Teaching at a glance
Teaching in the Faculty of Law is based on the model of the so-called "Einheitsjurist", according to which passing the first examination constitutes the qualification required for all typical legal professions, including 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 beyond these professions, the Faculty of Law aims to provide its students with the skills to engage in-depth academic work and independently explore new developments, as well as to think critically and act responsibly in a free, democratic and social constitutional state. At the same time, students are to be prepared for the challenges posed by the internationalization of law.
All professors conducting research at the Faculty, together with a large number of outstanding lecturers from business, the judiciary and public administration, contribute to legal education in Cologne. Together, they guarantee committed, methodologically modern teaching as well as a strong practical focus in legal education.
The variety of the research spectrum at the Faculty benefits students not only by ensuring that 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 specializations, for example in one of the 16 specialization 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 develop a well-founded international profile during their studies not only on campus by choosing a relevant specialization or obtaining the Certificate in United States´ Law, but also through numerous partnerships, cooperations and exchange programmes 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 programmes (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.
Specialization opportunities for advanced or already practising lawyers are available in Master’s degree programmes in Business Law, Corporate Tax Law, Commercial and Criminal Tax Law, Digitalization Law, German-Turkish and German and Italian Law, as well as in the Master´s Degree Programme for Lawyers Graduated Abroad. In addition, the Faculty offers various interdisciplinary courses run in collaboration with other Faculties of the university, such as the "Media Studies" programme or the "International Master of Environmental Sciences" programme.
Students who choose to study at our Faculty can expect a high-quality education from start to finish. They benefit in particular from the Studies and Career Counselling Centre, which supports students from the outset and even beyond graduation, the Centre for International Relations, which provides comprehensive support for students before, during and after their stays abroad as well as upon their arrival in Germany, and 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 through realistic exam training.
Vice-Dean for Studies and Teaching:
Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. Martin P. Waßmer
Liaison lecturer in case of student discrimination:
Dr Nicole Bögelein, Dipl.-Soz.
Professor Dr Matthias Kilian
Anti discrimination Directive of the University of Cologne
Contact person for inclusion:
Lena Mörsch