Law

The Law programme at the University of Geneva offers a comprehensive and rigorous education in the fundamental principles and contemporary practices of legal systems. Designed for students aspiring to become highly skilled legal professionals, this programme provides a thorough understanding of national and international law, emphasizing critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical considerations. Throughout their studies, students explore various branches of law including constitutional law, administrative law, civil law, criminal law, corporate law, and international law, enabling them to develop a versatile legal expertise applicable in diverse professional contexts.

The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, offering students opportunities to engage in case studies, moot courts, and internships with law firms, governmental agencies, and international organizations. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy, preparing graduates for successful careers in legal practice, academia, or public service. The programme also encourages an understanding of the societal implications of law and promotes a commitment to justice, equality, and human rights.

Students benefit from the university’s vibrant academic community, which includes renowned faculty members, seminars, and workshops that facilitate dialogue on current legal issues. The interdisciplinary approach integrates perspectives from economics, politics, and sociology to enrich legal analysis. The Law programme at the University of Geneva is especially notable for its focus on international law, reflecting the city’s status as a diplomatic hub and home to numerous international organizations, including the United Nations Office at Geneva.

Graduates of this programme gain the skills necessary to navigate complex legal environments and are well-prepared for careers as lawyers, legal advisors, policy makers, or researchers. The university also offers pathways for further specialization through master’s and doctoral programmes, ensuring continuous professional development in the legal field. With a solid foundation in both theory and practice, the Law programme at the University of Geneva equips students to become ethical, innovative, and globally-minded legal professionals.

The Law programme at the University of Geneva offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with a thorough understanding of legal principles, institutions, and practices. The programme covers a wide array of legal disciplines, including private law, public law, constitutional law, criminal law, international law, and European law, providing students with a well-rounded legal education. Throughout the course of the programme, students engage in both theoretical studies and practical applications, developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of the legal system in Switzerland and internationally. The curriculum includes foundational courses in legal history, legal philosophy, and methodology, ensuring that students grasp the fundamental concepts that underpin the practice of law. Additionally, specialized courses allow students to explore areas such as human rights, environmental law, business law, and arbitration, preparing them for various legal careers. The programme emphasizes the development of practical skills through moot courts, legal clinics, internships, and seminars led by experienced practitioners and academics. Students are encouraged to participate in international exchanges, broadening their perspective and understanding of global legal issues. The faculty comprises esteemed scholars and practitioners committed to providing high-quality education and fostering a stimulating academic environment. Graduates of the programme will be well-prepared to pursue careers in legal practice, public administration, academia, or international organizations, or to undertake further studies such as a postgraduate legal diploma or doctoral research. The Law programme at the University of Geneva is designed to cultivate competent legal professionals who are equipped to address complex legal challenges in a rapidly changing world.

The Bachelor of Law program at the University of Geneva is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in legal principles, systems, and practices. The program duration typically spans three years, during which students engage with a broad array of core subjects including constitutional law, administrative law, criminal law, civil law, European law, and international law. The coursework emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical skills, preparing graduates for diverse legal careers or further academic pursuits. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication abilities essential for legal practice. The curriculum includes lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical exercises, often complemented by internships or fieldwork opportunities to gain real-world experience. To complete the program, students must pass examinations in all required courses and may need to submit a final thesis or research project under faculty supervision. Specializations or elective courses are available to allow students to focus on areas such as human rights law, environmental law, or institutional law. The program also aims to foster an understanding of ethical issues and the societal role of law. Language proficiency in both French and English is commonly required, as the university offers courses bilingual in these languages. The program promotes critical engagement with legal issues at national, regional, and international levels, enabling graduates to pursue careers in legal practice, academia, public administration, or international organizations. Overall, the Bachelor of Law at the University of Geneva combines rigorous academic standards with practical skills development, preparing students for the dynamic and multidisciplinary nature of modern legal environments.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

The Bachelor of Law program at the University of Geneva is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in legal principles, theories, and practices. The program typically spans three years and aims to equip students with critical thinking, analytical skills, and a thorough understanding of the Swiss legal system as well as international legal standards. The curriculum covers essential areas such as constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, administrative law, and international law, preparing graduates for diverse careers in the legal sector, public administration, academia, or further specialized studies. The University of Geneva emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, encouraging students to engage in case studies, internships, and interaction with legal professionals. Courses are often conducted in multiple languages, mainly French and sometimes English, to reflect the multilingual environment of the region and international scope of Swiss legal studies. The program fosters a strong research component, with students developing critical skills necessary for legal analysis, argumentation, and research. Students also have opportunities to participate in seminars, workshops, and moot court competitions, enhancing their practical understanding and advocacy skills. The faculty comprises experienced legal academics and practicing professionals committed to high-quality education and mentorship. The university's location in Geneva offers students unique access to international organizations, courts, and legal bodies, which can enhance their educational experience through internships, conferences, and collaborative projects. Graduates of the Bachelor of Law program are well-prepared to pursue postgraduate studies, such as the Master of Law (MLaw), or to enter the legal profession directly, including roles in law firms, government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations. The program is also committed to fostering a critical understanding of the ethical and social responsibilities of legal professionals, ensuring that students are not only capable of practicing law but also understanding its broader societal impact. The University of Geneva emphasizes an inclusive, diverse academic community, welcoming students from various backgrounds to contribute to a vibrant learning environment. Overall, the Bachelor of Law at the University of Geneva offers a rigorous academic pathway designed to develop competent, ethically grounded legal professionals ready to meet the challenges of contemporary legal environments.