Public Law
Public Law (B.A.)
The study of public law enables you to understand and actively shape the foundations of our society. Explore how legal rules operate in government, society, business and the private sector. Learn how laws are created, who implements them, and how they are applied in court cases. Delve into the exciting field of constitutional law, which includes fundamental rights and rules governing government bodies. Explore administrative law and learn how government agencies act and how to appeal against decisions.
- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Duration of studies in semester
- 6
- Start of degree program
- Winter semester
- Study location
- Erlangen
- Number of students
- 1-50
- Subject group
- Economic and Social Sciences, Law
- Special ways to study
- 2-subject Bachelor, Part-time degree program
- Teaching language
- completely in German
- Admission Requirements
- No Admissions Restrictions
- Keywords
- Legal, Public Law, Political Science, Law
What is the degree program about?
Coexistence in the state, society, the economy and in the private sphere is shaped by legal rules in the form of laws and regulations. By studying public law, you will learn how these rules are made, who implements them, and how they are applied in court proceedings.
Public law primarily comprises constitutional law: These are the rules that apply to state institutions (Bundestag, Federal Government, etc.) as well as fundamental rights (e.g. freedom of religion, freedom of opinion and freedom of assembly). In addition, public law includes administrative law, which deals with the actions of public authorities on one hand, and with how people can appeal against decisions made by administration on the other. The law of the European Union (EU) and the law that applies to all states (international law) are also considered public law.
Public law and political action are closely related: This is something you realize when you think about elections for the Bundestag, the importance of EU rules for economic policy decisions, or the review of laws by the Federal Constitutional Court. This is the reason why you can study Political Science as a first subject combined with Public Law as a second subject at FAU.
-
In the first semester, the introductory module, the basic module and the module on state organization law are held. The modules Fundamental Rights, General Administrative Law, Administrative Law I and European and International Law I are offered during the following semesters. In the sixth semester, you can take either European and International Law II or Administrative Law II and thus pursue your special interests. In the sixth semester you will also write your Bachelor’s thesis in your first subject (Political Science).
Internships, language courses, insights into related subjects and qualifications in working techniques (using the library, presentation skills, rhetoric) comprising 30 ECTS credits must be successfully completed in the key qualifications area.
-
First and second subject: In the two-subject Bachelor’s degree program, Political Science is studied as the first subject and Public Law as the second subject. The major difference between a subject taken as a first subject or as your second subject is when it comes to choosing the topic of your Bachelor’s thesis. In their first subject, students have to complete eight modules (self-contained teaching and learning units with examinations taken during the program) and seven modules in their second subject.
-
- A genuine interest in everything to do with politics
- An interest in the meaning of law
- A willingness to read a lot and in detail
- Good verbal communication skills
-
- As one of only a few universities in Germany, FAU offers the opportunity to study Political Science with Public Law as a second subject and thus provides an opportunity to specialize in the area of law that is closest to the study of politics.
- Following on from the Bachelor’s degree program you can study a consecutive Master’s degree, also with Public Law as a specialization.
- The group of students for the two-subject Bachelor’s degree program is small and has its own tutorials and exercises.
- Students can change from the two-subject Bachelor’s degree in Public Law to the standard degree program in Law as achievements are credited.
-
This degree qualifies graduates for careers in
- Administration on all levels (Federal and state government, local authorities, the EU and international organizations)
- Associations and companies at a national, international and supranational level
- Political parties, parliaments, political groups and politicians on all levels of politics
- Non-formal political education
- Policy consulting
-
- Studying Public Law as a second subject is not a full law degree and does not qualify you to become a legal expert (lawyer, judge, etc.). To do so, you must study law, which also includes criminal and civic law in addition to public law.
- Public Law as a second subject has the same requirements as a normal law degree in terms of the examinations in law. It is not a bypass to a law degree.
- Public Law as a second subject can only be combined with Political Science as a first subject.
-
Possible combinations without overlaps
With these subject combinations, there are generally no overlaps in the timetable.
-
- Admission requirements (first semester)
- No Admissions Restrictions
- Application deadline winter semester
-
30.09.
Language skills
- German language skills for international applicants
- DSH 2 (written 2 / oral 1) or equivalent
- Details and notes
-
The application deadline for the winter semester for international applicants is July 15th.
In addition to the general qualification for university entrance (Abitur), there are other access options for studying at FAU.
Do you need help or more information?
Our Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) is the central point of contact for all questions about studying and starting a degree programme. Our Student Service Centres and subject advisors support you in planning your studies.