Law students have to learn countless laws off by heart, right? This is the cliché that is often rolled out – and we would like to start by setting matters straight: it simply isn’t true! While some legal sources will inevitably be etched in your memory after years of work, the ability to interpret and apply legal texts is a far more important aspect of this degree programme. After all, legal practitioners have to work with arguments and standpoints in a structured manner. So it is important that you are interested in constantly training your powers of reasoning and advocacy, language proficiency and analytical thinking skills. By the way, law students are allowed to take their law books into written examinations.
You will learn how the German legal system and its laws work. If you want to get your head around the detail of the law, you will need stamina, keen interest, and dedication. The degree programme focuses on three areas: Civil Law, Public Law, and Criminal Law. There is also an emphasis on qualifications that make graduates more employable. In later semesters, you can specialize in one of the following areas to acquire in-depth knowledge in a subject of your choice:
The following video shows you exactly what you can expect to study during your degree programme:
Lecture hall
Image: Daniel HofmannIf a course of study involves one or more state examinations, the programme content and examinations are uniformly regulated by state or federal legislation.
The university stage of vocational legal study (with a standard period of study of 10 semesters) consists of foundation studies (Grundstudium) and advanced studies (Hauptstudium) and culminates in the first legal examination. You will then complete a legal traineeship (Referendariat) before taking the second legal examination. The University is not responsible for this part of your education; it will be the responsibility of the federal state where you complete the legal traineeship.
Law education is arranged in the same stages at all universities in Germany. The following section gives an example of how your studies could be structured if you start in the winter semester:
1st semester
2nd semester
3rd semester
You will complete a practical study period after the 3rd semester.
4th semester
You will complete a practical study period after the 4th semester.
5th semester
You will complete a practical study period after the 5th semester.
6th semester
You will complete a practical study period after the 6th semester.
7th semester
After the 7th semester, you can register for a free attempt at the first legal examination (which is not counted among attempts made if the assessment is failed).
(Admission requirements: passed intermediate examination, certificate in foundation studies (Grundlagenschein), foreign language certificate, passed advanced practical class in the three areas of law, 13 weeks of internships)
8th semester
9th / 10th semester
The first legal examination (state examination) is conducted by the Free State of Thuringia. It consists of several individual examinations. Your overall grade for the first legal examination will be calculated by combining the individual grades achieved in the individual examinations with the grade achieved in your area of specialization.
You can find more detailed information in the Thuringian Lawyers' Training and Examination Regulations, in the recommended study plan de or on the website of the Faculty of Law.
Dr. Marion Schmidt-Wenzel
Image: Rechtswissenschaftliche FakultätStudying law in Jena means not just the chance to enjoy an excellent degree programme taught by a friendly and welcoming Faculty in a city defined by its students. You can look forward to a modern and comprehensive range of annual activities to help you prepare for your examinations, especially in the final phase of your studies. You will benefit from an optimal student-teacher ratio and the extensive experience of our academic staff as examiners in state examinations. We also offer a wide range of courses and materials to enhance your learning, including digital tools.
Dr Marion Schmidt-Wenzel
(Lecturer for the Exam Revision Course
in Civil Law and Public Law)
In studying law I have been fascinated by how complex theory has been brought to life in a captivating way by application to problem cases. I opted for Jena as my place of study above all because of the large library and the student-friendly campus. And when I think about the excellent support I’ve received from the University of Jena throughout my studies, from the intermediate examination right up to my preparation for the final state examination, I don’t regret that decision in the slightest.
Luise Kulling (law student in the final exam stage)
The Faculty of Law is based at Ernst-Abbe-Platz – in the heart of the city. A modern building complex houses the administration team and the various professorial chairs and institutes. Most of the lecture theatres and seminar rooms used by the Faculty of Law are also located here.
Career opportunities:
Graduate
Image: Designed by diana.grytsku / freepik.comYou will generally be able to work in a wide range of different fields, as legal experts are not only needed as judges, public prosecutors or lawyers, but in all areas of administration and business. If you want to join the civil service or become a notary, however, you will need above-average grades in your examinations.
A university entrance qualification, such as a general secondary school leaving certificate, is required for admission onto the study programme.
More information on university entrance qualifications can be found here.
Knowledge of Latin is an advantage, but not required.
Admission and language requirements for applicants of foreign nationality and without German Abitur: www.uni-jena.de/en/study-orientation-international
Room 2.50
Carl-Zeiß-Straße 3
07743 Jena
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Room 2.41
Carl-Zeiß-Straße 3
07743 Jena
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Werner-Seelenbinder-Straße 5
99096 Erfurt
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Carl-Zeiß-Straße 3
07743 Jena
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University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
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Office hours:
We offer consultations in person, by telephone, and via Zoom. You can make an appointment by calling us on +49 3641 9-411111 (Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00) or outside these office hours on +49 3641 9-411200. You can also use our remote help desk.
Consultation hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (9:00 to 12:20), Tuesdays (14:00 to 18:00), and Wednesdays and Thursdays (14:00 to 16:00).
Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenMondays to Fridays (12:30 to 13:00) Password ZSB2020 Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb
University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
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Opening hours:
Information Desk (UHG; Room E0.65)
Mondays (10:00 – 12:00)
Tuesdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Wednesdays (10:00 – 12:00)
Thursdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Fridays (10:00 – 12:00)
You can also use our remote help desk at
www.uni-jena.de/service-ssz
or send us your enquiries by post.
Telephone hours:
Mondays to Fridays
(9:00 – 11:00)
Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena
University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
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