Overview

Law and Social Sciences

Both the legal sciences (law) and the social sciences deal with the social (coexistence) of people. Where the social sciences focus on social systems and conditions, the legal sciences focus on legal regulations for coexistence.

Legal sciences (law) deal with the order that regulates social coexistence, i.e. with laws and regulations as well as the applicable case law. The study of law at universities ends with the first legal examination (consisting of a university focus area examination and a state compulsory subject examination). This is a prerequisite for the two-year preparatory service as a legal trainee. The training is completed with the second legal examination, which qualifies for the classic careers as a fully qualified lawyer (in particular judge, public prosecutor, lawyer, notary).

In addition, bachelor's and master's degrees are occasionally offered at universities and, in some cases, technical colleges. These, like interface courses (e.g. business law, real estate law, media law), prepare students for work outside the traditional professional fields of fully qualified lawyers in business and associations.

Law students should think logically, deal with abstract texts (legal texts, commentaries, court rulings) and be able to express themselves well in writing and orally. In addition, the course requires a good general education. Historical and economic knowledge as well as basic business knowledge are useful.

Social sciences are the subjects that deal with people's social lives. The term social sciences is often used as a synonym.

The field of study contains various individual academic disciplines, such as labor market management, political science/political science, social affairs, social sciences and sociology.

Social science students should have a great interest in people and their social, economic and individual living conditions. General education, sociability, empathy and skills in dealing with people are also important.

In addition, analytical thinking skills and - depending on the subject of study and your own focus - either a more research-oriented, detached behavior or enjoyment of a practical, pedagogical-instructional role are required.

In contrast to those of lawyers, the professional fields for social scientists are often not clearly defined. Therefore, students should think in good time about how they can set the course during their studies. These could be additional social science subjects, different study locations (including abroad) or suitable internships. Participating in non-university further education opportunities or completing a thesis related to your professional field can also make the transition into professional life easier. Foreign language skills are given great importance.

Study Fields