Degree in Law

Degree: Graduate in Law
Type of degree: Validated
Duration: 4 years
Universitat Pompeu Fabra

Presentation

In order to keep up with the continuous transformations of the world today, a good jurist or law specialist must not only know about current legislation and its practical application, but must also be capable of analysing law both rationally, and by assessment as well as taking advantage of the opportunities which new technologies provide in order to perform their work.

Bearing this reality in mind, the philosophy which presides the UPF long degree in Law represents a change as regards how the training of a jurist had traditionally been understood. Today, its is quite impossible to memorise every aspect of legislation, and is also futile. In reality, what society needs is people who are capable of reasoning as jurists in a dynamic environment, which requires good theoretical training, as well as sufficient technique as to be able to apply such theoretical knowledge to every day practical problems.

In order to achieve this training, the following elements are key: on the one hand, the teaching method and on the other, the teaching staff. Teaching method combines theoretical classes with practical cases, the research for materials and the preparation of presentations and debates. Those in charge of giving this teaching are fundamentally full-time researchers and teachers as well as professionals of renowned prestige (judges, lawyers, Treasury inspectors...) who contribute in their capacity as associate lecturers. In this way, both the results of the research and the practical work make up part of the knowledge conveyed.

Teaching aims

The long degree in Law lasts four years, broken down into two-year cycles. Subjects are studied on a four-monthly basis, thus ensuring more intensive work by students and the easier follow-up of their performance.

As of the second year, students may choose optional subjects. A high number of such subjects have been grouped into three itineraries of specialisation (Patrimonial and Business Law, Public Law and International Relations and Economy and Business Management), though students are perfectly free to design their own syllabus outside these itineraries.

Once students have accomplished 50% of the credits of the syllabus, they may do work practice (in companies, lawyers' offices, law courts, public administrations...), and as of the second year, they may study subjects at other Spanish and indeed foreign universities.

Also as of the second year, students may begin to study for a second long degree (Economic Sciences or Business Management and Administration) in a six year period, following the so-called Law/ECO-ADE co-ordinated programme.

In order to complete the credits corresponding to free election subjects, students can study the subjects offered by the UPF as such (of free election), but in some specific cases, the recognition of credits of free election may be awarded for courses done elsewhere.

Lastly, educational supply is completed with the doctoral programmes and masters degrees which allow studies to be broadened beyond the long degree.

Abilities

• Ability to study.

• Ability to synthesise and extract information.

• Good oral and written expression.

Professional opportunities

The holder of a degree in Law can work for him/herself as a notary, court registrar or attorney. Either self-employed or working for another, the jurist may work as a lawyer or as a legal advisor. He/she may also enter the justice system as a judge, public prosecutor or legal secretary. He/she may also work in other fields of the state, autonomous region or local administrations; or the European Community, as a State lawyer; state or autonomous region civil administration advanced technician; Treasury inspector or labour and Social Security inspector. A holder of a law degree may also render his/her services as a legal representative in parliaments or other bodies such as the Constitutional Court, the State Council,...). Finally, he may choose to embark on a career in diplomacy, teaching and university research.