1. General questions about the law major
Does the choice of specialized subjects matter?
No, no specific subject taught in high school is more important than another for studying law. You need to have a good level in all core subjects or those chosen as specialties. The following specialized subjects can help you acquire a good general and historical knowledge as well as good language skills: History, geography, geopolitics, and political science; Humanities, literature, and philosophy; Foreign languages, literature, and cultures; Literature, languages, and cultures of Antiquity; Economics and social sciences. Scientific subjects, such as mathematics, will help you better understand the rigor of legal reasoning.
Can I study law if I did not take DGEMC as an elective?
Yes, DGEMC courses are not essential for enrolling in the first year of a law degree. In the first year, there is an Introduction to Law course that will provide you with all the prerequisites you need to study law.
However, if you are already well advanced in your career planning, DGEMC courses can be useful and enriching.
Is there a selection process at the end of L1?
No, unlike medicine, which has a separate regulatory framework, the first year of university studies is not selective. However, success does of course require assimilating knowledge (and achieving an average grade of 10). Approximately 60% of students who attend classes and take exams pass their first year each year.
Are students given individual support?
No, higher education requires students to learn to be independent. Mentors and tutors are available to help students who are struggling, and teachers are always willing to listen. However, students must quickly learn to work independently and therefore impose a demanding work ethic on themselves.
Are law studies among the most difficult?
No more than any other field of higher education! The difficulty lies in determining your interest in a subject you have never studied before. What matters is the career you want to pursue: if it requires studying law, then go for it! There is a lot of memorization involved, but this must be accompanied by comprehension. Law is not about "rote learning."
What is the proportion of terminal/continuous control?
Final exams account for the majority of the assessment. Some subjects are assessed solely by a final exam (usually written), while others combine continuous assessment (in tutorials) and a final exam (written). Overall, the final exam accounts for approximately 80% of the assessment.
Is there a makeup exam for final exams?
Yes, that is the rule. Any student can take it provided they did not pass in session 1.
Is attendance mandatory?
Yes, for tutorials. However, the students who succeed are those who also attend lectures.
How much work is required?
It's hard to say because you won't all be equal in terms of comprehension and assimilation skills. Classes (lectures and tutorials) represent about 30 hours per week. The need to study and prepare for tutorials means that you will need to put in at least as much work in the evenings and on weekends, so you will quickly find yourself spending 70 hours a week on your studies. It should be noted that the academic year is short (September to April for students who do not have to retake exams).
What subjects do you need to have enjoyed in high school to study law?
No real answer can be given because you have never studied law... But law requires, first and foremost, an interest in economic, social, and historical issues. If you took DGEMC as an elective, you must have enjoyed the content, even though it does not cover law in its entirety. Next, you need to be comfortable with French: law requires reading and understanding texts, decisions, judgments, and rulings, as well as a lot of writing. Finally, legal reasoning requires logic that is quite similar to that taught in scientific subjects.
What is the difference between a law degree and a BUT in legal careers?
The BUT is a three-year degree that leads to intermediate professions. The BUT offers some of the same legal subjects as a law degree, but others are replaced by management or IT courses. For this reason, obtaining this degree does not automatically give you the right to enter the third year of a bachelor's degree. Similarly, a professional bachelor's degree does not grant access to a master's degree. Consequently, if you aspire to pursue a career that requires a bachelor's degree or higher, you must enroll in a general bachelor's degree program.
What is the difference between studying law at the Faculty and the Institute of Political Studies?
In addition to the fact that the enrollment procedures are different, the content of the programs is not the same: you study law at the Faculty of Law, and political science at the IEP. However, some career opportunities are common to both.
Are the courses digitized?
No, none of the first-year bachelor's degree courses are offered online. The Faculty of Law favors face-to-face teaching, which allows for interaction between teachers and students in lectures and, above all, in tutorials.
What is the difference between the "law," "law and languages," and "law, economics, and management" programs?
The bachelor's degree in law comprises three tracks. The law track is a general bachelor's degree. The other three are dual degrees: two degrees are earned in three years. They are selective and have limited capacity. See their
specific information sheets.
Are there any jobs available with a bachelor's degree (without a master's)?
Yes, a few (see the job descriptions), but most regulated professions (magistrates, lawyers, notaries, civil servants, etc.) and private sector recruitment require a first year of a master's degree (bac +4) or even a full master's degree (bac+5). Selection currently takes place at the end of L3 to enter M1.
Could I play sports or study foreign languages?
Yes, one language is mandatory (legal English), and you can take sports or a second foreign language as an option or bonus.
Could I do a year abroad (Erasmus)?
Yes, in the third year of a bachelor's degree or in the first year of a master's degree.
Are there classes in the evening or on Saturdays?
No, there are no classes after 8 p.m. or on Saturdays.
Can I spread my bachelor's degree studies over more than three years?
You have the right to repeat the year if you have not passed, and the subjects you have passed will be retained. However, you must attend all compulsory classes or you will be considered to have failed: courses are not "à la carte."
Where is the Law School located?
All classes are held on the Gières – St Martin d’Hères campus. For the Valence site, the premises are located in Latour-Maubourg.
How can I find out more about the law degree?
All your questions about the program are answered in the course brochure, which can be downloaded from
the Faculty of Law website.
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