Combining law and German in one degree

→ Link to the video presenting the Bachelor programme

→ Link to the programme description

The University of Bayreuth has many years of collaboration with Bordeaux, in different fields: African studies, law, economics…. One of them is the double Bachelor degree in law that was launched in 2019. Today, we meet with Inès, who is telling us more about her own experience.

A few words about you…

My name is Inès, I’m currently in the second year of a French-German Bachelor in Law between the University of Bordeaux and the University of Bayreuth.

Why did you decide to apply for such a programme?

I have always loved the German language and I invested a lot in high school by taking a European class where geography and history were taught in German. I also spent 3 months in Germany, thanks to the Brigitte Sauzay Programme. I could not choose studies where German would have been left aside.

As I wanted to study law, I searched for a programme that would allow me to combine both. That’s why I applied for the French-German Bachelor is law, developed by the University of Bordeaux and the University of Bayreuth.

According to you, what are the assets of this programme?

Being in a double-degree-program means you will be a graduate from two universities. It also means developing a double perspective on a same subject. In the case of law, it is very interesting to be trained in a comparative approach. Especially when you wish to pursue a career in international law affairs like me.

What I really appreciate is the support and guidance we get from our professors, from both sides. As you are part of a small group (a dozen), you are not just a number among hundreds of students. We are lucky to have reactive and attentive professors on our side. This helps a lot when you do the transition from high school to university.

Finally, the University of Bayreuth is a medium-sized university. As such, it is easy to get in touch with your professors. They seem to be more easily accessible in comparison to other big universities.

How is the mobility organised?

During the 3-year programme, the mobility is alternatively organised between Bordeaux and Bayreuth. We spend the first year in our home university, in order to get familiar with the respective national law, which means that the French group is in Bordeaux whereas the German group is in Bayreuth. Then, we come together in the second year, in Bayreuth. The final year is spent in Bordeaux.

We are financially supported by both the Erasmus programme and the French-German University, as the programme is under its label.

Would you recommend students to enrol in this joint degree programme?

Definitively yes! It is a great opportunity for an immersive experience in Germany, which is actually the best way to improve your language and interpersonal skills. It helps you develop a greater open-mindedness and understand ways of thinking or behaving that are not yours.

However, before embarking into the programme, candidates must be aware that the load of work will be higher than in a traditional law programme, especially at the beginning when you need to learn the legal concepts and vocabulary. But it’s really worth it!

A short story on French-German differences?

I am used to shrugging my shoulders to say, without saying it, “I don’t know”. At some point, a German friend of mine had to ask me what this meant because she was at a loss. The German way of communicating is much more direct than the French one!

Thank you Inès for your time and your testimonial!

→ read the testimonial of Emma, student from the same double degree