Studying at the University of Innsbruck

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Doctoral Programme in Law

Faculty	Faculty of Law
Duration / ECTS-Credits	6 semesters / 180 ECTS-Credits
Academic Degree	Doktorin/Doktor der Rechtswissenschaften (Dr. iur.)
ISCED-F	0421 Law
Mode of Study	Full-Time
Study Code	UC 796 200 xxx
Curriculum	Information on the Curriculum (2012W) *
Language of Instruction	German
Admission Requirements	Relevant diploma or master's degree or equivalent and Language Certificates
Application	Apply ONLINE

* Information on the Curriculum (2012W)

The complete version of the curriculum reflects the currently valid version of the curriculum. It is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding. The legally binding version of the curriculum, including any amendments, may be found in the University of Innsbruck Bulletins.

In order to determine which version of the curriculum is applicable in your case, see the Catalogue of Studies,
  available at: https://lfuonline.uibk.ac.at/public/lfuonline_meinestudien.studienblatt
  Section: Current Curriculum version.

University of Innsbruck Bulletins »

Requirements

Relevant bachelor's or diploma degrees at the University of Innsbruck:

• Diploma Programme Law
  
• Diploma Programme Business Law
• Integrated Programme Law
  
• Master Programme Business Law

Proof of general university entrance qualification:

With the exception of § 64 par. 5 UG 2002, the general university entrance qualification for admission to a doctoral programme shall be demonstrated by the completion of a relevant diploma programme or master's programme or another relevant programme of at least the same level of higher education at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution. To compensate for substantial subject-related differences, supplementary examinations may be prescribed, which must be taken by the end of the second semester of the doctoral degree programme.

The rectorate may determine which of these supplementary examinations are prerequisites for taking examinations provided for in the curriculum of the doctoral degree programme.

Modules and Dissertation

Compulsory Modules 40 ECTS-Credits

Dissertation 140 ECTS-Credits

Research and Theoretical Core Competences 10 ECTS-Credits Core Competences for the Legal Profession 5 ECTS-Credits Research and Core Competences in Fields Other Than the Field of Thesis Topic 10 ECTS-Credits Scientific Fundamentals and Core Skills in the Field of Thesis Topic 10 ECTS-Credits Thesis Defense (“Rigorosum”) 5 ECTS-Credits

The dissertation is a scientific piece of work which – in contrast to a diploma or master‘s thesis – serves to prove the student's ability to cope with scientific questions in an independent way (§ 51 Para 2 No 13 Universities Act 2002). Contents will be updated shortly! The student has to propose a team of supervisors, consisting of at least two people (dissertation committee) and to nominate one of them as the supervisor mainly responsible. It is permissible to propose supervisors (with the exception of the main supervisor) from subject-related fields. In justifiable exceptional cases it is possible for students to propose only one supervisor. The student has to communicate the dissertation topic and names of the supervisors in writing to the Director of Studies prior to beginning the work. Topic and supervisors are considered as accepted, if the Director of Studies does not veto them by means of a decree within one month after the receipt of the proposal.

Qualification Profile and Skills

The Doctoral Programme in Law is grouped among the legal sciences. It serves to train academic researchers and professionals for high-level legal positions. The goal of the programme is to enable graduates to conduct original and methodologically sound scientific work independently, demonstrated by the achievement of the dissertation. The programme also serves as training for aspiring academic researchers, building on the foundations of diploma and master's studies. In addition to the acquisition and further development of scientific knowledge, the doctoral programme helps students acquire key qualifications, such as theoretical reflection, independent learning, scientific discourse, interdisciplinary and international dialogue, the presentation of research findings, and the tranfer of knowledge. Graduates acquire an awareness of legally and ethically problematic areas and their effects on society and its development. They are also able to present scientific findings and to discuss and critically analyze their own and others' findings, concepts and projects with colleagues, lay people and scientifically-aware audiences. The Doctoral Programme in Law meets international standards.

Expected Learning Outcomes for the Doctorate

Graduates are qualified junior academics. They have mastered the methods applied in research in their area and are capable of critically discussing, analyzing, and further developing theories. Junior academics possess the competence to develop and conduct substantial research projects with scientific integrity, and they are qualified to reflect on these processes scientifically and theoretically. They are also aware of issues and questions in gender research.

Future Prospects: Occupational Profiles and Career Opportunities

Occupational fields include the classic legal professions as well as other highly-qualified careers at universities, in research and educational institutions, in diplomatic service, in European and international organizations, in national and international companies, and in key political positions.

Information about examination regulations, assessment and grading

Examination regulations

The examination regulation is an integral part of the curriculum, detailed information can be found under the paragraph examination regulations.

Description of the applied grading system (including the grade distribution table) »

Information about the Programme (in German only)

• Information about the PhD- and Doctoral Programmes
• Submission of the Dissertation
• Deadlines
• Guidelines for electronic submission and publication of academic theses and Instruction

Forms (in German only)

• Examination Records
• Application of the Dissertation (including Exposè)
• Cover Sheet for the Dissertation
• Declaration of Academic Honesty
• Submission of the Dissertation
• To block the Dissertation
• Application of the Dissertations's Defense

Recognitions (in German only)

• Recognition of Exams AND Supplementary Sheet

Contact and Information

Examination Office
Standort Innrain 52d

Dean of Studies
 Univ.-Prof. Dr. Bernhard Alexander Koch, LL.M.

Information for students with disabilities