Law (Examen)
Study law at HU Berlin: practice-oriented, internationally focused, and research-driven. With exchange programmes, diverse areas of specialization, and clear career prospects leading to the First State Examination in Law.
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
The programme will provide you with the essential competencies and knowledge required to practice the legal professions. You will learn how to engage in scholarly work, critical thinking and responsible action in a free, democratic and social state based on the rule of law. This includes technical knowledge in basic and core legal subjects as well as techniques of case resolution, argumentation and presentation as well as linguistic skills.
In particular you will learn how to answer legal questions in a European and global context, to identify the political, social, historical and cultural contexts of the law and to explore new developments independently.
The course is divided into modules. A total of 270 credit points (CP) are required. One credit point equals a workload of 25-30 hours for preparation, follow-up and attendance at classes.
Mandatory modules (214 CP)
Core curriculum:
| Foundations of law | 12 CP |
| Civil law I | 19 CP |
| Criminal law I | 15 CP |
| Public law I | 15 CP |
| Jurisprudential casework | 12 CP |
Advanced curriculum:
| Civil law II | 13 CP |
| Civil law III | 11 CP |
| Criminal law II | 12 CP |
| Public law II | 15 CP |
| Public law III | 10 CP |
Mandatory elective modules (56 CP)
Focus studies (select one module, each 32 CP):
| Contemporary history and theory of law | 32 CP |
| Legislation and legal policy | 32 CP |
| Civil law consultation and the formation of law | 32 CP |
Europeanization and internationalization of private and economic law with the following independent sub-focuses (of equal rank with the other focus subjects):
| 32 CP |
| State and administration in transformation | 32 CP |
| International law and European law | 32 CP |
| German and international criminal justice | 32 CP |
| oreign law / offers from foreign partner universities | 32 CP |
Additional professional qualifications, 24 CP:
| BZQ I | 4 CP |
| BZQ II | 5 CP |
| BZQ III | 15 CP |
State Examination (10th semester)
The examination is administered by the Joint Legal Examination Authority for the States of Berlin and Brandenburg (GJPA) and consists of a written section and an oral section.
Mandatory elective modules for other degree programmes
| ?WP 1 | Foundations of law | 5 CP |
| ?WP 2 | Basic knowledge of civil law and commercial or corporate law | 5 CP |
| ?WP 3 | Basic knowledge of public law, especially basic rights | 5 CP |
Special features
The programme uniquely combines an international focus, historical depth, and practical relevance. A particularly formative aspect is the examination of the European and global dimensions of law, as well as the intensive study of contemporary legal history.
Another key focus is the close connection to professional practice: Many courses are taught by lawyers and other experts. This provides you with early, authentic insights into diverse legal fields.
Thanks to the clearly structured curriculum, the programme can be successfully completed within the standard period of study – with a profile that effectively combines academic excellence and career orientation.
As an alternative to the state examination, it is also possible to apply for a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree at Humboldt University.
A strong command of the German language – both spoken and written – is essential. Precise formulations and the ability to clearly express complex concepts are indispensable in everyday legal practice.
Equally important is an aptitude for logical thinking, as legal issues demand a structured, analytical approach: arguments must be carefully constructed, connections identified, and solutions developed logically.
Furthermore, the course of study requires an interest in social issues and a willingness to engage in critical reflection. Law always arises within the context of politics, history, and culture. Those who are curious about these connections and wish to further develop their own perspectives possess ideal qualifications.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
Common options after graduation include LL.M. programmes abroad, specialized LL.M. programmes (some with integrated legal training), or Master's programmes in related disciplines (such as Business Administration or International Relations). You can find information about these nationwide on the Hochschulkompass website.
The degree opens up diverse career opportunities. Successful completion of the First State Examination in law grants access to positions in academia, business, politics, culture, and civil society. The degree also qualifies graduates for the legal traineeship, which culminates in the second state examination in law.
This traditional path leads to state-regulated legal professions: as a lawyer, judge, or civil servant in the higher-level non-technical administrative service.
Furthermore, exciting prospects exist in many other areas:
- Companies, particularly in legal and human resources departments
- Associations, trade unions, and NGOs
- National and international organizations
- Positions in politics and administration
- Academic research and teaching
The degree programme not only imparts the fundamental legal knowledge but also analytical, linguistic, and methodological skills that are valued in a wide range of professions. Thus, the degree opens up both traditional legal career paths and attractive alternatives in other fields of social activity.
More information on career prospects and alternatives can be found in the Berufenet database.
Study subject counselling
Student office (Studienbüro), Bebelplatz 2, room 137b, studienbuero.rewi? Please insert an @ at this point ?hu-berlin? Please insert a period at this pointde
Recognition of credits
Examination office, Unter den Linden 9, rooms E 17 and E 19, phone: +49 30 2093-91510, pruefungsbuero.rewi? Please insert an @ at this point ?hu-berlin? Please insert a period at this pointde
Contact information for the faculty
Faculty of Law
Kommode, Bebelplatz 2, 10117 Berlin