Higher Diploma in Legal Studies

Introduction

The Higher Diploma in Legal Studies provides an opportunity for non-law graduates, wishing to pursue a career in law, to 'convert' to a law path. It is also an excellent training for those wishing to pursue a career in industry or commerce, or in public service. The design and content of the course is an excellent preparation for those intending to qualify as a solicitor.

Some students take the Higher Diploma in Legal Studies in preparation for the Law Society of Ireland (Blackhall Place) FE-1 Examinations. The eight subjects outlined below are all examinable at the FE-1 exams.


Programme Structure

The student must successfully complete the required examinations and assignments in any six of the eight core subjects. An assignment must also be completed in legal writing skills for the participants of the full-time course.

Delivery of the full-time programme takes place over a 25 week period from October to May. The part-time course is delivered over 16 months and is structured over three semesters. During each semester students will attend class on three evenings per week. In semester one and two, students will be required to attend one Saturday for a three hour legal writing workshop.


Careers

On completion of this programme, graduates will have the business knowledge and skills required to commence employment/career development in a variety of areas, such as law, industry, commerce or the public service. The course follows the FE-1 sllyabus and therefore makes it both an excellent preparatory course for the FE-1 exams and a way of achieving a postgraduate qualification in law. Graduates of the programme have also found employment mainly in private law firms throughout Ireland.


Entry Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must hold:

- A primary honours degree award of at least pass level in a non-cognate discipline from a recognised third level institution or equivalent qualification
- An IELTS score of a minimum 6.0 or equivalent, where full-time study has been conducted in a language other than English, or applicants whose first language is not English


The Higher Diploma in Legal Studies includes tuition for all eight of the law examinations required for entry to the Law Society of Ireland, and is structured to accomodate the FE-1 examinations timetable (which normally take place in April and September).



Programme Content

• Company Law
• European Union Law
• Constitutional Law
• Law of Real Property
• Contract Law
• Tort Law
• Criminal Law
• Law of Equity & Trusts
• Legal Writing Skills (compulsory)