Programme overview
The Integrated Undergraduate and Graduate University Programme in Law is the first and most popular programme of our Faculty, with a tradition spanning more than half a century. Upon completion of the programme, students are awarded the academic title of Master of Law (univ. mag. iur.), which constitutes a fundamental prerequisite for performing judicial functions within the courts, the State Attorney’s Office, and notarial services, as well as for practicing as an attorney-at-law. Holders of a Master of Law degree are also employed in a wide range of positions within public administration and the private sector, while many of our graduates pursue successful careers abroad. Both globally and in Croatia, legal education and the legal profession rank among the most prestigious fields of study and career paths, offering a broad spectrum of opportunities depending on individual interests and ambitions.
The study of law in Rijeka is distinctive in many aspects. The city of Rijeka is a university centre known for its openness, cosmopolitan character, and strong connections with neighbouring countries—qualities reflected in both our students and academic staff. We maintain strong international ties, particularly with Central Europe. Our law programme is further distinguished by its emphasis on the development of students’ practical competencies. Through exercises within compulsory courses, guest lectures delivered by distinguished practitioners, the operation of legal clinics, the provision of free legal aid, court visits, and numerous other activities, we seek to demonstrate that the study of law extends far beyond mere memorization. A wide range of elective courses offered in the later years of study is designed to stimulate intellectual curiosity and encourage early specialization. The Faculty of Law is housed in a purpose-built facility designed specifically for legal education, equipped with modern lecture halls, a well-stocked library, a cafeteria, a spacious common hall, meeting rooms, and all other amenities necessary for successful study. Particular attention is devoted to students with mobility impairments, who have access to multiple elevators, as well as to other groups of persons with disabilities.
The study of law lasts five years and carries a total workload of 300 ECTS credits. Teaching is organized on a semester basis, following renowned Central European models. Each semester lasts fifteen weeks, after which students may sit the exams pertaining to that semester. Exam taking is facilitated through mid-term tests and various forms of continuous assessment conducted throughout the semester, encouraging consistent academic engagement. The study is delivered for full-time students, with a full teaching schedule, and for part-time students, with an adjusted schedule. Part-time students attend most classes in the afternoon, which is particularly suitable for those who are employed.
In light of the above, it is unsurprising that, according to student surveys, our students consistently rank among the most satisfied at the University of Rijeka. More detailed information about the programme and individual courses can be found in the study programme syllabus, while general regulations governing teaching and examinations are set out in the Regulations on Study Programmes.
Study programme
Academic title awarded upon completion of the programme:
Master of Law (univ. mag. iur.)
Alignment of the programme with the corresponding qualification:
The programme is aligned with the qualification registered in the Croatian Qualifications Framework (CROQF) under code 396 at level 7.1.sv.
Admission requirements:
High School Grades
| Cumulative grade average | 30.00% |
Compulsory part of the matriculation exam
| Name | Level | Weighting |
| Croatian language | 20.00% | |
| Mathematics | B | 20.00% |
| Foreign language | B | 20.00% |
* For candidates who are citizens of EU member states, passing the first language exam in their home country is recognized instead of Croatian for the matriculation exam.
** The University recognizes results of lower-level (B) Croatian language exams passed before the 2022/2023 school year.
Elective part of the matriculation exam
| Name | Mandatory | Weighting |
| History or Philosophy or Logic or Politics and Economics or Psychology or Sociology | no | * |
* Applicants are not required to take any of the six subjects listed. Passing one subject earns additional points. The best result is counted at 10.0%.
Competition results
| Category | Discipline | Placement from | Placement to | Weighting |
| National competition | Social sciences | 1 | 3 | 5.00% |
| National competition | Humanities | 1 | 3 | 5.00% |
| National competition | Natural sciences | 1 | 3 | 5.00% |
| National competition | Arts | 1 | 3 | 5.00% |
Athlete category
| From | To | Weighting |
| I | VI | 5.00% |
Other special achievements
| Achievement | Weighting |
| Graduation from a gymnasium/school of economics/school of public administration | 5.00% |
| Competence in a second foreign language (provided the candidate has studied it in high school for at least two years) | 5.00% |
The maximum percentage of points that can be earned through competition results, sports category, and other special achievements is 20.00%.
Admission requirements for the next semester and academic year:
Unless otherwise stipulated by the Regulations on Study Programmes, a full-time student enrols in 60 ECTS credits per academic year, while a part-time student enrols in between 30 and 60 ECTS credits.
Learning outcomes of the study programme:
- analyse the functioning of state authorities from a comparative perspective;
- analyse and critically evaluate the constitutional and legal framework in the Republic of Croatia;
- analyse the positive law governing public administration, local and regional self-government, legal entities with public authority, and legal entities performing public services in the Republic of Croatia;
- explain, analyse, and interpret the legal regulation of international relations and the competences of international and supranational organizations;
- explain and compare fundamental concepts, principles, and sources of individual branches of law;
- compare and critically evaluate the fundamental institutions of substantive law;
- compare and critically evaluate the fundamental institutions of procedural law;
- interpret and reassess the relationship between European and international legal norms and national legislation;
- identify relevant legal issues and apply the applicable law to specific factual circumstances;
- apply procedural rules and carry out procedural steps;
- solve practical legal problems and justify legal opinions with reasoned argumentation;
- apply relevant substantive and procedural rules to draft a legal act;
- define and analyse the role and significance of political, historical, economic, and other social factors in the creation and application of law;
- compare and analyse fundamental legal institutions in their historical development, and recognize and critically evaluate individual legal solutions;
- analyse the interconnection between law and other disciplines;
- analyse and apply interdisciplinary methods necessary for resolving complex legal situations;
- present arguments and express oneself clearly in written and oral form, using appropriate legal terminology;
- utilize relevant sources, conduct legal research, and develop well-founded conclusions;
- develop ethical and social responsibility in the execution of entrusted tasks;
plan, organize, and execute legal projects independently and in teams in accordance with set deadlines.
The enrolment quota:
The enrolment quota for full-time study is 175 for EU citizens, 2 for foreign nationals, and 3 for Croatians living abroad. The enrolment quota for part-time study is 40 for EU citizens.
Structure and mode of instruction:
The study programme is delivered as an integrated five-year university undergraduate and graduate programme, leading to the award of a minimum of 300 ECTS credits upon completion. Instruction is delivered through lectures, practical classes, and seminars according to the published schedule over a thirty-week academic year. The specific modes of instruction for each course are defined in the corresponding part of the study programme.
Completion of studies:
The study programme is completed by passing exams in compulsory and elective courses, fulfilling all other study requirements, and preparing and successfully defending a graduate thesis. Details regarding the conduct of examinations and the fulfilment of other study requirements are stipulated in the Regulations on Study Programmes and the course syllabi.
The course-specific section of the study programme contains a list of compulsory and elective courses, indicating ECTS credits, modes of instruction, course content, learning outcomes, course instructors, and assessment methods for each course.