Erasmus+ and other mobility programmes
Educational offerings
The Department of Law at the University of Ferrara currently offers:
A single-cycle degree in Law, in Ferrara
A single-cycle degree in Law, at the satellite campus in Rovigo
A three-year degree in Legal Services, in Ferrara
Exchange students can prepare their own Learning Agreement, choosing from a large number of elective courses in English, Italian, French and Spanish.
While some courses are specifically meant to target the needs of exchange students, as guest students they are entitled to pick courses from any curriculum offered at the Department of Law, as well as at other Departments of the University of Ferrara.
If they are interested in taking foundational courses in Italian, they may wish to consider selecting courses from the Bachelor’s Degree curriculum, rather than their equivalent of the single-cycle degree curriculum. The former earn fewer ECTS, and are therefore less demanding.
Please note: some optional courses in Italian are only offered at our Rovigo site. However, it will also be possible to attend classes online.
Students can also apply for a traineeship. For information on Erasmus traineeships, please see the specific section.
Practical information for students
Information sheet 2024-2025 for Exchange students
Academic year 2024/2025
Our Department offers incoming students:
- Introductory courses
- Ordinary courses
- Legal language courses
- Italian language courses
The first semester begins on 30 September 2024; the second semester begins on 17 February 2025.
Introductory courses and Italian Language Courses are pre-semester courses: they are scheduled to begin on 16 September 2024 for the first semester and on 3 February 2025 for the second semester.
The lesson schedule is available in the specific section of the degree programme website (here for the single-cycle degree programme in Law, here for the three-year degree programme in Legal Services).
All the courses listed below will be delivered in English unless otherwise specified.
Introductory courses
Introduction to International and EU Law - 6 ECTS - (Professor Serena Forlati, Professor Samuele Barbieri 1st Semester) - course code 62339
The course will provide an introduction to Public International Law and EU Law, where the special features of the EU integration process will be discussed and compared to those of Public International Law. The course will address the following topics: (i) historical evolution and general features of the international and the EU legal orders; (ii) international legal personality; (iii) international organizations: (a) the competences and institutional structure of the United Nations (b) the competences and institutional structure of the EU; (iv) (a) the sources of International Law; (b) the sources of EU Law; (v) implementation of International and EU Law in the Domestic Legal Orders; specifically, the Italian perspective; (vi) the responsibility for internationally wrongful acts; (vi) (a) the settlement of international disputes; specifically the role of international courts and tribunals; (b) the Court of Justice of the EU and the role of domestic jurisdictions in the implementation of EU Law; (vii) the protection of fundamental human rights in International and EU Law.
You can register by filling in this FORM
For those who are not able to attend classes face-to-face from the first lesson, you shall contact Dr. Barbieri or Prof. Forlati for attending online.
Ordinary courses
The Moot Court Competition is designed to enable the participation of a team of the University of Ferrara - Department of Law in the European Law Moot Court Competition, namely a simulation of a fictitious case pending before the Court of Justice of the EU.
Classes will be highly interactive and will be aimed at helping the team to prepare the written and (possibly) oral pleadings.
The specific topics will be chosen on the basis of the case that is published each year by the ELMC Society. Generally speaking, the focus of the course will thus be EU Law in general and EU Judicial Protection.
This module will examine the core concepts of equality and assess how these are interpreted in different legal systems. The structure of the course is as follows:
1. Mapping multi-level non-discrimination legislation
2. Conceptions of equality
3. Grounds of discrimination: gender, race, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity
4. Forms of discrimination: direct and indirect, harassment, reasonable accommodation, intersectional and structural discrimination
5. Stereotyping
6. Enforcing non-discrimination law
7. Future directions of non-discrimination law
We will discuss topical cases from the European Court of Human Rights, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and United Nations Treaty Bodies, supplemented with some national cases. We explore the different conceptions of equality and non-discrimination that these courts and bodies use, their potential and their limitations. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to make their own assessment of the materials, and to formulate their own opinions.
European Company Law - 6 ECTS - (Professor Magdalena Elisabeth de Leeuw, 2nd Semester) - course code 55539
The course aims to give students a broad understanding of the legal measures adopted in this field of law by the EU institutions. By way of introduction, the general characteristics of business organisations in Europe, as well as their main differences, will be analysed. There is no such thing as a comprehensive European company law; however, the EU harmonisation programme has created minimum standards in a number of areas, such as the disclosure of company information, the capital of public limited liability companies, the rights of shareholders, takeover bids for public limited companies, domestic and cross-border mergers and divisions, minimum rules for single-member private limited liability companies and financial reporting and accounting. The analysis of the harmonisation programme is central to this course. Next, the case law of the European Court of Justice will be scrutinised in detail. In a couple of landmark decisions, the Court has clarified some long pending questions concerning the freedom of establishment of companies in the EU (from Daily Mail to Polbud). Finally, supranational business organisations, in particular the European Company (Societas Europaea) and the European Cooperative Society, will be discussed. The course will also cover recent developments, such as the newly adopted Directive on cross-border conversions and divisions, and the creation of fully remote companies.
