At Sciences Po, you can enrol in a comprehensive Undergraduate Bachelor’s programme in Humanities and Social Sciences (equivalent to a French Licence), with a strong focus on legal studies. Law is one of the six core disciplines in this multidisciplinary Bachelor’s programme, which also includes economics, history, political science, sociology, and the humanities. Delivered across our seven campuses in France, including the main campus located in Paris, this distinctive programme integrates legal studies into a broader social science context, helping students build a well-rounded understanding of legal systems and their role within society.

Upon completion of the three-year Undergraduate curriculum, you will have acquired a solid foundation in legal principles, methodologies, and interdisciplinary approaches, which will open the door to Sciences Po’s Master’s programmes. This includes the Economic Law and Legal and Judicial Careers Master’s, available at our Law School in Paris. While our Bachelor’s programme shares roots with traditional law degrees, it distinguishes itself through its multidisciplinary and comparative approach, equipping students with the critical tools to engage with contemporary global challenges.

Law as a core discipline in the Undergraduate Bachelor’s programme

The Bachelor’s degree at Sciences Po offers a world-class education in legal studies, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of fundamental legal principles and their application in societal and political contexts.

Legal studies are embedded within the wider humanities and social science's curriculum, with a focus on the relationship between law, governance, and societal transformation. The programme's structure ensures students gain an in-depth perspective of law through various lenses, developing the ability to address real-world issues.

Key first-year courses include Institutions politiques, which explores political and legislative systems from both historical and international viewpoints. In the second year, students will undertake How Legal Thinkers Think, an introduction to the methodologies and analytical frameworks of legal practice. Students will also engage in seminars and workshops covering topics such as public and administrative law, business law, and contract law, enhancing their skills in critical thinking, legal analysis, and argumentation.

Topics addressed in these seminars and workshops include:

• International Security Law
• Contemporary Issues in Corporate Governance
• International Criminal Law
• Comparative Judicial Politics
• Financial Regulation in a Globalised World
• Philosophy of Human Rights
• Privacy and Data Law in the Digital Age
• Environmental Governance and Law
• Violence, Force, and International Law
• Administrative Law
• Comparative Contract Law

Learn more about the fundamental discipline of law in the Bachelor’s degree at Sciences Po, based in Paris, France.

Deepening your knowledge: majors in the Bachelor’s programme

In their second year, students can tailor their studies by selecting a major, combining two of the six core disciplines.

Law is central to the major in Politics and Government, where students delve into Contemporary Constitutional Law and the History of State Law. Students can further personalise their academic path by choosing advanced seminars and workshops aligned with their interests.

Discover the majors offered in Sciences Po’s Bachelor’s programme, located in the heart of Paris, France.

International perspectives on law through regional minors at Sciences Po in France

The Undergraduate Bachelor’s programme at Sciences Po is designed to offer students an international perspective, in line with the institution’s commitment to global studies. While students develop an understanding of French law, they also have the opportunity to explore various legal systems worldwide through regional minors, which are available on each of our campuses.

Each regional minor offers an in-depth examination of the legal and institutional frameworks within specific regions, allowing students to compare them with French and European systems. For example, students may study the differences between civil law and common law traditions, or explore areas such as international arbitration, European Union policies, or regional trade law.

The campuses and their associated regional minors include:

• Dijon Campus: Central and Eastern Europe
• Le Havre Campus: Asia-Pacific
• Menton Campus: Mediterranean and Middle East
• Nancy Campus: Franco-German partnership
• Poitiers Campus: Latin America and the Caribbean
• Reims Campus: North America and Africa

Learn more about the available minors within the Bachelor’s programme offered across Sciences Po’s campuses in France.

Exchange opportunities in legal studies through the Undergraduate Bachelor’s programme

The third year abroad is a significant component of the Undergraduate programme at Sciences Po. Students enrolled in the Bachelor’s degree have the opportunity to spend a full academic year at one of Sciences Po’s partner universities, or choose a mixed year, combining one semester of studies with a semester-long internship abroad.

In the field of law, the exchange opportunities available are extensive and varied. This international experience allows students to broaden their understanding of legal systems in a global context, engage with diverse legal perspectives, and enhance their professional skills within a multicultural environment. It also provides students with valuable insights and the opportunity to build an international network, equipping them for legal careers with a broader, global outlook.

Sciences Po has established partnerships with numerous renowned law schools around the world, offering Undergraduate students the opportunity to study at respected institutions such as:

Additionally, for internships, students can gain practical experience at leading international law firms, global organisations such as the United Nations, or non-governmental organisations focused on human rights.

Discover more about the third year abroad within the Bachelor’s programme.

The civic Learning programme of the Sciences Po Bachelor’s degree: a practical application of legal knowledge

Within the Undergraduate programme at Sciences Po, the civic learning programme offers Bachelor’s students the opportunity to actively engage in public service by applying their legal knowledge in real-world contexts. This initiative encourages students to participate in concrete projects aimed at addressing social, political, or environmental challenges, while also nurturing their sense of civic responsibility.

As part of the civic learning programme, students can focus on legal and judicial issues. This could involve working with international organisations, human rights advocacy groups, law firms specialising in migrant rights, or public institutions in the judicial sector, such as legal aid centres or correctional facilities. Depending on the organisation, students may also explore legal topics related to civil law, administrative law, or environmental law.

For instance, students might contribute to research on public policy concerning justice, engage in initiatives promoting access to justice, or raise awareness on fundamental rights issues.

By participating in civic activities within the legal and justice sectors, students develop a deeper understanding of contemporary legal challenges, while also gaining valuable skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.

The civic learning programme within the Sciences Po Bachelor’s degree provides students with a distinctive opportunity to combine their interest in law with their civic engagement, making a meaningful contribution to society.

Here are some examples of legal organisations where Undergraduate students have been able to apply their legal knowledge as part of their civic learning programme:

• The Poitiers Correctional Centre
• The League of Human Rights
• Centres for Information on Women's and Family Rights (CIDFF), focusing on access to justice
• Refugee support organisations offering legal and administrative assistance
• The Wake-up Café Association, supporting the reintegration of ex-prisoners
• The Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ), working on human rights issues

Learn more about the civic learning programme available within the Undergraduate programme in the legal field.

Continuing legal studies with a Master’s at Sciences Po in Paris

After completing their Undergraduate degree at Sciences Po, many students opt to continue their studies with specialised Master’s programmes in various areas of law. Sciences Po offers a broad selection of graduate programmes, designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful careers in the legal field. These programmes are available through respected schools such as the Law School, the School of International Affairs, the Urban School, and the School of Public Affairs.

Sciences Po’s Master’s degrees combine rigorous academic training with practical application, enabling students to develop expertise in areas such as international law, economic regulation, urban governance, or public policy. This approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the complexities of the global legal landscape.

The Law School is particularly focused on preparing students for careers in corporate law, international arbitration, human rights advocacy, and judicial practice. With access to advanced legal research, experienced faculty, and partnerships with international law firms and organisations, students benefit from a highly supportive academic environment.

Graduates of these Master’s programmes often pursue careers in diverse sectors, including international organisations, government bodies, NGOs, and leading law firms. The interdisciplinary education at Sciences Po helps students address the evolving challenges of the legal profession, combining technical legal expertise with an understanding of social, political, and economic contexts.