| Code | PCAFL |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Year Part-time |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time |
| Qualifications | PG Cert |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| Closing Date | Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised. |
| Non-EU Closing Date | Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised. |
| Start Date | 8 September 2025 |
Course Outline
On the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Family Law, you will be exposed to law and theory in Ireland and internationally. At the same time you will get valuable insights into various aspects of the law in action by engaging with social workers, legal professionals and others.
You will work with scholars who have a track record of outstanding scholarship on legal issues relating to families.
Students take modules to the value of 30 credits from the following:
- LW6507 Comparative Family Property Law (5 credits)
- LW6568 The Family and the Law (10 credits)
- LW6603 Legal Regulation of Cohabitation and Emerging Family Forms (5 credits)
- LW6614 Family Law Clinic (5 credits)
- LW6592 Mental Capacity Law (5 credits)
The part-time option is taught during weekday working hours over 1 year.
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search 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
Classes are in seminar format. This participative and interactive format of teaching is suitable for postgraduate level. You will receive advance reading lists and/or materials for each seminar. Seminars take place in two-hour blocks between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. 10 credit modules run for 12 weeks and 5 credit modules run for 6 weeks. Arrangements may be made for courtroom observation in the family courts.
Assessment
You will be examined by continuous assessment throughout the year. Individual module assessments can be viewed in the Book of Modules.
Who teaches this course
The School of Law has many committed lecturers with expertise across a wide range of areas, and has particular strengths in the area of family law.
Why Choose This Course
The Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Family Law builds on the School’s wide range of expertise and knowledge in the area of family law. From this course, you will gain a unique specialisation in legal issues relating to the family, including family property and emerging family forms. You can advance your studies in Family Law by building on the Certificate to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (Children's Rights and Family Law) or an LLM (Children's Rights and Family Law) (provided you get an honours mark in your Certificate).
Skills and Careers Information
As well as allowing legal professionals to specialise in this area of legal practice, graduates of the Certificate are well equipped to work across the family law sector – with government departments and agencies, with non-governmental organisations (both nationally and internationally), or other bodies who work with families.
Requirements
Candidates must be approved by the School of Law and must normally: (a) hold a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours Law degree (NFQ, Level 8) or (b) have such other relevant third-level educational qualifications and/or professional experience as, in the opinion of the School of Law, qualifies the candidate under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to undertake the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Family Law.
The number of places available in any given year is dependent on resources and all qualified candidates may not be admitted.
The School of Law uses a system of offer rounds to facilitate decision-making and early notification to applicants. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Fees and Costs
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
Deposits
If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.
Fee payment
Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.
How can I pay?
See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.
Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.
How To Apply
1. Check dates
Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage. The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid October.
2. Gather documents
Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:
- Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
- Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.
3. Apply online
Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.
Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.
Additional Requirements (All Applicants)
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:
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You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
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In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
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Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
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Please enter the names and email addresses of 2 referees.
The School of Law uses a system of offer rounds to facilitate decision-making and early notification to applicants. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.
The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Apply Now