Law and Business in Czech Republic and Central Europe

The Law and Business program at Charles University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education that equips students with the essential legal knowledge and business skills necessary to succeed in today's complex economic environment. This programme is designed for students interested in understanding the legal framework that underpins commercial activities, as well as gaining practical expertise in business management, finance, and entrepreneurship. Throughout the course of study, students will explore a wide range of topics including constitutional law, contract law, corporate law, international law, financial law, and economic policy, complemented by modules in management, marketing, accounting, and economics. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, preparing graduates to navigate and influence the legal and business worlds effectively. Students will have the opportunity to participate in internships, workshops, and seminars led by experienced professionals, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world practice. The programme fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ethical awareness, enabling graduates to operate confidently within the legal and business sectors. Designed to be accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, the law and business programme at Charles University aims to produce versatile professionals capable of addressing the challenges of global markets, advising multinational corporations, or pursuing careers in public administration, consultancy, or entrepreneurship. Graduates will be well-prepared to undertake further specialized studies or to enter the workforce immediately with a solid foundation in both legal principles and business strategy. The programme is marked by its academic excellence, international perspective, and strong links to the professional community, ensuring that students are engaged with current trends and issues affecting the legal and economic landscape in Czech Republic and Central Europe.

Students are required to complete 5 mandatory courses (each for 8 credits). Moreover they are obliged to choose and complete at least 4 optional courses (each for 5 credits). In the third semester students are expected to attend a Dissertation Seminar (5 credits), complete a dissertation work under the supervision of a tutor and defend it before a committee (25 credits).

Mandatory courses

Winter Semester:

1. Business and Commercial Law, responsible supervisor: JUDr. Alena Bányaiová, CSc.
2. Fundamentals of Private Law for Business and the Judicial Protection of Rights, responsible supervisor: JUDr. Ondřej Frinta, Ph.D., Doc. JUDr. Alena Macková, Ph.D. 
3. Private International Law and International Business Transactions, responsible supervisor: Prof. JUDr. Monika Pauknerová, CSc., DSc.

Summer Semester:

1. EU Internal Market Freedoms and Competition Law, responsible supervisor: JUDr. Magdalena Svobodová, Ph.D. 
2. International Economic Law, responsible supervisor: Prof. JUDr. Pavel Šturma, DrSc. JUDr. Vladimír Balaš, CSc.

Optional courses

Winter Semester:

1. EU Law - General Introductory Course, responsible supervisor: Doc. JUDr. Richard Král Ph.D., LL.M. (Mandatory for students from non-EU countries who cannot prove previous sufficient background in EU Law) 
2. Public Regulatory Policy: An Economic Perspective, responsible supervisor: Ing. Helena Chytilová, Ph.D. 
3. Social Rights and their Protection, responsible supervisor: Doc. JUDr. Martin Štefko, Ph.D.
4. Possibility to participate in International Moot Court competitions, responsible supervisor: Prof. JUDr. Monika Pauknerová, CSc., DSc., Doc. JUDr. Vladimír Balaš, CSc.

Summer Semester:

1. Comparative Private Law, responsible supervisors: Prof. JUDr. Michael Bogdan, B.A., LL.M., Prof. Kurt Siehr
2. Public Law Regulation of Business Activities, responsible supervisors: Prof. JUDr. Milan Damohorský, DrSc., Doc. JUDr. Zdeněk Kühn, PhD., SJD, LLM.
3. Intellectual Property Law, responsible supervisor: JUDr. at MgA. Petra Žikovská
4. Introduction to Financial law, responsible supervisor: JUDr. Petr Kotáb, Ph.D.

• Motivation Letter;
• Candidates must hold a university degree in law and attach its apostilled copy (by a notary). In case the applicant expects to receive the diploma after the application deadline, it is necessary that he/she submits an official confirmation from his/her current University. Thsi confirmation should state that the applicant is expected to finish his/her ongoing studies and receive the diploma after the application deadline but no later than in August of that particular year;
• 2 Letters of Recommendation from university professors;
• For non-native speakers proof of competence in the English language (TOEFL etc.) unless they carried out their previous university studies predominantly in the English language;
• Curriculum Vitae;
• List of previous scientific publications (if applicable);
• Confirmation of the payment of the application fee of 200,- USD (to be paid prior to the date of application) - e.g. a scanned copy of a bank order etc. 

Each candidate´s application will be reviewed by a committee comprised of professors and other representatives of the Faculty of Law after the application deadline. Successful candidates will be notified of their admisson thereafter and will be asked to sign the Learning Agreement.

The financing of the Law and Business program at Charles University is primarily supported through a combination of public funding, tuition fees, and potential scholarships. As a public university in the Czech Republic, Charles University receives funding from the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, which allocates resources to ensure the quality of education and research activities. Tuition fees for full-time students are established by the university and vary depending on the program and student status. For Czech and EU students, the tuition fees are generally lower or sometimes covered by state subsidies, whereas international students may pay higher fees. In addition to tuition, students have access to a range of scholarships provided by the university, the Czech government, or international organizations, which can significantly reduce their financial burden. Scholarships may be awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific criteria related to the student's background or career goals. Furthermore, students can seek loans or financial aid from private financial institutions or government schemes designed to support higher education. The university offers various financial assistance programs aimed at promoting access to education for students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Moreover, part-time work opportunities are available for students, which can help fund their studies and living expenses. The overall financial model of the program is designed to make legal and business education accessible while maintaining high standards of academic excellence. The university also collaborates with various law firms, companies, and organizations, creating internship and employment opportunities for students, which can be financially beneficial. In summary, the financing of the Law and Business program involves a mix of institutional funding, student-paid tuition, scholarships, loans, and part-time employment options, ensuring a comprehensive financial support system for its students.

The Bachelor's degree program in Law and Business at Charles University in the Czech Republic offers a comprehensive education dedicated to understanding the interconnection between legal frameworks and business operations. The program is designed to equip students with foundational knowledge of legal principles, commercial law, and business management, enabling graduates to navigate complex legal environments in the business world. The curriculum typically includes modules on constitutional law, civil law, criminal law, contract law, corporate law, and intellectual property law, as well as courses in economics, business strategy, accounting, and financial management. Students gain practical skills through case studies, internships, and project work, preparing them for careers in legal advising, corporate management, or further study in specialized legal or business fields. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical considerations in legal and commercial decision-making processes. Classes are usually conducted by experienced faculty members, including practitioners and legal experts, ensuring students receive education aligned with current professional standards. The program often includes language components, with courses in English to prepare students for participation in international legal and business contexts. Graduates may pursue opportunities within the Czech Republic and across Europe, working in law firms, corporations, consultancy agencies, or continuing their postgraduate studies. The degree aligns with European educational standards, facilitating mobility and recognition across member states. Entry requirements generally include a completed secondary education with a focus on relevant subjects and proficiency in Czech, with some programs offering the possibility of further language training. Overall, the program aims to develop versatile professionals who can operate effectively at the intersection of law and business, with a strong foundation for lifelong learning and professional development.