Tallinn University of Technology

Table of Contents

Study law at Taltech in Estonia - one of the world’s most digitised nations - and prosper as a highly qualified lawyer providing profound legal advice regarding the challenges of today’s technology driven society in business, ICT, intellectual property or cybersecurity.

  • The Programme gives you a thorough understanding of the connections between law, business and technology. You will learn to discuss the issues of the EU digital market, regulating artificial intelligence and cyber security.
  • After graduating from business law specialisation, you can work as a business lawyer or an in-house counsel who helps companies to design and build organizations that are prepared for the future, or as a public official dealing with the digital market.
  • After graduating from law and technology specialisation, you will be able to master the legal challenges of a rapidly changing and increasingly technologically sophisticated society.
  • Learning in a multi-cultural environment is guided by high-qualified academics with PhDs and experienced professionals from all around the world.

Introduction

Our law programme enables you to specialise either in business law or law and technology. Business law covers the main areas of law related to business and the economy with a focus on digital market issues and regulations such as Fintech, Global Trade and Transnational Law, Online Commercial Law, Competition Law and Labour Law.

The Law and Technology specialisation covers the key areas of law related to artificial intelligence, data protection, cyber security and intellectual property. This specialisation will enable graduates to navigate the legal framework surrounding new technologies in their careers.

Admissions

Students for this study programme are admitted based on the admission threshold. By the motivation letter and interview, candidate’s English, skills of expression, analysing and argumentation are evaluated. Max score is 10 points. An applicant who receives the minimum of 5 points is admitted.

Please find the programme specific admission requirements below

If you come from another programme than law then you must have passed at least 36 ECT law courses. You can take these courses also from the TalTech bachelor’s law programme. We suggest the following courses.

In autumn semester:

  • MOA3020 Foundations of Law and Legal Theory
  • MOE3020 Legal Syllogism and the General Part of Civil Law Systems
  • MOR3040 Public International Law

In spring semester:

  • HOL6010 European Union Law
  • MOA3030 Comparative Constitutional Law and Human Rights Law
  • MOL3010 Foundations of European Contract Law

In order to apply, a candidate is required to upload a Test-taker Score Report of the GRE General Test to the DreamApply application system. The test has to be completed but there is no threshold score required for this programme.

This is a prerequisite for qualifying and has to be fulfilled latest by the application deadline.

Candidates who have obtained a full Bachelor's degree in EU, EFTA or OECD member state are waived from the GRE requirement.

Please see more information about our GRE General Test requirement here, including the exact eligibility criteria for being exempted from this prerequisite and how to order the test result electronically to TalTech.

Motivation letter must consist the profound answers to the following questions (max 300 words per question):

  • Explain your interest to the law. Describe your professional goals and explain how the degree programme you are applying for supports your professional profile. Which specialization of the programme you are applying for and explain why specifically this specialization interests you. (0-2 points) 

  • Describe your previous education how does your academic background fit to the degree program 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. (0-2 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). Neglecting the rules of referencing and citation is considered plagiarism and will result in the disqualification of your application.

Aspects evaluated during the interview:

  • What is the interest of the candidate to the law? What area interests the the candidate most and why? How candidate sees his/her future professional career? Why candidate has decided to study at the Tallinn University of Technology? Why candidate finds the programme offered attractive? Why candidate believes that he/she is the right person for this programme? (0-2 points) 

  • What is the knowledge of the candidate about the problems concerned law? (0-2 points) 

  • What does candidate know about the role of the lawyer and the professional ethics/moral of the lawyer? (0-2 points) 

Duration of the interview is 15-30 minutes.

Overview

The Programme includes two specialities:

  1. Law and Technology – provides you profound knowledge and skills in regulating and applying the norms related to different fields of technology such as intellectual property, cyber security and artificial intelligence.
  2. Business Law – enables you to become an expert in regulating and applying the law related to digital business and finance.

Courses are delivered by profound experts of law and technology from Estonia and all around the world, including:

  • Professor Tanel Kerikmäe, who has solid experience in assessing legal and ethical risks of different ecosystems and capacity building, including artificial intelligence.
  • Professor Thomas Hoffmann's, whose research focuses on comparative private law, especially 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, who specialises primarily in the area of information and communication technology law including freedom of expression, as well as e-governance.
  • Adjunct professor Ondrej Hamulak, who focuses his research on the relations and interactions between EU law and national law, the theoretical impact of membership in the EU on the state sovereignty and the legitimacy and rule of law within the EU, in particular system of protection of fundamental rights at supranational level.

