Choosing between law and computer science: a guide for undecided students
Browse the experiences of students and graduates, discover how day-to-day study life differs and find out which career path – law or computer science – fits your goals best. Here you'll find insights that make your choice of degree easier and pay off for your decision.
Law or computer science – choice of degree and satisfaction: a comparison for undecided students 📚💻
Choosing between a degree in computer science and law is a central question for many students finishing their Abitur (the German upper-secondary school-leaving exam). Both degrees have their own strengths and challenges. But how satisfied are students really with the path they chose? In this article we look at the most important aspects of both fields and share graduates’ experiences to help you decide.
1. Everyday study life: workload and exams
A key factor for many students is the workload and the exam format. Computer science often asks for a mix of theory and practical programming projects, while law degrees put a lot of weight on understanding and applying complex legal texts.
Studies show that computer science students regularly have to complete programming projects, which can be both challenging and rewarding. This article highlights that hands-on projects during your degree improve problem-solving skills. Law, by contrast, focuses more on memorising and understanding legislation. Written and oral exams are the norm, which some find monotonous, but it also gives you a solid foundation for professional practice.
2. Fun and stress: how do students experience their degrees?
The fun factor plays a big role in how satisfied you are with your studies. Computer science students often talk about the creative side of programming, while law students enjoy solving complex legal problems.
Computer science is full of interesting challenges. Students often describe a sense of fulfilment after cracking a tough programming problem. A research article on the topic stresses the importance of creativity in programming. Law students, on the other hand, enjoy arguing and debating, which gets a lot of practice in their degree.
Still, every degree comes with stress. Computer science can get stressful because of tight project deadlines, while law is often shaped by the pressure of learning a lot of material in a short time. So how do you handle that stress? Good organisation and a healthy balance of free-time activities are key.
3. Career prospects: where do you end up after graduating?
Career opportunities are a decisive factor when choosing a degree. Computer science and law offer different but equally promising career paths.
In computer science, plenty of IT jobs await, from software development and systems administration to leadership roles. Demand for IT professionals keeps growing, which means future-proof jobs. According to the OECD report, digitalisation has created many new career fields.
Lawyers find their calling in law firms, companies and government institutions. Knowledge of international law also qualifies you for international assignments, which are especially in demand at globally active companies or international organisations. Research shows that legal expertise is increasingly sought after in interdisciplinary teams where legal and technical topics merge.
4. Work-life balance: what is working life really like?
Work-life balance is an important factor in job satisfaction. In IT, flexible hours and working from home are common, which many see as a plus. According to a study, tech jobs often come with a good work-life balance.
Lawyers, by contrast, are often tied to fixed office hours and regularly have to deal with urgent deadlines. Based on studies, the workload in law is often higher, though not unavoidably so. Your personal attitude and specific area of work play a big role here.
5. Opportunities abroad: careers beyond borders
For many students, an international career weighs heavily in the decision. Thanks to the global language of programming, computer science offers attractive opportunities worldwide, since technical skills are in demand everywhere. Law students open up global perspectives mainly by specialising in international law.
Computer scientists can move abroad at any time to work in their field, while lawyers with a background in international law can find a foothold at international law firms or global organisations. Learn more about careers in the international field.
Conclusion: which degree is right for you? 🤔
The choice between computer science and law depends heavily on your personal interests and career goals. Both degrees lead to fulfilling careers with different focuses. Think about which aspects – from flexible working hours and creative work to legal reasoning – suit you best.
The experiences of other students and graduates show that both paths get positive feedback. What matters, though, is paying attention to your own preferences and goals. If you love creative solutions and technology, computer science could be the right path. But if you’re drawn to thinking in legal structures and international cooperation, law is your choice.
The world is full of opportunities – choose the path that fulfils you personally and professionally!
