Criminal Law (QQI Level 5)

Course details

This course proposes to give the student the knowledge, skill and competence of the principles and practice underpinning criminal law and the application of criminal law in legal practice. Who should complete this course?

• The programme is suitable for those from a non-legal background or those whose activities involve them in the practical aspects of law and legislation.
• People who want to gain an understanding of the Irish Criminal System
• People who want to gain an appreciation of the elements required for a crime to be committed.
• People who want to acquire skills in evaluation and analysis.

Learners who successfully complete this course will:

• develop a general understanding of the Irish Criminal System
• develop an appreciation of the elements required for a crime to be committed
• evaluate the impact of relevant legislation governing the various aspects of criminal law to be investigated
• acquire skills in evaluation and analysis
• be familiar with the language and procedures elated to the various aspects of criminal law studied.

This distance learning, FETAC accredited course means that Students can study flexibly at home, or at any convenient place and time, and can gain a nationally accredited Qualification. Students receive a comprehensive Course Manual, Assignments, Efficient Studyguide, and unlimited one-to-one Tutor Support for the course duration. The course documentation for this FETAC/QQI certified course is detailed and easy to read. If students require extra time to complete the course they can apply for an extension. Assignments may be emailed or posted to the College whichever is more convenient.

Topics covered include:

The specific learning outcomes are grouped into 5 units.

• Unit 1: Introduction to the Irish Criminal Law System
• Unit 2: The Criminal Court System and Arrest and Detention
• Unit 3: The Crime of Homicide
• Unit 4: Theft, Burglary, Aggravated Burglary and Robbery
• Unit 5: Defences to a crime.

Programme Entry Requirements:

Level 4 Certificate, Leaving Certificate or equivalent qualifications and/or relevant life and work experiences. Learners are expected to be proficient at reading, drafting, preparing and understanding information across a broad range of topics, including quantitative information for a Level 5 award and more complex information for Level 6 award.

As this programme is delivered through distance learning or eLearning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.

If you take this course by distance learning the course material will be posted to you. You can complete and return assignments/projects which must be typed rather than handwritten either by post or by email.

If you take this course by eLearning you will need basic IT skills and have access to broadband.

Progression to further Studies:

This course leads to a level 5 award on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Students who successfully complete this programme may use this Level 5 credit towards the FETAC Major award at Level 5 in Legal Studies (5M3789).