European Criminal Law - 6 ECTS - (Professor Ciro Grandi, 2nd Semester) - course code 55542
The first part of the course will address the impact of the European Convention on Human Rights on national criminal laws, with a focus on: Right to life (Art. 2); Prohibition of torture (Art. 3); Principle of legality (Art. 7); Right not to be tried or punished twice (Art. 4 Prot. 7). The second part of the course will address the developments of a European criminal policy and the interplays between EU law and national criminal law, with a focus on: (i) the lack of competence in criminal matters of European institutions under the founding Treaties; (ii) the harmonisation of criminal offences and sanctions in the European legal system; (iii) the EU third pillar under the Treaties of Maastricht and Amsterdam; (iv) the Area of Freedom Security and Justice under the Treaty of Lisbon; (v) the European Arrest Warrant; (vi) the role of fundamental rights in EU criminal law.
International Human Rights - 6 ECTS - (Dr. Khrystyna Gavrysh, 2nd Semester) - course code 44236
The course will address the general framework of the protection of human rights in international law: (i) the multilevel protection of human beings in international law; the history of human rights and the role of the individual in the international legal system; (ii) the sources of international human rights law; (iii) the contents of human rights rules, with special reference to civil rights; basic notions of international criminal law and of international humanitarian law; (iv) the rules of international responsibility for violations of human rights; (v) the monitoring of compliance with international human rights obligations: the role of diplomatic protection; UN Charter-based and treaty-based bodies; judicial enforcement, especially in the European system; criminal prosecution of human rights violations; civil suits against human rights violations; and (vi) the effects of human rights rules on the Italian legal order.
During the course, 3 or 4 seminars will be held, either by the course instructor or by guest lecturers. Students will be asked to prepare in advance by reading some additional materials on a specific topic touched upon during the lectures and to engage actively in class discussions.
International Labour Law - 3 ECTS - (Professor Silvia Borelli, Professor Tzehainesh Teklè , 1st Semester) - course code 131556
The course aims to provide students with:
i) knowledge about international labour law and its main source, that is, the international labour standards adopted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and
ii) an understanding of the role of international labour law in advancing social justice and ensuring decent work, with a focus on the right to equality and non-discrimination.
The course is structured in two parts.
In the first part, the origin and the history of ILO will be illustrated. Moreover, the ILO's tripartite structure and its functioning will be examined. The course will then analyse the adoption of international labour standards and the ILO mechanisms for supervising their application at national level and addressing violations.
The second part of the course will focus on international labour law with regard to (i) the right to equality and non-discrimination in the world of work, (ii) equal remuneration for men and women, and (iii) the rights of persons with disabilities at work. The legal analysis will be accompanied by the presentation of real-life examples.
Students will be invited to engage in class discussions. Moreover, lectures will be followed by case studies or role-play, which aim to deepen their understanding and encourage critical thinking on the course topics, and to help them reflect on the concrete impact of international labour.
International Taxation Law - 6 ECTS - (Professor Marco Greggi, 2nd Semester) - course code 55540
In an increasingly interconnected world, businesses and individuals operate across borders, encountering diverse tax systems and regulations. This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of international taxation, empowering you to make informed decisions and optimize tax strategies in a global context.
We will delve into the fundamental principles that govern how countries tax cross-border transactions, investments, and income. You'll gain a deep understanding of the concept of double taxation, where the same income is potentially taxed by two or more countries, and explore the mechanisms in place to mitigate this issue, such as tax treaties and foreign tax credits.
Through real-world case studies and examples, you'll learn how to analyse the tax implications of various international activities, including import/export transactions, cross-border investments, and the establishment of foreign subsidiaries. We'll also examine the unique challenges posed by the digital economy, where businesses operate without a physical presence in a particular jurisdiction, and discuss the ongoing efforts to adapt tax rules to this evolving landscape.
By the end of this course, you'll be well-versed in the intricacies of international taxation and possess the tools and knowledge needed to navigate this complex field with confidence. Irrespective of your previous knowledge of taxation (knowledge of domestic tax law is not a prerequisite for taking the course), this course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices that shape the world of international taxation.
Course Objectives:
- Understanding the Fundamentals: to gain a solid foundation in the principles of international taxation, including the power of states to tax, the concept of double taxation, and the interplay between domestic and international tax laws.
