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Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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University Life
University Life
Each year more than 4,000 choose NUI Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at NUI Galway is all about here.
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About NUI Galway
About NUI Galway
Since 1845, NUI Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
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Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
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Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
NUI Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at NUI Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at NUI Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
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Alumni, Friends & Supporters
Alumni, Friends & Supporters
There are over 90,000 NUI Galway graduates Worldwide, connect with us and tap into the online community.
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At NUI Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Law (BCL)
Course Overview
Students can focus their studies on the law to maximise their understanding of the legal process. Students can tailor this degree to particular areas of law that interest them. Students who wish to qualify professionally as a solicitor or a barrister will have completed the modules required by the Law Society and the Honourable Society of King’s Inns. Students can study abroad at partner institutions around the world, giving them the opportunity to experience legal education in an international setting and to gain a different perspective on the law.
Throughout the programme there is an emphasis on acquiring the fundamental practical skills required of lawyers – legal research, writing, oral presentation and advocacy.
Students will have the opportunity to engage in a professional work placement in a leading law firm, a corporate firm or a public sector organisation. Students on placement will see application of the law in action, and thereby supplementing their academic legal education with practical experience.
Applications and Selections
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate including Irish, English, another language and any three other subjects recognised for entry purposes.
Additional Requirements
Duration
4 years
Next start date
September 2019
A Level Grades (2018)
nuigalway.ie/alevels
Average intake
60
Closing Date
NFQ level
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
Award
CAO
GY251
Course code
Course Outline
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
---|---|---|---|
Constitutional Law | Administrative Law | Study Abroad | Land Law |
Contract Law | Company Law | OR | Equity Law |
Tort Law | Criminal Law | Professional Work Placement | Jurisprudence |
Understanding the Law | European Union Law | Guided Research Essay | |
Legal Skills | Evidence Law | Choose one of the following Specialist Streams: | |
Optional Modules: | Mooting | Stream 1 – Business and Commercial Law | |
French/German or Family Law | Optional Modules: | Stream 2 – Public Law, Risk and Regulation | |
French/German | Stream 3 – Human Rights, Crime and Equality | ||
Health Law | Stream 4 – International, Comparative and Transnational Law | ||
Housing Law | Stream 5 – Language | ||
Information Technology Law | Stream 6 - General | ||
Intellectual Property Law | |||
Media Law |
Specialist Streams
Stream 1 – Business and Commercial LawBanking Law
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Medical Device Law & Regulation
Labour Law I
Labour Law II
Commercial Law
EU Competition law
International Trade Law
Law and Economics
Industrial and Intellectual Property Law
English Land Law
Criminal Justice
Environmental Law I
Environmental Law II
Criminology
Health Law & Policy
Housing Law & Policy
Medical Device Law and Regulation
Information Technology Law
Industrial and Intellectual Property Law
Media Law
Admin Law II
Street Law
Health Law & Policy
Criminal Justice
Criminology
Family Law
Labour Law I
Housing Law & Policy
Applied Legal Theory
European Human Rights 1
European Human Rights 2
Comparative Disability Law
Public International Law
International Human Rights 1
International Human Rights 2 (new)
Jurisprudence II
Street Law
Comparative Disability Law
Applied Legal Theory
Public International Law
Comparative Law
International Trade Law
European Human Rights 1
European Human Rights 2 (New)
EU Competition Law
International Human Rights 1
International Human Rights 2 (new)
English Land Law
One of the following language modules are compulsory within this stream. Note: the language stream must be selected from the beginning, Year 1, of your Programme.
Legal French
Legal German
Students will choose from Law & Business modules available to meet the 60 credits (ECTS) requirement per year.
Students can choose from a variety of available modules to meet the 60 credits (ECTS) requirement per year.
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
- Credits
- You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
- Module
- An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
- Optional
- A module you may choose to study.
- Required
- A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
- Semester
- Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.
