Law with Modern Languages (German)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Royal Holloway University of London

Program Overview

The Law with Modern Languages (German) degree at Royal Holloway is designed for students who want to combine a solid foundation in law with practical language skills. It suits those curious about international legal systems and keen to engage with both legal theory and applied German language in professional contexts.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: You’ll begin by grounding yourself in the fundamentals of law, including modules like Contract Law, Criminal Law, and Legal Systems. At the same time, you’ll develop your German language skills through structured classes focusing on grammar, communication, and cultural context.

Year 2: In your second year, you dive deeper into law with modules such as Tort Law and European Union Law, while continuing your language studies in German. You’ll also explore practical applications, including legal writing, negotiation, and group projects that combine your legal and linguistic skills.

Year 3: Your final year allows you to focus on advanced legal topics like Constitutional Law and International Law while honing your German through immersive experiences, including translation, legal case studies, and possibly study abroad opportunities. You’ll integrate your language and legal knowledge in a research project or dissertation, preparing you for global legal environments.

Focus Areas:
Legal systems, international law, contract and tort law, German language proficiency, legal research, and cross-cultural communication.

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to analyze and apply legal principles, communicate effectively in German, conduct independent research, and navigate legal issues in an international context.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
This program meets the academic stage requirements for professional legal training in England and Wales, preparing you for solicitor or barrister pathways.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Royal Holloway’s Law School is recognized for high employability, strong teaching quality, and excellent student support, consistently ranking well in UK legal education league tables.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you take the Law with Modern Languages (German) degree at Royal Holloway, you’ll gain more than just theoretical knowledge — you’ll develop practical skills that prepare you for real-world legal and international contexts. From the very first year, you’ll practise legal research, argumentation, and communication skills, while also building strong language abilities in German. The university’s Law School and Modern Languages department provide excellent support, including access to professional legal tools, language labs, and opportunities to apply your skills in interactive workshops and projects.

Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on experience throughout the course:

Legal and language placements: Opportunities to undertake internships or work placements in legal firms, public institutions, or international organisations where German language skills are valuable.
Legal Advice Centre: Participate in supervised projects delivering free legal guidance, combining your law knowledge with real client interactions.
Street Law and community projects: Run workshops or educational sessions to make law accessible and understand its social impact.
Mooting and negotiation exercises: Practice professional legal skills like advocacy, client interviewing, and negotiation through simulated scenarios.
Language labs and digital tools: Access language software and online resources to improve fluency and professional communication in German.
Library and research facilities: Use the law school’s extensive collections, legal databases, and research materials for essays, case studies, and projects.
Networking and employer insights: Attend talks and events connecting you with potential employers, enhancing your career prospects.

This program ensures you graduate not only with strong legal and linguistic knowledge but also practical experience that makes you workplace-ready in both law and international contexts.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Law with Modern Languages (German) degree leave Royal Holloway with a unique combination of legal expertise and advanced language skills, making them highly versatile in both domestic and international roles. This degree prepares students for careers where legal knowledge intersects with cross-cultural communication, such as international law, corporate compliance, or diplomacy. Typical roles graduates pursue include solicitor, barrister, legal advisor in multinational firms, and policy or compliance officer. With your language skills, you’ll also be well-equipped for roles in global organisations, NGOs, and governmental bodies:

Careers & Employability Support: Royal Holloway’s Careers Service works closely with law and language students to provide CV guidance, interview preparation, and tailored placement opportunities in law firms, international corporations, and public-sector bodies.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Graduates from similar law programs at Royal Holloway report average salaries around £26,000 within roughly 15 months of graduation, with international language skills often enhancing employability and salary potential.
University–Industry Partnerships: The Law School maintains connections with international law firms, multinational companies, and governmental agencies, helping students secure internships and placements that strengthen their professional networks.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: This degree satisfies the academic requirements for professional legal training in the UK, putting graduates on track for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or barrister training.
Graduation Outcomes: Many graduates progress into careers in law, international business, diplomacy, or public policy, leveraging both their legal understanding and linguistic competence to operate in diverse environments.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, students can pursue an LLM in areas like international law, human rights, or commercial law. You could also move into professional legal training for the SQE to qualify as a solicitor, train as a barrister, or continue with a research-focused pathway such as a master’s by research (MRes) or a PhD, combining law and cross-cultural studies.