Studying and student life at the Faculty of Law

What is it like to study at the Faculty of Law?
What is it like to study at the Faculty of Law?

In our Faculty teaching methods vary depending on courses. You will learn for example by participating in lecture courses and case study courses as well as by writing seminar papers and learning diaries, presenting your work in seminars. Depending on the courses you take, you will either be studying more independently or you will be involved in group work.

According to the traditional image, students of law attend many mass lectures and read stacks of books for examinations. However, studying law is more than that, as students not only familiarise themselves with legal literature but, from the beginning of their studies, participate in small-group work and solve case studies collaboratively. These activities are accompanied by the practice of key career skills under the tutelage of the best teachers in the field.

Our master´s programmes include large selection of optional studies, so in some extend you have the possibility to customize your degree according to your own interest. In addition to regular courses and seminars, you have the possibility to participate in very practical oriented courses or Helsinki Legal Tech Lab to gain practical experience, network and meet potential employers.

The Faculty of Law is an international academic community and study environment. During your studies, you have the opportunity to gain international skills and experience in working in a multicultural environment.

Student are also encouraged to participate in student exchange in one of our numerous excellent partner universities all around the world. On the other hand we offer also a large selection of English taught courses for our incoming exchange students.

Fields of teaching

The first-cycle degree of Bachelor of Laws and the second-cycle degree of Master of Laws both include courses in different branches of law. The compulsory branches of law taught at the Faculty are grouped into six thematic modules. Teaching is organised so that the branches of law taught under each thematic module constitute a coherent and appropriately aligned whole in terms of content and methods.

The thematic modules are as follows:

  • Public Law
  • Private Law I
  • Private Law II
  • Crime, Procedure, Administration and Environment
  • Economy, Society and Law
  • General Jurisprudence

The Public Law thematic module focuses on four interlinked branches of law: constitutional law, public European law, general administrative law and international law.
Coordinating teacher Ida Koivisto

Intermediate studies included in the Private Law I thematic module focus on five interlinked branches of law: contract law, general law of obligations, property law, family and inheritance law, and insolvency law. The Private Law II thematic module continues examining the branches of law pertaining to private law.
Private Law I: Coordinating teacher Olli Norros
Private Law II: Coordinating teacher Suvi Sankari

The Crime, Procedure, Administration and Environment thematic module focuses on four interlinked branches of law: criminal law, procedural law, administrative procedure law and environmental law.
Coordinating teacher Sakari Melander

The Economy, Society and Law thematic module examines the legal aspects of the economy, entrepreneurship and ethics. The module will also focus on laws regarding companies, securities markets, accounting and taxes.
Coordinating teacher Marjaana Helminen

The General Jurisprudence thematic module provides an overview and societal context for the larger patterns of development and change in the legal history of Europe.
Coordinating teacher Visa Kurki

Teachers’ office hours

Teachers’ office hours and room numbers can be found arranged by degree programme on the Instructions for Students website.

Graduate employment

Graduates of the Faculty are employed in a broad spectrum of positions, from the private sector to public administration, the court system, organisations and legal practice, not forgetting researchers and the lawyers who find work outside the traditional legal professions. Legal positions are highly esteemed in society, and lawyers find work easily.

See the career monitoring reports.

Student life

Student life is not just about studying but also about learning and experiencing new things with the student community. Find out about the activities of student organizations and join an active student community!