The Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) at the FernUniversität in Hagen is a professional degree programme characterized by an interdisciplinary focus between legal studies and business administration. The programme is delivered through distance learning and is particularly aimed at working professionals who wish to study flexibly and qualify for a career in the legal-business environment.

The programme provides a solid foundation in key areas of German law, including civil law, public law, and criminal law. These contents are complemented by business law topics such as commercial and company law, employment contract law, and economic criminal law. A central element is the module "Introduction to Business Administration for Lawyers," which conveys the business fundamentals and enables the economic evaluation of legal decisions.

The curriculum is structured in modules and comprises 180 ECTS credits, spread over 21 assessments. This includes 17 compulsory modules mainly focusing on legal content, two elective modules for individual specialization, a seminar, and the final bachelor's thesis. The elective modules offer a choice of legal and economic topics for deepening individual interests.

The methodological and didactic implementation of the programme follows a blended learning concept. Students work independently with digital and printed study materials and have access to an interactive learning platform (Moodle). Supplementary teaching materials such as flashcards, explanatory videos, references, and quiz tasks are available there. The work is done flexibly in terms of time but is supported by structured recommendations for learning progress.

A central element of learning support is virtual tutorials, which take place synchronously via Zoom and are complemented by asynchronous recordings. These formats serve for in-depth discussions of legal issues based on practical case studies. In addition, smaller group workshops are held to specifically train legal problem-solving skills. The support is provided by experienced mentors and academic staff from the departments.

During the programme, participants acquire a variety of skills: they learn to apply legal methods to practical issues, analyse legal challenges in an economic context, and present them clearly in writing and orally. Furthermore, they develop skills in rhetoric, negotiation, and mediation. Proficiency in digital research techniques and information systems is also part of the skill set.

The educational goal is to prepare graduates for activities in legally oriented fields. These can be found in companies, law firms, banks, insurance companies, associations, and public administration. Typical areas of employment include human resources, compliance, data protection, as well as assisting and coordinating roles with development potential. Due to the imparted legal and business foundations, graduates are particularly qualified for interface positions.

Moreover, the programme enables academic work at a university level and lays the groundwork for further studies, such as the Master of Laws (LL.M.) or a doctoral degree. This makes the Bachelor of Laws suitable for both direct career entry and academic advancement.

Study Contents

• Introductory Course incl. Introduction to Economics (10 ECTS)
• General Part of the German Civil Code (10 ECTS)
• External Accounting (Business Administration I) [WiWi] (10 ECTS)
• General Law of Obligations (10 ECTS)
• Constitutional and Administrative Law including Fundamentals of European Law (10 ECTS)
• Investment and Financing (Business Administration II) [WiWi] (10 ECTS)
• Employment Contract Law (10 ECTS)
• Special Law of Obligations (10 ECTS)
• Introduction to Criminal Law (10 ECTS)
• General Administrative Law and Principles of Administrative Procedure Law (10 ECTS)
• Property Law, Law of Security Interests, and Insolvency Law (10 ECTS)
• Rhetoric, Negotiation, and Mediation (10 ECTS)
• Business Law I (10 ECTS)
• Internal Accounting and Functional Control (Business Administration III) [WiWi] (10 ECTS)
• Civil Procedure Law (10 ECTS)
• International Private and Procedural Law (10 ECTS)
• Elective Module 1 (10 ECTS)
• Elective Module 2 (10 ECTS)
• Elective Module 3 (10 ECTS)
• Final Seminar (10 ECTS)
• Bachelor's Thesis (10 ECTS)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I study for a Bachelor of Laws without an Abitur? Yes, it is possible to study without an Abitur. Professionally qualified individuals can be admitted through a trial course or an entrance exam.
• Will my professional training be recognised? Typically, professional training alone cannot be credited. Only academic achievements are eligible for recognition.
• Can credits from a previous law degree be transferred? Yes, transfer of credits is possible if the content, scope, and level of the modules match. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis by the examination board.
• Do I need to take an entrance exam? Only those without university entrance qualifications may need to take an entrance exam or complete a trial course.
• How much time should I allocate for studies? In full-time studies, approximately 30 hours per week should be planned, while part-time studies require about 10 to 15 hours.
• Are there online exams in the programme? Currently, online exams are limited. Examinations mostly take place in person at campus locations, sometimes with "Bring-Your-Own-Device" concepts.
• Is it possible to complete the programme faster than the standard duration? Yes, with enough time available, the programme can be completed in less than seven semesters.
• What are the career prospects with an LL.B.? Graduates can work in legal departments, administration, human resources, or compliance areas. Becoming a lawyer is not possible with an LL.B.
• Can I pursue a Master's degree afterwards? Yes, with an LL.B., you can enrol in an advanced Master's programme such as the Master of Laws (LL.M.).
• Can I study as an auditor afterwards? Yes, participation as an auditor is possible through the Academy programme of the FernUniversität in Hagen.