Enter OTP
The Bachelor of Law at the University of Bern offers a strong introduction to the world of law, combining theoretical knowledge with the practical skills needed to understand and apply legal principles. Whether you’re drawn to careers in law, business, public administration, or international organizations, this program gives you the analytical tools and legal understanding to pursue a wide range of professional opportunities.
Through a structured curriculum and research-driven learning, you’ll develop the ability to think critically, evaluate complex legal issues, and communicate legal arguments clearly—skills that are highly valued across many professions.
Curriculum Structure
The program is structured in two main phases: the introductory study period and the main study period, allowing you to build your knowledge step by step.
Introductory Phase – Building the Foundations
During your first year, you focus on developing the core competencies required for studying law. Courses such as Private Law I, Criminal Law I, and Public Law I introduce you to the fundamental principles that shape legal systems.
At the same time, you will learn the technical basics of legal work, which help you develop essential skills such as legal analysis, argumentation, and structured writing—key abilities for both academic success and professional practice.
Main Study Period – Deepening Legal Expertise
Once you move into the main phase of the program, your studies become more specialized. You’ll explore different areas of law in greater depth and learn how to analyze complex legal issues using structured reasoning and case-based discussion.
This phase encourages deeper engagement with legal theory and practice while strengthening your ability to evaluate legal problems from multiple perspectives.
Final Stage – Independent Legal Research
Toward the end of the program, you will complete a Bachelor’s Thesis, an independent research project that allows you to explore a legal topic of your choice in depth. This experience helps you develop advanced research and analytical skills while demonstrating your ability to apply legal knowledge independently.
Focus Areas
The program focuses on the three core pillars of legal education:
Private Law, Criminal Law, and Public Law, providing a balanced and comprehensive understanding of how legal systems operate.
Learning Outcomes
By the time you graduate, you will have developed strong legal reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. These skills enable you to assess complex legal questions independently and communicate solutions clearly—competencies that are valuable not only in legal careers but also in many other professional fields.
Professional Alignment
The program follows rigorous academic standards set by the Faculty of Law at the University of Bern, ensuring a high-quality legal education. Structured assessments and the bachelor’s thesis allow students to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical legal analysis.
Reputation
The University of Bern’s Faculty of Law is recognized for maintaining high academic standards and continuously improving its programs through regular quality assurance reviews. This commitment ensures that students receive a modern and competitive legal education aligned with professional expectations.
At the Bachelor of Law at the University of Bern, learning goes far beyond textbooks. From the very start of the program, students are encouraged to actively engage with real legal questions and develop the practical skills needed in the legal profession. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and case-based exercises, you’ll learn how to analyse legal problems, build structured arguments, and communicate your reasoning clearly—just as lawyers, judges, and legal advisors do in practice.
Studying law in Bern, Switzerland’s federal capital, also places you close to key legal and political institutions, creating an inspiring environment for legal study. Throughout the program, you will gradually strengthen your research, writing, and analytical abilities while working on real legal scenarios and academic projects. This practical learning approach is supported by a range of hands-on academic experiences:
Case-based legal exercises: Students regularly work on structured legal cases that require analysing facts, applying legal rules, and presenting well-reasoned solutions—helping you develop strong legal reasoning skills.
Seminars and research presentations: During the main stage of the program, seminars allow you to explore legal topics in depth, present your findings, and discuss complex legal issues with professors and classmates.
Bachelor’s thesis: Toward the end of the program, you will complete an independent research project on a legal topic of your choice, applying the analytical and research skills you have developed throughout your studies.
Workshops on legal methods: Special courses introduce the technical foundations of legal work, teaching you how to structure legal arguments, conduct research, and write professional legal analyses.
Moot court opportunities: Students can participate in national and international moot court competitions, preparing written legal briefs and presenting oral arguments in simulated courtroom settings.
Human Rights Law Clinic: Through clinic-based learning, students may collaborate with NGOs and legal professionals on real human rights cases, gaining valuable insight into applied legal work.
