Teaching at a glance

Teaching in the Faculty of Law is based on the model of the so-called "Einheitsjurist", which characterizes the completion of the first examination as an entry requirement for all typical legal professions in the judiciary, state and legal profession and in the higher administrative service. Convinced that the objectives of this model are also crucial for success in fields outside these professions, the Faculty of Law aims to provide its students with the skills for in-depth academic work and independent exploration of new developments, as well as for critical thinking and responsible action in a free, democratic and social constitutional state. At the same time, students are to be prepared for the challenges of the internationalisation of law.

All professors conducting research at the Faculty as well as a large number of outstanding lecturers from business, the judiciary and public administration contribute to legal education in Cologne. Together they guarantee committed, methodically modern teaching and a strong practical focus of legal education.

The variety of the research spectrum at the faculty benefits students not only by ensuring the core curriculum is covered in every semester, but also, and in particular, by offering an opportunity that is virtually unique in Germany: the chance to set individual academic specialisations, for example in one of the 16 specialisation areas offered within the Law degree programme leading to the first examination. 

Another hallmark of the Cologne faculty is its international orientation. Students can gain knowledge and experience in international law and develep a well-founded international profile during their studies not only only campus by choosing a relevant specialisation or acquiring the Certificate in United States' Law, but also thanks to numerous partnerships, cooperations and exchange programs with foreign faculties.

The range of courses on offer reflects the Faculty's strengths:
In addition to the traditional law degree programme leading to the first examination, the faculty offers three successful binational Bachelor's degree courses (German-French, German-Turkish and German-Italian law). They ward double degrees and thus lead to qualifications in two countries, whilst also paving the way to the first examination.
Specialisation opportunities for advanced or already practising lawyers are available in the Master’s degree courses in Business Law, Corporate Tax Law, Commercial and Criminal Tax Law, Digitalization Law, German-Turkish and German and Italian Law as well as the Master Degree Programm fpr Lawyers Graduated Abroad. In addition, the faculty offers various interdisciplinary courses run in collaboration with other faculties at the university, such as the "Media Studies" course or the "International Master of Environmental Sciences" course.

Students who choose to study at our faculty can expect a high-quality education from start to finish. Students can benefit above all from the Studies and Career Counselling Centre, which supports students from the outset and also after graduation, from the Centre for International Relations, which provides comprehensive support for students on their way to and from abroad to Germany, and from CENTRAL, which teaches the soft skills essential for a career. Particularly valuable is the faculty's own “Großer Examens- und Klausurenkurs”, which provides excellent, free preparation for the compulsory state examination with realistic exam training.

Mission Statement Teaching and Learning of the University of Cologne