News
Nine Business Law master’s students admitted to the bar exam: a result that confirms the strength of the SKEMA–ULCO dual degree
Nine students from the Master in Business Law (DDA), jointly delivered by SKEMA Business School and the Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale (ULCO), have been admitted this year to the French bar entrance exam. Nine admissions out of ten candidates send a strong signal for this dual-degree programme, which confirms the strength of its support for law students.
This success rate positions the master’s as one of the most effective SKEMA pathways for careers in law. It also highlights the central role of the SKEMA–ULCO dual degree in preparing students for legal and judicial professions.
A flagship programme at SKEMA, the Master in Business Law is built on a partnership with ULCO. Taught in full on SKEMA’s Lille campus, it combines a comprehensive legal curriculum with managerial courses drawn from the Master in Management (PGE). Law students admitted through parallel admissions (AST2) and PGE third-year students can access the programme, provided they demonstrate strong skills in legal and tax subjects.
A structured progression from M1 to M2
The curriculum covers the full scope of business law: contracts, commercial law, corporate criminal law, taxation, international law, competition law, arbitration, financial engineering, intellectual property and technology law. This foundation is paired with managerial training in strategy, finance, data, marketing, human resources and legal design.
The programme also includes a research dissertation in business law, which replaces the PGE dissertation.
Strong alignment with legal practice
The master’s degree includes two compulsory internships, an optional gap year and a network of legal and institutional partners: regional, Paris-based and Luxembourg law firms, legaltechs, in-house legal departments and European institutions. Students organise conferences, take part in moot court competitions and publish legal analyses.
A standout result at the bar exam
The bar admissions confirm the impact of the programme. Students prepared for the exam while completing their internships or the first semester of M2. Commenting on the results, Isabelle Bufflier, academic director of the master’s, states: “I am proud of this cohort. Students handled a heavy workload to prepare for the bar. They showed courage and real consistency. I also thank the alumni who gave their time to train them. Their support is part of the programme’s identity.”
Broad career opportunities in France and abroad
The master’s leads to opportunities in business law firms, taxation, data protection, intellectual property, in-house legal departments, audit, risk management, compliance and investment banking. It also prepares students for public and judicial careers.
Key points about the SKEMA–ULCO Master in Business Law
• Dual Degree: Master in Management (SKEMA) and Master’s in Business Law (ULCO)
• Full legal curriculum: contracts, taxation, commercial law, corporate criminal law, European law, intellectual property
• Integrated managerial skills: strategy, finance, marketing, data, human resources
• Two compulsory internships and an optional gap year
• Partnerships with law firms, legaltechs and in-house legal departments
• Research dissertation in business law
• Strong preparation for the bar exam
• Career paths: business law firms, audit, compliance, banking, public sector, judicial professions
