English and German Law Dual Degree

The University College London (UCL) offers a distinctive Dual Degree program in English and German Law, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of legal systems in both the United Kingdom and Germany. This innovative program allows students to gain dual qualifications, cultivating a deep proficiency in comparative law, legal practice, and legal language skills across two major European jurisdictions. Throughout the course, students will engage with a broad curriculum that covers essential topics such as constitutional law, contract law, administrative law, criminal law, and European Union law, with instruction tailored to meet the standards of both the UK and German legal systems. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, enabling students to develop analytical, research, and critical thinking skills that are applicable in international legal contexts. Students benefit from exposure to bilingual legal environments, participating in lectures, seminars, and workshops conducted in English and German, to enhance their language competence and legal terminology proficiency. The program also includes practical components such as internships, moot competitions, and legal clinics, which provide real-world experience and networking opportunities within both legal communities. Graduates of this dual degree will be well-equipped to pursue careers in international law firms, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, or continue their academic pursuits in legal studies. The unique structure of the program fosters cultural exchange and intercultural competence, essential qualities for legal practitioners operating in diverse and globalized environments. With access to top-tier faculty members specializing in comparative law and international legal practice, students will gain invaluable insights into the complexities and nuances of law in both jurisdictions. Completing this dual degree not only enriches students’ legal expertise but also enhances their employability and global professional outlook, preparing them for a dynamic legal market that increasingly values cross-jurisdictional expertise.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

The first two years of study for this programme are the same as for the three-year LLB degree, with these exceptions:
First-year students are required to take a module in German law, taught in German and including law, legal institutions and legal terminology. The department does not offer language tuition and students will be responsible for maintaining, or, if necessary, improving their linguistic ability in German to meet the academic demands of the degree.

Second-year students are required to take the European Legal Studies module, which includes tuition in German about the law and legal system of Germany.

The third and fourth years of study are spent at the Universität zu Köln studying towards the German Law degree in accordance with the host university's requirements for the degree programme. During this time, students will be registered as full-time undergraduates of the host university.

The German Law degree is not a fully qualifying law degree in Germany but students are given the opportunity to remain enrolled at the Universität zu Köln after completing the UCL LLB and Köln Bachelor of Laws in order to take the German First State Exam.

Please note, to be eligible to enrol on and satisfy all academic requirements for the German First State Exam, in the instance you are applying on the basis of UK A level qualifications, you must have studied mathematics or a natural science subject as one of your three A level subjects.

Students enrolled on this programme will not be permitted to transfer to the three-year LLB degree (subject to exceptional circumstances).

A levels

Grades

A*AA

Subjects

Complete fluency in German required.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade B. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

39

Subjects

A score of 19 points in three higher level subjects, with no score lower than 5. Complete fluency in German is required.

The University College London (UCL) offers a Dual Degree program in English and German Law that provides students with a unique opportunity to gain comprehensive legal education in both jurisdictions. Regarding financing studies for this program, students have several options to fund their studies effectively. UCL provides a range of scholarships and bursaries specifically aimed at supporting students enrolled in law programs, including those pursuing dual degrees. These financial aids are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both, and applicants are encouraged to apply early to maximize their chances of receiving support.

In addition to university-specific funding, students can explore external scholarships offered by government agencies, international organizations, and legal foundations. For instance, students from the European Union may be eligible for regional scholarships aimed at promoting educational exchange and legal expertise across borders. Furthermore, students are advised to consider applying for student loans or financial aid programs available through their home countries or international financial institutions, which can assist in covering tuition fees, living expenses, and related costs.

International students should also investigate part-time work opportunities available on or near the UCL campus, which can help supplement their income during their studies. The university has a dedicated careers service that provides guidance on employment options, internship programs, and work regulations for international students. Additionally, some students choose to fund their studies through personal savings or family support.

It is important for prospective students to carefully review the specific financial requirements for the Dual Degree program and stay informed about application deadlines for scholarships and financial aid. UCL offers detailed financial guidance and resources on their official website, which prospective students should consult for the most accurate and updated information. Overall, while financing a dual degree at UCL involves careful planning and exploration of multiple funding avenues, students are supported by numerous resources and opportunities to make their legal education financially feasible.

The University College London offers a distinctive Dual Degree program in English and German Law, designed to provide students with a comprehensive legal education in two major legal systems. This program aims to equip graduates with the advanced legal knowledge and intercultural competence necessary for careers in international law, European law, and transnational legal practice. The curriculum integrates the core principles and specialized areas of both English and German Law, allowing students to explore the similarities and differences between common law and civil law traditions. Throughout the program, students engage with foundational courses such as Contract Law, Tort Law, Criminal Law, and Constitutional Law, alongside specialized modules in European Law, Human Rights Law, and International Legal Practice. The dual structure encourages critical thinking, analytical skills, and cross-jurisdictional legal analysis, fostering a deep understanding of legal frameworks governing multiple jurisdictions. Students benefit from dynamic teaching methods, including seminars, case studies, moot courts, and practical legal training, often supplemented by internships or exchange semesters in partner institutions across Europe. The program culminates in two degrees: a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from University College London and an additional law degree from a collaborating German university, such as the University of Göttingen or the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, depending on the specific track chosen. This dual degree enhances employability by opening pathways to legal practice in both the UK and Germany and provides a competitive edge for careers within international institutions, law firms, and multinational companies. Graduates are well-prepared to undertake further professional qualifications, including the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) in the UK, and the First State Examination (Staatsexamen) in Germany. The program emphasizes a multicultural learning environment, with opportunities for language proficiency development, cultural exchange, and engagement with an international community of students and academics. Overall, the UCL Dual Degree in English and German Law is an intensive, rigorous program that combines academic excellence with practical skills, designed for ambitious students aiming to excel in the legal profession across Europe and beyond.