Law and administration,

The focus here is on the legal regulation and control of state action: you will learn about administrative procedures and how to deal with administrative orders and punishable acts, and deepen your knowledge of the interaction between administrative and criminal law. The practical teaching enables you to identify public law issues, assess possible solutions and make legally compliant decisions independently. In this way, you will become experts in the complex challenges of the public sector.

In business law, civil law and commercial law , the close link between law and business activity becomes apparent. You will deal with contracts, private law, commercial and company law, as well as the implications of current trends such as digitalisation and sustainability. Study and further education at the FHNW are practice-oriented, enabling you to analyse legal issues, develop well-founded solutions and strengthen your decision-making skills. This opens the door to a wide range of career paths – from legal and compliance departments to roles in NGOs and companies.

Environmental law is becoming increasingly important in the face of social and ecological changes. The FHNW provides you with comprehensive knowledge of the legal framework for environmental protection, sustainable development and the responsibility of public institutions towards the environment and society. Your expertise supports administrations and companies in implementing ecological interests in a legally compliant and innovative manner.

Legal decisions are always accompanied by ethical questions – ranging from justice to responsibility. The FHNW attaches great importance to students and continuing education participants learning to link ethical aspects with legal considerations. You will develop an awareness of values that will make you credible and responsible actors in administration and business. Ethical questions arise wherever justice and responsibility intersect with decision-making. Develop an awareness of values so that you can act credibly and responsibly within the legal system, in businesses and social organisations, or in public authorities.

Labour and social law are equally essential for public administrations and companies. You will gain in-depth knowledge of employment relationships, social security and the legal framework governing labour law. The FHNW prepares you to competently assess complex HR and social issues and to effectively advise both employers and employees – an important qualification for HR management and for social policy roles.

The efficient and legally compliant performance of public duties is at the heart of the FHNW’s programmes for public administration. You will learn to coordinate tasks between the federal government, cantons and municipalities. The FHNW teaches you practical methods for administrative management, legal relationships and the implementation of constitutional principles in everyday life.