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Study law at TalTech in Estonia – one of the world’s most digitised countries - and succeed as a highly qualified lawyer, legal engineer, or architect of legal solutions to provide profound legal advice for the private and public sector for a technology-driven society.
Opetussuunnitelman esittely suomeksi
Why TalTech?
TalTech's innovative, industry-aligned study programmes prepare graduates for crucial challenges. The university excels in research across engineering, natural sciences, IT, business, and maritime studies. The most beautiful campus in the region features modern facilities, including high-tech labs. Located in the country with the most unicorns per capita in the EU, TalTech creates and transfers the best digital practices to society and supports entrepreneurship with dedicated start-up programmes. TalTech is also a participant in EuroTeQ, a collaborative project involving technical universities, providing students with access to courses from Europe’s leading technical universities.
The law programme stands out for its:
- Blend of Traditional and Modern Legal Education: it combines classical legal principles with contemporary topics like technology law, digital society, and EU and international law, providing a thorough understanding of traditional and modern law.
- Digital and Technological Competence: it includes courses in Cyber Security Law, Data Protection Law, and IT Foundations, equipping students to become experts in the international digital age.
- Business and Entrepreneurial Focus: it offers market-oriented courses like International Business, Entrepreneurship, and Legal Toolkit for Start-ups, preparing students for legal roles in emerging business environments.
- Emphasis on Practical Skills: Courses such as Moot Court, Legal Internship, and co-operating with experts across international projects with and within TalTech Legal Lab provide hands-on experience and essential practical skills for legal practice.
Key Features
Study Programme
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (BA)
- Duration: 3 years
- Faculty: School of Business and Governance
- Study Load: 180 ECTS (view curriculum)
- Mode of Study: Full-time study
Study Information
- Language: English (view English language requirements)
- Tuition Fee: €5000 per year for EU/EEA and non-EU citizens
- Scholarships: Different options available
- Admission: General admission guidelines
Admissions
Students for this study programme are admitted based on the admission threshold. First, all candidates are invited to take an online test. The second step is an online interview which will be conducted only with the candidates who have passed the test. The applicant’s English, skills of expression, analysing and argumentation are evaluated on the basis of the interview, motivation letter and CV. Note that the online application form is being assessed as your CV, therefore, please describe there your work experience and previous education in details. An applicant who receives altogether the minimum of 50 points is admitted.
Admission under a special condition will be applied if the candidate proves the participation in the corresponding international competitions and Estonian olympiads and competitions determined by the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs. An applicant applying under a special condition receives the maximum admissions points and does not need to fulfill programme specific admission requirements apart from the secondary education requirement. Please read about the admission under a special condition here.
Please find the programme specific admission requirements below:
In order to qualify for the studies in Tallinn University of Technology an applicant has to have at least 60% of the highest possible CGPA. If the average grade for your secondary education qualification is below 60%, the requirement can be considered fulfilled if the applicant’s average grade from their higher education degree is at least 60% of the maximum possible grade. Note that this principle can be implemented only if the CGPA of your secondary education does not fall under 50%.
The motivation letter is evaluated together with your CV. Note that the online application form is being assessed as your CV, therefore please describe there your work experience and previous education in details.
The motivation letter must provide profound answers to the following questions (max 300 words per question):
- Explain your interest in law. Describe your professional goals and explain how the degree programme and specialisation you are applying for supports your professional profile. (0-20 points)
- Describe your previous education. How does your academic background fit to the degree programme you are applying for? Evaluate your previous knowledge and skills gathered during your previous education, how they would be useful in your studies in the law programme. (0-20 points)
NB! It is important to properly cite and reference any sources used in your motivation letter (quotations, publications, ideas etc. that are not your own). Additionally, AI-generated text is not acceptable as the purpose of the motivation letter is to show the applicant’s genuine motivation. Neglecting the aforementioned principles will result in the disqualification of your application.
Moodle online test to evaluate candidate’s general knowledge and argumentation skills, including English.
- There are 2 hours to complete the test with 5 open questions.
- Grading scale: 0-100. All questions must be answered, and every question gives in maximum 20 points.
Applicants who receive the minimum of 50 points for the test, receive 10 points from the test and are invited to the interview.
Interview can be proceeded via Skype.
In the interview the following questions are asked:
- Why have you decided to study at the Tallinn University of Technology? Why you find the programme offered attractive? Why you believe that you are the right person for this programme? (0-25 points)
- What do you think about some kind of problems concerned law (can be based on the questions and answers from the test)? (0-25 points)
By the motivation letter and interview the English, skills of expression, analysing and argumentations are evaluated.
