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?
The BCL with Social Justice programme, the first of its kind in Ireland, combines the study of Law with the study of social exclusion, its causes and remedies. It will appeal to students who are interested in issues of equality, diversity and disadvantage, and who want to look in-depth at the social context in which law operates. On completion, you’ll be uniquely equipped to offer a critical perspective on issues such as the adequacy of our criminal justice system, the legal treatment of women and minority groups, and the underlying causes of social and economic injustice.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
This degree will provide an ideal platform for careers in:
- National and international Non- Governmental Organisations as legal advisors or researchers
- Public policy
Relevant graduate study programmes include:
- International Human Rights
- Criminology
- Equality Studies
- Gender Studies.
What Will I Study
First & Second Year
First year focuses on core Irish law modules, including:
- Constitutional Law
- Contract Law
- Tort Law
It combines this focus with an introduction to key themes and concepts in social justice and a choice of modules addressing gender;
global justice; and inequality in Irish society.
In second year, you’ll study:
- EU Law
- Property Law
- Criminal Law
At the same time, you’ll also take modules to develop your understanding of human rights and social justice; political economy; racism; and gender, power and politics.
Third & Fourth Year
With a wide choice of law and social justice modules, you can tailor your studies by choosing modules that reflect your areas of interest. Modules include:
- Criminological Theory
- Environmental Law
- Public International Law
- Employment Law
- Matrimonial Law
- Family & Child Law
- Social Justice and the City
- Discrimination: Law and Society
- Social Justice Moments
- Investigating Inequality
Clinical Legal Education Centre (CLEC) modules are also available, including Advocacy & Mooting, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Law, Ethics & Legal Practice.
Throughout the four years of the degree you will have the opportunity to further your understanding of key social justice issues in a stimulating and supportive learning environment. You may get involved in UCD’s Student Legal Service, which offers legal information clinics to students.
You’ll attend lectures and tutorials, in addition to engaging in study and preparatory work. A sample timetable can be
viewed at www.ucd.ie/myucd/law
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
“Law with Social Justice is a very unique course. It equips you with a broad knowledge of the common law, as well as an awareness of the social and political context of our legal system. It’s incredibly interesting and the Sutherland law school is a brilliant community to be a part of. During my third year in UCD, I spent a semester in Belgium and when I came back, I decided to take the leap and run for UCD Students’ Union President. I felt passionate about the role and wanted to use my experience to work for students. And I won!”
Joanna Siewierska Graduate