Year 1 (60 Credits)
Required LW262: Tort
LW262: Tort
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10
The objective of this course is to enable students to achieve an in-depth understanding of the principles governing the law of torts, to examine in detail a number of selected torts and to develop a capacity for critical thinking in relation to the principles and torts examined. While the primary focus will be on the law of torts in Ireland, frequent reference will be made to other common law jurisdictions where many of the legal principles governing this area have been developed.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- A firm understanding of the fundamental principles governing Irish Tort Law
- An understanding of the key differences between Irish Tort Law and that of the Law of Torts in other jurisdictions
- An in-depth understanding of a number of selected torts
- The ability to selectively apply the principles of Tort Law to factual situations
- The capacity to think critically in relation to the material covered
- The capacity to reflect on the impact of Tort Law principles on society
Assessments
- Written Assessment (80%)
- Continuous Assessment (20%)
Module Director
- CARMEL FLYNN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- MICHEÁL Ó CADHAIN: Research Profile
- BRIAN PAUL TOBIN: Research Profile
- CARMEL FLYNN: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Tully J, Tort Law in Ireland (Clarus Press 2014)" by n/a
- "McMahon B & Binchy W, Law of Torts (4th edn, Bloomsbury" by n/a
- "Quill E, Torts in Ireland (4th edn, Gill & Macmillan 2014)" by n/a
- "Healy J, Principles of Irish Torts (Clarus Press 2006)" by n/a
- "Connolly U & Quinlivan S, Tort: Cases and Materials (Thomson Roundhall 2006)" by n/a
- "McMahon B & Binchy W, A Casebook on Law of Torts (3rd edn, Tottel Publishing 2005)" by n/a
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required LW118: Contract
LW118: Contract
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10
The aim of this course is to provide students with knowledge of contract law principles as derived from case law and statute, together with the skills and knowledge necessary to evaluate critically those principles and the scope of their operation; to explain the theoretical and practical context in which contract law principles have evolved and to foster basic legal writing skills and the ability to apply contract law principles to given fact situations.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the core legal principles of contract law
- Apply those legal principles to everyday situations and problems affecting consumers and commercial enterprises
- Critically analyse the rules which govern contracts and the policy objectives of those rules
- Identify areas of contract law in need of reform
- Compare Irish contract law with the law in other jurisdictions, in particular the UK
- Use a range of sources referred to in lectures
Assessments
- Written Assessment (60%)
- Continuous Assessment (40%)
Module Director
- CARMEL FLYNN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- MICHEÁL Ó CADHAIN: Research Profile
- CARMEL FLYNN: Research Profile
- JOHN DANAHER: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Chen-Wishart, M, Contract Law, 6th edition (Oxford: OUP, 2018 or 2015)" by n/a
- "Clark, R, Contract Law in Ireland, 8th edition, (Dublin: Round Hall Press, 2016 or 2013" by n/a
- "Clark, R & Clarke, B, Contract Cases and Materials, 3rd edition, (Dublin: Gill & Macmillan, 2004)" by n/a
- "Enright, M, Principles of Irish Contract Law, (Dublin: Clarus, 2007)" by n/a
- "Furmston, M, Cheshire, Fifoot & Furmston’s Law of Contract, 15th edition, (Oxford: OUP, 2007)" by n/a
- "McDermott, P, Contract Law, (Dublin: Butterworths, 2001)" by n/a
- "McKendrick, E, Contract Law – Text, Cases and Materials, 4th edition (Oxford: OUP, 2010)" by n/a
- "Treitel, G, The Law of Contract, 10th edition, (London: Sweet & Maxwell, 1999)" by n/a
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required LW117: Constitutional Law
LW117: Constitutional Law
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10
The objective of this module is to provide students with an overview of the fundamental rights protected by the Constitution. It will explore the philosophical and conceptual basis of constitutional rights, the limits of constitutional rights, the role of the judiciary in protecting constitutional rights and the judgments of the superior courts concerning constitutional rights
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Be familiar with the impact of the Constitution on the functioning of the State and the citizens of this State
- Understand the importance of the language used in the Constitution when subject to judicial interpretation, and they should be in a position to discuss and assess specific areas of the Constitution and refer to case law, legislation and academic commentary
- Understand the dynamics of constitutional reform
- Critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of the fundamental rights
- Identify areas in need of reform
Assessments
- Written Assessment (80%)
- Continuous Assessment (20%)
Module Director
- CARMEL FLYNN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- MICHEÁL Ó CADHAIN: Research Profile
- CARMEL FLYNN: Research Profile
- EOIN DALY: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Bunreacht na hÉireann, 1937" by n/a
- "Hogan, Whyte, Kenny and Walsh: J.M. Kelly: The Irish Constitution (5th Edition) Bloomsbury Professional, 2018" by n/a
- "Michael Forde, Constitutional Law (3rd edn, First Law, October 2013)" by n/a
- "Report of the Constitution Review Group (Government Publications 1996)" by n/a
- "Oran Doyle, Constitutional Law: Text, Cases and Materials (Clarus Press 2008)." by n/a
- "Gerard Hogan and Gerry Whyte, JM Kelly: The Irish Constitution (4th edn, Lexis Nexis Butterworths 2003)." by n/a
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required LW3120: Understanding the Law
LW3120: Understanding the Law
Semester 1 | Credits: 10
In order to grasp the effect of substantive legal rules, it is essential to understand the context of the legal system. A core objective of this intensive, four week module is to provide students with a solid knowledge of the sources of Irish law and how the system works. A concomitant objective is to prepare the student for the ordinary tasks he/she will likely encounter when working as a practising lawyer or in a related field, i.e., the reading, citation and interpretation of statutes and cases; research of law; legal writing; advocacy; etc. In an overarching sense, and utilising a range of innovative teaching and learning methodologies, the module is intended to expand the student’s capacity for critical thought – to help him/her “think like a lawyer.”