Law and Technology (120 ECT)

  • General Courses (18 ECT credits) - covers compulsory courses such as Human Rights, Ethics and Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Law, Entrepreneurship and Business Planning.
  • Legal Theory, EU and International Law (24 ECT) – covers compulsory courses such as Legal Research Methodology, Selected Actual Topics from European Union Personal Data Protection Law, Case Studies of EU Internal Market and Competition Law, Technology Law.
  • Special Studies Compulsory Courses (18 ECT) – covers courses such as Cyber Security and Law, Legal Protection of Information Technology Products, Software and Database, Digital Intellectual Property and Law.
  • Internship (6 ECT) – can be either a legal internship or participation in moot court competition or taking the Team-work Project course.
  • Special studies optional courses (18 ECT) – covers courses such as Legal Framework of e-Governance, Estonian Language and Culture, Intellectual Property and Competition Law, Medical Law, Rights, Obligations and Liability of Actors on the Internet, Biotechnology and Intellectual Property, Legal Aspects of Cyber Investigations.
  • Free choice courses (6 ECT) – students can choose from a wide variety of courses offered at the university.
  • Graduation thesis (30 ECT) – individual legal research on a topic chosen by the student.

Division of courses according to the semesters:

  1. Legal Research Methodology, HOX7002, 6 ECT.
  2. Selected Actual Topics from European Union Personal Data Protection, Law MOL5030, 6 ECT.
  3. Case Studies of EU Internal Market and Competition Law, MOL5040, 6 ECT.
  4. Human Rights, Ethics and Technology, MOT5010, 6 ECT.
  5. Entrepreneurship and Business Planning, TMJ3300, 6 ECT.

Compulsory courses:

  1. Cyber security and law, HOE7150, 6 ECT.
  2. Legal Protection of Information Technology Products, Software and Database, MOT5040, 6 ECT.
  3. Artificial Intelligence and Law, MOT5060, 6 ECT.
  4. Technology Law, MOT5070, 6 ECT.

Optional courses:

  1. Team-work Project, IDU0450, 6 ECT.
  2. Medical Law, MOE5090, 6 ECT.
  3. Rights, Obligations and Liability of Actors on the Internet, MOT5020, 6 ECT.

Compulsory courses:

  1. Digital Intellectual Property and Law, MOT5110, 6 ECT.

Elective courses:

  1. Legal Framework of e-Governance, HOE7210, 6 ECT.
  2. Legal Internship (Internship), HOX7007, 6 ECT Estonian Language and Culture MLE0010 6 ECT.
  3. Intellectual Property and Competition Law, MOE5080, 6 ECT.
  4. Moot Court for master’s students, MOI5020, 6 ECT.
  5. Biotechnology and Intellectual Property, MOT5030, 6 ECT.
  6. Legal Aspects of Cyber Investigations, MOT5120, 6 ECT.

  1. Graduation thesis, 30 ECT.

Business law (120 ECT)

  • General Courses (18 ECT credits) - covers compulsory courses such as Human Rights, Ethics and Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Law, Entrepreneurship and Business Planning.
  • Legal Theory, EU and International Law (24 ECT) – covers compulsory courses such as Legal Research Methodology, selected actual topics from European Union Personal Data Protection Law, case studies of EU Internal Market and Competition Law, Technology Law.
  • Special Studies Compulsory Courses (18 ECT) – covers courses such as Global Trade and Transnational Law, Online Commercial Law, Legal Aspects of Fintech.
  • Internship (6 ECT) – can be either a legal internship or participation in a moot court competition or taking the Team-work Project course.
  • Special Studies Optional Courses (18 ECT) – covers courses such as Cyber Security and Law, Estonian Language and Culture, International Business, Development Trends in Business Environment, Procurement Law, Intellectual Property and Competition Law, Case Studies of International Tax Law, International Labour Law.
  • Free choice courses (6 ECT) – students can choose from a wide variety of courses offered at the university.
  • Graduation thesis (30 ECT) – individual legal research on the topic chosen by a student.

Division of courses according to the semesters:

  1. Legal Research Methodology, HOX7002, 6 ECT.
  2. Selected actual topics from European Union Personal Data Protection Law, MOL5030, 6 ECT.
  3. Case Studies of EU Internal Market and Competition Law, MOL5040, 6 ECT.
  4. Human Rights, Ethics and Technology, MOT5010, 6 ECT.
  5. Entrepreneurship and Business Planning, TMJ3300, 6 ECT.

Compulsory courses:

  1. Global Trade and Transnational Law, MOR5050, 6 ECT.
  2. Artificial Intelligence and Law, MOT5060, 6 ECT.
  3. Technology Law, MOT5070, 6 ECT.
  4. Legal Aspects of Fintech, MOT5090, 6 ECT.

