| Code | CK304 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | BCL (Hons) |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
| CAO Points | 2024: 522 |
| CAO Points Range | 2024: 522-613 |
Course Outline
This course is the only one of its kind in Ireland. The BCL (Law and Irish) degree will introduce you to a variety of diverse and stimulating topics combining the best aspects of a law degree together with study of the Irish language, literature, culture and institutions. It will also develop your analytical and interpretative skills.
Given the role of the modern law degree, the BCL (Law and Irish) places a growing emphasis on developing not just your knowledge but also your skills base. You are required to take 60 credits in each academic year, combining compulsory and elective modules in law and Irish, and including a skills module.
You will also have the opportunity to study some law modules through the medium of Irish.
Core Modules in First Year
GA1003 Bunstaidéar ar Theanga agus ar Chultúr na Gaeilge (15 credits)
GA1030 Bunreacht na hÉireann (1937): An Leagan Gaeilge (5 credits)
LW1001 Legal Writing (5 credits)
LW1104 Foundations of the Legal System (5 credits)
LW1112 Constitutional and Institutional Law of the European Union (5 credits)
LW1153 Criminal Law (10 credits)
LW1154 Law of Contract (10 credits)
LW1164 Dlí Bunreachtúil: Institiúidí an Rialtais (5 credits)
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
This course involves a combination of lecture hours, tutorials/guided study, language classes, language labs, oral practice sessions and reading hours in the library.
Typically, you will have about 12 contact hours during the academic week with further study time in the library.
Most of the law classes are delivered in English, with some in Irish, and various Irish-language options combine to give a rounded bilingual legal education.
Assessment
Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment including essays, case notes etc.
The skills modules are assessed on a pass/fail basis and include group work, presentations and oral advocacy. These are usually undertaken in English, with some options available in Irish.
Who teaches this course
The BCL (Law and Irish) degree is taught by the expert and dedicated staff of the Law Department and the Department of Modern Irish. They include internationally recognised experts in child law, medical law, environmental law, family law, criminal justice and human rights law, and all aspects of the Irish language.
Why Choose This Course
- The course is the only one of its kind in Ireland to combine law and the Irish language
- Students are given a unique opportunity to study traditional law modules through Irish, which is only available at the UCC School of Law
- It is a joint honours degree course, which means it qualifies both as a law degree for entry into professional training courses and for entry into the HDip, which allows graduates to become second-level teachers
- Graduates are uniquely prepared to enter traditional law careers as well as a range of options in Ireland and abroad
- The work placement element gives students real-life work experience at the coalface of the legal and language sectors
- The opportunity to study abroad gives students the chance to see the relevance of the Irish language and culture, in settings as far apart as Montana and Germany.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
You will have the opportunity spend Year 3 abroad or on a work placement.
Placement opportunities are available in prestigious Institutions such as the Houses of the Oireachtas, the Attorney General’s Office, legal translation projects, as well as with large law firms and other practitioners.
You also have the opportunity to study abroad at the Law School at the University of Montana, which includes assisting with teaching Irish to US students and working in the federal court system in the United States as a judge’s intern.
Skills and Careers Information
As a joint honours degree, the BCL (Law and Irish) equips graduates for a wide range of careers.
The traditional route for a law graduate is to undertake professional training and qualify as a solicitor or barrister and this course prepares students for entry to these professions. Other options are available to law graduates, including careers in banking, accounting, taxation, insurance, IT, teaching, journalism and the media, which may require further academic and/or professional training.
BCL (Law and Irish) students also develop a strong foundation in legal research and writing, advocacy and legal reasoning. These are transferable skills which are attractive to employers in a wide variety of professions and industries.
You can graduate with a broad-ranging general degree or can opt to tailor your subject choices to specialise in areas such as international law, business law, human rights law, the Irish language etc.
You will also have key Irish-language skills, making you particularly well suited to working in the European Union institutions.
Requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements
At Least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H3 in Irish, minimum grade H5 in one subject and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects.
Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:
| English | Irish | Other Language |
|---|---|---|
| O6/H7 | H3 | O6/H7 |
EU/EFTA/UK Qualifications
EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.
Mature Students
To compete through the mature entry route, applicants must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the application year and apply online via the CAO by 1 February. The application should include a statement of interest, as below. H3 in Leaving Certificate Irish (or equivalent) is required (HB3 if presenting a pre-2017 Leaving Certificate).
Applicants are asked to download and complete the Mature Statement for Law Applicants and send this via post to the CAO. The mature Law statement is not mandatory, but allows you to provide relevant information to support your application. Only one mature Law statement is required, even if applying for more than one BCL programme.
Further information on applying as a mature student is available on the Mature Applicants and Mature Student Entry support pages.
QQI FET Entry
Applicants who meet the required level of distinctions in required subjects can apply for entry to this course using specific QQI FET qualifications. Please review the Programme Requirements on our Information for QQI FET Applicants page for information on related QQI courses, and visit Access UCC’s QQI/FET Entry section for further support.
Non-EU Applicants
Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.
Fees and Costs
- Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. See more information on EU Fees, Non-EU Fees, or Free Fees Status.
- The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
- See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
- Check out scholarships that may be available to you.
- Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.
How To Apply
Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.
Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.
QQI/FET Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process.
Non-EU Applicants
If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information.