Total admission points are calculated as the following: 10points (test) + max 40points(motivation letter and CV=application form) + max 50points (interview). Student must have been participated in test, CV(=application form) and motivation letter and interview.
Admission level is 50 points. Candidate has justified interest for studying in this programme and its necessity for professional activity. Candidate is able to study on the programme, has appropriate English skills, proper skills of expression, analysing and argumentation skills to manage successfully in the studies.
Negative result is 0 to 49.99 points. The candidate has interest in the programme, however, he/she is not able to justify his/her interest in studying on the Law programme and its necessity for professional activities. Candidate does not have enough capability to study on programme. He/she does not have appropriate English skills, skills of expression, analysing and argumentation skills to manage successfully in the programme.
Curriculum overview
Our teaching and learning process is based on different methods, such as blended learning which combines face-to-face and online activities for flexibility and deeper understanding; project-based learning develops critical thinking and practical skills through real-world projects; adaptive learning personalises education, and collaborative learning enhances teamwork and communication skills. Students can also participate in active research projects that involve AI and other advanced technologies.
- General Studies (21 ECTS) – covers compulsory courses such as Sustainable Development and Legal Aspects of Environmental Protection, IT foundations I and II, Statistics and Introduction to Entrepreneurship.
- EU and International Law (18 ECTS) – covers compulsory courses such as EU Law, Comparative Private Law and International Private Law, Public International Law.
- Basic Law Subjects (33 ECTS) – covers compulsory courses such as Comparative Constitutional Law in a Digital Society and Human Rights Law in a Digital Society, Introduction to Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure, Legal Syllogism and the General Part of Civil Law Systems, Introduction to Property Law and Intellectual Property Law, Foundations of European Contract Law.
- Legal Theory and Methods (12 ECTS) – covers compulsory courses such as Foundations of Law and Legal Theory, Legal Research, Argumentation and Writing.
- Specific Courses of EU and International Law (30 ECTS) – Data Protection Law, Basics of Technology Law, EU Internal Market and Competition Law, International Competition Law and Cyber Conflicts.
- Practical Law (6 ECTS) – either Legal Internship or Moot Court participation.
- Optional Courses (42 ECTS) – Legal Toolkit for Start-ups, , Contract Negotiating and Drafting, Rights, Obligations and Liability of Actors on the Internet and Consumer Protection Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution etc.
- Free electives (6 ECTS) – students can choose from a wide variety of courses offered at the university.
- Graduation thesis (12 ECTS) – individual legal research on a topic chosen by the student. Instead of a thesis, it is possible to write a research article and be involved in capacity building projects with a supervisor, enriching your CV.
Compulsory courses
- IT Foundations I (3 ECTS)
- Sustainable Development and Legal Aspects of Environmental Protection (6 ECTS)
- Foundations of Law and Legal Theory (6 ECTS)
- Comparative Constitutional Law in a Digital Society (3 ECTS)
- Legal Syllogism and Introduction to the General Part of Civil Law (6 ECTS)
- Public International Law (6 ECTS)
Compulsory courses
Compulsory courses
- International Sales Law (6 ECTS)
- Graduation thesis (12 ECTS) – individual legal research on a topic chosen by the student. Instead of a thesis, it is possible to write a research article and be involved in capacity building projects with a supervisor, enriching your CV.
Elective courses
Courses are delivered by profound experts of EU and international law and law and technology from Estonia and all around the world, e.g.
- Professor Tanel Kerikmäe has solid experience in assessing legal and ethical risks of different ecosystems and capacity building, including artificial intelligence.
- Professor Thomas Hoffmann's research focuses on comparative private law, insolvency law, private international law, contracts in digital environments and consumer law. He provides comprehensive research on Estonian, German and international law to various stakeholders within numerous EC tenders.
- Adjunct professor Katrin Nyman-Metcalf specialises primarily in information and communication technology law including freedom of expression, and e-governance.
- Adjunct professor Ondrej Hamulak focuses his research on the relations and interactions between EU law and national law, the theoretical impact of membership in the EU on state sovereignty and the legitimacy and the rule of law within the EU, in particular the system of protection of fundamental rights at the supranational level.
- Senior researcher Archil Chochia focuses on technology law, ethical issues of digitalization, and European Union integration and neighborhood policy. Archil has extensive international experience, having collaborated on numerous international research projects and presented at conferences and seminars worldwide.
