To acquire sufficient foundational knowledge in the various disciplines of law, economics, and computer science, our major offers a mix of its own courses, along with courses from the Law, Economics, and Business Administration majors, as well as the Data Science Fundamentals (DSF) programme.
A Bachelor’s degree in Law and Economics provides a broad range of competencies that encompass both legal and economic aspects. You will acquire solid professional skills and the ability to apply legal norms and principles to specific issues, as well as develop legal arguments. You will learn to integrate and assess legal and economic questions, gain the ability to identify, analyse, and develop innovative solutions to complex problems, and critically evaluate your own arguments while considering alternative perspectives.
Cumpulsory Subjects
Core Electives
In the core electives areas, courses in commercial and economic law, as well as subjects in business administration, economics, and computer science, are available.
Students in the BLE programme also have the option to choose the "Law for Law and Economics" curriculum.
The assessment year at the University of St. Gallen (HSG) is the first year of the Bachelor's program, during which students acquire a broad foundation of knowledge in economics and law. The curriculum includes both core studies and contextual studies, amounting to a total of 60 credits. The core studies include mandatory subjects such as Business Administration, Economics and Law. The required elective, either Mathematics for Economics or Law for Law Studies, is determined by the chosen specialization. The contextual studies cover areas such as skills development, cultural and social sciences, and foreign languages. Throughout the year, students must complete various assessments, including written exams, seminar papers, group projects, oral exams, and presentations.
learn more about the assessment year
The Contextual Studies programme is another unique feature of the University of St.Gallen (HSG). It integrates knowledge across disciplines and strengthens the social and cultural competencies of our students distinctively. Students take a holistic approach by "thinking outside the box" and enrol in courses within focus areas and skills areas. The cultural and social science offerings in the focus areas are highly diverse and aligned with the study programme. In the skills area, students acquire additional competencies and practical skills necessary for success in the business world. The Contextual Studies programme complements your main field of study and is awarded with 18 ECTS credits.
After successfully completing the assessment stage, you will attend courses in key legal and economic subject areas over four semesters in the Law and Economics major. The Major totals 180 ECTS credits (including the credits earned during the assessment stage). The additional qualification in the “Law for Law and Economics” programme includes an extra semester and 30 ECTS.
The compulsory subjects of the BLE, which all students must attend, cover the fundamental legal knowledge in the fields of private law, criminal law, and public law, amounting to 44 ECTS. In the elective compulsory area, a specialisation in "Commercial and Business Law" (4-8 ECTS) is offered. Additionally, the modules "Business Administration, Economics, and Computer Science" (16-20 ECTS), "Integrative Courses" (16 ECTS), and "Elective" (0-4 ECTS) allow students to set individual focus areas within the integrative part of the Law & Economics programme.
The BLE – similar to majors in economics – also requires mathematical knowledge. Therefore, at the assessment level, the economics assessment year must include the elective course "Mathematics."
Mandatory courses comprise core subjects of legal education, which must be taken by all students majoring in Law and Economics.
Course | ECTS | Semester |
Methods and Working Techniques | 4 | 3 or 4 |
Private Law – Swiss Civil Code | 8 | 3 |
Criminal Law (General and Specific Part) | 8 | 3 |
Contract Law (General and Specific Part) | 8 | 4 |
Administrative Law: Foundations and Public Economic Law | 8 | 5 |
Corporate Law | 4 | 5 |
Tax Law | 4 | 5 or 6 |
Students can choose from a wide range of courses within both the compulsory elective and elective areas. This allows for an individual focus in study planning within the framework of the offered options.
Course | ECTS | Semester |
Commercial and Economic Law | 4-8 | 4-6 |
Business Administartion, Economics, and Computer Science | 16-20 | 3-6 |
Integrative Courses | 16 | 3-6 |
In the compulsory elective area, students can earn 36-40 credits. Additionally, in the elective area (0-4 credits), numerous economics courses from other majors are available to students.
For the law programmes, it is recommended to take courses within the "Law" focus area in the contextual studies. A total of 24 credits can be earned in this area. As a prerequisite for transitioning into the MLE programme, students must complete the courses "Law & Economics Method 1" and "Law & Economics Method 2."
The Bachelor's thesis (12 ECTS credits) is an academic paper. You will engage in an in-depth exploration of a research question from a subject area of your choice. In the Bachelor's thesis, you will follow the relevant academic research designs and principles.
In the additional programme "Law for Law & Economics," classic legal courses in public law, procedural law, and international law are offered. These are complemented by elective law courses, which include, among others, moot courts and judicial internships. With this voluntary additional qualification, which can be completed during the Bachelor's or Master's degree, access to solicitor training is guaranteed.
Students who wish to take the bar exam are advised to take all courses offered in procedural law (Civil Procedure Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Public Procedural Law) within the compulsory elective module "Procedural Law" of the Law and Economics programme.
A semester abroad as part of the BLE programme offers you the opportunity to experience international law first-hand and to become familiar with different legal systems. It enhances intercultural competence, expands your personal and professional network, and improves foreign language skills. Additionally, studying abroad strengthens personal development, flexibility, and adaptability – essential skills for a successful career.
Here you will find a compilation of the most important legal foundations in the Bachelor's programme.