Law is one of the oldest fields in history, since ancient Egyptian times and the Roman and Ottoman eras. Rulers and judges in those times grappled with numerous challenges and various crimes, devising appropriate penalties for each offense. Thus, law forms the foundation of states and their systems, delineating the primary framework for state legislation, including rules and regulations. Additionally, it regulates individuals’ relations with each other, such as labor and insurance laws ensuring workers’ rights and companies’ rights to legally hold their employees accountable for actions conflicting with company policy.
Law graduates can specialize in various fields after graduation, choosing one of the branches of law for their master’s studies and specialization. Examples of legal branches include international law, civil law, criminal law, labor and insurance law, and administrative law. Moreover, new branches have emerged due to technological advancements, such as cyber law, which focuses on cybercrimes, personal rights, and online contractual matters.
Importance of studying law
Studying law provides extensive knowledge across various fields, strengthens linguistic skills, and teaches students legal research methodology, distinguishing between reliable and weak research sources. Turkish universities are renowned for their high-quality programs, enhancing students’ personal and practical skills to prepare them for the job market, as law is one of the fields requiring negotiation skills and critical and analytical thinking.
Curriculum for Law program
The duration of law studies in Turkish universities is typically four years for undergraduate studies. The curriculum in most Turkish universities includes a diverse range of study programs, although content may vary from one university to another. Therefore, students should verify the course description on the university’s website where they intend to enroll.
First Academic Year
- General Principles of Constitutional Law (Part 1)
- Civil Law
- Roman Law
- Introduction to Law
- History of the Republic of Turkey
- Public Finance
Second Academic Year
- General Provisions of Criminal Law (two parts)
- Public International Law (two parts)
- Theory of State
- Administrative Law
- General Provisions of Obligations Law
- Sociology and Philosophy of Law
Third Academic Year
- Special Provisions of Criminal Law (two parts)
- Special Provisions of Obligations Law (two parts)
- Civil Procedure Law (two parts)
- Labor Law (two parts)
- Commercial Law (two parts)
- Real Estate Law (two parts)
- Human Rights
Fourth Academic Year
- Criminal Procedure Law
- Maritime Law (Navigation)
- Private International Law
- Social Security Law
- Bankruptcy and Execution Law (two parts)
- Tax Law
- European Union Law
- Insurance Law
- Administrative Procedures Law
- Inheritance Law
Commonly, Turkish universities provide practical training for their students within or outside university premises during the third and fourth years before graduation, ensuring students’ capability and preparing them for employment opportunities in law firms and various companies.
Job opportunities
Law graduates can work at:
- Law firms
- International offices offering specialized legal consultations in international arbitration
- Legal departments in various companies, institutions, or factories
- Government agencies and ministries
- Courts and international organizations
- Embassies
