Course Information
Law Dual Degree – BCL/Maîtrise (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
Special Entry Recommendations:
If you enter without a minimum of H3 in French you will not be able to take Law with French Law.
*Note: In first year you study the BCL [Law with French Law]; towards the end of first year, students achieving the highest grades have the option to apply for interview to enter the BCL/ Maîtrise or to continue with the BCL [Law with French Law).
Why is this course for me?
This degree is one of two French Law Programmes offered by Sutherland School of Law, the other being the BCL (Law with French Law) on the opposite page. All students interested in the French Law Programmes enter the BCL [Law with French Law] in first year. Both degrees offer the exciting opportunity for immersion in two of the world’s major legal systems, the
common law and the civil law.
Towards the end of first year, the students who have achieved the highest grades in Level I of the BCL [Law with French Law] will have the option to apply for interview to enter the BCL/Maîtrise. The BCL/Maîtrise is an intensive dual degree aimed at highly motivated and ambitious students.
The major difference between the two Programmes is that the BCL/Maîtrise allows you to undertake two degrees: a degree in Irish law and a degree in French law, the Maîtrise en Droit, from either the Université Panthéon-Assas (Paris II) or the Université Toulouse 1 Capitole. The Maîtrise en Droit
(or Master 1) is considered to be a Master’s level course.
Two years (third and fourth) are spent at
either Paris II or Toulouse 1.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
Graduates of the BCL/Maîtrise obtain a dual qualification which allows them to progress to professional legal training in Ireland or France. Graduates are particularly well placed to pursue careers with international law firms, EU and international organisations, diplomacy and government departments, or Non-Governmental Organisations. Recent graduates have secured roles with the Department of Foreign Affairs and with International Courts.
What Will I Study
Most French law modules studied at UCD are taught through French.
First Year
In first year, you study the BCL [Law with French Law]. Students achieving the highest grades at the end of first year then have the option to apply for interview to enter the BCL/Maîtrise, or to continue with the BCL [Law with French Law].
Second Year
In second year, you will study other core Irish law modules:
- Property Law
- Criminal Law
You will also advance your French language training and continue to study French Private Law and French Public Law.
Third & Fourth Year
You will spend your third and fourth years in one of our two partner universities. The subjects studied are determined by those institutions.
– Université Panthéon-Assas (Paris II) [see www.u-paris2.fr]
– Université Toulouse 1 Capitole [see www.univ-tlse1.fr]
Sample Law (Dual degree-BCL/Maîtrise) Timetable (.pdf)
For detailed information on subject content click here.
Key Fact:
The BCL/Maîtrise degree appeals to students who wish to pursue a career as a barrister, solicitor or French avocat, as well as to those who aspire to practise in the domains of International and European Law, or in governmental or international institutions.
Testimonial
“I have always wanted to keep an international dimension to my degree, and the BCL/Maîtrise was definitely the right choice for that. Being immersed in another culture can only open your mind; and understanding two very different legal systems is crucial to develop your critical thinking and enhance your analytical skills. Whether the final aim is to practice in Ireland, France, or to have an international career, job opportunities following this course are numerous. Taking advantage of the opportunities given by UCD is essential during your degree, and actively participating in one of the many societies or sports club on offer cannot be recommended highly enough.”
Adam Boutafenouchete Graduate