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- be well versed in the sources of Irish law;
- be familiar with legal terminology;
- be familiar with the Irish court structure;
- be cognisant of the impact of EU and international law on the Irish legal system;
- be able to read and analyse primary and secondary legal sources of law quickly and effectively;
- have the ability to perform legal research using both traditional methods and online legal databases
- understand the principles of legal citation and know the OSCOLA Ireland system;
- write clear, concise and sophisticated prose;
- Have an enhanced capacity for critical thought.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- CARMEL FLYNN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- MICHEÁL Ó CADHAIN: Research Profile
- CARMEL FLYNN: Research Profile
Reading List
- "A Kenneally and J Tully, The Irish Legal System (Dublin, Clarus Press, 2013)" by n/a
- "Jennifer Schweppe, Rónán Kennedy, and Lawrence Donnelly, How to think, write and cite: Key skills for Irish law students (Dublin, Round Hall Thompson Reuters, 2nd ed, 2016)" by n/a
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required LW3121: Critical Thinking for Lawyers
LW3121: Critical Thinking for Lawyers
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
To provide students with a detailed understanding and applicative knowledge of the basic techniques of argument analysis and construction, persuasion and rhetoric, and legal policy formation.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the atoms (concepts) and molecules (propositions) of legal argument
- Know and be able to construct and evaluate the 4-5 main types of legal argument (text-based, precedent-based, tradition-based and policy-based)
- Be able to map and evaluate the arguments proferred by different lawyers on different sides of a legal case
- Be able to construct a complex legal argument on a particular case
- Understand and apply basic principles and techniques of rhetoric
- Understand and apply basic techniques of persuasion, including use of visual supports (etc)
- Make a persuasive oral/written presentation
- Understand some of the ethical/moral/political principles and policies underlying the law
- Understand and apply basic theories for criticizing and reforming the nature and content of the law
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- CARMEL FLYNN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- CARMEL FLYNN: Research Profile
Reading List
- "- Wilson Huhn The Five Types of Legal Argument (Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press 2014)" by n/a
- "- Frederick Schauer Thinking Like a Lawyer (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press 2009)" by n/a
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional LW127: Family Law
LW127: Family Law
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10
The objective of this course is to examine the role of law in regulating the family in Ireland. The first semester of the course focuses on the constitutional family, on marriage, marital breakdown, civil partnership, cohabitants’ rights and domestic violence. The second semester focuses on the rights of children and family issues concerning children, including adoption, child protection, child abduction, guardianship, custody and access.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Apply the law to each of the subject areas
- Critically analyse the effectiveness of the law in each area
- Make effective and substantiated legal arguments
- Identify and analyse problems from a legal perspective
- Make effective use of primary and secondary materials
Assessments
- Written Assessment (90%)
- Continuous Assessment (10%)
Module Director
- CARMEL FLYNN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- CARMEL FLYNN: Research Profile
- ANNE EGAN: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Jim Nestor, An Introduction to Irish Family Law (4th edn, Gill and Macmillan 2011)" by n/a
- "Geoffrey Shannon, Family Law (Law Society 2011)" by n/a
- "Louise Crowley, Family Law (Thomson Round Hall 2013)" by n/a
- "Alan Shatter, Family Law (Butterworths 1997)" by n/a
- "Geoffrey Shannon, Child Law (2nd edn, Round Hall 2011)" by n/a
- "Ursula Kilkelly, Children’s Rights in Ireland: Law, Policy and Practice (Tottel 2008)" by n/a
- "Carol Coulter, Family Law in Practice: a study of Cases in the Circuit Court (Clarus Press 2009)" by n/a
- "Geoffrey Shannon, Divorce Law and Practice (Thomson Round Hall 2007)" by n/a
- "Paul Ward, The Child Care Act 1991 (Round Hall 2005)" by n/a
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional GR106: Legal German
GR106: Legal German
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10
This module is available to students on the Bachelor of Corporate Law and the Bachelor of Civil Law programme. The first year course is designed to consolidate and develop existing language skills. Students are introduced to the German legal system.