Optional courses:

  1. Cyber Security and Law, HOE7150, 6 ECT.
  2. Team-work Project, IDU0450, 6 ECT.
  3. Development Trends in Business Environment, MMK5330, 6 ECT.
  4. International Labour Law, MOR5070, 6 ECT.

Compulsory courses:

  1. Online Commercial Law, MOT5080, 6 ECT.

Optional courses:

  1. Legal Internship (Internship), HOX7007, 6 ECT.
  2. Estonian Language and Culture, MLE0010, 6 ECT.
  3. International Business, MMJ5320, 6 ECT.
  4. Procurement Law, MOA5040, 6 ECT.
  5. Intellectual Property and Competition Law, MOE5080, 6 ECT.
  6. Moot Court for master’s students, MOI5020, 6 ECT.
  7. Case Studies of International Tax Law, MOR5060, 6 ECT.

  1. Graduation thesis, 30 ECT.
Majandusteaduskonna tudengid

WHY STUDY LAW IN TALTECH?

TalTech, a technological university at the forefront of developing the technologies of tomorrow, provides inside knowledge on the challenges and solutions of legally regulating new technologies.

  • Our department’s main research areas are: artificial intelligence & law, e-governance, international cyber diplomacy, EU law, the digital single market and intellectual property. Our Estonian partners are ministries, Estonian Lawyers Association, Estonian Prosecutor’s Office, Estonian Bar Association. Partners abroad include the European Commission, Centre for International Legal Studies, European Law Faculties Association, European Patent Office, Aalto University, Nottingham Law School, Caucasus Law School, University of Essex, University of Dresden, and National University of Singapore.
  • Upon graduation, you will be an expert in law and technology or legal counselling for digital-oriented businesses. Our research-based teaching provides knowledge and skills to pursue doctoral studies.
  • Small groups encourage student-led teaching and classroom discussions. The international classroom provides insight regarding different cultures and legal regulations.
  • Õigus, our student association helps students with academic and personal matters, also organises events and cooperates with different organisations.
  • Partaking in a legal internship puts into practice the skills gained at the university and provides the additional legal experience.
  • The Erasmus Student Exchange Program and participation in international moot court competitions further expands your international practice.
Majandusteaduskonna tudengid

Future Career

The demand for lawyers specialising in technology law is on the rise. The digital world is developing at a rapid pace and the regulation of information technology and intellectual property or digital market is becoming increasingly more important. Consequently, seize the opportunity to become a modern, technologically savvy lawyer - by choosing our law programme, technological changes will bring you new opportunities. After graduating, your knowledge will enable you to contribute to the discussions on the development of the legal frameworks surrounding new technologies. Do not be a bystander. Be a part of the change!

Our graduates are qualified work in EU and international organisations and institutions, international companies and different law offices.

Prominent alumni

  • Kerli Veski is an Estonian diplomat and Director General of Law Department in Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Paula-Mai Sepp, adviser in the Ministry of Justice on the field of public e-services and IT.
  • Sandra Särav, Deputy Secretary General for Business and Consumer Environment, 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

 The atmosphere in Tallinn Law School was always very positive and encouraging towards the research of novel topics and technologies, which lead me to write my masters’s thesis in a new and emerging field of 3D printing technology and copyright regulation. It is possible to learn about the history of law in every traditional law school, but Tallinn Law School offers great insight into future technologies, trends and regulations and generates valuable expertise on fields that are currently emerging. I am now a participant in a leadership program organized by the Government Office of Estonia, which allows me to get an overview of the Estonian public sector by rotating between different ministries and institutions during a 22 month time period. I'm currently working in the Estonian Ministry of Justice as an adviser on the field of public e-services and IT.

Paula-Maria Sepp (Estonia), graduated from the curriculum in 2015.

 After my studies at Tallinn Law School, I joined the Business Security and Legal Compliance team in an international telecommunications company, Tele2, and undertook the challenges of working as an in-house lawyer. For a lawyer, working in the rapidly changing telecom industry offers a wide range of challenges, both exciting and demanding, to tackle on a daily basis, for which the studies in Tallinn Law School has prepared me well. The future seems bright with many interesting opportunities ahead!

Rudolf Penu (Estonia), graduated from the curriculum in 2017.

Find more stories from our students here 

Does it suit me?

If you:

  • like to explore the impact of disruptive innovations on global communities;
  • would like to get an excellent job offer in a transnational corporation, international organisation or the public sector;
  • are eager to study in an English-speaking environment;
  • seek a flexible schedule.

THEN OUR LAW PROGRAMME IS THE RIGHT PROGRAMME FOR YOU!

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 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

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Student Ambassador can help you with questions about living in Estonia, travelling to Estonia, work and housing options or free time activities for students.
 
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