- Analysing Tax Treaties: to explore the role of tax treaties in preventing double taxation and fostering cross-border trade and investment; to dive into the OECD and UN Model Conventions, examining key provisions related to permanent establishment, residence, and passive income.
- Mastering Tax Planning Strategies: to learn practical techniques to minimize tax liabilities while ensuring compliance with international tax regulations; to develop critical thinking skills in order to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of various tax planning approaches.
- Real-World Applications: to engage with real-world case studies and scenarios in order to apply your knowledge to practical situations; to analyse the tax implications of cross-border transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and international investments.
- Staying Ahead of the Curve: to explore emerging trends and challenges in international taxation, such as the digital economy, transfer pricing, and the impact of globalization on tax policies.
In the academic year 2024 -2025, the course will be completed by seminars and workshops, and host prominent academics from partner Universities.
International Trade Law - 6 ECTS - (Professor Magdalena Elisabeth de Leeuw, 1st Semester) - course code 55538
The course on International Trade Law is divided into two parts. The first and main part of the course will address cross-border private transactions, focusing on the international sale of goods and on the various relations that arise as a result of a sales contract. Topics will include: the UN Convention on the International Sale of Goods (CISG, 1980), the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts, Incoterms 2020, international transportation of cargo by sea and road, including the Hague-Visby Rules and the Rotterdam Rules, and the Convention on the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR). An important aspect of an international sales transaction is insurance for loss and damage to cargo while in transit. Since most cargo is still transported by sea, the discussion will focus on marine insurance. Attention will further be paid to the issue of dispute resolution by domestic courts, arbitration and mediation, as well as th law applicable to cross-border disputes. The second part of the course will focus on the regulatory relationship between public authorities and traders, analysing in particular the rules laid down in WTO agreements with regard, inter alia, to tariffs and duties, subsidies and countervailing measures. By the end of the course, students will have a clear overview of the complexities of an international sales transaction through the analysis of international conventions and rules, legislation and case law.
Private International Law - 6 ECTS - (Dr. Ilaria Aquironi, 2nd Semester) - course code 52860
Legal relationships within the area of private law often feature connections with two or more countries, thus displaying an international character. Private international law deals with such cases. Its rules address the challenges posed by legal diversity, with the aim of providing certainty and ensuring the cross-border continuity of the rights of those involved. In the first part of the course, a selection of private international law instruments will be examined. The focus will be on the rules enacted by the EU as regards contracts and torts, although some references will also be made to the area of family law. Topics will include: (i) the object and function of private international law; (ii) adjudicatory jurisdiction; (iii) the law applicable to cross-border legal relationships; (iv) recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments; and (v) international judicial assistance. The second part of the course will focus on the role of private international law in addressing modern challenges, such as corporate social responsibility and climate change.
The transformation of the European Union's Public Finances Post-Next Generation EU - 3 ECTS - (Professor Marco Greggi , 2nd Semester) - course code 168194
The course will analyse the shift towards a more centralized fiscal policy, the emergence of new financial instruments such as the SURE mechanism and EU bonds, and the evolving role of the European Commission in managing the EU's finances.
Additionally, it will explore the challenges and opportunities arising from the NGEU's focus on green and digital transitions, social cohesion, and resilience. By critically assessing the successes and shortcomings of the NGEU, this course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of EU public finances in the post-pandemic era.
Transnational Organised Crime (GIANFORMAGGIO CHAIR) - 6 ECTS - (Professor Andreas Schloenhardt , 1st Semester) - course code 168193
This course will explore the international legal framework for preventing and suppressing transnational organised crime, including drug trafficking, smuggling of migrants, trafficking in persons, wildlife trafficking and other types of crime. The course will outline and examine the criminological aspects, levels, patterns, and modi operandi of these crimes, and their criminalisation in international law, and will analyse national, regional, and international strategies for investigating such crimes and prosecuting the offenders.
The course will further seek to improve students’ communication, presentation, discussion, and writing skills. It will enhance their ability to research policy documents and legal material, critically analyse legislation, case studies and scholarly writing, and elaborate and present, to an academic audience, practical recommendations for law reform and policy change relevant to the subject area.
Note: The course will be taught and all assessments conducted exclusively in English.
You can register by filling in this FORM
Legal language courses
Advanced Legal English - 6 ECTS - (Professor Magdalena Elizabeth De Leeuw, 2nd Semester) - course code 55793
The course aims to familiarise students with the workings of a common law legal system, and to develop competence in legal English to an advanced level in all four-language areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking). Students are required to have a level of B2 or higher. To maintain active participation, students must participate in class exercises and discussions, submit assignments and do group work. The course is divided into two parts.
