The Law School and the Université de Poitiers

Founded in 1432 by Charles VII, the Université de Poitiers is situated in the historic town of Poitiers, population 100,000, in the central western region of France, half way along the Paris - Bordeaux road. Total student enrolment is around 25,000, with more than 6,000 in the Faculty of Law. Characterised by the youth of its population (about one in three inhabitants is under 30) and its many students (one in every four inhabitants), Poitiers provides many services one would expect from a regional metropolis such as important transport infrastructures, a large University and other higher education schools, administrative headquarters, company services, a science research centre, hospitals, quality sport and culture facilities, festivals, etc.

Poitiers Website

Summary of the Program

• Preference may be given to applicants who have completed at least half of the requirements for the Bachelor of Laws. All applicants must have completed at least one full year of the law degree at Adelaide.

Selection

Based on academic merit, where necessary an interview is conducted by the Law School, applicants will be notified if this is required. Final selection is at the discretion of the Université de Poitiers.

Language requirements

Competency in the French language sufficient to undertake law studies. A three week intensive French language course is held September for new international students, as well as weekly language classes thereafter.

Annual Information Session

In March each year the Law School offers an informal information session which provides interested students with an opportunity to meet both current overseas exchange students and local students who have returned from a period of exchange study, together with academic and administrative staff who will be available to answer any questions. Details are posted on Law School notice boards and emailed to students early in Semester 1.

Planning ahead

Students intending to participate in this exchange program should start to think very early in their law studies about their scheme of study for completing their Bachelor of Laws degree.

Schemes of Study

These will vary as unique circumstances will apply to each exchange studies applicant (e.g. your schedule of study overseas, the availability of preferred elective subjects at Adelaide).You are most strongly advised to consult the Student Advisor as early as possible in your law studies if you are contemplating taking law studies as an exchange student.

Program of Study at Poitiers

Students must be enrolled at Poitiers in sufficient law courses to meet full time enrolment status at Adelaide ie. 9 points. Each student's study program must be approved by the Law School prior to departure in order to determine its suitability. Students accepted under this law exchange program cannot undertake studies towards a non-law degree. Full details of all of the courses which are available for study at Poitiers can be obtained via the Université de Poitiers’ website (see above).

Enrolment at Adelaide

You must enrol at the Adelaide University during your time at Poitiers and you will continue to be liable for HECS and Adelaide Student Union fees throughout this period.

Enrolment at Poitiers

You will also be required to enrol at Poitiers as a "non-award/non-degree" student and you will not have any claim to an award from the Université de Poitiers.

Credit Transfer (Status)

Credit transfer (status) on account of exchange studies will not be granted in any of the compulsory courses for the Adelaide law degree. Students must complete all compulsory courses and a minimum of eight units of elective courses at Adelaide.

Credit, on account of one full year of full time study at Poitiers, will be granted in unspecified elective courses up to a maximum value of 24 units. The amount of credit granted on account of a single semester of study will depend on the program of study approved and undertaken. However, a single semester of study must equal the equivalent of at least 10 units at Adelaide.

Subject to satisfactory completion of the approved study program, and on presentation of an official record from Poitiers indicating such, students will be granted credit in unspecified elective courses, with the relevant units value, towards their Bachelor of Laws at Adelaide.

Financial Arrangements

Tuition fees at Poitiers are waived but all other costs are the responsibility of the exchange student. Students who are eligible for AUSTUDY in Australia are still eligible to receive such payments while on exchange. Further details are available through CENTRELINK.

Applications

Applicants can collect and lodge an application form with the Law School. Application forms can be obtainded form the Adelaide Abroad website. Applicants should delay determining and submitting details of their proposed program of study until after the selection process as this will avoid unnecessary assessment of multiple or unsuccessful applications.

Acceptance of an offer must be made, in writing, within a week of your offer being received..

Successful applicants who have also applied for selection under various University-wide exchange programs will need to decide whether to accept the offer in Law and withdraw their other application(s). It is not possible to delay acceptance of an offer under the Law exchange program pending the outcome of a University-wide exchange application which may not be determined until much later in the year. Students who decline an offer made under this Law exchange program, in the expectation of gaining a place under a University-wide exchange program, cannot take up the former if they are unsuccessful in the latter.

Successful applicants must commence their study at Poitiers in January or September of the year following selection. A place may not be deferred and, if unable to take up the offer at the nominated time, students will have to reapply for selection in a subsequent year.

Further Information

Study Abroad Office

Tel: 8303 4379 E-mail

For information on all non-academic matters including passports, visas, travel, accommodation, health cover, living expenses, etc.

Student Adviser, Law School, Room 1.18.

Tel. 8303 5062 Email

For information on all academic matters.

March 2009