Everything you need to know about the Bachelor's degree in Law and Economics
The Bachelor’s program in Law and Economics comprises the fields of law and economics, which are linked by the distinct academic pillar of law and economics. This interdisciplinary nature is also reflected in the program’s structure.
The field of law includes training in the core areas of civil law, criminal law, and public law. In terms of content, this part of the program corresponds to a four-semester standard law degree and is completed alongside students in the state examination track for law.
In the field of economics, students learn economic fundamentals and the methodological foundations of mathematics and statistics.
The field of law and economics, which can be studied in greater depth particularly in the required-elective area, bridges the gap between law and economics. The lecture “Law and Economics: Institutions” is offered exclusively for the Law and Economics program.
An Overview of the Law and Economics Program
During the first three to four semesters, you will receive instruction in the fundamentals of civil law and constitutional law. In addition, the foundation for your economic education will be laid. Starting in the fourth semester, criminal law and administrative law are added to the legal curriculum. As part of the required elective courses, you have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in the fields of law, law and economics, or economics. Please note that of a total of 40 credit points, you must earn at least 10 credit points in the required elective area II (Law and Economics) and at least 6 credit points in the required elective area III (Economics).
Information on the 2017 Examination Regulations (as amended in 2023)
The 2017 Examination Regulations (2023) continue to apply to all students who began their studies before the 2025/2026 winter semester. In addition to differing study plans, there are primarily differences regarding the subject-specific elective component. This comprises only 15 credit points, which can be fulfilled by selecting three law courses (5 credit points each), two economics courses, or a combination of both options.
You can download the most important information here.
In this video, an alumnus of the program explains the unique features and structure of the program (in German)
Studienaufbau Law and Economics
Bild © CASTLE Uni Bonn / YouTube
Alignment of the program with future academic plans
Students who are already planning, while still in their undergraduate program, to switch to law school (state examination) or the Master’s in Economics after graduation should adjust their course of study starting in the fourth semester to ensure the smoothest possible transition without losing time. The overview below provides several recommendations (tracks) for various future academic plans.
You can download the overview here.
If you are still following the 2017 curriculum (or the amended version from 2023), such general study recommendations (tracks) cannot be provided. In that case, please contact the program office.
Transition to the study of law (bar examination)
The Law & Economics program is particularly popular because it is designed to allow students to transition directly into the law program, ultimately earning the First State Examination in Law as their degree.
In this case, credits earned in the LL.B. program can be transferred, so that if students choose the Law Fast Track, they can complete the state examination within four additional semesters.
Transition to Economics Programs
Many students also choose the Law and Economics program with the intention of later transferring to an economics program.
To this end, students can take additional extracurricular economics courses during their bachelor’s degree so that they can begin the master’s program in Economics immediately after completing the Law and Economics program (Economics Master’s Fast Track).
Alternatively, students can first complete a Bachelor’s program in economics, with credits from the Law and Economics program being transferred (Economics Bachelor’s Fast Track).
Contact
Study Programme Office Law and Economics
1.005 and 1.006 (Juridicum, West Tower, 1st Floor)
Adenauerallee 24–42
53113 Bonn