The first part will address the essential points that students from civil law countries need to understand in approaching the study of legal English as a legal language, with a focus on the following topics: (i) legal English as part of the common law tradition; (ii) the legacy of English legal history; (iii) the doctrine of binding precedent; (iv) common law lawyers’ attitudes towards law: procedural thinking and procedural language; (v) the role of legislation and the style of law-making; and (vi) the interpretation of statutes. The second part of the course aims to improve students’ ability to read and understand legal texts, such as legal periodicals, commercial legislation, legal correspondence and other types of legal documents.
Students will improve their understanding of the spoken English used to talk about legal topics in meetings, presentations, interviews and discussions. There will be an opportunity to practice speaking skills in a range of situations typical of legal practice, such as client interviews, discussions with colleagues and contract negotiations.
Introduction au droit français [Introduction to French law] - 6 ECTS - (Professor Laurence Klesta, 1st Semester) - course code 59277
The course aims to provide an introduction to French legal culture. Students will discover new legal rules using appropriate language. The purpose is to situate French Law in the context of other legal systems, especially Italian law and European law, by focusing on the meaning and relativity of the transalpine legal order. The course will also address the inherent dynamic nature of French rules as they are adapted to cope with new societal challenges paying special attention to relevant historical case law on due process and fair trial issues. It will be organized into two main parts: (1) The foundations of French Law (sources, features, distinction between objective law and subjective rights,statute law, and judicial review); (2) The implementation of French Law (principle of non-retroactivity, proper meaning of legal rules, enforcement and burden of proof).
Legal English - 6 ECTS - (Dr Ilaria Aquironi, 1st Semester) - course code 013934
Placed within the framework of English for Specific Purposes, the course aims to explore the specificities of the English language in the legal sphere. After an introduction to the Anglo-Saxon legal system, with particular reference to English common law, the course will explore the linguistic specificities of civil and criminal law. In the second part, the course will delve into the peculiarities of International and European Union law, with a focus on the protection of human rights. The third part of the course will be devoted to the linguistic specificities of International contract and company law.
Lectures will mainly be conducted in English.
Legal Spanish - 6 ECTS - (Professor Maria Del Carmen Portaceli Sevillano, 2nd Semester) - course code 54588
The main objective of the course is to enable students to achieve sufficient competency in legal Spanish so that they are able to develop coherent, logical, accurate and appropriate spoken discourse, with a correct use of Spanish legal terminology; are able to look up and comment on legal texts in Spanish and to discuss legal topics. Learning Spanish cultural legal concepts through texts and the latest key legislation also forms part of the course objectives. Constitutional, Civil, Criminal and Procedural Law will be studied. The classes will be held entirely in Spanish.
Italian language courses
Italian Language Crash Course (Beginners to A2, 5 ECTS) - (Francesca Carpanelli, 1st Semester: 16-27 September)
The Language Centre of the University of Ferrara offers several opportunities for incoming students to learn Italian, but we strongly advise students who are enrolling in our Department of Law and who are interested in a beginners' course to join our own free intensive course. This course is specifically designed to meet their linguistic needs, while avoiding overlaps with their academic schedule. Although this course is an intensive pre-semester class, it can be regularly included in your Learning Agreement. Students passing the exam will be awarded 5 ECTS.
Availability of the course is subject to a minimum of 5 registered students. Please note: you are entitled to take more than one language course, but you will earn only a total of 5 ECTS.
You can register by filling in this FORM
Italian Language Crash Course (Beginners to A2, 5 ECTS) - (Elena Bergia, 2nd Semester: 3-14 February 2025)
The Language Centre of the University of Ferrara offers several opportunities for incoming students to learn Italian, but we strongly advise students who are enrolling in our Department of Law and who are interested in a beginners' course to join our own free intensive course. This course is specifically designed to meet their linguistic needs, while avoiding overlaps with their academic schedule. Although this course is an intensive pre-semester class, it can be regularly included in your Learning Agreement. Students passing the exam will be awarded 5 ECTS.
Availability of the course is subject to a minimum of 5 registered students. Please note: you are entitled to take more than one language course, but you will earn only a total of 5 ECTS.
You can register by filling in this FORM
Italian Language Crash Course (Advanced to B2, 5 ECTS) - (Roberta Gulinelli, 1st Semester: 16-27 September)
This course is specifically designed to meet linguistic needs of students enrolled in a double-degree programme and students who wish to further their linguistic knowledge. Although this course is an intensive pre-semester class, it can be regularly included in your Learning Agreement. Students passing the exam will be awarded 5 ECTS.
Please note: you are entitled to take more than one language course, but you will earn only a total of 5 ECTS.
You can register by filling in this FORM