTS: minimum overall score of 6.5 (online tests accepted)  
  • Pearson Academic (PTE): minimum score of 56  
  • Duolingo English Test: minimum score of 110 

Language certifications must not have been obtained more than two years before the start of the mobility period (August/September 2027). Candidates must meet the requirements by taking a single test. 

Selection Criteria mobility year 2026/27

The criteria set out below apply to applications for the 2026–2027 mobility year. 

Luiss will select a shortlist of candidates based on an unquestionable assessment of each student's academic profile and motivation. Further details about the selection process will be published at the same time as the call for applications. 

The results will be communicated to WCL, which reserves the right to make the final selection. 

The selection process is structured in three stages: 

Step 1 Eligible candidates will be placed on the ranking list following an assessment of their academic performance (credits 53%, internship credits 2%, weighted average 45%). 
Step 2 The interview will focus on the candidate's motivation, academic background, and previous international or professional experience. 
Step 3 Having reviewed the Luiss Committee's ranking and the candidates' dossiers, the partner universities reserve the right to confirm the final ranking. 

Call for Applications – Deadlines for the 2026–2027 Mobility Year

For the coming years of mobility, the timescales are reviewed and updated on this web page, typically in September of each year. 

PhaseTimelines
Publication of the call for applicationsEarly December 2025
Opening of the application period8 January 2026
Deadline for submitting applications21 January 2026
Selection interviews10 February 2026
Selection resultsBy 20 February 2026 (to be confirmed)
Confirmation of participationWithin one working day

 

Read the Selection Notice – Mobility Year 2026–2027

Application instructions – 2026–2027 mobility year 

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