Bachelor's Programme in Law

Study programme code BACJUR

ECTS credits 180

Admission requirements Higher Education Entrance Qualification.

General description and profile of the programme

Laws, contracts and various forms of legally binding regulations have and are becoming an increasingly large part of our society. These regulations affect every one of us, either we are buying a new car, applying to college, agreeing to a work contract, or complaining about the fee we got for driving without a safety belt on our way to work. Moreover, these regulations affect the activities of central and local government institutions. Examples might be the local government´s duty to keep walkways and bicycle paths free from snow, their right to support new business enterprises, and their duty to provide health and social care. These are only a few of the many areas these regulations affect. The aim of this programme is to teach the students about these, and similar challenges, and how to apply the laws and rules regulating our common rights and obligations.

In this programme the student will gain in-depth knowledge of central legal terminology, method, and values. The programme will also give the students a thorough introduction to some of the most important areas of law as they apply to private and public sector. These areas are contract law, law on money claims and labour law. In addition, there will be a focus on rules that regulate the organization of public administration, executive work and qualifications, as well as the individual´s rights and obligations in relation to public administration. Through lectures, seminars, group work and individual assignments the students will learn to understand and solve theoretical and practical juridical challenges relevant to both private businesses and for public administration.

The structure and content of the programme is similar to the three first years of the 5-year Master´s programme in Law at the University of Bergen. In addition, we offer courses that are especially relevant for students who will go on to work in central and local governmental institutions.

Structure of the programme

Several of the courses build on each other and so the courses are to taken in sequence with the progression outlined in the education plan. This will secure a steady progression.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this programme the student should be able to demonstrate:

Knowledge of:

• legal terminology, method and values within national and international law
• central areas of private law
• the rules regulating the organization of public administration, its case handling and areas of competence
• the individual´s rights and obligations in relation to public administration

Skills in:

• using legal method when applying current regulations on general and specific problems
• making independent decisions within relevant subject areas
• acquiring new knowledge within relevant subject areas

General competence in:

• general ethical, juridical and political problems central to private businesses and public administration
• related subject areas especially relevant to public administration
• types of interdisciplinary cooperation used in both private businesses and public administration

Teaching methods The teaching methods of this programme are based on the principles of problem-based learning and will include lectures, seminars and an extensive use of group work. In each course students will be divided into groups of about 10 people. Group work will include solving theoretical and practical issues related to the topics discussed in the course. There will be 4-8 written assignments for each course. For handing in and responding to written assignments the students use Fronter, UiA´s learning support system. The students need to fulfill a minimum of 75% participation in the mandatory work requirements.

Assessment methods The form of assessment varies depending on the course. However, in most cases it will be a written examination with graded marks.

Student exchange The courses in this bachelor´s programme are basic and formative. Moreover, they are closely tied to the Norwegian legal system. For students who want to go onto master´s studies, student exchange will be possible in the fourth or fifth year of study.

Requirements for continuing in the study programme All the courses are mandatory and must be taken in the order the curriculum specifies. The department may make exceptions to this in the individual education plan. In the teaching and evaluation of each course knowledge from previous courses in the curriculum is assumed. Students need to fulfill a minimum of 75% participation in the mandatory work requirements. This includes participation in group work, writing and commenting on papers and participation in large groups/seminars. In addition, there will be a requirement of one approved written assignment. Students who fail to fulfill the mandatory work requirements cannot take the exam and will need to retake the course.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies

On successful completion of this programme the students will be qualified to work in private business, as well as local and central public administration. The courses in contract law, law on money claims and labour law provide an important and solid foundation for future work relating to in colleagues and clients businesses. In addition, the programme will provide necessary qualifications for executive work in different parts of public administration.

Work is in progress to ensure that this bachelor´s programme can qualify for applying to the master´s studies in law in Bergen (UiB). However, it will also require the student to take the courses included in alternative 2 in the education plan, and have attained certain grade requirements.

Qualification awarded On successful completion of the Bachelors´ programme in Law the student will be awarded Bachelor of Law

Contact person

Program Coordinator Trygve Bjerkås.