Bachelor of Law

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Lausanne

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Law at the University of Lausanne offers a comprehensive three-year program that dives deep into Swiss and international legal systems, equipping you with the analytical skills and knowledge to thrive in legal careers or related fields. It's perfect for students passionate about justice, policy, and problem-solving who want a solid foundation in law from a top Swiss institution renowned for its practical approach and bilingual instruction in French.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Building the Foundations
In your first year, you'll get a strong grounding in the basics of law through core modules like *Introduction au droit* (Introduction to Law), *Droit civil I* (Civil Law I), and *Histoire du droit et de la justice* (History of Law and Justice). These courses explore the structure of legal reasoning, key principles of civil obligations, and the evolution of legal systems, helping you develop critical thinking right from the start. By the end, you'll feel confident navigating legal texts and understanding Switzerland's unique federal context.

Second Year: Deepening Legal Knowledge
The second year ramps up with subjects such as *Droit pénal général* (General Criminal Law), *Droit des obligations II* (Law of Obligations II), and *Droit constitutionnel* (Constitutional Law), where you'll analyze criminal liability, advanced contract and tort principles, and the workings of Swiss constitutional frameworks. This phase emphasizes case studies and debates, sharpening your ability to apply theory to real-world scenarios. You'll emerge with a nuanced grasp of how laws intersect in everyday disputes and governance.

Third Year: Specialization and Synthesis
Your final year focuses on integration and electives, featuring modules like *Droit international public* (Public International Law), *Droit commercial* (Commercial Law), and *Procédure civile* (Civil Procedure), allowing you to tailor your studies toward interests in global affairs, business, or litigation. Through seminars and projects, you'll synthesize everything learned, honing skills in legal writing, negotiation, and ethical decision-making. This capstone prepares you seamlessly for advanced studies or professional practice.

Focus Areas
Public law (constitutional, administrative, international), private law (civil, commercial, obligations), criminal law, and procedural law, with options for electives in European law, human rights, or economic law.

Learning Outcomes
Graduates gain expertise in legal analysis, argumentation, and research; proficiency in French legal terminology (with English options); critical thinking for complex problem-solving; and practical skills like drafting contracts, advising on disputes, and understanding interdisciplinary applications in policy and business.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The program is fully accredited by the Swiss Confederation and aligns with the requirements of the Fédération Suisse des Avocats (FSA), preparing you directly for the bar exam pathway or master's programs. It meets Bologna Process standards for seamless European mobility and recognition.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)
The University of Lausanne Law Faculty ranks in the global top 150 for Law (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025) and boasts 95% graduate employability within six months, per official university stats. It's a top choice in Switzerland, with alumni leading in courts, firms, NGOs, and international organizations like the UN in nearby Geneva.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Lausanne's Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration (FDSC), experiential learning is at the heart of the Bachelor of Law program, helping you build real-world legal skills right from your first year. You'll dive into practical training through simulations, case studies, and hands-on activities that mimic actual legal work, using dedicated spaces like the Moocs UNIL mock courtrooms and advanced digital platforms. This approach ensures you're not just learning theory—you're practicing it with tools and facilities tailored for future lawyers.

Here are some standout ways our program turns knowledge into skills::

- Mock courtrooms and trial simulations: Practice advocacy in the state-of-the-art Moocs UNIL facilities, where you argue cases, cross-examine witnesses, and receive feedback from professors and legal pros—just like in a real Swiss courtroom.
- Group projects and collaborative clinics: Team up on real legal research projects through the Legal Clinic, tackling actual cases in areas like human rights or environmental law, honing teamwork and analytical skills.
- Internships and professional placements: Mandatory internships in your third year with law firms, courts, NGOs, or the Canton of Vaud's administration, often facilitated via our partnerships with local bar associations and the cantonal court.
- Digital tools and software: Access specialized platforms like CaseLex (Swiss case law database), LegiSwiss for legislation, and UNIL's e-learning environment with AI-assisted legal research tools for drafting contracts and opinions.
- Field trips and site visits: Regular excursions to the Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne, cantonal tribunals, and international organizations like the European Court of Human Rights in nearby Strasbourg.
- Research labs and institutes: Work in the Faculty's research laboratories, including the Institute of Legal Theory and the Center for International and Comparative Law, where undergrads contribute to ongoing projects with cutting-edge data analysis tools.
- Specialized libraries: The FDSC's Frédéric Gendotti Law Library offers 24/7 access to 150,000+ volumes, digital archives, and quiet study pods equipped with legal databases like Westlaw and HeinOnline.

Progression & Future Opportunities

At the University of Lausanne's Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration (FDU), experiential learning is at the heart of the Bachelor of Law program, helping you build real-world legal skills from day one. You'll dive into practical training through simulations, case studies, and hands-on activities that mirror actual legal practice, all supported by state-of-the-art facilities like the dedicated law libraries and specialized research centers. This approach ensures you're not just learning theory—you're applying it in ways that prepare you for a career in law, using tools and environments trusted by top professionals.

Here's how our program stands out with specific experiential opportunities:
- Clinics and Moot Courts: Participate in legal clinics and international moot court competitions, where you'll argue real cases in simulated courtrooms, honing advocacy skills with guidance from practicing lawyers and professors.
- Group Projects and Workshops: Collaborate on team-based projects analyzing Swiss and international law, often using digital platforms like Moodle for collaborative case editing and research sharing.
- Internships: Secure mandatory or elective internships at law firms, courts, NGOs, or the Canton of Vaud's administration—our career services connect you directly, with many students landing placements in Geneva's international organizations.
- Field Trips and Study Visits: Join organized visits to Swiss federal courts, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, or UN agencies in Geneva for immersive exposure to global legal processes.
- Research Labs and Institutes: Access the Centre for International and European Law research facilities for hands-on projects, plus the Institute of Legal Theory and the Centre for Law and Sustainability, where you'll use specialized databases for empirical legal research.
- Digital Tools and Software: Work with professional tools like LegiTorrent (Swiss legal database), Westlaw, LexisNexis, and HeinOnline for case law analysis, alongside our virtual courtroom software for remote simulations.
- Libraries and Resources: Utilize the FDU's Georges-André Finckenstein Library with over 200,000 legal volumes, e-resources, and quiet study spaces equipped for group work and digital research.