The minor programme in European Studies, which focuses on European law, comprises two mandatory modules, each worth 15 ECTS credits. These modules deepen students’ factual knowledge and provide the theoretical foundations of European Studies from a political science and legal perspective. Course modules may be selected exclusively from the course programme published each semester by the Department of European Studies for this minor program.

Module 1: European Politics
Module 1 ‘European Politics’ provides general knowledge of the origins, institutions and political processes of regional integration in Europe, as well as current societal processes and developments. It focuses on the European Union (EU), its institutions, areas of action and actors, relations between Switzerland and the EU, as well as democratic developments in the European context and the current challenges facing European politics and European societies.
The module comprises 15 ECTS:
Mandatory course worth 3 ECTS: lecture course ‘Introduction to European Studies’ (offered every autumn semester)
Elective courses totalling 12 ECTS: The course offering for Module 1 comprises the following formats of optional courses worth 3 or 6 ECTS credits, from which students are free to choose their modules: module in European Studies with assessment – module in Eastern European Studies with assessment – lecture series at the Centre for European Studies with assessment – study trip with written report.

Module 2: European Law
Module 2 ‘European Law’ enables students to acquire in-depth knowledge in the field of European law and offers the opportunity to specialise in this discipline. It comprises Master’s-level modules taught by the Faculty of Law. The modules in the field of European law that can be taken as part of this module are published each semester in the course programme. Only courses that have not already been counted towards the Master of Law (MLaw) at the Faculty of Law may be recognised.

To obtain the 15 ECTS credits for this module, the following is required:
Mandatory and elective courses totalling 15 ECTS credits
Option 1: 3 semester-long courses and/or block courses with an examination, worth 5 ECTS credits each (offered each semester)
Option 2: 2 semester-long courses and/or block courses with assessment, worth 5 ECTS each, AND 1 seminar with assessment, worth 5 ECTS

Admission is open to students enrolled in the Master of Law (MLaw) programme at the Faculty of Law of the University of Fribourg.
This programme cannot be pursued as a minor alongside a major in another discipline outside the field of law. Students whose major is not in law may enroll in the regular minor programme “European Studies.”

Students acquire fundamental knowledge of the main actors and areas of activity of the European Union, as well as its relations with Switzerland. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students are able to understand and critically analyze current political, legal, and social challenges related to the European integration process.
Graduates are able to apply their theoretical knowledge in European Studies to complex issues and discuss them critically. They analyze specific and general topics related to current political, legal, and social developments in Europe, are able to identify key issues, and produce well-reasoned contributions to contemporary debates.

Each semester, the Department of European Studies develops a course programme specifically designed for this programme. This programme lists all courses available during the semester in question for both modules. It includes mandatory and elective courses in European Studies and Eastern European Studies for Module 1, as well as required elective courses in law for Module 2. The course programme reflects the programme’s module-based structure, making it clear which courses can be selected for each module. Only courses listed in the course programme for the relevant semester may be taken.

Course programme currently being developed for the fall semester of 2026.

The “European Studies” minor with a specialization in European law includes courses taught in German, French, and English. This programme requires a good command of these three languages, at least at a passive level.

Credits earned through a mobility programme (in Switzerland or abroad) must be approved in advance by the Academic Advising Office in the form of a study contract. A maximum of one-third of the ECTS credits per module may be earned through a mobility programme in Switzerland or abroad.