Doctorate in Law at the UFL

Prerequisites for admission to the doctoral programme are

• the successful completion of at least four years of a Law degree programme at a university. Such an undergraduate degree is a diploma or master's degree in Law, a combined Bachelor's/Master's degree in Law or another equivalent degree in Law from a recognised university.
• the successful completion of at least four years of Law studies at a recognised university of applied sciences. In these cases, aptitude for the doctoral programme must be demonstrated by professional experience or academic publications. Prior to admission, the applicant must have a personal interview with the selection committee.
• In special cases, applicants may be admitted to the doctoral programme if they can provide evidence of an equivalent university degree in non-law subjects of at least four years or 300 ECTS credits as well as at least two years of relevant additional training in law.  A personal interview with the selection committee is necessary.

Foreign degrees must be checked for equivalence in accordance with the Lisbon Convention.

There is no entitlement to admission to the doctoral programme.

Duration
The programme starts at the beginning of October. The doctoral programme «Dr. iur.» lasts at least three years (6 semesters).

Teaching times
With the exception of a few modules, which are also taught on Thursdays, courses take place once a month on Fridays and Saturdays (all day) at the UFL. We attach great importance to regular attendance at the courses. Attendance of at least 80% of the courses is required for successful completion of the programme and admission to doctoral studies.

Workload
The degree programme comprises a workload of 180 ECTS credits. 25.5 ECTS are awarded for lectures, seminars and scientific forums to be attended during the 1st and 2nd year.

Degree
The doctoral programme concludes with the award of the academic degree «Doctor of Law (Dr. iur.)». The Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein (UFL) and its degrees an fully accredited and  state-recognised.

The doctoral programme consists of carrying out and writing an independent research thesis as well as curricular components amounting to 25.5 ECTS credits.

Proof of performance
At the end of each semester, as part of the curricular components, there is a compulsory doctoral colloquium. The doctoral colloquium is used for discussion among the students and with the lecturers. Every semester, each student must attend a doctoral colloquium. This involves giving a seminar presentation and submitting a seminar paper. These are graded. An exposé of the planned dissertation must be presented at the first doctoral colloquium. The subsequent colloquia focus on content-related aspects of the dissertation. Students should present a single chapter, selected problems or a thesis-like compilation of important findings from the dissertation.

The tuition fee for the doctoral programme in Law «Dr. iur.»  is CHF 29,750 (CHF 1,250 registration fee and CHF 28,500 for six semesters). Invoices are issued on a semester-by-semester basis; please refer to the enrolment form for details.

A complete written application must be submitted within the application deadline. The application includes:

• the completed application form,
• a letter of motivation,
• a CV with passport photo,
• proof of academic qualifications,
• a copy of your passport or identity card.

If the applicant wishes recognition of credits already earned for the doctoral programme (in the case of a change of degree programme or university), an application for credit transfer of the credits earned must be enclosed with the application documents. This application has to contain a detailed description of the content and scope of the credits earned.

Selection procedure
The selection decision is made by a selection committee appointed by the dean of the faculty of Law. The decision is made with regard to the applicant's suitability and motivation for the chosen degree programme. Aptitude is determined on the basis of previous studies in the relevant subject, professional experience, any publications and presentations and any other commitments, particularly in civil society.

The selection committee may invite applicants to an on-site selection interview. The purpose of the selection interview is to determine the applicant's expectations and ambitions with regard to completing the doctoral programme and to enable a thorough assessment of the applicant's ability and motivation.

The decision on the selection is made by the head of the faculty based on the recommendations of the selection committee.