MSc. Law

Bachelor and Master of Science in Law Programs

About

The Department of Law offers two programs in legal studies:

1. Integrated Master of Science in Law (Integrated Second Cycle Degree Program)

This is a five-year integrated law study program taught in English, equivalent to 300 ECTS, offered by the Department of Law, Faculty of Law, and Social Sciences. Launched in 2009, it is the first program of its kind in Albania and is recognized as one of the nation’s top-ranked law programs. A distinctive aspect of our Integrated Program in Law is the unique blending of knowledge from two globally recognized legal traditions: the Civil Law family, to which our country belongs, and the Common Law family. It comprises a comprehensive academic journey designed to cultivate well-rounded legal professionals. This program is thoroughly crafted to provide students with a solid foundation of legal principles, practical skills, and a global perspective, ensuring their success in the dynamic field of LAW. With a wide array of courses spanning from traditional courses to concentration courses such as Domestic and International Commercial Law, Corporate Governance, Banking Law, Fiscal Law, Penology & Criminology, and EU Enlargement modules, students have the opportunity to explore various legal topics comprehensively.

2. Master of Science in International Commercial Law (ICL)

This is a two-year master's degree program taught in English, equivalent to 120 ECTS. Initially validated in 2009 in collaboration with the University of Greenwich, the program underwent reorganization in 2020. The ICL program has a strong international and comparative approach, focusing on EU international legal issues within the broader context of international law and Albania’s integration into the EU. This master’s program is well-suited for aspirational professionals or bachelor graduates seeking an excellent international education in Albania. The primary purpose of this program is to offer postgraduate students an opportunity to explore and study the established and rapidly developing areas of International Commercial Law by taking both an academic and professional approach to the subject. The program has solid international and comparative proceedings, covering mainly the EU and other multinational legal aspects within the frame of an emerging global legal framework. The ICL program comprises eight taught core courses and three elective courses, which can be chosen from: Arbitration Law, Intellectual Property Law, European Union Law, Consumer Law, International Trade Law, Domestic and International Commercial Law. Additionally, the program includes a Graduation Seminar, an internship course, and a significant research component involving a dissertation.

Admission Requirements

MSc in Law (Second Cycle Integrated Study Program)

The key requirements for applicants to be accepted to the five-year Second Cycle Integrated Study Programme in Law are:

• Notarized High School Diploma & transcript issued by the Ministry of Education of Albania with a minimum GPA greater than 6.5/10 in compliance with the Decision of the Council of Ministers.
• If the High School Diploma is obtained outside Albania or from an international High School operating in Albania and issuing international degrees, it must go through the recognition process from the Albanian Educational Services Centre (ESC). For more information, please contact [email protected].
• Internationally recognized English language certificate minimally at a B1 level of the European Frame of Qualifications, in line with the Ministry of Education and Science’s Guideline No. 52 / 03.12.2015.
• A complete application form.
• Photocopy of valid identification documents.
• Two recent passport-size photos.
• In the case of foreign students, a visa or residency permit is required. For further information, contact: [email protected].

Master of Science in International Commercial Law (ICL)

The key requirements for applicants to be accepted in the MSc Programme (ICL) are:

• A bachelor’s degree in law or related discipline issued from an accredited academic institution in Albania (in case the degree was obtained outside the country, the recognition of the Bachelor studies from the Educational Services Centre (ESC) is required).
• A complete application form (consult with the Student Affairs Office session).
• A good level of English minimum B2 pursuant to the UNYT admissions criteria to graduate program (see the University criteria). Each degree program at UNYT specifies its minimum acceptable score on select English language tests as established by the Guidelines of the Albanian Ministry of Education no. 52 on 03.12.2015 (as amended). All these tests shall have been given not prior to 2 (two) years from the moment of application onto the program. Students with lower scores are provided with intensive English Language courses before being admitted as full-time students on the program of their choice.
• Photocopy of valid identification documents.
• Two recent passport-size photos.
• In the case of foreign students, a visa or residency permit is required. For further information, contact: [email protected].

Learning Outcomes

These programs provide students with an opportunity to be part of innovative programs that combine both theory and practice of domestic and international law, including international commercial law, enabling students to experience law and reflect on developments conditioned by globalization and Albania’s adherence in inter-state structures. Studying Law and ICL at UNYT shall engage students to build such qualities as are deemed necessary in the modern legal setting in Albania and beyond, producing conscious and mindful legal professionals with critical, analytical, and synthesizing skills coupled with significant practical / hands-on experience. Upon successful completion of this program students are expected to have acquired the following:

Knowledge Outcomes:

• Demonstrate understanding of the subject matters related to legal sciences.
• Have a foundation in science and liberal studies through the General and Interdisciplinary Education Courses.
• Be able to apply the subject matter critically and analytically in real legal cases.
• Integrate the knowledge acquired in the program to analyze a legal case, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and determine what changes can be made to plead its causes.
• Be able to design and develop a legal proceeding.
• Pursue post-graduate studies in the area of legal sciences domestically and internationally in the most prestigious institutions.

Skills Outcomes:

• Excellent written and oral communication ability demonstrating analytical and critical thinking skills necessary to make sound legal and personal decisions.
• Demonstrated communication skills; an ability for team building and group work; ability to handle change.
• Numeric and quantitative skills including data analysis, legal interpretation, and extrapolation.
• Self-awareness, openness, and sensitivity to diversity in terms of people, culture, and legal systems.
• Effective self-management in terms of time, planning, behavior, motivation, and individual initiative.
• Ability to be flexible by developing the capacity to recognize changing conditions and adapting to them.
• Effective use of communication and information technology for legal applications.

Graduation Requirements

To obtain the Master of Science in Law degree a student has to:

• Successfully acquire a minimum of 300 ECTS, in line with the approved curriculum.
• Maintain a cumulative average of 50 out 100 points (equal to letter grade C), with a cumulative GPA 2.4 out of 4.0 for the entire period of studies.
• Compliance with other graduation administrative requirements defined by UNYT.

To obtain the Master of Science in International Commercial Law degree a student has to:

• Successfully acquire a minimum of 120 ECTS, in line with the approved curriculum.
• Maintain a cumulative average of 65 out 100 points (equal to letter grade B-), with a cumulative GPA 2.6 out of 4.0 for the entire period of studies.
• Compliance with other graduation administrative requirements defined by UNYT.

Occupational Opportunities

Students graduating from both programs have a wide range of possible career opportunities. In the near future, they are expected to pursue professions encompassing among others, the following sectors:

• International & Local Law Firms
• Public Administration
• Academic Institutions
• Think Tanks
• International Organizations
• International Centers
• International Companies

Access to Further Studies

Upon completion of the Master of Science in both Law and International Commercial Law (ICL), graduates are well-prepared for a variety of academic pursuits. Potential avenues for further studies include Doctoral Studies (Ph.D. or SJD) in Law, Master of Laws (LL.M.) and Executive Master Programs in different profiles and specialized legal fields.

Degree Program for the 5-year Integrated Master of Science in Law

Elective Courses at the Department/Faculty Level

Elective Courses at the University Level

Degree Program in Master of Science in International Commercial Law

Elective Courses for MSc in International Commercial Law

Contact Person

For further information, please contact:

Eda Gemi
Email: [email protected]