Bachelor of Law

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Neuchatel

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Law at the University of Neuchâtel is a six-semester program that delivers excellent foundational legal training, blending theory with practical skills to prepare you for top legal careers like lawyer, notary, judge, or roles in administration, companies, and banks. It's ideal for motivated students passionate about law who want a comprehensive Swiss qualification opening doors to all legal professions and a Master of Law.

Curriculum structure

1st Year
You'll dive into the essentials of law with Introduction to Law, Legal Methodology, and Roman Law, building a strong base while exploring History of Law and Criminology. Courses like Constitutional Law I: Institutions and Criminal Law, General part introduce public institutions, and Law of Persons and Protection of Vulnerable Adults plus Family Law cover personal relationships—it's an exciting start that makes complex ideas feel approachable and relevant right away.

2nd Year
Building momentum, you'll tackle Administrative Law, Criminal Law, Specific provisions, Public International Law, and Constitutional Law II: Human Rights, gaining insights into global and national systems. Key units like Property Law, Inheritance Law, Torts, and Law of Obligations sharpen your skills in everyday legal interactions, with Constitutional Law II: Procedure adding practical implementation—students love how it connects classroom learning to real-world scenarios.

3rd Year
Cap it off with advanced topics like Philosophy of Law, Social Security Law, Swiss Tax Law, and Interdisciplinary Exercises on Labour Law and Social Security, plus Private International Law and EU Institutional Law for an international edge. You'll master Labour Law, Contract Law, Corporate Law, and General Principles of Intellectual Property, wrapping up with hands-on exercises that boost confidence for professional life—this year truly transforms you into a versatile legal thinker.

Focus areas
Public institutions and policy (e.g., constitutional, administrative, tax law); international/supranational context (e.g., human rights, EU law); social/economic relationships (e.g., contracts, corporate, labour law); implementation and fundamentals (e.g., procedure, methodology).

Learning outcomes
Gain solid legal skills for all professions, familiarity with theory and practice, ability to handle cases interdisciplinary, and preparation for Master studies or direct employment.

Professional alignment (accreditation)
Fully recognized Swiss Bachelor of Law from a university faculty, qualifying you for bar exams, notarial roles, courts, and regulated professions; aligns with national standards for legal training.

Reputation (employability rankings)
Neuchâtel's law tradition ensures graduates access all Swiss legal jobs, with alumni thriving as lawyers, in courts, banks, and firms—strong employability backed by the program's comprehensive prep, though specific QS/Guardian rankings for this Bachelor aren't detailed in official sources.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Neuchâtel's Faculty of Law, you'll dive into practical legal training right from your Bachelor of Law program, blending theoretical courses with real-world examples to build skills you can use immediately in legal professions. The renovated historic building housing the faculty is equipped with the latest technologies, giving you modern infrastructure in a stunning setting to apply what you learn hands-on. With close access to professors and assistants due to the faculty's intimate size, you'll get personalized guidance on interpreting legislation, its social and political contexts, and court applications—preparing you confidently for practice.

Here are some standout ways the program emphasizes experiential learning through specialized facilities and opportunities: [logical connection: take a look at these highlights tailored to law students]:

- Research institutes and centres: Engage with world-class legal research at institutes like the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) for sport law, the Institute of Health Law (IDS) for health-related legal studies with conferences and tuition, and the Lease Law Seminar for specialized seminars and publications—all hosted by the Faculty of Law.
- Centre for Criminological Research (CRRC): Join courses and research in criminal law, criminology, psychology in criminal justice, economic criminal law, and victim treatment, with opportunities for PhD-level interdisciplinary work.
- Modern faculty facilities: Study and collaborate in the well-equipped Faculty of Law building at Avenue du 1er-Mars 26, with easy access to professors, the Faculty Office, and study advisors for practical support.
- University-wide resources: Tap into the Career Centre for job prep, Language Centre for skills enhancement, and Study Exchange Office for international mobility that adds global legal experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

At the University of Neuchâtel's Faculty of Law, you'll dive into practical legal training right from your Bachelor of Law program, blending theory with real-world application through courses that incorporate concrete examples and evolving professional needs. The faculty's renovated historic building provides modern infrastructure equipped with the latest technologies, giving you hands-on access to tools that prepare you for legal practice. This practice-oriented approach ensures you're not just learning laws but applying them, much like in professional settings.

Here are some standout ways our Bachelor of Law students build experiential skills:
- Participate in themed seminars and practical case-solving on current issues like divorce procedures, migrations, social protection, anti-doping infringements, and intellectual property—often incorporating interdisciplinary perspectives (drawn from related Master-level opportunities that build directly on Bachelor training).
- Join national and international Moot Court competitions to hone advocacy and argumentation skills in simulated court environments.
- Pursue internships during your studies to gain real professional exposure in fields like mediation, arbitration, insurance, finance, diplomacy, and more.
- Engage with specialized research institutes right on campus, such as the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) for sports law, Institute of Health Law (IDS) for health-related legal topics, and the Lease Law Seminar for targeted seminars and publications.
- Access the Faculty of Law's dedicated office and advisors for personalized guidance, all housed in a tech-equipped building at Avenue du 1er-Mars 26.