Developing a Bachelor of Law Program for Rajamangala University of Technology

Abstract

The aims of the present qualitative study were to 1) analyze course structures and program components of bachelor’s programs in legal studies offered throughout Thailand so that a new Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) program at Rajamangala University of Technology (RMUT) could successfully be launched, 2) conduct a detailed investigation into RMUT rules, regulations, and policies, including those of other institutions, with regard to the establishment and launch of an LL.B. program, and 3) provide guidelines and procedures for proposing a successful, nationally-recognized LL.B. program at RMUT. Data were collected through both in-depth interviews and focus group discussions in combination with documentation review.

            It was found that, with distinctive program identity, measurable goals and learning outcomes, the university had to submit a proposal to establish an LL.B. program that aligns with the Thailand’s National Qualification Framework for Undergraduate Studies (Law), B.E. 2561 (2018) and the Thailand’s National Qualification Framework for Higher Education, B.E. 2565 (2022) set forth by Thailand’s Ministry of Education and Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, respectively. Besides, the newly established program must not only allow for the implementation of a credit bank system but also encourage LL.B. degree holders to further their legal education by pursuing a Barrister-at-Law degree from the Thai Bar Association. The study also suggested that the program promote cross-curricular integration by connecting topics and issues in science and technology to legal subject matters and put more emphasis on business law, taxation and labor law, public law, science and technology law, etc.