University of Oslo

What you'll study

The programme covers core areas of substantive and procedural law alongside specialised elective options. Core subjects typically include constitutional and administrative law, criminal law and criminal procedure, contract and tort law, property law, and legal method. Students also study areas such as commercial and company law, tax law, family and inheritance law, human rights and international law, EU/EEA law and public international law.

Teaching methods combine lectures, seminars, casework and moot courts, with an emphasis on legal reasoning, statutory interpretation and client-focused problem solving. Practical components may include clinical legal education, simulation exercises and internship arrangements with courts, government agencies, NGOs or private firms. The programme is completed with an independently researched master's thesis supervised by faculty members.

Entry requirements

Admission requires a recognised law degree or other qualifying higher education in law, or completion of the earlier stages of the integrated Norwegian law programme, depending on the applicant’s prior education. Applicants without a Norwegian law degree will typically need to demonstrate that their prior studies provide an equivalent basis for advanced legal study.

As instruction and assessment are primarily in Norwegian, proficiency in Norwegian is normally required. Non-native English speakers may also be asked to demonstrate proficiency in English for certain courses or mobility opportunities. Applicants must submit academic transcripts and other supporting documents; some applicants may need to provide a statement of purpose or CV. Specific documentation and assessment of equivalence are handled as part of the university’s admissions process.

Career prospects

Graduates follow a wide range of legal careers. Many enter legal practice as junior solicitors or trainee lawyers and, after the necessary practical training and qualification steps, go on to work as advocates or in-house counsel. Others find roles in public administration, regulatory bodies, courts, prosecution services, and the judiciary (subject to national appointment procedures).

There are also strong pathways into corporate legal departments, compliance, arbitration and mediation, consultancy, non-governmental organisations, and international institutions. Graduates pursuing academic or research careers can continue to doctoral study and university teaching. The combination of substantive law knowledge and practical skills makes alumni attractive to employers across the private, public and third sectors.

Why study at University of Oslo

The University of Oslo’s Faculty of Law has a long tradition of legal education and research in Norway. Studying here gives access to an established community of legal scholars, research centres and specialised legal clinics. The faculty maintains close links with national courts, government ministries, regulatory agencies and Oslo-based international organisations, which supports internship and networking opportunities.

Students benefit from a varied course portfolio, experienced teaching staff and opportunities for interdisciplinary study and international exchange. The legal library and research infrastructure support in-depth study and thesis work, while career services and the faculty’s professional networks help graduates transition into practice, public service or further academic study.