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Who is the distance learning law degree (First Legal Examination) at FernUniversität Hagen suitable for?
The study programme is aimed at all those who wish to complete the traditional law degree leading to the First Legal Examination (First State Examination) flexibly via distance learning. It is especially targeted at employed persons, people in family phases, school leavers, as well as those who for other reasons require a location- and time-independent study – for example, students abroad, competitive athletes, soldiers, or people with disabilities. The degree is suitable for you if you meet the requirements for university law studies in Germany and intend to work in classical legal professions or related fields.
What formal requirements must you meet?
For enrolment in the law degree with the First Legal Examination at FernUniversität Hagen, the following applies:
- You need the general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or
- a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification recognised by the ministry or
- an equivalent school leaving certificate recognised in North Rhine-Westphalia.
- Alternatively, access is possible through a vocational qualification, e.g. with a completed, at least two-year vocational training plus at least three years of professional experience, provided you pass an aptitude test.
- Enrolment is possible for the summer and winter semesters within the specified registration deadlines.
Personally, you should have a strong analytical mind, logical understanding, and the ability to solve problems systematically. High self-discipline, perseverance, and organisational competence are essential for the demanding and self-directed distance learning programme. An interest in social, political and economic contexts as well as the willingness to engage with complex legal texts are also advantageous. Initial experience in independent learning is beneficial but not a requirement.
What content does the law degree via distance learning at FernUni Hagen cover?
In the Law degree programme leading to the First Legal Examination (first state exam) at the FernUniversität in Hagen, you acquire comprehensive fundamental knowledge in all core areas of German law. The curriculum specifically includes:
- Civil Law: Civil law, law of obligations, property law, family and inheritance law
- Public Law: Constitutional law, administrative law, constitutional law, European and international law
- Criminal Law: General and special parts of criminal law including criminal procedure law
- Legal Methodology: Interpretation of statutory texts, subsumption, expert opinion style, case work-up
- Electives and key qualifications: Cross-cutting topics such as commercial law, labour law, international references, as well as practical soft skills (communication, negotiation)
You learn to analyse complex legal issues in a structured way, to draft expert opinions and to independently work on legal questions. Additionally, the degree includes an integrated Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), allowing you to obtain initial academic qualifications in parallel. The development of analytical skills, the critical handling of legal sources and the ability to resolve arising legal questions argumentatively are central to your training. Modern digital learning materials and tutorials offer you diverse support in mastering the content.
How is the course and organisation of the First Legal Examination degree programme structured?
The distance learning programme is designed for a standard study period of ten semesters full-time. Flexible adaptation to part-time study is possible at any time, allowing you to adjust your learning pace to your individual life situation. The programme starts in each case in the summer semester (1 April) or winter semester (1 October). The modules are structured according to the main areas of law and comprise a total of 300 ECTS credits.
- Study materials: You work with written study letters (digital and in print), online lectures and learning videos.
- Online learning platforms: Via Moodle and other digital channels, you get access to forums, exercises and additional multimedia content.
- Mentoring and support: Tutors provide individual and group support in virtual or face-to-face seminars.
- Examination formats: Performance assessments take the form of classical written exams (also as open-book format), term papers and oral examinations. Examinations can be taken decentralised at numerous examination centres or online.
- On-site phases: Occasionally, optional face-to-face events or compulsory seminars are offered. These serve to deepen knowledge and practical application.
Thanks to the consistently location- and time-independent learning offer, you can structure the course individually. Registration is done online, and you can start the degree programme at any time alongside work as well as request leave semesters to pause temporarily.
What career opportunities does the distance learning law degree (First Legal Examination) open up?
With the First Legal Examination qualification, you have access to all classical legal professions in Germany. After the subsequent legal preparatory service (Referendariat) and the second state examination, the following careers in particular are open to you:
- Lawyer (female or male)
- Judge (female or male)
- Prosecutor (female or male)
- Notary (female or male)
Already with the first state examination, you are also qualified for numerous other professional fields, such as:
- Legal, personnel and compliance departments in companies
- Leadership positions in the public service and authorities
- Work in associations, NGOs and international organisations
- Academic careers, e.g. as research assistants at universities
In addition, the integrated Bachelor of Laws allows you direct entry into legal specialist areas or further qualification in specialised master’s degree programmes. The broad legal knowledge prepares you for demanding tasks in legal practice, management or consulting and administration.
What costs are to be expected for the law distance learning programme at FernUni Hagen and how can you finance it?
The total costs for the distance learning First Legal Examination programme over the standard study period amount to approximately 3,600 Euro. This amount consists of the semester-related basic fee as well as registration fees according to the ECTS credits taken:
- Basic fee: 60 Euro per semester
- Registration fee: 11 Euro per ECTS (approximately 300 Euro per semester with full enrolment)
- Student union fee (depending on semester)
Payments are made at the beginning of each semester. In part-time study or with a longer study duration, total costs increase accordingly by further basic fees per semester. Additional expenses arise from specialist literature, technical equipment as well as travel costs if you take part in rare attendance phases or exams.
For financing, you can claim the tuition fees as work-related expenses or special expenses for tax purposes. Furthermore, funding through BAföG, education loans or support from the employer is possible. Those in need may receive fee reductions upon application. The programme remains — even in direct comparison — one of the most cost-effective options to complete a full law degree with state examination in Germany.
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