Law – First Examination in Law
During your studies you will be dealing with the present-day system of law. You will learn how to understand and interpret it systematically and conceptually. At the same time you will study the historical, political, social and philosophical foundations of the legal system. The study contents focus on the fundamental regulations in civil law, criminal law and public law in scientific depth.
The programme also includes international and European law references, procedural law and a focus area of your choice are also included.
The aim is to legally deal with new facts in a constantly changing reality and to apply unknown legal norms safely.
Why study Law in Konstanz?
- Well-structured and efficient study plan
- Teaching staff and our student advisory service provide excellent supervision
- Outstanding support in preparing for the examination
- Introductory lectures on international legal systems in the corresponding language
- Numerous options for a study abroad stay
- Uncomplicated semester abroad after the basic study period due to the structure of the programme
- Joint seminars with international universities
- Teaching staff with practical professional experience
Study content
Prospects
Career prospects
After completing the first state examination in law you will start your practical legal training (2 years). Successfully completing the second state examination is the pre-requisite for typical legal professions, for example:
- judge or prosecutor
- lawyer or notary
- a job in the higher administration at the federal, state or local level
You can find out more about career entry in the interview series #dreamjob - Starting a career. Alumni of the University of Konstanz report on their very personal career entry.
Study structure
Start of study
Winter semester | Summer semester
Study structure
You can find an exemplary course of the study programme in this table.
These documents will support you in planning your studies:
Opportunities for additional training
At the University of Konstanz, you have a broad range of opportunities and training options that complement your study programme, for example orientation programmes to support new students, learning guidance, language courses, a data and information literacy programme as well as options promoting career-oriented skills and social commitment.
Skills for successful studies- GoMINt – orientation programme in STEM subjects
- Writing Centre – writing tutoring, joint writing sessions and workshops
- Language courses at the Language Institute
- Learning guidance, study tips, time management – workshops offered by the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
- Advanced Data and Information Literacy Track (ADILT) – programme can be completed with a certificate
- Transfer – practical projects (research, business, politics and society)
- qualification N – Sustainability Certificate at the University of Konstanz
- Profil+ – programme for career skills (German skills required)
- Career Passport – programme for career skills (for international students)
- Advice on career entry, opportunities and workshops from Career Service
Internships and stays abroad
Internship
You must complete an internship of at least 3 months during the semester break. Your department or our Career Service are here to help you find a suitable placement.
Stay abroad
A period of study abroad is always highly recommendable. Our department offers you the opportunity to study at one of more than 50 partner universities. The university promotes study abroad via Erasmus+ and numerous other exchange programmes.
Impressions from students and lecturers
Hear from students and lecturers
In our interview series, students talk about their subject, teachers explain the department's research and tell you what topics they cover in seminars and lectures.
- Three Questions to Tamara, Comparative Studies of German, European, and Chinese Law
- Three Questions to Maike, Comparative Studies of German, European, and Chinese Law
- Three Questions to Christin, Comparative Studies of German, European, and Chinese Law
- Three Questions to Antonia, Comparative Studies of German, European, and Chinese Law
Get an impression
Discover online lectures and websites with more information about your prospective subject.
Study requirements
Admission requirements for studying
General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or equivalent.
When applying for admission at universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg you have to take an orientation test. Please send in your certificate of participation together with your application papers.
Further information can be found in the admission regulations.
Fees
Semester fee
All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.
Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.
Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.
Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.
Required language skills
Foreign language skills
You do not have to proof any foreign language skills.
German language skills
International applicants need documentation of their German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4. Alternatively, other language tests or school certificates recognized as equivalent can be used as proof of the required German language skills. The University of Konstanz does not offer preparatory German language courses or approved German language exams. For this reason, you must submit accredited proof of your German language skills along with your application.
Teaching and examination language
Teaching languages are German and English.
Interests and skills
- You enjoy working with scientific and very complex (legal) texts
- Very good verbal skills
- Logical and abstract way of thinking
- Structured working methods, ability to work independently
- You are interested in current affairs
Application
Application and application documents
Application documents
During the online application process, you will need to enter various kinds of information (school grades, attendance periods, etc.) and upload various PDF documents.
Please make sure that you have the relevant documentation ready. This may include:
- your Abitur certificate (German general higher education entrance qualification)
- documentation of any volunteering you may have done (FSJ, FÖJ, etc.)
- any documentation about vocational training you may have completed
- any other required documents (medical certificate, etc.)
An electronic assistant will guide you through the application process. Required fields are marked by an asterisk (*).
Application Guide
The PocketGuide Application will guide you as you take all the steps towards submitting a successful application to your first-choice study programme at the University of Konstanz.
An application is possible during the following period: 07.05. - 15.07. | 29.11. - 15.01.
There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the
university website
.
Contact
Contact person
The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) can help you with general questions about finding the right study programme as well as when you are concerned or unsure about your studies. We will be happy to advise you and support you with a wide range of services .
Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
Room: D 409 – 412a
Make an appointment: termin.zsb@uni-konstanz.de
Questions related to the content or organization of the study programme:
Departmental student advisory service
Dr. Annika Schreiber, Daniel Werner
Room: C 413
Phone: +49 7531 88-2176
Email: beratung.jura@uni-konstanz.de
Studying at the University of Excellence Konstanz
With your university entrance qualification in your pocket, the sky is the limit. Get a top education at the University of Konstanz, benefit from outstanding teaching and interdisciplinary exchange on our international campus. Situated on a hilltop overlooking Konstanz with a great view of Lake Constance and the Alps, our nationally and internationally renowned research university has been recognized as a University of Excellence since 2007.
Top ratings in the CHE University Ranking regularly confirm the quality of our study programmes. Take your pick from more than 100 programmes! Our courses are close to research and will perfectly equip you for the future, especially in combination with practice-oriented, socially relevant transfer projects, opportunities for going abroad and qualification programmes that you can complete alongside your studies.
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Blick auf das Audimax der Universität -
Blick in die moderne Universitätsbibliothek -
Internationale Studierende auf dem grünen Campus -
Blick auf den Universitätsstrand am Bodensee
Download study information
Online guide to study programme