Learning Outcomes
- read and understand texts that deal with contemporary issues such as young people in Germany and Ireland today and multiculturalism.
- write about contemporary issues such as young people in Germany and Ireland today and multiculturalism.
- describe aspects of the German legal system, including legal training, the organs of state, the legislative process, the Constitution, and the court structure.
- describe his/her first year at university, including their subjects, hobbies and accommodation.
- reflect upon his/her language learning and explain the advantages of learning German for personal development and for career prospects.
Assessments
- Written Assessment (40%)
- Continuous Assessment (40%)
- Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (20%)
Module Director
- DEIRDRE BYRNES: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- DEIRDRE BYRNES: Research Profile
- ÁINE RYAN: Research Profile
- GERALDINE SMYTH: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Essential Grammar of German" by Monika Reimann
Publisher: Hueber
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional GR138: Beginners German for B. Corp Law and BCL students
GR138: Beginners German for B. Corp Law and BCL students
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10
This module aims to equip students with basic general language skills and to provide them with an overview of the German legal system.
Learning Outcomes
- understand and use elementary structures of German grammar in oral and written expression.
- read, understand and answer questions on short German texts.
- describe the first year at university, including subject choice, hobbies and accommodation.
- explain some aspects of the German legal system, including legal training in Germany and the organs of state.
Assessments
- Written Assessment (30%)
- Continuous Assessment (45%)
- Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (25%)
Module Director
- GERALDINE SMYTH: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- DEIRDRE BYRNES: Research Profile
- GERALDINE SMYTH: Research Profile
- VINCENT O'CONNELL: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Studio d A1: Kurs- und Übungsbuch" by n/a
Publisher: Cornelson - "Studio d A2: Kurs- und Übungsbuch" by n/a
Publisher: Cornelson
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional LW109: Legal French
LW109: Legal French
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
Assessments
- Written Assessment (50%)
- Continuous Assessment (50%)
Module Director
- MARY ANN MANNION: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- MARY ANN MANNION: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Further Education
Further study can lead to the LLM or PhD degrees. The PhD is undertaken by research and the taught LLM programmes on offer include LLMs in Public Law; International and Comparative Business Law; International Human Rights Law; Peace Operations; International Criminal Law; and Disability Law.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Law (BCL) programme will be well equipped to succeed in professional studies at either the Law Society (solicitor) or the Honourable Society of King’s Inns (barrister). This degree will also provide an excellent platform for graduates interested in working outside of the professions – as more and more areas of life are legally regulated, the comprehensive grounding in the law and the legal process that graduates receive during this degree will make them attractive to a wide range of potential employers in financial services, consultancy, industry and the public sector.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Work Placement
Students will have the opportunity to engage in a professional work placement in a leading law firm, a corporate firm or a public sector organisation.
Students on placement will see application of the law in action, and thereby supplementing their academic legal education with practical experience.
Study Abroad
Students can study abroad at partner institutions around the world, giving them the opportunity to experience legal education in an international setting and to gain a different perspective on the law. More information on these opportunities is on our International Study page.
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student Contribution
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
EU Fees 2019/20:
- Tuition: may be paid by the Irish Government on your behalf if you qualify for free tuition fees see - free fee initiative.
- Student Contribution: €3,000 - payable by all students but may by paid by SUSI if you apply and are deemed eligible for a means tested SUSI grant.
- Student Levy: €224 - payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI.
Find out More
Administrative Offices: Room 406, Floor 2, Tower 2, Concourse (Arts/Science Building)
Office hours: 11.00 - 13.00, 14.00 - 16.00 (Monday – Friday)
Phone: +353 (0)91 492389
Email: law@nuigalway.ie
What Our Students Say

Ferdia Breathnach | BCL
“Studying Civil Law in NUI Galway afforded me the opportunity to delve deep into the law and initially focus on a wide range of subjects. I studied the foundations of law and formed a great understanding of the core principles and subjects that are a pre-requisite for any future career in law and have stood me in good stead to this day. The option now of the Clinical Legal Education course provided by the School of Law enables students to undergo invaluable practical experience of working in various careers in law and this opportunity should be encouraged and availed of.”

Peo Mosepele | BCL
“This course is extremely interesting and offers a lot of diverse opportunities to students. The lectures are often interactive which makes them enjoyable to attend. Additionally, the lecturers are very approachable and always willing to help. One of the fantastic opportunities the degree has offered me was the ability to spend a year studying abroad in Southern Utah University in the US. This allowed me to broaden my experience in a unique and very interesting way. Studying Law in NUIG was one of the best decisions of my life and I would highly recommend it to anyone.”