Specialized legal libraries: The university offers extensive legal research resources, including access to legal databases, journals, and one of Switzerland’s most comprehensive academic law libraries.
International exchange opportunities: Students can take part in exchange programs with partner universities around the world, gaining international legal perspectives and expanding their professional network.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Law at the University of Bern leave the program with a strong academic foundation and highly valued analytical skills that open doors to a variety of professional paths. Many begin their careers as legal assistants, compliance officers, policy analysts, or corporate legal advisors, working in law firms, public institutions, international organizations, or private companies. Thanks to the program’s emphasis on research, legal reasoning, and communication, graduates are well prepared to step into the professional world or continue their legal education:
Career Service support: The University of Bern offers a dedicated Career Service that helps students prepare for the job market through career workshops, CV and interview coaching, and networking events with employers from both the public and private sectors.
Learning from legal professionals: Courses are often taught by leading academics alongside experienced legal practitioners, giving students insight into how legal theory is applied in real professional settings.
Strong research environment: Students benefit from access to specialized law libraries and research institutes, which support in-depth legal research and help develop the analytical expertise employers look for.
Practical legal experience: Initiatives such as the Human Rights Law Clinic allow students to work on real legal cases and collaborate with organizations addressing human rights issues.
Moot court competitions: Students can take part in Swiss and international moot court competitions, where they prepare legal briefs and present arguments in simulated courtroom settings—an excellent way to build advocacy skills.
Recognized legal qualification: The Bachelor of Law (180 ECTS) from the University of Bern is a widely recognized academic degree that provides the essential foundation for advanced legal studies and professional training.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the bachelor’s program, many students continue with the Master of Law (MLaw) at the University of Bern, where they can specialize in areas such as international and European law, private law, criminal law, public administration law, or economic law. This master’s degree deepens legal expertise and is often the next step toward professional legal careers, including preparation for the Swiss bar exam or advanced roles in international organizations, government institutions, and corporate legal departments.
Proof of German language skillsCopy of passport or ID cardCopy of university entrance qualificationCopy of transcripts of recordsCurriculum Vitae (CV)SAT Reasoning Test: at least 1300 points, with at least 650 points in Mathematics and 650 points in EnglishHigh School Diploma with at least 4 AP exams (score 3 or higher) in different subjects (including Mathematics, a natural science, a foreign language and a humanities subject) or 3 AP exams (score 3 or higher) and 1 SAT Subject Test (score 600 or higher) or 2 AP exams (score 3 or higher) and 2 SAT Subject Tests (score 600 or higher) or 1 AP exam (score 3 or higher) and 3 SAT Subject Tests (score 600 or higher) or 4 SAT Subject Tests (score 600 or higher) in different subjects (including Mathematics, a natural science, a foreign language and a humanities subject)General Certificate of Education (GCE) with 3 A-Levels (grades A-C) in different subjects (including Mathematics, a natural science, a foreign language and a humanities subject)Indian School Certificate (ISC) or All India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE) with at least 75% in 5 subjects (including English, Mathematics, a natural science, a foreign language and a humanities subject)International Baccalaureate Diploma with at least 24 pointsIELTS: 6.0 overall (with 6.0 in writing) TOEFL iBT: 80 overall (with 17 in writing)China: Gaokao with a score of at least 70% of the maximum possible score in each subjectCanada: High School Diploma with at least 6 Grade 12 courses (including English, Mathematics, a natural science, a foreign language and a humanities subject) with an average of at least 80%UK A‑Levels 3 subjects (A–C, incl. Math, science, language, humanities) B/B/C or stronger;IB ~30 pts with 3 HLUSA GPA ~3.3–3.5; all equivalent to Swiss Matura for admission to University of Bern Bachelor of Law.India: Indian School Certificate (ISC) or All India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE) with at least 75% in 5 subjects (including English, Mathematics, a natural science, a foreign language and a humanities subject)Legal advisorPublic policy analystGovernment affairs officerCompliance officerCorporate legal assistantRegulatory affairs specialistLegal researcherPublic administration officerInternational relation
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
University Of Bern
 in Europe1779357712.webp)
