The Law degree remains one of the degree programmes offering the mostcareer opportunities and, yes, I say this emphatically because I am convinced of it: it is the degree that best ‘furnishes’ your mind for the job market.
The skills, knowledge and abilities that a Law degree provides enable you to develop capabilities that are essential in all professional fields today: analytical thinking, public speaking, argumentation, the ability to interpret and reason, writing, negotiation and conflict resolution. Yes, this is coming from someone who is ‘in love’ with her profession and passionate about defending citizens’ rights.
What are the branches of law?
Law is mainly divided into two broad categories:
- Public Law: which governs the relationship between citizens and the public administration
- Private Law: which safeguards citizens’ interests in their private lives.
This classification is based on the nature of the relationships they regulate and the interests they protect.
Public Law
It governs the relationships between the State and citizens, as I have explained, as well as the relationships between different public bodies. Its main aim is to protect the public interest and ensure public order. In turn, the areas covered by this branch are as follows:
Constitutional Law
This branch defines the organisational structure of the State, based on the provisions of the Spanish Constitution of 1978. The Constitution is the fundamental law of the Spanish legal system and regulates the powers, public rights and freedoms, as well as the most important institutions of the State. All other laws must comply with its provisions.
Criminal Law
This deals with the State’s punitive capacity, that is, its power to punish members of society who act in disregard of established laws. It is said to be the ‘last resort’, because it is only applied where the acts or omissions committed are classified as offences under the Criminal Code.
Administrative Law
This branch of law regulates the functioning, services and problem-solving of the public administration in its dealings with citizens. Have you ever been fined? Have you ever had to apply for planning permission for building work on your house?
Procedural Law
It regulates the organisational structure of the Judiciary, those responsible for administering justice, adjudicating cases and enforcing judgements, the structure and powers of the courts, and all judicial proceedings within the State.
Social Security Law
This is the branch of law that regulates the potential contingencies a worker may face during their working life. It is closely linked to labour law, but as Social Security is a public body, it falls within the scope of public law.
Financial/Tax Law
This branch of law governs the taxes and duties collected by the Treasury to self-finance the State. Don’t forget that, according to the Spanish Constitution, we live in a social state governed by the rule of law. How are public healthcare and education funded? The tax system and the various taxes that exist are governed by Financial and Tax Law
Public International Law
This branch of law is responsible for regulating relations between different states and harmonising those parts of the legal system that affect countries beyond their borders, in order to guarantee peace and cooperation. Today, more than ever, it is highly relevant.
European Union Law
Historically, this was part of Public International Law. Today, it plays a prominent role in its own right. Spain is part of a supranational institution that emerged as a result of economic and commercial cooperation. Nowadays, it is impossible to conceive of Spain without the European Union. It comprises the set of rules, principles and regulations governing relations between the Member States of the European Union, as well as their interaction with the EU institutions and citizens. This body of law applies across a wide range of areas, including trade, competition, agricultural policy, fundamental rights and justice. EU law has a direct impact on national legal systems, and its application and enforcement are essential to ensuring integration and cohesion amongst the countries that make up the Union.
Private Law
It governs relations between private individuals, based on equality and the freedom of contract. Its aim is to protect individual interests.
Civil Law
It governs legal relationships and transactions between individuals. It is subdivided into several branches: the law of persons, family law, inheritance law, property law and the law of obligations.
Commercial Law
It emerged as a specialism within Civil Law and governs the rules governing commercial transactions and the legal relationships arising therefrom. Today, the focus is on business. Company law forms an integral part of this, but so do banking law, industrial and intellectual property law, and competition law.
Private International Law
This branch governs the private sphere of relations between individuals from different countries. Furthermore, it determines which authority has jurisdiction to resolve disputes. Imagine this: a person of one nationality marries someone of a different nationality; they get divorced. Which court has jurisdiction, especially if they are living in a country other than the one of which they are nationals? Another example: you go on a trip to France and have a car accident – which rules apply? Before which courts must the claim be brought?
Employment Law
This governs relations between employers and employees. Its purpose is to establish the rules and principles governing work and working conditions, seeking to balance the interests of both parties and protect workers’ rights.
However, other areas are emerging that are difficult to ‘pigeonhole’ into the above categories. Consider sports law, for example: what is it? Public or private? Or the law relating to new technologies? Or cybersecurity?
Discover the different specialisms through the degree programme
The Bachelor’s Degree in Law will provide you with a comprehensive education in the main branches of law, such as civil, criminal, administrative, commercial, tax, EU and international law, amongst others. From day one, you will gain a solid understanding of the legal system and how it works, preparing you to interpret laws, resolve disputes and argue your case with precision.
Throughout the degree programme, you will develop key skills in negotiation, legal drafting and legal argumentation, which are essential for professional practice. You will learn to tackle legal problems with sound judgement and strategy, understanding the impact of the law on society and everyday life.
Choose your path in the world of law
During your studies, you’ll discover which specialism resonates most with you. Are you passionate about technology law? Do you prefer sports law? Do you see yourself leading the legal department of a large company? The opportunities are ever-expanding, and your degree is the first step towards excelling in the sector that motivates you most.
In the final years of your degree, you’ll specialise in the branch of law that interests you most and, after graduating, you’ll be able to take your career to the next level with a specialist master’s degree in the legal field of your choice.
Take the next step: join the legal profession
If your aim is to practise as a solicitor or legal representative , the Master’s in Access to the Legal Profession and Soliciturey is essential. This programme will prepare you to pass the entrance exams and begin practising in the legal field with complete confidence.
The law is constantly evolving. Become a professional who is ready for the legal challenges of the future. Start your journey with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and specialise in what you’re truly passionate about.
Studying Law at UAX
At Alfonso X El Sabio University, we offer two delivery modes for this degree programme. In this way, we make it accessible to all students:
Furthermore, the UAX Law degree includes a certification in Legaltech. Our students gain both legal and technological knowledge, placing them at the forefront of modern legal practice.
If you have any further queries or require more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
At UAX, we’re here to help you!
