Niklas Luginsland has 150,000 followers on Instagram and is currently studying for an LL.M. in Sports Law at the University of Bayreuth. The former professional e-sports player sees this Master’s degree as an ideal complement to his work, particularly as he increasingly has to deal with legal matters in his role as a content creator. “The programme definitely broadens my horizons,” says Niklas Luginsland. “It is a strong building block in terms of content, but also a personal enrichment.”
So far, he has mainly encountered legal aspects through his own sponsorship arrangements, particularly in the areas of contract and employment law. In practice, marketing law occupies him almost constantly. “That’s why I find the legal side especially exciting. In my day-to-day work I deal a lot with marketing, but the legal perspective is something I’ve been missing until now.”
That the University of Bayreuth campus provides an ideal environment for personal further education and development is also reflected in the strong sense of community that emerges from the programme. Niklas Luginsland, who uses a wheelchair and therefore occasionally faces particular challenges, also notices this sense of togetherness. “Here on campus, everything is basically designed so that I can get everywhere in my wheelchair, and my fellow students are always incredibly helpful if I need a bit of support.”
However, this sense of cohesion is felt not only in this respect, but especially beyond the teaching sessions. The small LL.M. programme, with just 12 students, meets on campus in Bayreuth for an in-person weekend on average once a month. After classes, the group also spends time together. “This weekend we’re going to basketball, we’ve already been to Nuremberg to watch Club, and somehow there’s always something to do.” This, too, is part of what makes studying at the University of Bayreuth so appealing for Niklas Luginsland. “Precisely because Bayreuth isn’t very spread out, it’s perfect if you’re only here occasionally. You find your way around very quickly – both on campus and in the city.”
The programme is now approaching its halfway point, so he is already able to look back on his experience. “The organisation here is really excellent,” says Niklas Luginsland. “To give one example: I brought my own table with me because it’s easier for me to use with my wheelchair. By now, it’s always set up when I arrive and is, of course, stored until the next block of classes.” He is also very impressed by the expertise of the lecturers: “You really are learning from the best here. The lecturers are highly respected in the field – I hear that time and again.”
The content of the LL.M. in Sports Law is also very up to date and consistently geared towards practical issues. “I would enrol on the programme again without hesitation,” Luginsland concludes.
