Course Information
BCL (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Full Time – Undergraduate Studies
CAO Code: DN600
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 125
O6/H7 in English, Irish, a third language and three other recognised subjects
Why is this course for me?
Law and politics are inextricably linked by the legislative process. This course allows you to obtain a highly respected law degree, whilst also acquiring a deeper understanding of political theory and the political process. Many UCD law graduates have progressed to political careers. Others have become high-profile political commentators.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
BCL (Law with Politics) graduates are well equipped to pursue careers in:
- Legal practice
- Politics
- Broadcasting
- Journalism
- Legislative drafting(e.g.in Office of Parliamentary Counsel)
- Academia
- Non-Governmental Organisations
- Public Service
Relevant graduate study programmes include:
- International Human Rights
- European Law & Public Affairs
- International Relations
What Will I Study
First & Second Year
First year focuses on core Law modules, including:
- Constitutional Law
- Contract Law
- Tort Law
In addition, you’re introduced to political theory and Irish and international political systems.
In second year, you’ll study:
- EU Law
- Property Law
- Criminal Law
You’ll also take modules that engage with political theory, comparative politics and international relations.
Third & Fourth Year
With a wide choice of law and politics modules, you can choose to pursue your own areas of interest. These include:
- Jurisprudence
- Media Law
- Human Rights Law
- Contemporary Issues in Law & Politics
- Foreign Policy
- Political Economy
- Middle East Politics
Clinical Legal Education Centre (CLEC) modules are also available, including Advocacy & Mooting, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Law, Ethics & Legal Practice.
Law students are often very active in university politics and in the Students’ Union. As a BCL (Law with Politics) student, you may be interested in developing your practical skills through participation
in the legal information clinics of the UCD Student Legal Service.
You’ll attend lectures and tutorials, in addition to engaging in study and preparatory work. Assessment includes end-of-semester examinations, essays and group projects.
International Study Opportunities
Many students apply to spend time abroad during their third year at partner universities in locations which include:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Canada
- China
- Czech Republic
- France
- Germany
- India
- Italy
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- UK
- USA
Testimonial
“Studying Law with Politics has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to critically analyse the legislative process and the legal system. Studying politics has particularly enhanced my perspective on constitutional law and jurisprudence, as well as my ability to understand legal developments in terms of their broader socio-political context. Throughout my degree, I have gained invaluable practical experience through the Legal Placement Module and as a member of the Law Review editorial board. There has also been ample opportunity to pursue non-academic interests – UCD’s thriving Irish language community has played a huge role in my university experience.”
Erin Ward Student