Building on a solid legal foundation, the MLaw programme allows you to tailor your Master’s studies according to your own preferences and interests.
The Master’s programme in Law (MLaw) equips you with the tools necessary for targeted orientation in legal matters and the ability to quickly adapt to new legal fields and issues. A strong emphasis is placed on developing legal thinking and technical skills, including interdisciplinary work and reflection on the function and impact of law. Additionally, there is a significant focus on procedural law and practical application.
With its strategic focus on the economic context and interdisciplinarity, the MLaw programme offers a outstanding profile that distinguishes it from law programs at other universities. The consecutive master’s degree, which can be completed in three semesters, provides access, subject to cantonal regulations, to legal internships and ultimately to the bar exam.
The MLaw programme allows students to create a course plan tailored to their individual interests. The study programme is based on a comprehensive and differentiated didactic concept.
The programme is designed to be completed in three semesters, requiring a total of 90 credits. The course formats (mandatory courses and legal electives) are carefully coordinated to ensure a cohesive and integrated learning experience.
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.
learn more about the contextual studies
The Master’s programme in Law comprises 90 credits, with the curriculum designed to be completed over a standard duration of 3 semesters.
Five mandatory courses in the core areas of law provide a comprehensive and in-depth legal education, focusing on the Process of Law. These required courses address issues in a problem-centered and thematic manner.
| Course | ECTS |
| Colloquium in Public Law | 6 |
| Colloquium in Private Law | 6 |
| Methodology | 6 |
| Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law, SchKG | 4 |
| International Private and Civil Procedure Law | 4 |
In the elective area of the MLaw program, legal thematic courses are offered. These courses allow for an individually tailored specialization in a wide range of legal fields, with the selection of seminars being regularly updated. This includes interdisciplinary seminars that enable students to learn how to work across disciplines and reflect on the function and impact of the law. With a focus on the subjects offered at the University of St.Gallen, collaboration is concentrated on business administration, economics, and political science.
In addition to the mandatory and elective courses, students in the MLaw programme can also earn 0-12 ECTS in the independent elective area.
Within this area, students have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge by taking additional legal courses from the elective offerings, attending certain seminars from other Master's programmes, or choosing from teaching formats specifically designed for the independent elective area.