Law

Bachelor’s studies at Heidelberg University

As an undergraduate course of studies, the bachelor’s programme awards graduates the academic degree of Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in the natural sciences and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in the social sciences and humanities. With a range of approximately 60 bachelor’s programmes at 13 faculties, Heidelberg University offers a variety of subject combinations that is virtually unparalleled in Germany. The bachelor’s degree qualifies graduates to enter into a profession and is the academic prerequisite for enrolling in a master’s programme. Holders of a bachelor’s degree with the option for a teaching certificate may choose to continue studying for a Master of Education (M.Ed.), which qualifies them to progress to the teaching experience phase.

Programme structure

Bachelor’s programmes at Heidelberg University are generally completed in six semesters. Students may earn 100 per cent of their credits in one subject or distribute the credits across two subjects at a ratio of 50/50 or 75/25. To complete a bachelor’s programme, students must earn 180 credit points, 20 of them in the ‘General Competencies’ module. At the end of the programme, students are required to write a bachelor’s thesis and may also have to pass an oral examination. The law, medical, pharmaceutical and dental medicine programmes end with a state examination. These programmes have a standard duration of eight (pharmacy), ten (law, dentistry) and twelve (medicine) semesters.

Master’s studies at Heidelberg University

As an advanced course of studies, a master’s programme usually follows a bachelor’s or other undergraduate programme. It awards graduates the academic degree of Master of Science (M.Sc.) in the natural sciences and Master of Arts (M.A.) in the social sciences and humanities. The Master of Education (M.Ed.) prepares students for work as a teacher. With a range of approximately 100 master’s programmes at 13 faculties, Heidelberg University offers a variety of subject combinations that is virtually unparalleled in Germany. A master’s programme is a solid foundation for entry into professional life or a career in academia.

Programme structure

A master’s programme at Heidelberg University is usually completed in four semesters – in some cases two or three semesters. Some master’s programmes are taught partially or entirely in English. A four-semester master’s course generally requires 120 credit points. The structure of some master’s programmes provides for an accompanying subject in which 20 credit points must be earned. At the end of the programme, students are required to write a master’s thesis and may also have to pass an oral examination. With a Master of Education, graduates can progress to the teaching experience phase or pursue a number of academic career paths.