- Senior researcher David Ramiro Troitiño focuses on EU integration, digital policies, and e-governance. In addition to his work at the technical university, David is also a member of the Jean Monnet Chair of European Union Digital Development and the deputy director of the Jean Monnet Network on e-Governance and Digital Development.
Why study at TalTech Law School?
- Integration of Technology and Law: TalTech’s law programme combines traditional legal education with modern technology topics such as cybersecurity, data protection, digital intellectual property, and the legal aspects of artificial intelligence, preparing students for contemporary legal challenges.
- Research Excellence and Practical Legal Tech Focus: the school engages in research projects on AI and law, e-governance, international cyber diplomacy, and the digital single market, equipping students with cutting-edge knowledge in legal tech. The research outputs are among the best in the law & tech field. Our interdisciplinary approach extends to the medical field, e-construction, e-governance, smart city, legal tech capabilities, energy law, legal design, and more.
- Highly Professional Staff: the TalTech faculty comprises dedicated professionals from MIT, Uppsala University, Helsinki University, and others, offering students world-class expertise and insights.
- Multicultural and International Environment: with faculty and students from more than 38 nations and global collaborations, TalTech provides multicultural education, essential for understanding different legal systems and cross-border careers.
- Strong Industry and Government Connections: TalTech partners with developed legal societies, EU institutions, and government ministries. We have provided services to leading digital-age corporations like Meta and Bolt. We organise the annual international student conference Laitech with nearly 500 participants and the Future Law conference for the world's most innovative legal practitioners.
- Support for Entrepreneurship: Located in Estonia, a country with the highest number of start-ups per capita in the EU, TalTech supports entrepreneurship through start-up programmes and implementing capacity-building projects in cooperation with TalTech innovation centre MEKTORY and Tehnopol.
Future Career
Our graduates serve as legal strategists in Europe, Asia, and Africa, thanks to collaboration with leading researchers from the law school.
After completing TalTech's comprehensive law programme you will become a competent and highly employable legal professional. Your theoretical knowledge and practice will blend traditional legal principles with contemporary topics such as technology and digital society, providing a thorough understanding of modern legal landscapes.
You will gain digital and technological competence through relevant courses, equipping you to handle legal challenges in the digital age. Business and entrepreneurial skills prepare you for legal roles in business environments. This combination of skills, and technological proficiency will prepare you for efficient lawyering and legal tech job opportunities. Additionally, you can engage in Avangard research, further enhancing your ability to address complex legal issues in the artificial intelligence era, blockchain, data management and more.
For those seeking further specialisation and advancement, TalTech offers master’s programmes, allowing you to develop your expertise in even more advanced legal and technological studies. Our graduates have progressed to prestigious universities such as Helsinki, Leiden, Uppsala, Stockholm, Stanford, Lund, and others.
Prominent alumni
- Kerli Veski is an Estonian Diplomat and Director General of Law Department in Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Tatsiana Zaretskaya is a cofounder and the CEO of Laava Tech, which developed a combination of software and hardware that both decreases the energy consumption of lights in indoor farms and increases crop yields. Its technology combines LED lights with machine learning, AI, and IoT to produce optimized growing conditions for different crops.
- Margus Raava is an Estonian diplomat who is currently an ambassador at large for economic cooperation with Africa at MFA Estonia.
- Sandra Särav is the Deputy Secretary General for Economics and Innovation, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications for Estonia.
- Bogdan Kelichavyi is the newly elected mayor of Kopychyntsi, in the western Ternopil region, Ukraine.
What students say?
Hilal Ekin Ertürk says that she strongly encourages international students to apply to TalTech SBG without hesitation
How do you like the TalTech School of Business and Governance (SBG)? Are you involved in any student organisations?
In our programme we are taking international relations and law classes but we also take business and startup-related courses. I see this as a huge advantage. We live in a startup paradise like Estonia, and if I ever have a good startup idea, I'll definitely know how to get started.
During my first year I tried to attend almost every event organized by ESN TalTech to meet new people and Erasmus students. Over time I saw how hard the community worked and I was really impressed. I also believe Estonia is one of the best (maybe the best) countries for an Erasmus experience. The community starts working even before the semester begins to help international students integrate. Recently I’ve also been following the activities of Startup Garage and I’ll most likely join the community when I return to Tallinn. I’ll be graduating soon and I think networking within the community will be valuable for making new connections and career opportunities. After all, as they say “Do not work, just network!”
Looking back, as a current Stanford Law School graduate student and having worked in international law firms and in-house legal departments of leading technology companies, I can say that many of those opportunities would not have been there if not for my studies in TalTech. The way that the programme encourages students to think outside the context of their own country teaches an especially valuable lesson. I can highly recommend studying in TalTech for anyone who is willing to embrace an international career path.
