BA/BS in Law and Law Enforcement

General Description: Objective(s) of a study programme: The aim of the study programme is to educate qualified legal professionals possessing sound knowledge of legal sciences and specialised competencies in the prevention, detection and investigation of criminal offences, maintenance of public order, application of coercive measures, control of migration processes, as well as management and administration practices. Graduates are expected to be capable of purposefully applying theoretical knowledge in professional practice, using advanced technologies, collecting and analysing information, and engaging in constructive communication with citizens, institutions and organisations responsible for ensuring public security. Learning outcomes: Knowledge and its application: 1.1. To know and appropriately use legal terminology; to identify and analyse legal problems; to propose and develop appropriate solutions in compliance with judicial practice, national and international principles of the rule of law, standards of high-quality legal service provision, and democratic governance, with due regard to the interests of the state and citizens, crime and offence prevention, deterrence, and effective crime detection. Research Skills: 2.1. To conduct applied research in the field of legal sciences: to define research topics and objects enabling comprehensive application of research methods; to develop a research plan and methodology; to prepare research instruments; to collect data from relevant academic, statistical and institutional sources; to analyse, critically evaluate and describe research data and findings; and to formulate rational, evidence-based proposals for the implementation of innovations and improvements in law enforcement activities. Specialised Skills: 3.1. To plan and carry out the analysis of processes occurring in law enforcement activities, integrating knowledge and practices from different fields, and to prepare proposals, decisions and research materials grounded in legal requirements and national interests. 3.2. To identify and effectively and safely address complex issues related to the maintenance of public order and security, in compliance with professional standards and established regulations, by applying appropriate operational tactics, specialised means and official data sources within the scope of assigned powers. Social skills: 4.1. To identify and actively engage in preventing threats to the Republic of Lithuania and society; to operate effectively both independently and as part of a team; to analyse information relevant to law enforcement activities from various public sources; to assume personal responsibility for the security of the Republic of Lithuania; and to contribute to building the reputation and public trust in statutory institutions. Personal skills: 5.1. To plan and organise professional activities and their individual components: to identify and assess potential organisational, managerial and technical challenges and to envisage targeted solutions; to communicate effectively through various communication channels with representatives of different social groups and cultures, with a focus on improving institutional performance quality and achieving established objectives Activities of teaching and learning: Main teaching and learning methods: The principal teaching and learning methods include case study analysis, problem-based learning, practice-oriented teaching, group seminars, teamwork, role-playing, guest lectures, simulations, written assignments, preparation and delivery of presentations, field lectures, activities conducted in e-learning environments, independent study, and other methods. The case study method, primarily based on Lithuanian and international court precedents (including the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union), as well as the jurisprudence of the Constitutional Court and the practice of other legal institutions, constitutes one of the most important methods in legal education. Problem-based learning is a student-centred instructional approach comprising multiple components encountered by students working in small groups while analysing assigned legal problems. Practice-oriented teaching enables students to explore typical and well-known cases from professional practice and to analyse how legal practitioners addressed various professional challenges. The seminar method integrates active learning approaches and is particularly effective in legal studies. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: Main assessment methods: assessment methods include written reviews of academic literature and other information sources, individual oral examinations, research projects, preparation and presentation of assignments, tests, task-based assessments, group oral assessments, situation simulations, written assignments, a Bachelor’s thesis, and final examinations. Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: The structure of the study programme ensures the inclusion of all essential academic and professional components required to meet the intended learning outcomes and qualification requirements. The scope and content of the programme encompass the development of knowledge, specialised competencies, personal and social skills necessary to achieve the learning outcomes of legal studies. The programme structure, the set of study subjects, and their logical interrelationships comply with the quantitative and qualitative criteria for the academic and professional training of a qualified legal professional holding a Bachelor’s degree. General university study subjects, which are not directly related to the content of the regulated field of study, comprise 15 ECTS credits. Study field (Law) subjects, including theoretical and professional courses that provide the knowledge and skills required for higher education qualifications in law, in accordance with the study field descriptor, comprise 165 ECTS credits. Advanced specialisation subjects in the field of law enforcement activities comprise 30 ECTS credits, of which 15 ECTS credits are allocated to internship/practical training. The study programme is completed with the defence of a Bachelor’s thesis. Specialisations: - Optional courses: - Distinctive features of a study programme: The study programme has been developed in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, the Police Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, and the State Border Guard Service under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania. The Bachelor’s programme in Law and Law Enforcement is designed for prospective and current police officers and State Border Guard Service officers seeking to become qualified mid- and senior-level professionals. The programme focuses on the development of legal knowledge alongside practical skills and promotes close cooperation with law enforcement institutions. Core courses are delivered by experienced scholars in their respective fields, while professional experience in criminal offence qualification, public order and security, crime prevention, preventive activities, and traffic safety is shared by qualified legal professionals and officers of law enforcement institutions. Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: The knowledge and skills acquired enable graduates of the study programme to pursue careers in the Lithuanian Police, the State Border Guard Service, other statutory services, as well as in legal departments of various public institutions and private companies. Access to further study: Graduates may continue their studies in the second cycle of higher education in the field of law.