Laws

Description: The Bachelor of Laws at the University of Freiburg offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in legal principles, systems, and practices. This undergraduate program is designed to provide a solid foundation in both German and international law, preparing graduates for diverse careers in legal practice, public service, academia, or further postgraduate specialization. The curriculum covers core areas such as civil law, criminal law, constitutional law, administrative law, and international law, ensuring students gain a thorough understanding of the legal system's fundamental structures and functions. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective argumentation, equipping students to address complex legal issues with confidence and precision. The program also integrates courses in legal methodology, research techniques, and legal writing, fostering essential skills for scholarly work and professional practice. Throughout their studies, students have access to modern learning facilities, including well-equipped libraries and digital resources, supporting independent research and study. The program encourages active participation through seminars, workshops, and internships, providing practical experience and fostering a deep understanding of the law in real-world contexts. With a dedicated faculty of experienced legal scholars and practitioners, students receive mentorship and guidance tailored to their academic and career ambitions. The University of Freiburg's legal program also emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to explore connections between law, economics, politics, and society. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for admission to legal training, further specialization, or advanced studies, opening doors to careers in law firms, governmental agencies, NGOs, or academia. The program’s international perspective, combined with the local grounding in German law, equips students to work effectively in global legal environments. The Bachelor of Laws at Freiburg University aims to cultivate innovative, responsible, and ethically-minded legal professionals ready to meet the challenges of an evolving legal landscape.

Educational organisation

There are no separate lectures for Master's students. Master's students take part in the same courses as German students. This has the advantage of giving LLM students ample opportunity to experience everyday life at a German university and, of course, to get to know German students. To help out with everyday orientation - inside as well as outside the university - possibilities for special advice and introductory tutorials are offered to foreign students.

Within the scope of the course component of the programme, students must visit a seminar offered by the professor who will supervise the Master's thesis. As part of the seminar, students complete a written seminar paper, in which they conduct academic research on a topic given to them by their supervisor. The seminar paper is usually 20 to 30 pages in length and has to be presented orally to the other seminar participants. Afterwards a discussion will be held with the seminar participants on the topic and the paper.

Forms of assessment

The Master's exam is made up of the Master's thesis and an oral exam in German. The oral exam covers the area of the Master's thesis and one of the legal areas chosen by the candidate from the two areas of law studied in the course component of the programme.

Language requirements

A sound knowledge of the German language proven by certified language tests (successfully taken DSH-2, TestDAF TDN 4, small or large Sprachdiplom of the Goethe-Institut)

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

• A foreign degree in law, equivalent to the German First Legal State Examination (If you have any queries about degree equivalence, you are more than welcome to contact us.)
• A sound knowledge of the German language (successfully passed DSH-2, TestDAF TDN 4, small or large Sprachdiplom of the Goethe-Institut)
• A supervisor at the faculty

Enrolment fees

145 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Participants must make sure in good time that sufficient funds are available to finance their participation in a course of study. The average cost of living in Freiburg for one month is currently approx. 800-900 EUR. Some details:

• Student accommodation costs approx. 280-450 EUR (monthly).
• Private expenses amount to around 350 EUR (monthly).
• Health insurance is available for approx. 45-90 EUR (monthly).
• Transport: A special student fare for regional transport costs approx. 89 EUR (per semester).

Services and support for international students

In addition to services and support offered by each coordinator of a course of study, the International Office organises a special four-day orientation session, which generally takes place two weeks before the beginning of the semester. This orientation session includes information about various aspects of everyday life (e.g. accommodation, work opportunities, etc.), presentations and visits to important institutions (e.g. the university library) and opportunities for socialising with other international students. During the semester, the "International Club" (coordinated by the Studentenwerk (Student Social Services)) offers a great variety of events, trips and services for international students in cooperation with the International Office. Furthermore, the UNIKOS team, a group of international students who have been studying at Freiburg University for some time, give practical advice and can be approached for help in several languages.

Accommodation

As Freiburg is an attractive city, finding a suitable place to live can take a little time. Only a small proportion of students can be offered a room in a student dormitory. The Studentenwerk (Student Social Services) is in charge of the student dormitories. Applicants must expect a waiting period. In addition to these dormitories, several independent dormitories are listed on the university website. The Studentenwerk also offers a list of available private rooms and the International Office can be contacted for further assistance in finding accommodation (http://www.international.uni-freiburg.de).