Comparative and European Law (LL.B.)

About the programme

Brief overview

35 students | 8-semester standard period of study

International focus | Subject-specific foreign language training | One-year study abroad programme
14-week work placement | Interdisciplinary compulsory-elective modules | Excellent student support

Download the leaflet (UOL)

Description of the degree programme

European and international

The subject matter of law is the content, origin, formulation and application of norms that are binding in social and economic relations. The traditional law degree has historically been limited to the analysis of the law in force within a state, as applied by national courts. This narrow focus fails to meet the demands of a globalising knowledge and information society. In transnational economic relations in particular, the focus is less on litigation and more on avoiding costly disputes through the intelligent contractual structuring of economic relationships. This requires the ability to work from the perspective of different national legal systems, as well as a thorough knowledge of European Union law and its impact on national law. Lawyers should also be familiar with international treaties and the practice of arbitration tribunals, which are increasingly seen as an alternative to positive national law in transnational economic relations.

For this reason, the University of Oldenburg offers the undergraduate Bachelor’s degree programme in law, ‘Comparative and European Law’, in which German and European law are taught from a comparative law perspective. The traditional canon of German law, comprising civil, criminal and public law, is covered in this programme. Students are trained to adopt both an academic and a practice-oriented approach.

Integrated study abroad

A one-year period of study abroad is integrated into the programme during the 5th and 6th semesters, which facilitates the recognition of credits earned abroad. Successful completion of the integrated study abroad programme is ensured by comprehensive foreign language training prior to the stay abroad. Throughout the course, some modules are taught in English.

Interdisciplinary Electives

Complex legal issues require not only an understanding of other legal systems and EU law, but also the ability to ‘think outside the box’ – a skill that students at Hanse Law School acquire through interdisciplinary key competencies. The Law programme is thus complemented by courses in economics and political science.

Integrated practical placement

An important component of the education at Hanse Law School – which, alongside the integrated period of study abroad, sets the programme apart from other law programmes – is the integration of theory and practice. The Bachelor’s programme includes a compulsory 14-week practical placement in the 8th semester, offering students the opportunity to undertake one or more internships. This enables students to apply their legal knowledge in practice and gain insights into legal professions and fields of work. In addition, lectures are regularly delivered by practitioners from regional associations, companies, law firms and courts.

From the 2023/2024 winter semester onwards, the programme will be delivered entirely in Oldenburg.

Documents: Career Opportunities

The career opportunities for students on the Bachelor’s programme in ‘Comparative and European Law’ are diverse. Graduates have completed an internationally oriented degree and possess expertise in several legal systems. This training enables them to secure employment in national and international companies or within the institutions of the European Union. Graduates also work in various international organisations. Potential employers include all federal and state authorities, as well as diplomatic missions. It is, of course, possible to progress to a Master’s programme (e.g. ‘Law in a Sustainable and Digital Europe, LL.M.’ from the winter semester 2025/26). The degree does not directly qualify graduates for a career as a judge or public prosecutor. However, after graduation, it is possible to sit the First State Examination as part of a subsequent course of study at another university, subject to the relevant state regulations and the admission requirements.

Application

The ‘Comparative and European Law (LL.B.)’ programme commences each year in the winter semester. Students must apply and enrol at the University of Oldenburg.

Further information on applying can be found on the University of Oldenburg’s InfoPortal Studium.