I was a TalTech student in the Legislative Drafting course and most importantly, Alternative Dispute Resolution. The ADR course sparked my interest in dispute resolution, which is one of the reasons I also studied arbitration in Nottingham. Things I learned in ADR and in Legislative Drafting really helped me in my interview with the European Chemicals Agency, where I currently work in the Dispute Resolution team. My job is to resolve data sharing disputes of companies importing or manufacturing chemicals in the EU, and draft the decisions as well. I just wanted to let you know what a great impact your teaching has had on my career, and say thank you. Without the ADR course, I don’t think that I would be where I am right now.
My studies at the Department of Law at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) provided me with the intellectual gravitas required to pursue further studies and a career in European Union and International Law. Moreover, the synthesis of technology in the delivery of the curriculum, fused with being taught by leading academics in their respective fields, set TalTech's Department of Law above the rest. Coming from the Caribbean, TalTech formally introduced me to Europe and the rest of the world. That introduction not only pertains to law, but also to cultural norms, languages, and networking prospects. With such a holistic approach to education, it was no surprise that I was recruited upon graduation to hold a senior position in the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. Additionally, upon graduation, I was accepted into top universities in the United Kingdom and the Caribbean. I intend to return to academia to pursue graduate and doctoral studies in European and International Law. Upon completion of those studies, I desire to return to Estonia as a researcher and academic. My TalTech law degree sets me apart from the competition, and as such, I highly recommend international students pursuing a law degree to make TalTech your primary choice.
The reason I came to study in the Law programme is that it is offered in Estonia and the country is renowned for its advanced e-governance systems and start-ups. Secondly, the programme is offered at technical university, so what would be a better place to study law and technology! The programme has lived up to my expectations – we have had many exciting courses such as digital evidence, cyber security and a course on how to build start-ups, all this through the prism of law, which gives the programme a stimulating touch of interdisciplinarity.
Being a student in TLS gave me a feeling of studying in an international atmosphere from my home country. In contemporary digital society, our educational choices must be more astute than ever. Thus, I am delighted to have TLS as my threshold to the ever-expanding career path. And this is not a subjective view - my confidence in choice has further been supported by the forward-looking former President of Estonia, Mr Toomas Hendrik Ilves, who upon meeting him, assured me that studying law and technology "is a very wise choice". Indeed, the Law and Technology degree has offered me flexicurity in my career path – even a lawyer can't just be a lawyer anymore, digital by default presumes a digitally intertwined walk of life. Following my graduation, I did a 5-month stage at the European Commission, in the Vice-President Ansip’s Digital Single Market team, employing my freshly gained skills varying from digital evidence to data protection and cybersecurity, working towards the effectuating of a seamless digital market in the EU. Following the experience from Brussels, I joined the Estonian Council of the EU Presidency team, coordinating digital policies during the Presidency from the capital, undertaking tasks varying from drafting legislation to writing speeches for our Prime Minister. As of 2018, I take a wider look at the digital revolution, being the Global Affairs Director at the Government CIO Office of Estonia, whereat my duties include promoting e-Estonia and fostering cooperation with other bright digital minds in the World. Taking a look back at my degree studies and at my career path now, I can assure you that digital is the new normal – if our society keeps innovating, why should our career choices stand still?
Student life
TalTech hosts nearly 40 student organizations catering to various interests, such as robotics, satellite construction, event organization, and debate clubs. These organizations provide leadership and project management opportunities, allowing students to pursue passions outside the classroom. The university also supports a balanced and healthy lifestyle through its sporting facilities and active sports community, offering a range of sports and fitness activities.
The student association of TalTech Law School, acts as a trustee for law students by providing social, and cultural activities. Collaborating with other student organizations, and business partners both domestically and internationally. The association supports students academically and in everyday challenges, enhancing their university experience. Look more on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
Ask Us
TalTech international admissions office
TalTech international admissions office provides general advice to prospective Bachelor’s and Master’s degree applicants and their advisers about applying to and studying at TalTech.
Contact us via study@taltech.ee.
Student counsellor at the School of Business and Governance
Student counsellor at the School of Business and Governance can help you with questions about the study programme.
Piret Levertand
(+372) 620 3940
piret.levertand@taltech.ee
Reach out to our students and ask them about their experiences studying at TalTech:
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Marta Terletskamaterl@taltech.ee |
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Natalia Darja Kallionakall@taltech.ee |